There's nothing like packing to remind you of just how much stuff you really have and probably don't need. I'm not talking about packing for a trip. I'm talking packing for a new home. Yes, I am in the process of moving. And instead of picking up and moving across town, I'm moving to a new state. Florida to be exact. I'll be living, working, writing, and shopping in Naples. So I'm feverishly trying to get all my stuff boxed up and ready to go. This process has definitely confirmed that some of the previous purchases I've made were not the most wise.
Exhibit A - While going through my closet and subsequently pulling out everything, I found more than one item with the tag still hanging on it, like this black dress and these satin black pants. I think both items were around $15 a piece. And while those are some rock bottom prices, it's still $15 too much if you never wear it. I purchased the dress because you know, you always need a little black dress, right? But the trick to buying the perfect little black dress is to select a simple style that will last over time. I bought this one about six years ago and when I tried it on yesterday I though ick! I clearly no longer liked the dress but more importantly looking back, I don't think it ever looked good on me.
Exhibit B - There was more than one or two items that can easily be identified as, "I just bought this because it was on sale." The money I spent on that $7 blazer could have been used to buy something I really loved. Or here's a radical idea, I could have saved the dough and not bought anything.
Packing has the unique ability to force you to touch every piece of clothing you own in a short period of time. And while folding that item into a box or storage bin, you really can't help but think back to the reason you bought it or when you wore it or why you never wore it. It's a great reminder that sometimes we just buy unconsciously on a whim. And most times, we don't need to buy anything at all.
Amen, I'm just packing 1/2 my closet to make it look bigger for showings and I'm a little overwhelmed by the clothes and shoes...definitely need to purge...
Posted by: Mo | May 26, 2009 at 12:49 PM
girl, i know what you mean. i'm going to dread the day that we're leaving to move into our home because we have so much stuff to pack, lol. congrats on your move to florida. you'll love and hate the weather here, lol.
Posted by: The Cheap Chica | May 26, 2009 at 04:53 PM
LOL Thanks Cheap Chica!!! I can definitely see how I can both love and hate FL weather. And just think of all the joy you'll feel when you move into your new home. That may ease the pain of packing all your clothes! :)
Posted by: STYLEnosh | May 26, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Mo, I was so overwhelmed with the IDEA of packing my wardrobe that I didn't touch it until the last possible minute. Once I got started it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I've purged a lot of stuff. And it feels really good to donate so many great articles of clothing to someone who needs it cause trust me when I say, I don't need another dang blast thing!!! lol
Posted by: STYLEnosh | May 26, 2009 at 05:35 PM
I've always liked this black dress, so send it my way :o)
Posted by: Sat | July 05, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Uh sweetie, that dress has been passed on to Goodwill. Sorry. You need to be a little quicker on the draw! lol
Posted by: STYLEnosh | July 06, 2009 at 05:45 PM