I can see clearly now…

It’s pretty boring here. If you’re looking for a fail, or a monumental struggle, you’re in the wrong spot.

My clothing diet has continued with relentless success. Some might say I have got into the habit of not buying. Perhaps. A friend did say, “Oh, you’re doing your thing.” My thing being not shopping.

And the benefits that have come from my thing (beyond the extra money)?

My wardrobes and cupboards are tidier and more organised, so I can see what I want more easily. I have only had one pull-everything-out-and-toss-everything-on-the-floor episode in the past few months. Looking for a particular shirt that was hiding, don’t you know. But generally I have been amazed at how tidy my cupboards and wardrobes have remained. Makes getting dressed so much easier in the work day morning.

I can see what clothes I need and really want; I can see the gaps in my wardrobe. I now know I could do with a few crossover tops with mid-length sleeves. They are flattering on me and a couple more would extend the wearing of my certain skirts and pants. But, never fear, I will wait until next year, unless I see one that really hits the mark. I have no desire to go mad and shop till I drop.

My bedroom floor is tidier as I have room in my cupboard and fewer items “resting”. (You know resting? Too dirty to go back in the cupboard but too clean for a wash. Well that’s the argument used for one too lazy to tidy and with no room to put the clothes away.) And I can see straight under my bed and to the other side!!! There are no storage containers with out of season clothes.

I now know one new item can lift a host of old clothes. I bought a pair of shoes a few months back (medically necessary – they were flats for work because of my bad back) and the difference they are making to some clothes is remarkable. I have created whole new outfits around the shoes. I am wearing clothes that I haven’t worn for years and I am wearing ditems together that I previously didn’t. The new shoes just lift the whole look. And it isn’t just me. Others have commented on how good the outfits are, asking if they are new clothes or if I have a new look. And a friend wanted to go out and buy the same shoes. Such is the power of buying the perfect pair of shoes – different, daring, comfortable, perfect fit. And not buying something on a whim or because you “need” to buy something and “these will do”.

On the whole, this is proving a positive and easy challenge. Less stuff coming in the house, more stuff going out. My house is definitely getting leaner. (And there is less packaging coming into the house, so I don’t have to worry about all the fancy shopping bags that I never felt I could toss, but that’s a whole other story.)