Love this. Amy Twigger Holroyd defends large wardrobes on the basis that they are more flexible and resilient over the years with lifestyle and body changes, things coming back in style etc. I've gone through several wardrobe cleanouts over the years and I regret letting go of some of the pieces I did because I know I would wear them again now, although at the time I was so sure I wouldn't. I've bought 99% second hand for years now and will continue to do so, but I've also decided to hold on to everything unless it is wrecked and truly past saving. But I take good care of my clothes so that doesn't happen often :)
PS when I lived in New York I was the same as you. I wasn't attached to any one store but I loved shopping and would buy the highest end stuff my piddling assistant editor's salary would allow. When I was a kid in the 80s too the mall was my place, I even had a pin on my jean jacket that said "Born to Shop." 🙈
When I was living in New York, around 2014, I remember coming out of a fast fashion shop with bags full of stuff, exhausted and happy. An acquaintance, a guy, who met me with a group of friends after the shopping, noted in a half joking tone - Didn't I know that those garments were made by children in horrible working conditions? His comment made me MAD. I told him to literally f* off because shopping was my sanctuary time / space. I did not want to know. I deliberately protected myself from this kind of information. It took The True Cost to break through this fence in my case...
Really enjoyed reading this Katia and it really resonated with when I did my own BIG COUNT!! I completely agree with you that the counting and recording has made me feel so much more in control but also, importantly, accountable. And like you - the fact that any new addition needs to be recorded in the ongoing audit can be quite a useful deterrent!!
I loved your piece for The Conversation, Wendy! I did not immediately think of accountability but I agree with you, having a spreadsheet makes me feel like it's out there in the open (even if only to me) and I have to make choices that are more aligned with my values as opposed to impulses.
One thing I am building is a virtual closet app to help everyone to keep track and audit their clothes and discover their personal style on an ongoing basis.
Loved this article all the wardrobe apps I can find are American and clunky to use. Has many one found a user friendly one? Don’t really embrace spreadsheets I have too say 😬
Love this. Amy Twigger Holroyd defends large wardrobes on the basis that they are more flexible and resilient over the years with lifestyle and body changes, things coming back in style etc. I've gone through several wardrobe cleanouts over the years and I regret letting go of some of the pieces I did because I know I would wear them again now, although at the time I was so sure I wouldn't. I've bought 99% second hand for years now and will continue to do so, but I've also decided to hold on to everything unless it is wrecked and truly past saving. But I take good care of my clothes so that doesn't happen often :)
PS when I lived in New York I was the same as you. I wasn't attached to any one store but I loved shopping and would buy the highest end stuff my piddling assistant editor's salary would allow. When I was a kid in the 80s too the mall was my place, I even had a pin on my jean jacket that said "Born to Shop." 🙈
When I was living in New York, around 2014, I remember coming out of a fast fashion shop with bags full of stuff, exhausted and happy. An acquaintance, a guy, who met me with a group of friends after the shopping, noted in a half joking tone - Didn't I know that those garments were made by children in horrible working conditions? His comment made me MAD. I told him to literally f* off because shopping was my sanctuary time / space. I did not want to know. I deliberately protected myself from this kind of information. It took The True Cost to break through this fence in my case...
Really enjoyed reading this Katia and it really resonated with when I did my own BIG COUNT!! I completely agree with you that the counting and recording has made me feel so much more in control but also, importantly, accountable. And like you - the fact that any new addition needs to be recorded in the ongoing audit can be quite a useful deterrent!!
I loved your piece for The Conversation, Wendy! I did not immediately think of accountability but I agree with you, having a spreadsheet makes me feel like it's out there in the open (even if only to me) and I have to make choices that are more aligned with my values as opposed to impulses.
One thing I am building is a virtual closet app to help everyone to keep track and audit their clothes and discover their personal style on an ongoing basis.
https://makinglifeeasie.com/closet-conscious/
Loved this article all the wardrobe apps I can find are American and clunky to use. Has many one found a user friendly one? Don’t really embrace spreadsheets I have too say 😬