Broke-Ass Student

This year I’ve decided to try a different approach by forgoing resolutions and instead creating mini-projects scattered throughout the year. My first mini-task presented itself with screaming clarity when I opened up my closet last night. How had I managed to squeeze so much crap in such a tiny area??

I poked my head into those murky depths and got lost amidst the disheveled hodgepodge of clumsy duds staring back at me. It was time to bring my wardrobe back onto the path of good health, one of bliss and much more au courant. After taking a deep breath, I ravaged through the entire mess and divided all my clothing into two piles. It’s just amazing what I found hiding out in there!

#1. The Keeper Pile

This was the soulful heap. The moment I gazed upon a garment, I felt captivated and knew it was a keeper! All articles that wiggled their way here made my heart sing with joy and made me feel happy and confident while wearing them. This illustrious pile contained everything from my favorite jeans to expensive cashmere sweaters to my beloved ratty hoodie. Basically all garments I cannot live without were whisked away to here.

#2. The “Meh” Heap (also known as the Giveaway Pile)

If I wrinkled my nose and said, ‘meh’, that article was tossed into a second pile of frippery shame. These included things which no longer fit properly as well as those elusive items that, for reasons unknown, never seem to be worn. It also included anything I agonized over whether to keep or not. If that baby tee didn’t immediately stir my soul with its absolute fabulousness, it wasn’t serving its purpose and needed to go. Depending on condition, these garments will either be thrown out, given to charity or sold.

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My end goal was to transform the hideous clutter into a comfortable closet space that contained only pieces I loved. If something didn’t make me feel good or was unflattering, there was no reason for it to take up precious space. Any closet-based source of unhappiness needed to go, pronto.

Clearing the clutter from my (now shriveled-yet stunning) closet served as an excellent reminder not to spend frivolously on clothing in the future. There was so much stuff I’d accumulated over the years that was tucked away on shelves and rarely worn. I’ll now consider long and hard whether or not to fork over hard-earned dough next time I feel the urge to shop. This is an excellent plan in general for everything, not just clothing. Unless it’s an item that resonates strongly with me, I simply won’t buy it. From now on, only the most delightful pieces will find a home here.

Discarding all that extra baggage and uncluttering the closet monster was not only liberating, but the process was also a lot of fun! I have clothing in great condition for charity and now I can whip out an outfit without being eaten alive by fashion foibles. Frugality and style doesn’t have to feel like a painful sacrifice as long as I remain mindful of what I buy and only buy what I truly love.

~†~ Baby Steps Are Key ~†~ Quality cuts and fabrics shouldn’t be a source of guilt as long as they’re affordable for your budget and something you really adore. This ensures every piece will serve its purpose in your closet, both in quality and by making you feel comfortable and radiant.

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