Things I Never Wear

I know what the rule is for cleaning out my closet. If I haven't worn it in six months, or a year if it's seasonal, then it should go. I have never subscribed to that rule. I hold on to things. I get sentimental, I convince myself that I might just want to wear it again.

I was in TJMaxx the other day, I came home with a new dress and a kimono. My hands hovered over a set of black velvet hangers, my mind flashing to the unwieldy pile of hangerless clothes taking residence on my desk chair. I forced myself to leave without the hangers and instead confront my closet.

I started with things I've never worn. Most of these things were from thrift or consignment stores. Deals that seemed to good to pass up, or that were serving a fantasy I was having at that moment. A long black linen duster with pockets, a pair of blue and green silk printed joggers, a navy sweater with an anchor.

Then I focused on things I know I haven't worn in at least four years. That might seem like a long time, but it's a number which works for me. I wasn't able to purge everything in that category, there are still some dresses and button downs and pencil skirts that I haven't worn since working in an office with a stricter dress code. I kept the pieces that I tried on and still liked, should my work situation change.

Finally, the aspirational pieces. I did not let these go. I am still hoping that I will wear a pink sequined dress on New Year's Eve, that an occasion for a one shoulder maxi dress will arrive, and that I will want to wear a white lace dress, just because it feels good to wear a white lace dress.

That brings me to this dress; gifted from Hobbs last summer, worn once to photograph it for the post, and finally a second time to a family event last month. Now the challenge is to wear it again.

        

The Rundown
Striped Dress c/o Hobbs similar
Woven Mule Sandals Ann Taylor
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
Joanna Hat Brixton via Nordstrom 
Gold Knot Bracelet Banana Republic similar
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Fishnet Stockings" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday