Sing it with me, “Should I it stay or should I it go.”
Beginning October 1st, I’m doing a Clutter Countdown Challenge right here and I’m skeeered. I’ve planned on doing this for two years and have put it off, but I’ve finally committed myself to the accountability of all of you and I’m hoping you’ll join me as well. It’s going to be 15 minutes a day for 31 days. (More details to come.)
We can do it together, right?
Anyhow, one of the weeks, I’m going to have to tackle our bedroom, more specifically MY bedroom!! And I’ll be honest, besides our attic and the fridge, it’s the worst place in our home.
I know, I know, it’s supposed to be a haven, my refuge, but you tell that fact to the many baskets of clean laundry piled on my sofa. We’ll get there. With challenging myself to the bedroom, it means I have to attack my closet and drawers with abandon and that’s going to be painful!
The downside with being a Frugal Fashionista and finding so many yard sale and thrift store gems, if something is cute and it’s $1, I buy it. Now, there is just so much good in that philosophy, unless you keep it all. If I got rid of the same number of items that I brought in, we’d be great, but I don’t. I have no idea of all the great clothes that are waiting for me deep in the depths of my drawers.
I thought that as I wear my clothes each week, I’ll share with you what I’ve decided to keep and what things are going to Goodwill. When I finally get out of my yoga pants, these are my run errands kind of outfits, so nothing extra fancy yet, but hopefully enough to give you some frugal inspiration.
This black and white, on the sheer side, shirt was questionable when I first put it on. Since I’ve gained some weight, I felt the front wasn’t necessarily flattering, but I loved the pattern and the open back and cut is certainly unique.
Well, I decided to wear this outfit around a group of high schoolers one Sunday and I had so many of the girls coming up to me telling me how much they loved my shirt.
$2 yard sale blouse
$1 black yard sale tank top
Black pants on clearance from Tanger outlet (under $10)
$5 thrifted boots (I don’t love the cut, and am on the hunt for new black boots)
Necklace – handmade gift from Lucy’s Inspired and yard sale find earrings
I even had a mom tell me that her daughter commented on how I was so fashionable. I tried not to spit my coffee out as I chuckled to myself, but that certainly sealed the deal. This whole outfit is definitely a keeper, since how often do high school girls like a mom lady’s clothes? 🙂
The next shirt that I questioned was this tailored shirt with the two front pockets.
Again, this shirt was a $1 yard sale find and the jeans were thrifted, but I think those have to go.
I decided to keep the shirt because, first, I don’t really have anything like it and the collared shirt look is really popular right now. Now the pleats down the front might not be, but those tailored accent takes off about ten pounds.
If anyone’s concerned that the pleats are out, I know that pairing it with a jean jacket this fall will also be a great look.
I know I’ve shared this before, but Rue 21 is market for teens, but I clean house on inexpensive accessories. I got this adorable watch bracelet on clearance for $2 and along with my $2 silver hoops, it makes the outfit.
And just in case you are questions the two pockets on the front, I went on a little fashion reconnaissance mission to make sure I wasn’t totally leading you astray. That blue Michael Kors shirt at the top is a mere $250 ON SALE right now. 🙂 The others are from Victoria Secret and Banana Republic, so we are all good on the pockets being up to date.
Last week’s Frugal Fashionista was all about Team Colors, right? Well, this $3 sweater is a keeper because it’s purple and it covers my thighs in the skinny jeans, which at this point is key. 🙂 No matter how much weight I gain, I always have skinny calves, so I highlight those and draw the eye to the smallest part of my legs.
Plus, this is just a super cozy and comfy sweater. I’ve gotten so much use out of it and paired with my $3.75 white Goodwill shirt, it’s comfort at its finest. The skinny jeans I got at the same time as the black pants above. I found them at the Gap outlet at Tanger, on clearance for under $10.
Have you read my 5 tips for saving big at the outlet mall? I follow them every time.
I’m taking you back quite a few months.
