Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Snowball to Freedom

Despite the fact that I've given away half my closet, I can't seem to stop finding more things that no longer look like they belong here. Truth? I feel pretty good (and admittedly a little scared) about it.  Before Thanksgiving I thought it was finally over, but then I got to thinking about how I have so much crap and there are so many people out there who don't have anything and really, who do I think I am with all this stuff? So out went 5 more bags.

Couple that with the fact that giving away things has somehow begun to release me from feeling so sad about getting older and set me free from clinging to the past, something I didn't even fully realize I was doing. It feels like a big weight has been lifted off my chest and I can breathe again, which is pretty rad. Even just having the realization itself has been relieving.

This Thanksgiving I made a commitment to myself not to bring anything into my home that is not necessary. If something comes in it must be something I love and will wear or use (read: no sporadic purchases), and with its arrival something must go out. It may not sound like much of a commitment, but I'm learning this is a big and a necessary thing for me if I'm going to keep looking to the future with positivity.

This also means I purchased zero on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Cough cough cough. Somewhere out there a retail squad is on its way to check my vitals...

With that I say, on a much lighter and less arm chair psychology note, BRING ON THE FRINGE.
~Outfit: AE-Sweater, Jen's Pirate Booty-Dress, Banana Republic-Suede Boots (old), Signature Vanessa Mooney Jewels~
Details: (L) Erin Wasson-Moonstone Ring, Vanessa Mooney- Bracelets here, here, here, Necklace
 These boots are case in point as to why it's important to buy what you love: 
6 years old and still going strong!
And finally, here's to moving forward.

Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving! I've got a mean pumpkin bread recipe for you. Better late than never?

27 comments:

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

Love this Carrie! You look so peaceful in that last picture...Hope you're feeling good.

P.S. Glad you kept that sweater...I have it too!! xoxo

christin said...

I love this post, like a lot. I think we could all learn a lot from you.

Judy C said...

I love the whole outfit. All of it. I hope it doesn't go into the get rid of pile ever. And about that leaving things behind. I think it's something you have to do periodically. I'm working on a new set of discard memories now. I wish us both luck.

Closet Fashionista said...

I love this look! The boots are amazing!
And yes, I'm trying not to buy as much stuff anymore, but it's so hard! I wouldn't be able to do the buy something get rid of something but I am definitely trying hard to only buy things I know I'll wear a lot. (I didn't buy anything this weekend either! *gasp*)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Anonymous said...

Love those boots. I did Christmas shopping on Cyber Monday, but nothing for myself (well, I buy my Christmas presents from Jared and my parents because no one trusts themselves to buy my anything, but that's another issue I should potentially work on...).

Courtney Erin said...

I went through a giant closet reshuffle a few years back when I suspect I was having a little early mid-life crisis as a result of hitting 30 so I know what you mean about the feeling of weight lifting, etc. And it feels good!

Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

Tiffany Kadani said...

No way! No shopping at all for you? dang, even I bought an argyle sweater.

PS... what the what happened to your wrist?!!!

Ana said...

love it!!

The Egg said...

where is that sweater from?!
i have a few items i need to get rid of and could replace with that!

xo the egg out west.

The Egg said...

where is that sweater from?!
i have a few items i need to get rid of and could replace with that!

xo the egg out west.

A Crimson Kiss said...

This just sounds so damn good–the closet clearing, the load lightning, and the pumpkin bread.

ChrisRobinson said...

First of all, you look bloody fantastic. And second, what a revelation--I mean, you're so right. Holding onto the past has to be a certain reminder of things (maybe those pants don't INTEND to make me feel that way, but they do, and for that--adios) but I don't think I'd ever have been smart enough to make that association. So, thank you. You change a life today. You changed ANOTHER C's life today, that is. Carey/Carrie/whateva.

Keep preachin'---you're dragging some of us out of our own quicksand with you, and it's incredible.

LyddieGal said...

perhaps emptying the closet offers clarity and a better ability to wear what you want and not what you think you should.
This outfit is amazing, you could be in a free people catalog.
Chic on the Cheap

RosaLovesDC said...

Doesn't it fell so nice to get rid of things you no longer need or wear? I think it just makes everything better. I am in the process of doing that. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving too.

Kristin W said...

That sweater is beautiful! But more beautiful is the idea of something going out when something comes in! I rarely makes sporadic purchases myself but did just the other day. While I was going to wait to clean out my closet until January (something about a fresh start), I think I'm going to at least get a bag together this weekend...thanks for the inspiration!

Kristen said...

reading this makes me miss your posts. such a cool outfit. and I agree with your new resolution. I just dumped quite a few bags myself, consigned what I could....threw out the rest.

Johanna said...

I read this post and felt a pang of guilt because I, too have way too much crap in my closet. Ok...you've inspired me. The key will be to not replace what I give away!

Josie said...

You sound like you're doing so well, Carrie. I love it. Of course, I do wonder where I am during all of these closet cleanouts...
xo Josie

Lilacandgrey said...

totally in love with this outfit <3

Lori said...

I have had "the talk" with both sides of the family this year about Christmas ~ I said that we do not need any more "stuff". I only want things that we can use... period. I also set a dollar limit with my SIL and she almost fell off her chair ~ I am sick of the excess ~ I really am. You may think it is cute but I am done with cute ~ ungratefully and bitchy ~ maybe but that's how it is going to be. Bravo to you for cleaning out and turning over that new leaf ~ betcha feel lighter and happier in the long run. Hugs to you Carrie. xo

Carrie said...

i am loving your cardigan!!!

:)
Carrie
http://readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com/

danielle said...

i'm glad i'm not the only one who didn't spend a dime on either day. stay strong girl. :)

Unknown said...

dude that dress look 100X better on u then the FP model! .. anyway CHEERS to you and being happy and healthy and at peace!

So Work Week Chic said...

I love this sweater with the fringe. I am having a yard sale this weekend for charity. It is an awesome feeling when your things can make someone else happy.

www.living-thesuite-life.blogspot.com

MzElena23 said...

Completely agree! I'm trying to do the same. I've actually never had a problem with letting to of things, I think I clean out my closet more than twice a year. But I do tend to hang on to things that remind me of good times, but honestly don't work with my wardrobe today.

So I'm in it with ya lady! ;)

k said...

i loove the sentiments here! i've been thinking about going through the house and getting rid of stuff...gotta do it!

Tanya said...

I love your cardigan!

the-renaissance-of-inner-fashion.blogspot.co.uk

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