Less is More, More or Less August 13, 2009

Having a tough to fit figure in my youth, finding clothes that fit perfectly and flattered and suited my age/gender could be a formidable challenge. And as I grew up, I didn’t always change sizes so more clothes joined the other clothes in an effort to dress for my age. Next thing you know it’s time to have clothes for an office too, adding to the collection. It took me a while to realize that just because something fits me doesn’t mean I am responsible for giving it a home (especially when it is a horrible color that doesn’t do me any favors). I’d love to blame Cinderella for making me think that if the shoe fits, wear it, but I think it was just that most styles didn’t fit me growing up so when something did it was exciting. This, along with taking good care of my clothes so they last forever, resulted in an apparel collection that could have been mistaken for a second-hand clothing shop or TV show wardrobe department. I clung to my collection for as long as possible (and still do in some respects), but then the time came to go our separate ways when I found out we were moving overseas.

I had been on month-long trips living with just what fit in a big duffel bag. It all came down to what I needed every day and lightly peppering that with things I just plain want around. Deciding to only bring five suitcases and knowing that favorite bedding, household goods, and gadgets had to be in the mix meant that 75% of my clothes had to go. Salvation Army and Goodwill gladly gave them a new life, some cherished items were stored with parents, and I mourned the loss of some things for the months that followed. But then something strange happened… I forgot about some things and I replaced others. It was the replacing that struck me as most interesting. The pieces that I used most often were not always the ones I thought best to bring. After all, I was moving to a European city, I had to wear my stylish clothes not the tee shirts and jeans I got away with in the States. Arriving in Cork City, I quickly learned that personal style is what matters here. You can wear just about anything so long as you are being true to yourself. Adopting that new philosophy, I turned back to my old ways and slowly replenished what I had left behind.

Yes, I’ve accumulated more clothes, but also learned what works for my personal style and what doesn’t. For instance, I may adore a fluttery top and the color may flatter me and the cut is forgiving so I don’t feel self-conscious, but it’s polyester fabric makes me miserable on a warm humid day and the same forgiveness can also play on the expectation that a woman wearing such styles have a bun in the oven. Eek!

After so many years with the same habits and consumer behavior, I won’t change overnight, but in this and future posts, I will share how I am working towards living with less and making the most of what I have. Don’t worry, fans of the gift ideas and fun personal shopping tips won’t be disappointed – on the contrary, I will be posting goodies with more consideration given to things that last. After all, who needs to know where to buy ten v-neck pullovers when you can only wear one at a time.

Until next time, I leave you with a question… What is the one piece of clothing you reach for again and again? And, if it has lasted countless wearings, who makes it? I’ll share mine next time!