When I first tried this on, I thought, “NO WAY.” It didn’t come with a belt, so I basically looked like a big old box. (See demonstration on the left,) but the unique neckline kept calling my name.
I knew I could do something with it, since the price was right. Plus, I had just scored these really funky wedges at a yard sale and there’s just not too many things that go with them. I found a wide black belt thrifting and it tied the whole thing together.
But guess what? It’s in the bag for Goodwill. It’s cute. I love the look, but it’s 100% cotton and honestly, I am not a big ironer, so after drying it, it’s a mess. I know that sounds crazy, but remember, I have a TON of clothes to go through and hard decision have to be made. So now I’m really going to be honest. When I gain a few pounds and wear this dress (like right now when I tried it on), the weight goes right to my waist and the muffin top pushes up over the belt. TMI, I know, but we’re all girls sharing our secrets here, right? 🙂
$3 Green yard sale jacket. I even remember the yard sale I bought this at a few years ago, but now that I try it on, it’s heading to Goodwill. It’s cute, but something about the collar isn’t sitting well with me.
Black Goodwill shirt. I still love it. It’s unique and I’m always about finding shirts with fun sleeves and this has them.
And yes, even thought the jacket has 3/4 length sleeves, I often wear long sleeves and just push them up, no one knows.
Last decision for today is this coral summer shirt. It’s going to Goodwill. I love the collar, but this was a $1 yard sale find that doesn’t fit that well, so I’m cutting my losses. I like it with the white tank underneath, but honestly, I can’t close it. It’s too tight through the bust, and I’ve determined I am not going to keep half a wardrobe of sizes that I will never fit in again, even if I want to. I do keep about a ten pound swing on clothes which is fairly common for me.
Phew, that was a lot of decision making and to think that I’m just starting.
Won’t you join me for the Clutter Countdown Challenge? I’ll be posting more details on Monday.
Have you scored any Fun Frugal Finds lately? I’d love to hear about them.
LOVE the purple sweater and the shirt with the little pockets. You are too cute, friend!
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Jen, I’m going to be writing next month on 31 days to a beautiful home. It’s my first time doing the 31 days and this A personality gal will probably stress about it, but Im doing it anyway! I’ve been decluttering room by room as we’ve made over so much of our home. Literally, my bedroom closet (and my youngest kids rooms) is the only place that I haven’t gone through and that’s a DIY organizational project for another day. There’s one good thing about having a small closet. You can’t keep much! Good luck next month!
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Jen Reply:
September 25th, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Oh Marty – I know your series will be wonderful. I was one of the original 8 that did it with Nester five years ago, so I know how hard it is to write 31 days straight. I am committing to 31 days, but not straight. haha Remember, it’s our blog, so we set the rules, right? 🙂
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love the pocket button down shirt!!! And the dress and sweater. The green jacket is an “eh” for me.
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Jen Reply:
September 25th, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Yep, that’s kind of how I felt about the green too, which is why it’s going. 🙂
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Hey Jen! One thing I have learned over the years (and am still learning) is where the cut stops highlights that particular body part. For example, if I’m trying to disguise thighs, I’ll wear a longer top. I try to hit it at the smaller place of my thighs. Heh, heh. Since I’m short, I have to try to balance that with other items. Haven’t figured it all out yet, but working it through. ☺️ Looking fwd to hearing more from you in October.
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Jen Reply:
September 25th, 2014 at 9:30 pm
Yep, great tip. That’s why I try to highlight those calves of mine. haha
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I am with you about skinny calves! My legs are the same way. I love the cardigan look too and always look for them at thrift stores.
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Hi Jen, I’m not usually a big commenter on blogs but I just love your heart and your honesty! I hope you continue to be brave when you share with your readers. I think all the choices you made regarding stay or go are just perfect! You look just fab in your keepers! I look forward to following along as you work through your stuff and hopefully I’ll get motivated to go through mine 😉
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Jen Reply:
September 25th, 2014 at 9:47 pm
Laura – thanks so much for popping in here with a comment since you mentioned you rarely do. I so appreciate it. 🙂 And yes, come join us in October and we can motivate each other.
