I love clothes. I love to open my closet and peruse. However, I noticed the other day that there is dust along the wooden rod in between the hangers. That makes sense since I have worn nothing but leggings, sweats, jeans and a cashmere robe this past year. We went nowhere, of course. I still smile when I recall the women during lockdown who put on dresses and makeup to take out the trash. I actually thought about doing that but only got so far as wearing a pearl necklace to walk the dogs. Hopefully, now we are beginning to move on and actually socialize again. The question is whether Is it time to clear out the closet and consider a wardrobe update.
There are divergent opinions on this subject. Lucy starts out with the best of intentions to fill several bags to be taken to local thrift shop. She prescribes to the adage that if you haven’t worn them in a year, out they go. And she has this hangar trick where you face the hangar backwards to prove a key visual aid to how few clothes you actually wear.
She says there are always sentimental favs which make the team each year, but she tries to be ruthless. In fact, to save herself the angst of tossing a particularly favorite outfit, she keeps a permanent zippered bag of honorary clothes that never face the dreaded trip to the trunk of the car for donation.
Many of us have clothes that fit us at different weights. Regardless, Lucy recognizes that her lifestyle has changed and that we are also moving toward a more informal way of dressing.
But she admits that when there is some dress up event eventually, she secretly longs to go shopping for something new.
Unlike Lucy, I cannot seem to cull clothes in my closet. I like what I have and I look forward to wearing some of my favorites again. Yes, some of the clothes are tired but then I think of when I wore them and the memory of that time keeps me from tossing them. I do look to see what is trendy now and I do think about adding a new color or top that can give my wardrobe an updated look. And I have to say, I do miss shopping particularly with my gal pals. Perhaps I will make an effort to get out to shop. But first I need an invitation to something, right?
Please take the time to read the Forbes article about Stella McCartney who presented at the COP26 Conference in Glasgow last week:
We have been fans of hers for years because of her unflappable commitment to making the fashion industry environmentally sensitive. She never wavers in her dedication to finding alternative materials to leather and fabrics that are mega pollutants. Her commitment to alternatives to leather stems not only from environmental issues but also her concern for animal welfare.
To shop or not to shop. It is a conundrum. Lucy believes we should support the fashion industry, a majority of whom are women. She thinks about the many women working as sales clerks in clothing stores. These women need the job, often because they are single mothers.
I say maybe update your wardrobe but do less buying, perhaps adding one or two new things for the season.
Maybe the answer is what the younger generation is doing. They are into recycled clothing and vintage wardrobes. They shop in second hand stores because they recognize that we must lessen the impact on our environment in everything we do. Let us know what you think. Whatever choice you make, new or vintage, an updated wardrobe makes us feel good.
Ciao
Lucy and Claudia