Like most girls, I love to shop. I love the feeling of picking out new clothes, and there's really nothing like the rush I get from finally getting my hands on that one-of-a-kind" LF dress that I've seen on their Instagram, like, 20 times. Unfortunately, my problem runs a little deeper than a serious retail addiction, because on top of all of this I have some attachment issues -- just ask those nude flats I've had since eighth grade.
The only thing harder than walking around a store and deciding what I truly “need" in my closet is deciding what I can part with it two years later. It's officially spring time and that means spring cleaning, but if you are anything like me, you probably don't clean out your closet often. When I do, it's a real ordeal, and I don't use this word lightly. This is more than just an Abercrombie and GAP cleanse, it's an emotional experience.
After numerous closet clean-outs, I'd like to think that I have a pretty good system, so next time you are facing the mounds of vintage clothing, be sure to take the following steps.
1. Get a friend involved.
When deliberating whether something is to keep or toss, take a leaf out of Carrie Bradshaw's book and get the opinion of a friend or two. Make a day out of it with fun snacks and music, but leave the cocktails out of it -- you need these betches to be focused. If their judgement is not totally on point, you might as well have asked your Dad, or your blind Sunday school teacher, to sit in on this cleanse, which brings me to point number two.
2. Make sure she has good taste.
You know that friend with really bold style? She totally works it, and you admire her bravery -- not every girl can pull off leather overalls. Well, if her style doesn't really align with yours, leave her out of this. There is nothing like the regret you'll feel the next morning when you realize that you threw out your favorite distressed jean jacket and, instead, kept that bedazzled jean vest from 2002.
3. Picture specific scenarios.
You should have a distinct reason for keeping every garment you decide not to toss. If it's one of those things you love, but you hardly ever wear, force yourself to think of at least one really great occasion you'll pull it out for. If it's one of those things that you think could be cute but goes with nothing else in your closet like that neon tank from two summers back, throw it out. If you can't pair it with anything else, right now, it's just taking up space in your life.
4. "Sophie's Choice" it.
If there's something you think you want, but kind of don't need, put it in the “Sophie's Choice" pile. This is a pile of clothes which you will be allowed to keep exactly half of -- no more, no less. For every item you decide to keep, you will have to part with one other from the pile to compensate.
5. Try it on.
It has survived three closet cleanses, but now you are starting to question it. Is it worth keeping that size 00 Forever 21 tank that you've insisted is cute since sophomore year of high school? Will people notice the rip on the right shoulder? If parting with it is causing real emotional stress, even after you think it has run its course, try it on. Chances are, the rip got bigger and you've probably grown since age 15.