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I love that green jacket! Which Good Will are you taking it to? I live in Greensboro-I’ll go find it. haha.
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Jen Reply:
September 25th, 2014 at 10:19 pm
It’s yours. 🙂 I enjoyed it for the last two years.
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Stay! I always love your Frugal Fashionista posts!!!
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I’m glad the teens convinced you to keep the first blouse. It looks cute on you. I love the $2.00 watch. The dress looks so different without the belt – I mean you look like a different person, practically. It’s so cute with the belt but I am glad that you are being so practical while de-cluttering. I’m weird ….. de-cluttering is one of my favorite things to do.
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Oh I love a closet clean out….that’s on the to do list for this weekend. Jen I do the very same thing…constantly picking up things here and there…with 4 kids..it’s a must do. I luv it….but sometimes I have to stop and say…is this cute? Is this you? Sometimes I get pulled into the cute…but not me!
So love your post and I am with ya…I know a lot of things that can go. I’ve been doing thred up.com on a few things..and that’s been great fun too.
Keep it going!
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Another great post!
Wondering…have you ever thought about limiting items by category?
Ie. how many Tshirts, how many button ups etc.
I have a fairly small wardrobe and I try to only keep what I’ll wear.
I say to my daughter – how many bodies to you have to dress?? 😉
Tough decisions for sure!
Would it be easier to say – oh look, I have 10 black shirts.
I am going to keep my 5 favourites and let the rest go….??
Just thinking out loud 🙂
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Jen Reply:
September 26th, 2014 at 9:44 am
Erin – I love hearing you think out loud. Categories is a great idea and when I get to the week of attacking my closet, I will REALLY think of that. I hae love my ten Little Black dresses. haha I chuckled HARD at your “How many bodies do you have to dress??” Oh my, based on my closet, I could dress MANY bodies. 🙂
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I love talking muffin tops and 10 pounds swings with you, Jen!
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Jen Reply:
September 26th, 2014 at 8:54 am
HAHA – oh friend!!! Anytime. 🙂
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LOVE the first outfit. It’s actually one of my favorite outfits you’ve ever posted! Also really like the one w/ the purple sweater. I’m a “declutterer” by nature…and my closet shows it. I always have “nothing to wear”. Great job getting started…Keep up the good work!
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Jen Reply:
September 26th, 2014 at 11:24 am
It’s so interesting that you mentioned declutter by nature because I think it’s so true. Now, it’s obviously something people can learn – they have to at some point, but many are born naturally organized or disorganized to some degree based on personalities. I see it in my kids and it’s so fascinating.
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Tuck the first top into a black pencil skirt with a belt and it will be a whole different outfit, still flattering fun look!
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Jen Reply:
September 26th, 2014 at 1:28 pm
Yes, Kathy, that would be very cute! 🙂 Thx.
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I LOVE the first outfit! I’m so glad the HS girls complimented you on it b/c its a definite keeper! And I’m in on decluttering! Don’t even know where to begin! Glad to see Frugal Fashionista back on here more often!
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Jen Reply:
September 29th, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Melanie – we will just begin with 15 minutes a day on that decluttering. It’s overwhelming, for sure, but to do it with others makes a big difference!
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I’ve been going through my closet a few minutes each week and just pulling stuff that I haven’t worn in a long time. I’ll try it on and see if I still like it or not. If I haven’t worn something in a long time, there’s usually a reason. LOL I too have accumulated a lot of clothes from thrifts and garage/yard sales. It’s awesome to get compliments on your wardrobe knowing how little you spend on it. I get so many more now that I shop this way, then I ever did when I used to shop retail. LOL
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Jen Reply:
October 1st, 2014 at 11:49 am
I am with you. Every week, I need to just do the same till I pare it down to what I actually wear. 🙂
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I miss you, Frugal Fashionista (sad face), and hope you will be back soon.
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