I have spent most of the afternoon in my closet......it's that time of year (at least in California) where the days are getting longer and it is likely I'll only wear the black boots a couple more times-for the effect more than to keep me warm. The pedicure is fresh and I have already worn the peep-toe pumps and new patent wedgies a few times.
So back to my closet.......At the age of 46, I truly embrace the concept of less is more. I am a little obsessed about using what we have (when it comes to dinner-what can I cook with these particular ingredients that will be good and save a trip to the store?). I am a long time fan of donating things I no longer use-whether it be clothing or household items. I actually keep a cute box in my closet to hold items that I decide are done. Sometimes I will actually wear something one more time as a test-it usually turns out to be done.
Today I went into the closet with some vengence--why do I have so much in here if I only wear the few things I feel good about over and over? There's that cute little skirt that hasn't really fit for a couple of years, I see those great jeans that shrunk in the dryer (darn!) and will never fit again, those favorite Cole Haan sandals that have been repaired but will come apart again, likely at a bad time......GET RID OF IT!!! I actually tried on most of my wardrobe this afternoon--my question was "do I feel good in this?" If I questioned it twice it was done-say bye-bye.
I ended up with a huge bag of give away items-including that bridesmaid dress that never quite fit right (which will go to a prom closet), that velour track suit I lived in last winter, that great brown/turquoise floral blouse that shrunk (or something!) and tons of other pieces-gone! I feel lighter somehow.
My next assignment was to "shop" my closet-taking some time to pull together outfits/accessories that would be fresh and fun. Honestly-this is the step I often miss-somehow it doesn't come completely naturally to me. I end up frustrated and end up going out to purchase something new that I know will work-the complex piece is putting it all together in a different way. Though I love clothes (and was even voted best dressed one year in high school-blah!), I am much more comfortable in the home design section (super high thread count linens and egyptian towels sections-do it for me!). I also happen to love those trips with my husband to Lowe's for new plants and garden stuff.
I love fashion but I don't love to spend lots of money on fashion and I am a little insecure about it. See me last December in NYC on Canal St. (D & G bronze bag abd sunglasses- is all I will say about that). It's funny, my sister is a head designer for a high end fashion house (St. John Knits-Angelina Jolie is the current face of St. John-ohhlala!) My sis is very down to earth and yet so sophisticated in her style. It doesn't hurt that she can actually design pieces that will look fabulous on her-and they do. She has been sewing her own clothes since 4th grade. I guess I never had that passion (it must be said that though we are full blooded sisters we met about 12 years ago- so that's another story). If I had grown up with her I am positive my sense of fashion would be better. She wears high end fashion, believes strongly in having things tailored (although SHE can do that ) but has also shared great tips-like the Merona brand from Target is very well made and it's true. I do watch 'What Not to Wear' and 'Tim Gunn's Guide to Style' on occasion and have gleaned some tips (although I think it's harsh when they go into the bra drawer as a surprise-important still!). One thing I do know and adore is SHOES.....though my husband still doesn't get the concept that if they are cute and sexy they might hurt sometimes, they might actually draw blood AND it's still worth it to some of us die hards. FABU-shoe!! Here are a couple of favorites:
These a gift from my sister-St.John (made in Italy) drew blood at an event and it was SO worth it! They even have little zippers up the back.

And finally, from San Francisco last month, came these crazy orange patent, peep-toe pumps......I can't explain it, I am not sure how I will wear them-but at 46-I just had to have 'em.....go figure!