Weeding - The Reason My Closet Doesn't Explode

The only way for me to have a guilt free thrifting experience is to constantly edit my wardrobe. In many ways I think that editing a wardrobe is similar to weeding in a library, this is probably because I am a librarian but bear with me. The purpose of both is to ensure that there is space for the new items that regularly come in. I use similar criteria to decide when a book at my library should no longer be taking up our limited shelf space as I use when deciding that a piece of clothing should no longer be taking up my limited closet space. The two identical criteria that I use when weeding a shelf of books and editing my wardrobe are: When was this last used? And, what kind of condition is it in?  If an item is damaged in a way that is not repairable then the item should be discarded, (preferably in a recycling location).  If the item has not been used in what I deem a reasonable time-frame then it may be time for that item to move on.  In the library moving on involves being sent to a bigger and busier branch, in my closet this means being put in the donation bag.

Where the similarities between weeding a library and editing my closet end is in the arena of the subjective.  In a library I would not remove a book from a shelf just because I don't like it.  If it is still of interest to the community I serve and in good condition a book that I dislike will stick around. If there is an item in my closet that I dislike for any reason it will eventually move on.  Sometimes the moving on can take longer than it should because I like the idea of the piece of clothing so much that I ignore the reality of it.  Case in point is the dress below.

                                                     Dress: Jonathan Martin - Thrift 2014

I loved the idea of this dress. It's black and white, which is a combination that I love and that looks pretty good on me, It has Polka Dots, which I love.  It is a good length and it's light and airy and washable.  The neckline prevents it from being work appropriate but it can be worn out for drinks or dinner or even running errands.  It's a cute dress and it cost me less than $10.  The reality of this dress is that I don't really like the way it fits on top, I don't care for where the empire waistline sits and it sometimes pokes me in the side where the zipper is.  I haven't ever felt comfortable or kick ass in this dress and that is why it has been put in the donation bag.  If I don't feel good wearing it then I am not going to wear it and if I'm not going to wear it, it doesn't deserve to take up space in my closet.

See you soon.