I was reading a post by the incredibly talented Thatgirl39 (talented because she wrote a post when feeling under the weather which inspired me to write this one, some people…) which mentioned obsessions, clothing ones in particular.
In the face of the impending move from our house in the sticks, where we’ve been for the past thirteen years, I decided to sort out my clothes and recycle as much as I could bear. Before the Big Move we’re going to have builders in, and need to relocate to a temporary home in the sauna cottage. All furniture, clothes, bedding etc, etc. is going to be moved out so that the upstairs can be rearranged and decorated. To say I’m not looking forward to the upheaval is an understatement. But I digress.
My first aim with the clothes reorganisation was just to put away the remains of the summer wardrobe, paying particular attention to items that were never worn this past season. This has been my motto for some years now. If it goes unworn for 12 months, it’s out. That’s the theory, the reality is rather different. Particularly as this summer was such a poor one in the UK (again) and we didn’t have our usual break abroad in the sun, due to the Daughter’s operation. So even a halter neck sun dress which I bought for a special occasion didn’t get a wear this year.
While I went through my clothes rail and drawers with the critical eye of Gok, he the God of all wardrobes, I tried, as well as to decide what to keep and what to throw away, also to colour co-ordinate and place items in piles of similar pieces of clothing. (Can you tell I was supposed to be actually writing an actual manuscript today?)
And what did I find?
Fifteen – yes 1 5 – pairs of jeans.
This did not include cut-offs for gardening, jeans skirts, jeans jackets, or jeans shorts. Five pairs were by my favourite make, 7 For All Mankind, three of which looked more of less identical. Feeling brave (and shocked), I threw away five of the 15, not, however, being able to give up any of the 7’s.
I always knew I had a black dress problem. I didn’t even bother to count how many of those I have. But jeans? I had no idea I was this obsessed with them too. When I found this out, I became so deranged that I told husband not to let me buy any blue jeans or black dresses ever again.
Now I’m really regretting that remark. He has the memory of an elephant when it comes to my clothes shopping. What if, which is highly likely, I find a beautiful pair of 7’s in – say – the January sales? At 30, 40 or even 50% off? They do, as I have found, last for a long time, fit my bum like a glove (not an easy task I can tell you) and remain forever in fashion (I hope!).
Or, even more likely, I find a perfect black number for the Christmas party season?
Help!
Feeling somewhat jaded, I turned to my shoe cupboard. Now here, I cannot use the same 12 month principle. It just isn’t possible. I love shoes. Even more than I love jeans. I’m aware that I have a fondness for one particular style and colour (I bet you can guess), but I can live with this. Did I mention I love shoes? Just because I never wear most of the them does not, I repeat DOES NOT, mean that any should be thrown out. OK, I did manage to give up a pair of Dune sling backs and Scholl canary yellow clogs that I haven’t worn for three years. As for the rest, they’re coming with me, however small the clothing arrangements in the cottage. If necessary, I’ll sleep next to them. And place my jeans carefully under the mattress….
You are soooo brave…..it's a job I put off and put off. Just can't even go there.
When you said that you got rid of five pairs I did gasp thinking you meant of 7's!! Phew, that was a relief. Sounds like a big project?
Just yesterday I attempted to 'cleanse' my wardrobe of the deadwood. It resulted in the entire thing collapsing on my head. I like to think this was a sign- the result being I kept it all! I came, I attempted, I failed. Next chapter……! x
If you see a pair that you want, then ofcourse you must have them, just tell the husband they are an old pair. Thanks for your comments I've enjoyed reading your blog too….
Helena I am your twin 🙂 I have so many pairs of jeans, skinnys, bootcut, boyfriend …and if I like a pair J Brand like your 7's or used to be Rock and Republic I will always duplicate as I wear them so much !!
And … I have already thrown away a load of stuff.
I didnt realise you had made the decision to move. Good for you .. I dont envy you the process though x
My husband doesn´t notice anything new- but both my older kids (7 and 5) do! "Mummy, is that new?" they say. :-0. I have to sneak things into the house and take off the price tags when they are not around! lol
Jeans are family. They become a part of a psychy or is it psycho and we form an attachment that someone else has to break. We can't. Not until the holes are in the behind do I get rid of mine.
You are very fortunate, Helena! When it comes to jeans I am totally paranoid. The only brand I can wear are Closed Pedal Pushers, and the only shop I knew where to get them from has just "closed". So I envy you, being able to throw out, and buy again at will!
Hello fellow jeans and shoe lover! I have had the laptop repaired and have been able to add myself as a follower again!
I cannot even ponder your braveness in being able to…ciugh…cough…toss out ANY ITEM of clothing. Good for you Helena! I have things that are still from High School that i SWEAR will come back into style (they won't) and refuse to toss em'. I think you might have made a deal with the devil with your hubby re: jeans…but hopefully men have a short memory span when it comes to fashion. Too bad you didn't ask us fans of your blog if we wore your size….I could use a new pair of 7's 😉 xoxoxoxoxo