I did a little spreadsheet a year or so ago of all of my clothes, how many of each type, etc. to figure out the ideal number of each item. This was fine, except that I forgot to take into account condition. I had a lot of things with holes, stains, faded, didn't fit, that I never wore, that looked terrible on me.
This is what happens when you stop buying clothes for a long time. Things wear out. Even if you don't use your dryer.
Well, Creditcardfree and Snafu opened my eyes a little bit, and I went through my closet and removed 27 items of clothing (this is everyday wear, not once-in-a-year going out clothes or pajamas or underwear or socks or workout gear). I wasn't left with much, but I did see that I had the basis of a wardrobe. I have about 4 long sleeved tshirts and 4 short sleeved tshirts. One tank top in a pretty color. A couple pairs of jeans that fit well. Two pairs of cropped summer pants. Two nice summer dresses (one black, one brown). One pair of shorts, two casual skirts and one skirt I can wear to work.
I also saw that when I removed certain items that I was left with a big wardrobe gap. Primarily: things to wear to work. My work is very casual, but not so casual that a threadbare tshirt with holes is ok. Also not so casual that I can wear workout gear to a meeting.
I had $111 in my clothing category (I put in $15 a month, but often raid it for other things like and outing with F).
Armed with a list of things in my reject pile that I actually really need, and was wearing, but were not really wearable, I went all the way down to the outlet mall (20 minutes away! that seems like not that far, but that's pretty much on the edge of town). A friend had mentioned that there is an Ann Taylor Loft outlet down there, and that's where she shops. I put on a podcast because that way I would be distracted and not turn around and go home.
I had a clear morning (no work to finish imminently) so I could take my time. F is in camp.
With the help of a super nice salesperson (and the fact that I was there at opening so it wasn't busy), I managed to buy:
- one pair of black narrow pants in a knit fabric but jean style perfect for autumn because they are long and not jeans (original price was $69.99, I paid $14.88)
- one pair of the same pants in grey (original price $69.99, I paid $9.88)
- really pretty tank top in purple (original price was $29.99, I paid $14.99)
- the same tank top in a black/white print (original price was $29.99, I paid $14.99)
- black tank top with cinched in waist (original price $36.99, I paid $14.99)
- purple tshirt ($9)
- green tunic with 3/4 sleeves ($27.99)
Total: $105
Everything is knit fabric (it's a sensory thing for me), machine-washable. I made sure of that; I don't dry clean/lay flat/iron or otherwise tweak my laundry.
I am feeling like a really good shopper right now whereas before I felt like a terrible shopper with a hideous wardrobe. Thank you to this group for pushing out of my comfort zone a little - I am pretty excited to get dressed tomorrow!
Clothing, and Why You Shouldn't Stop Buying Clothing Altogether
July 30th, 2015 at 06:22 pm
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July 31st, 2015 at 01:13 am 1438305181
PS - I may accidentally have a version of a capsule wardrobe. I think I have more than 30 total, though, when you count both summer and winter...
July 31st, 2015 at 03:36 am 1438313797
July 31st, 2015 at 09:26 am 1438334772
July 31st, 2015 at 10:05 am 1438337120
Nowadays I go to those fancy stores and try on those $300 blazers, write down the exact size and specifics and then I hover on eBay. They often have aggressive return policies such as within a fortnight so some 'new with tags' occasionally pop up.
Great to see you guys are chucking in money in the IRAs!
August 1st, 2015 at 12:20 am 1438388402
August 1st, 2015 at 03:27 am 1438399666
From what I have read of a capsule wardrobe, it is divided by seasons. So depending on how many seasons you have, you would have two - four different capsule wardrobes for the year. (Probably with overlap.)
August 9th, 2015 at 05:13 am 1439097180
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