Use it or lose it

I am quite familiar with the closet cleaning rule "If you haven't worn it in a year, then it can go." I have never applied this to any of my purges.

There are many things I might only wear once a year... or less. Does that make them unworthy of occupying space in my closet? To the best of my recollection (and my search of my blog archives) I've not worn this blouse since 2012. Still I have no desire to let it go.

I love having a lot of my older and thrifted pieces. I love feeling like my wardrobe is unique, especially in this little world of blogging where it's not uncommon to see half a dozen bloggers in the same dress because it's cute and trendy, and you saw it on someone else and had to have it. Admittedly I've done this, and while I don't regret occasionally indulging on the trendy blogger items, I don't want to homogenize my closet.

If it came down to it, what pieces would I wear to save? What pieces would ultimately fall by the wayside, no matter how emotionally attached I might feel?

purple printed blouse, denim pencil skirt.jpgpurple printed blouse, denim pencil skirt-7.jpgpurple printed blouse, denim pencil skirt-6.jpgpurple printed blouse, denim pencil skirt-1.jpgpurple printed blouse, denim pencil skirt-3.jpgpurple printed blouse, denim pencil skirt-2.jpgpurple printed blouse, denim pencil skirt-5.jpg
The Rundown
Purple Sleeveless Blouse Gap similar
Denim Pencil Skirt Lux thrifted similar
Sandals MRKT via DSW similar
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle
Hexagon Necklace c/o Metrix Jewelry
Earrings Taken for Granite
Hexagon Cuff Bracelet Line and Label similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Caravan" Ray-Ban via Ditto
Nail Color "Lion Around" Essie


22 comments

  1. You look amazing! Love the top and skirt - and those sandals are to die for!

    Rachel's Lookbook

    ReplyDelete
  2. I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all-way to curate your wardrobe. Personally, I do get rid of things that I haven't worn in a year if I don't think I'm likely to wear them again. I get rid of things I haven't worn in a month if I don't think I'm likely to wear them again. I find clutter overwhelming, in my closet and in my life, so I try to streamline as much as possible, but that isn't for everyone. And I admit that I do occasionally - albeit rarely - think of something I've gotten rid of and how it could fit into an outfit. I say, if you're happy hanging onto things you're not wearing regularly, go for it - this blouse is beautiful and definitely deserves to be held onto by someone who appreciates it.
    xox,
    Cee

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm horrible at following that rule too. Actually, I'm just horrible at getting rid of clothes because I feel bad for them. I have to remind myself that clothes don't have feelings and it's ok to get rid of them. lol.

    http://elementsofellis.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Two years is not that bad - in my book - 3 or more I'd really reconsider.
    Sometimes I will wear something several times in a month, like a the burgundy trousers- and then don't look at them for months.
    I like the fact that I can find almost any trend in my closet and that you can invite me right this moment to an event or wedding and I will have something to wear.
    As you are aware my closet edits take forever because I want to be sure they will be no regrets.
    I wear the item just one more time to make sure that won't happen.
    Most of my recent edits have been gifts, I realise I wear them because someone gave them to me but not because they are my style.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I keep some pieces forever if they make me happy. I may not wear them for a while, but that's okay. I love your denim pencil. I've been looking to get one. I think it will be a great piece for fall and even winer with boots.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I never apply that rule either. Sometimes I convince myself it is because I am a hoarder but other times I am waiting for the perfect moment to wear a piece or the perfect piece to wear it with or it holds a special memory. I love that I have a variety in my wardrobe. It makes it fun!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree. Sometimes you just don't have the chance to wear an item. It doesn't mean it needs to go. This blouse is the perfect example!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm a little too zealous when it comes to following that rule. Then I often times get rid of things I love just because I haven't worn them enough. I have started hiding things from myself. I have a similar top. It's a true violet and I've tried to take it from myself several times, but I've hidden it from myself unless I really want it and then I go find it. I love it, but it's not an every day piece. I don't think closet rules are cut and dry. I have less space so I try to be strict. If I had more I would probably keep more.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love that top and it looks great on you. I find that usually the pieces I get rid of are pieces that no longer fit my style. I always feel like besides classic pieces the items I love are constantly evolving.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I know what you mean, I have pieces like that too. Hardly wear them but can't bear to let them go! That top is definitely a keeper :)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ma dear, sweet Lyddie! I haven't commented in forever--I'm a horrible blog friend right now and I know it! I have a show coming up this weekend and have cut myself up from the world to get one last piece done for it. My goodness. But. Enough about me. YOU are absolutely ravishing in this! Navy is honestly such a gorgeous color on you.

    It is hard to let items go, especially when you only find yourself wearing them once a year (excluding more formal pieces of course). I keep extra things as long as my closet isn't too stuffed for them--but when it's hard to sift through my clothes and I find myself prying through hangers, I know it's time to get rid of some stuff.

    Also yes, I totally told Northern Lights that I called him that and he laughed SO HARD. It was great. I told Traffic Cone what I named him, too, and now everyone in our crew will send a picture of a traffic cone to him every time they stumble across a traffic cone in real life.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have trouble letting things go too. I always feel like I'll eventually want to wear everything in my closet! But I recently did a closet purge and let go of some things I like but just don't wear that often because I figured I'd rather have some extra money to buy something new!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

    ReplyDelete
  13. closet cleaning has gotten a lot easier for me. I love that top, the print is so pretty.

    xo
    PinkSole

    ReplyDelete
  14. If I got rid of everything I hadn't worn in a year, I wouldn't have a pair of flared Joe's Jeans just waiting to be worn this season! (Although, I'm not entirely sure where they are at the moment!)

    I think you hit on a good point, though, and something I had been thinking about a lot lately. Bloggers tend to latch on to similar (or identical) items season after season and when does one's personal style get lost in a sea of bloggers trying to outdo each other?

    I peg you as being someone consistently pulled together and feminine -- and that blouse is perfect for your style. I hope you never let it go!

    http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love how unique your pieces are! This top is so pretty!

    xo,
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  16. I don't go along with that "rule" either. There are plenty of things in my closet that I may not wear for a really long time, and then i rediscover it, and it becomes a new favorite all over again! Or something goes out of style, but then comes back and I still have it! I love that blouse. It is a classic!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a cute look, I love the pattern of your top!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    ReplyDelete
  18. I agree with you, there's no reason to donate/toss something just because it's not worn. I do love to pull out my older pieces and it feels new again.

    Alice
    www.happpinessatmidlife.com

    Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

    ReplyDelete
  19. My Bikini Belly Review




    You may actually feel like taking a pain pill to ease the pain quickly. These anti inflammatory medicines have adverse side effects and prolonged use of these pills can actually cause permanent damage to some of your body organs and also the immune system. Instead of opting to use over the counter medication, there is a better and safer method like including natural anti inflammatory food in your daily diet which have positive effects to your health.




    https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-bikini-belly-program-review-download-free-pdf-navin-kumar

    ReplyDelete
  20. The print of your top is so cute, and I love that bag! I also don't necessarily agree with the one year rule :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I get attached to lovely thrifted clothing finds too(lovely blouse, lovely outfit, Lydia:)!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Lovely top. Great outfit! Closet cleaning is easier for me these days. I know exactly what I want to wear and what I just don't need anymore.

    ~Whitney
    www.whitneynicjames.com

    ReplyDelete