Monday, January 3, 2011

Resolved: To Simplify

Every year prior to Christmas I get the feeling of having too much.  I don't know if it's all the shopping, all the requests or what, but without fail I begin to feel full.  Full of all the things I already have that, truth be told, are too many for one person. And then I begin to feel guilty.  That people are going without while I'm sitting on a glut of stuff I don't need.

Just before I left for Canada I spent two days going through my closets, kitchen and garage gathering items to give to charity.  I'm embarrassed to say the first part of the first day did not go well because I was having some trouble releasing "the stuff".  It's pretty sad when you have a lot, don't even wear it all, and still can't let it go.  Ugh!  (hangs head)  At some point the dam broke and I ended up donating several bags of clothing and shoes, as well as boxes of kitchen items, linens and other household treasures (some of which had never been used.  ugh again!!).

Along the way I kept two items to the side to share on the blog.  The first is a 70's style, size small, light brown, leather jacket (lined) that I got about 9 years ago in some random leather store in Seattle.  It has always been too big for me (can you say impulse purchase?) and, even though I loved rocking it with a severe wide-leg and a wedge all 10x it was worn, it needs to be set free.  I'm a size zero and it's big on me, so if you're a size 2-4 it'll be great on you.  If you want it all you have to do is pay for shipping and it's yours.  First person who contacts me can have it - and you know we are on the verge of a massive 70's fashion revival.

There is some wear around the sleeve so you might want to 
clean it, but I promise it's not a big deal.  I literally pulled it 
out of the garment bag after having forgotten it the past 7 years.
It's a steal.  Think flowy hair and shades.  

The second item is the Saint James Meridien II Striped Boat Neck T.  I wore it in this post - it was the first time that top had ever been worn - and it has not been worn since.  Yet another impulse purchase at $85 that is too big for me.  I fell in the hole because, as you well know, I'm a sucker for any type of French design.  It is an XS, but fits more like a size S, and I'm asking $20+ shipping for it because it is almost brand new.  If it fit just a little slimmer I'd keep it because stripes are going to be huge for spring and Saint James makes fab clothing.  And accessories. And everything.


Shoot me an email if you're interested in either item and I'll get back to you ASAP to make arrangements (I'm thinking PayPal).  I'll be back later this week to add a bit more on this subject, as well as some other realizations I made over the holidays.  Did you have any Holiday/New Year revelations that you're hoping to follow through on?

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Both of those are fab and if there was a chance I could wear them, I'd be all over it! That said I'm having the same train of thought right now (go figure), so I might be trying to do a little blog sale myself (if I can get it together!).

Dawn said...

Those are both awesome. I would have to go with the jacket...it's my favorite.
Good for you for simplifying...I need some of that!

Allison said...

I kind of felt the same way this year, like I really didn't need or want anything for Christmas! I actually ended up giving out alot of gift cards from heiffer.org as well; I just couldn't stomach buying so many frivolous things for people who have everything, and stressing out about it so much.

I think this travel job has been one of the most freeing things I've ever done because I can only live with a small amount of things. I literally went through everything I owned 2 months ago and came up with 2 boxes of things that actually mean something to me, and the rest is just excessiveness. How easily we get bogged down eh (feel a backpack speech coming on? haha)!
Fab stuff! Girlfriend if I could get it past my elbow it would be tempting!
Hope you had a great trip home with the fam!

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain. I buy a lot of size small clothing, when in reality I'm an x-small. I've been giving the recently purchased items to my friends and daughter. At my age (mid 40's) it's hard for me to accept my ultra petite frame. Crazy, huh? While most people are buying sizes that are too small for them, I'm buying too big. I need therapy.

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

ooo ooo ooo love that leather jacket! and the boat neck stripes but I have a lot of those. Also, I'm with you on giving away- I'm really bad at it when it comes to clothes, I find a reason to keep most things for no reason even when I know I haven't worn them in years... good for you for powering through, I might hit you up about that leather :)

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Sometimes it's hard for me to get rid of stuff too, but then I always feel better once I've cleaned house.

Rachel from Love a la Mode said...

When I go back to school I'll be giving my closet a much needed face lift. I feel so cluttered. I have been on the lookout for the perfect stripes for spring, but I'm holding off on acquiring things until I make up my mind on whether I'll actually make it to the gym this month or not, ha!
Bisous,
Rachel
lovealamode.wordpress.com

Josie said...

I desperately need to clean out my closet (nothing fits anymore) but unfortunately most of my clothes are at school -- it's such a pain to bring them back only to drag them to a consignment store. Guess it won't happen until the end of the year...
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

S.I.F. said...

I am always all about simplifying friend! Keep it up! :)

Collette Osuna said...

Good for you hunnie...I know when I lost weight, I was still holding onto "things"...for what reason? lol...I have no idea...keep up the awesome work....I may have to do a little purging myself:)

Stop by and say Hello:)
Statements in Fashion Blog♥

little luxury list said...

