Wardrobe Editing

Not that anyone cares, but here's how I culled my wardrobe from previous posts. First ask:

1. Does it fit?
2. Does it show signs of wear?
3. Can it be fixed / tailored?
4. Does it have high value / emotional value? If yes:
5. Should I sell, donate or give it to someone I love? 

If I don't like it, or it doesn't match what I already own, it's gone. My memories aren't tied to material objects anyway. One thing I found helpful in getting rid of treasured pieces is to take a picture of the garment or write about it. I also remind myself that the item will go to waste sitting in my closet, and it's better to give it a new life by passing it along to a better owner.

Practically speaking, the best way to explain these edits is to document the in-and-out-flow of my closet since moving to Paris, starting with this post:

Sold items didn't look good or didn't work in the city. At first, I regretted selling my Louboutins, but now I don't care anymore- they were too painful, and even after stretching, I didn't like wearing them with anything I owned. I hated the navy blazer, an attempt at copping Parisian style. When you're shaped like a rice dumpling, the man-tailored look comes across as matronly.

The striped dress was playful, childish, and ill-suited for what can euphemistically be called my Asian body type.

My winter coats weren't warm enough for being outside extended periods of time, something I didn't notice going from a heated house to a heated car everyday. I want to keep my current coat forever- it's long, toasty, and over seven years old. I mend fallen hems, ripped linings, and busted seams myself, but need a tailor for alterations and frayed denim. Periodically, the cats' claws put little holes in my sweaters, which require darning.

I bought so much this year, it's kind of gross. Secondhand shopping doesn't elicit the same self-flagellation as retail, but low prices demand considerably more self-control. I wore out shoes walking, replacing them with comfortable dress heels and warm waterproof boots. Now they rest between wears- I'll resole before they get shabby. To see my current 10-piece spring wardrobe, click here.