Mastering the Art of Decluttering Your Closet

Introduction

Hi! My name is Naomi, and I have a tendency to hold onto things longer than I should. In the human world, this is often referred to as being a "squirrel." My closet is overflowing with clothes, many of which are outdated or no longer fit. It's time to tackle this clutter and make some tough decisions.

The Wisdom of Wardrobe Essentials

A wise woman (my mother) once told me that there are certain items that should never be discarded from a woman's wardrobe:

1. Cardigan sweaters
2. Jewelry

These timeless pieces can be versatile and add a touch of elegance to any outfit. However, it's important to let go of items that no longer serve you.

The Emotional Attachment Dilemma

Every piece in my wardrobe holds a special memory or was once incredibly flattering. It's tempting to hold onto these items in the hope that they'll come back into fashion. But the reality is that fashion cycles can take decades, and by then, the clothes may no longer suit your style or body.

The Time to Act is Now

Now is the perfect time to take action. Gather a few friends and turn this decluttering process into a fun fashion show party. Invite friends who will be brutally honest with you about what looks good and what doesn't. Here's a step-by-step plan:

1. Invite Friends: Call a few friends who have a good sense of style and are willing to give honest feedback.
2. Fashion Show: Try on different outfits and get their opinions on what to keep and what to discard.
3. Make Decisions: Decide which items to keep based on their current fit, style, and condition.
4. Celebrate: Once you've made your decisions, celebrate with a wine and nibble party.

Remember to keep all your cardigan sweaters, as their style cycle is shorter than most other garments. Only discard them if they become shabby and are no longer in good condition.

The Jewelry Conundrum

Now, let's talk about jewelry. Good jewelry, whether it's gold, silver, costume, or fashion jewelry, is designed to adorn the body. While some designs may be trendy, others are classic and timeless. For example, gold and platinum wedding and engagement sets never go out of style.

Why You Should Keep Your Jewelry

1. Timeless Appeal: Classic jewelry pieces, such as gold and silver, have a timeless appeal and can be worn for years to come.
2. Trendy Cycles: Even trendy jewelry can cycle back into fashion more quickly than clothes.
3. Minimal Storage: Jewelry doesn't take up much space, making it easy to store and enjoy whenever the fancy strikes you.

Conclusion

That's it from "Notes from Naomi." Keep your jewelry and never discard any. Weed out your closet and enjoy the clothes and jewelry you have. I know I do, now that I've had my fashion show party. When are you having yours?

Interesting Stats

• According to a study by ClosetMaid, the average American woman has 103 items in her closet, but she only wears 10% of them regularly. Source
• The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the largest polluters in the world. Source
• On average, people wear only 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. Source

By decluttering your closet, you not only create a more organized space but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. So, gather your friends, have a fashion show party, and start making those tough decisions today!