The boat neck is too fun! Sigh I don't even want to think about all the stuff I left at my parent's house - SO much needs to be donated!

Anonymous said...

I think we all have too much. It must have felt great when you were all done to have given stuff to others. Plus, you got to get a little more organized. Ahhhh.... size 0.... no wonder clothes looks so fantastic on you! xo

Lisa Griffin said...

well done girl!! it's so great to clean out before the new year!
www.indramaticfashion.com

LyddieGal said...

Oh no, not the striped shirt you were obsessing over, needed for, like hundreds of outfits, and then realized you already had!

This is a cazy world where it's seems we have so much we don't even know what to do with it.

erica said...

Congrats on the charity flow you have going on. I don`t know how you can get rid of that gorgeous striped shirt you adored.... its absolutely gorgeous and impossible to find a new one like it... trust me ive been everywhere looking lol.

xo

Couture Carrie said...

Fantastic resolution, darling!

Love your tee!

xoxox,
CC

RosaLovesDC said...

Great resolution for the new year!
I too sometimes have a hard time getting rid of stuff, but when I moved to DC it became much easier as we do not have a lot of closet space. Also, it helps that there's a nice little thrift shop across the street and I can donate things very easily.

Fit With Flash said...

Did anybody ever take the jacket? If not, I will! It looks fabulous! : )

Courtney Erin said...

I wish those items would fit me - they're both great! Ugh, I need to do another purge soon....

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Kristen said...

I wish it were easier for me to donate clothes, not in the sense that I want to keep them, in the sense the Salvation Army is not easily accessible. I have to schlep bags across the city via the train. I do it once a year. Good for you taking on the purge! xo

Taylor said...

Any one lay claim to the striped Tee yet??? Email I'm interested - I am addicted to stripes!!! (I am a 26, and 0 in jcrew...but little chest - will it be too big???

eeks!!! let me know girl!!!

Taylor said...

Oh and please tell me you took your bags by buffalo exchange first?!! And made some money???

Unknown said...

good luck on selling the jacket on here - i donate bags and bags of clothes all year long - i always say i will sell them on eBay, but i never do, they always go to donation ..

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Setting things free is one of the hardest things to do! I too have WAY too much stuff that I never wear but can't seem to let go of....what gives?! Kudos to you for giving it up (wait, that came out wrong)!

Carmen said...

The jacket is lovely! Did anyone claim it yet?

Cafe Fashionista said...

I'll be honest, I ALWAYS feel the need to scale down and purge my closet after the holidays; however, by the same time the following year, I feel as if I have reloaded all over again. I seriously think we scale down at the end of each year, just so we can re-stock with more fabulous items! :P

JMB said...

Love that top! Stripes ARE going to be big for the spring and summer (the whole nautical look usually always is) I tend to feel the same way after Christmas, except I feel like WHY did I get this? And WHERE am I going to put it???

Hope you are having a great start to the new year so far!! :)

PursuitOfLLT said...

that's my plan for today. purge, purge, purge. i can't handle all the clutter and lack of space bc of all my stuff! i'm such a creature of habit and wear a lot of the same stuff so why do i have so much?! ick!

Discovery Street said...

i wish i was a size 2! :)

getting rid of stuff is detoxing though, no?

Diana Mieczan said...

I love the idea of simplifying. The jacket is amazing and you look so adorable darling. Happy New Year, sweetie
Have a wonderful 2011!
Muah

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Shot you an email...Hopefully I'm not too late!

Ashleigh said...

This is a great idea! I would looove the striped shirt if it would fit...
We did a major purge throughout 2010 and hoping to continue in 2011. As hard as I wrestle with letting things go sometimes I've never missed anything I've given away. I read something about how if you keep things you never use, they're a waste of money. But if you give it to someone and it brings joy & use it was worth it!

TheChambrayCountess said...

I am going through that very same issue right now! Some things need to go that have a nostalgic pull on me, making things really difficult. My trick is to take those items that I never wear, put them in a different closet, and then revisit them in a month or so. It makes it a little easier to give, but it is still so hard! Bah.

A Crimson Kiss said...

What a wonderful way to start the new year! John and I unpacked and he started cleaning out his drawers as I was trying to put things away! He's better about purging than I am, but he can also be a little more impulsive about his purchases (yes, we do need three different kinds of etched high ball glasses!).

There's nothing like the holiday season to make you grateful for everything that you have, and ready to give back a bit!

Closet Fashionista said...

I need to do that too...but I have such a hard time letting things go...haha...
And I loove that coat...but it probably wouldn't fit me because of my shoulders....XD They always make things fit weird
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

I hate it when I buy something without it fitting perfectly and then regret it later- Happy New Year- all the best in 2011

Vintage is for Lovers said...

We share the same pain. I went through my closets and donated a lot because the thought of having to take pictures of it, create a description, etc was all too overwhelming for me in this new year. I love your idea of posting the pictures on your blog. What a creatively fun twist on a "give a way." xo Samantha

Valerie said...

