Closet hoarder.

 
I discovered that I am a clothes hoarder this past week, and never really knew it. Just like those folks on that TV show, I missed the red flags waving, as I purchased black tee's and white French cuff button down shirts season after season without so much as a "where-am-I-supposed-to-fit-these-in?" thought.

Mmm hmm. I spent a few hours this past weekend cleaning out my clothes closet. It occurred to me that I hadn't done this is since...well...judging from some of the items hanging in my closet... the mid-to-late 80's.

GoodGodAmighty.

The thing that prompted me to clean things out is the simple fact that, when I sit up in my bed, reading or on my laptop, or whatever...and the door to the walk-in closet is open, I have a straight on view of things (the photo above is the view from my bed, when the closet door has been left open...)....see what I mean?

Ya baby. I apparently heart me some white shirts. And brown And black. And...well, you get it.

Anyway.

I realized that I had quite a few white shirts and tops hanging in a long row there, which graduates to the mochas, the browns, the oranges, the reds...(I guess what I am saying is that I keep my clothes color coordinated in my closet, as well as by what they are- shirts, skirts, pants, dresses....It's easier to find things this way, and I like the way it looks, all peaceful and orderly.) and looking at them that particular evening from my bed, I suddenly realized that I still manage to only wear the same six or seven outfits every week of my life.

I began at one end of the closet and started looking at things, trying some of them on for size and such, going down memory lane. ( Oh yes, I wore this at the Pops on the River party three years ago...) It had me wondering in some cases, what exactly possessed me to purchase some of these items in the first place. I mean, just how many black cocktail dresses are too many? (If the answer is six I am over the limit.) Am I ever really going to wear that silver crocheted top out in public? (If the answer coming from me is yes, someone needs to stop me.) Is that maxi length velvet (Velour?) jacket a little too "early-70's-Stevie-Nicks", or "the-artist-formerly-known-as-Prince" looking to be out and about in this fall? (Ummm-ya, probably so...) This conversation in my head and decision making went on for an hour and half, folks. Then, I took a break and went to bed, and finished things up the following night.

Once I finished with all of the hanging items, I fearlessly tackled my lingerie area. Now people, I knew I was a shoe girl, and openly admit that, but I hadn't realized myself just how much I apparently also covet pretty underthings. (Again the questions began in my head, like.... if a girl has more than 12 bras should she find herself a 12 step program for that? ) What can I say? I have a weakness for girly underthings and nighties with satin ribbons, or lace...or both. And...if it's pink, it's even better.

In the end, it still appears that I have enough clothes, unmentionables and shoes to last me through the rest of my fifties, even after I filled three over flowing plastic trash bags with items for donation.

Now, if I can just remember to look past my favorite few outfits and wear the rest of what's hanging here, I'll be doing great.

Comments

[Betsy Derr]

Ya' know, I've always known we were kindred spirits! My closet is just like yours, color coordinated and overrun with too many clothes....and shoes. Lingerie, not so much. My husband thinks lingerie is a waste of money and I really don't even need a bra. I wear one to feel like a woman! I know this is TMI!! But I have learned to put together new outfits all the time from the plethora of clothing hanging in my closet. I peruse catalogs, I especially love Talbots, and try to duplicate outfits I like, and usually I have enough stuff to put together a decent facsimile. Kind of like that decorating show on HGTV where they make a designer room for less.....much less!! Hey, when all your clothes come from the thrift store, you can look like a million bucks for $10.99...head to toe, including shoes and handbag!! I even copied you recently, buying a white skirt and jeans jacket and blue necklace, 'cause I thought your profile picture outfit was worth emulating!! You could be in a catolog! Thanks for inspiring me once again, and this time it had nothing to do with my home decor : )

[tina]

That is ALOT of white shirts! LOL My closet is not color coordinated, but is organized by items (pants, skirts, shirts, jackets, etc.). I am pretty good about getting rid of stuff though. If I haven't worn it in x amount of time - out it goes, except for a very few special/favorite items.

I, too, LOVE pretty undies and nighties!

tina

[MIss Char]

Must be something in the air Tracey, I did much the same exercise in my closet this weekend. Goodwill will be happy I guess.

[Kim]

Doesn't it feel GREAT to clear out... I have a couple big projects like that needing done. I just call my daughter over and she is a wiz at throwing my stuff out?? Have your daughters ever threatened to just throw YOUR stuff out????

[Heather H :)]

Hi...my name is Heather and I'm visiting from Pam/A Breath of Fresh Air. I saw the button for your blog and was really intrigued...because the straw hat reminded me so much of Anne of Green Gables. So I just had to pay a visit :) :)

Oh, I was looking at your post and loved the photo of the bed and the closet. I found a couple of pieces at some yard sales..a table cloth last Saturday and a table runner thingey two weeks prior to that ...also at a yard sale. I noticed that the cotton/lace pattern is almost exactly the same as what I see on your bedspread. Is there a name for that type of pattern? Where did you purchase it? It's become my favorite and I'd like to find more if I can..In any case, "hello"...and I really enjoyed my visit here :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

[Jody Hammond]

I really like the coral colored bra laying on the stool in the closet. That's my favorite color and I just love lacy feminine things like that. Haven't ever seen one in that color before. You do have good taste Tracy!!

[Bringing Pretty Back]

Good God Almighty! hahaahhaahaahah!!!!!! Tracy I just love you!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

[Bringing Pretty Back]

I forgot the E~ ThacEy! Please forgive me

[Suzy]

When I worked for Target,I had fifty+ red shirts on the top row of my closet and tan khaki slacks on the bottom! One good thing, I never had to worry about "what am I going to wear today"...JUST CLOSE YOU EYES AND PICK!

[Tracy]

I am SO right there with you ...especially on the white shirt thing. Truth be told I live for white shirts and I have yet to realize that there is such a thing as "too many"(please say it isn't so)...
perhaps a 12-step program is in order...
"Hello my name is also Tracy and I am a white-shirtaholic...and a shoe collector...and handbags..."

[Tammy]

I think you are great. And, you KNOW that black and white is classy! I love the pink bra hanging on the stool beneath those fabulous white shirts. I just want my closet to look like that. Trust me, I am a nurse, and I have maybe 3 outfits, TOTAL. The same three I wear everyweekend. It's pathetic, but the rest of the time I am in Pajama'esque scrubs and taking care of people. Will you organize my closet? It will only take about two weeks? :)

[sandy]

Recently, I have had a financial situation which prompted me to reevaluate my spending habits. Unemployed, with several medical procedures looming over me, I felt desperate to earn some cash. I had no less than five thrift sales where I sold home goods, collectibles, etc. I took my unworn clothing to consignment shops. I made over $3,000.00 this past year. It was amazing for me to see how much I had that I actually did not need. I feel free, I don't miss a thing, and my clothes have room to breathe!

[Hanneke Nelson]

My husband can relate. He'll love you for your love of French cuffs and button down shirts. Soon, very soon, we too shall purge his closets! Nothing wrong with mine...