I was a clothes hoarder as a tween/teen. In addition to my actual closet, I had an armoire, a bureau, and two free standing clothing racks; all so full of loud Betsey Johnson frocks, Tibi prints, Lilly Pulitzer shifts, and Kate Spade bags/shoes, that I could barely separate two hangers. Obviously, I didn’t actually wear (or love) everything I owned, and knew it. Still, I refused to give anything away because, well, I liked the way my overflowing closets looked. When I felt anxious or despondent, I would go to my bedroom, open my closet/armoire doors, and stare at my clothes. I realise how zany this sounds, but it gave me an immediate sense of calm; much like I imagine others get by surfing…or smoking pot.
You know that scene in Sex and the City when Aidan’s moving in with Carrie, and suggests they could make more space for his stuff by cleaning out her closet? Cut to a close-up of Carrie/SJP, wide-eyed, nostrils flared, furrows browed, looking absolutely horrified – like he might as well have just announced, “You look fat in those jeans.” Well, that sums up how I reacted any time my Mum suggested I “cut back.” Ummmm….NO.
Cut to ten years (and another coast) later, I have formed a new habit of intermittently cleaning out of my closet – much to my parent’s shock and my friends’ delight. I think my work as a professional stylist has a lot to do with this, actually. A big part of my job is editing (looks), so I don’t think it’s any coincidence that I now actually enjoy taking consistent inventory of what I own. I think this is why I love moving so much. As taxing/anxiety provoking as going through your own closets, or files cabinets, can be, it’s really liberating to have a clear sense of what actually have….and therefore, a solid sense of what, if anything, you need.
Of course, fashion has always been a dichotomy between fantasy and necessity; and sometimes it’s hard to find pieces that meet halfway between pragmatism and artistry. Howeva,’ I think the aforementioned pieces featured (at the top of this post) will stand the test of time – as in, I can see myself regularly reaching for them now, and in five years. But whatever your style, focus on acquiring pieces with versatility, quality and longevity. It’ll ensure less spring (closet) cleaning down the line.