I'm so impressed with all your cleaning and giving, Carrie. Do you feel great? I alwyas feel refreshed after a big clean out. That jacket and top are both fantastic. I've been wearing a ton of stripes lately and loving them. You've now inspired me to clean out own closet. I'm hoping to do that this weekend. I'll let you know how that goes.

xo
Valerie

this free bird said...

Girls I've responded to a couple emails and am waiting to hear back re: the shirt and jacket. Will let you know ASAP! Thanks so much!! Feels great to let these go to new homes :)

xo,
C

Forever Boho said...

Both are great! Great attitude!
Just found your blog thru Boho Market and i love it. And since you like boho…i think you may like my blog too.. please stop by and let me know what you think.
Became a follower, would appreciate if you could follow me too !

Peace & Love
www.foreverboho.com

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Everytime I go on a shopping spree I feel like I should give things away. I thrift allot so I dont spend allot, but still.
You are always so inspiring. :)

Annie said...

How fun you're sharing some items you're letting go of with us! I'm sure you already have a lot of takers.. xo

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

I knew you were slender, but I had no idea how TINY!!!! I can understand how it would be difficult to find well fitting clothing. You must be best friends with a tailor.

I too am about to purge stuff. I just need some of my SPACE back!

Unknown said...

Sitting here so conflicted about this! YES Christmas made me realize the excess in my closet.. and my apartment. And I was appalled to have filled a huge suitcase for my short trip home with just a mere fraction of the clothes (and shoes) in my closet.

... And yet I so want that shirt.

Working on constraint.
Happy new year m'dear!
xx Cristina

Oh, My Darling said...

Oh man, I need to follow your lead and start getting rid of all the excess stuff!

STYLE'N said...

wow great items...I have been thinking to do the same thing with a few items I need to purge...trying to figure out the best way to do it. Hope you enjoyed your holidays in CA. Happy New Year to you Carrie!

Jessica said...

Kudos to you for cleaning out the house. I should do that with my closet, but let's face it, I won't. Sigh.

kimbirdy said...

i know just what you mean. it's so hard to let stuff go, but it's also necessary, especially when you share one teeny closet with someone else. before we moved i had to get rid of a ton of stuff. my remedy was to grab a bottle of wine, put on my best breakup music, and purge my life of my beautiful clothes. good luck my dear and remember, it's okay to cry! :)

Lori said...

Good for you ~ I am proud :o) I try to go through my closet twice a year ~ if I have not worn it in the past year ~ off it goes. Now I have been known to dig through the bag to pull something out ~ hang it back in the closet only for it to land back in the bag again....it is a struggle ~ should I go for counseling??

Stacey said...

First, Happy New Year lovely lady! If i were your size, i'd be all over these(although since i'm comment #50, i'd probably be too late anyway:-)). I just took two big garbage bags of clothes and shoes to Goodwill because i had to getrid of everything out of the closets and the house. We close on the house we sold this Thursday, so i have been cleaning and throwing stuff out like a mad woman:-) XX

Marie a la Mode said...

I guess I'm too late! This is a great idea! I have way too much stuff, too.

burcu d. said...

great outfit...LOVE the leather jacket!




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Taylor said...

I know what you mean about feeling "full." I just collected two huge bags of stuff i need to get rid of. And I also had a problem with releasing the stuff. I am worried I am becoming a hoarder. Anyway, I am tagging you to give seven interesting facts about yourself. Haha. It's silly, but I just got tagged and gave mine so I am tagging you!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Girl to the friend!! Love this read and I love your clothes. If there isn't a proper home found for that jacket...let me know! XO

Claire Kiefer said...

I have been seriously craving a major purge. There are so many clothes, shoes, and ridiculously random items around my house that I've simply been too lazy to bag up and take to the goodwill. But on the occasion that I've done something drastic like that, it's felt tremendously good. So here's to motivation!

Lila said...

I have just done the same thing- cleaned out the closet. I went through all the clothes I think I will fit into once I lose those 20 pounds I have been hiding (in my thighs) and finally let them go. I would of loved that jacket if it was about 3 sizes bigger. ha

She Wore It Well said...

imagine how i felt, in bali, saying to people "it's okay, keep the change" and that change is less than 20 cents and these people light up and follow you down the street kissing your hand for being so generous! :(

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

Christmas has been about childs for 17 going on 18 years in the house of crazy!
I love every second of it!! But we have a rule.
In with the new. Means. We donate the not so old just not so worn or played with!
great post lady! Holidays are a reminder that so many have nothing.
Xoxo

Erin Cox said...

I can relate all too well to the "full feeling" you are talking about. i feel the exact same way every time the holidays roll around.

This post was wonderful, and made me wish i was a size 2-4!!!! That jacket is fabulous.

By the way I am new to your blog, but do believe I will be following your lovely writing. : )

grave said...

The jacket is beautiful. I like your photos.

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