One In Two Out Closet Reduction Rule
When I discovered this adorable 70’s corduroy pinafore dress thrifting I didn’t think it would fit me but happy surprise…it does!
It’s a shame I didn’t get any photos of the groovy button-up back closure. They don’t make them like this anymore!
The temptation I face when shopping for my Etsy shop is overwhelming. It is extra difficult when the item is one-of-a-kind vintage. It is much easier when the item doesn’t fit me.
To curb my desire to add to my personal collection I have decided on a one in two out closet reduction rule.
I must be willing to part with two other pieces from my closet to keep the new-to-me treasure. This rule really makes me contemplate my new addition.
To ensure I was making a well-informed decision I asked myself these questions:
- Does it work with other items in my closet?
- Does it fit my body and make me feel good about myself?
- Is it comfortable?
- Can it be laundered easily?
- Does it communicate my personal style statement?
- Does it make me feel happy?
- Is it eco-friendly? AKA secondhand?
What is a personal style statement?
A style statement is an opportunity to “dress for the job you don’t have” or dress for the person you want to be. Clothes communicate volumes about ourselves and influence the way we see ourselves. Attitude and mindset follow the lead of the clothes you are wearing. Actors will “get into character” through their wardrobe. Our clothing can shift the perception of ourselves. Our chosen second skin is an opportunity to make positive changes. Giving yourself permission to dress as the person you aspire to be is the beginning of the change you want to see in yourself.
You can read the full post here.
This dress made the cut.
I’m full on retro hipster geek and loving it. I said goodbye to two other dresses to make space in my wardrobe. I knew it was the right choice when I had no regrets about letting go of the other two dresses.
The rule isn’t too difficult to follow because I have a large wardrobe. I imagine it will get harder when I whittle down my wardrobe.
The little round bag I picked up ages ago is one of my favourites. It is the perfect size so it doesn’t aggravate my Fibromyalgia and has an external phone pocket for easy access.
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make life better.
One of those simple things is a happy pug.
Or a hungry pug.
I think hungry and pug are synonymous.
She isn’t very good at sitting still for the photos, thus the blurred face. It’s not some special filter to get rid of her wrinkles.
Ha! She would need one heavy-duty filter to get rid of her wrinkles.
Do you follow any rules when adding to your wardrobe?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, I Will Wear What I Want and Fancy Friday
Zoe’s living proof that wrinkles are a good thing!
That cord pinafore is fabulous, gorgeous colours and a super fit.
I’m all for the one in at least two out but I’ve just bought a vintage dress so gorgeous that I’ve taken ten items out of my wardrobe – I might have to wear it daily for the rest of my life! xxx
I cannot wait to see this dress!
Love the cord pinafore, and you styled it perfectly with the pink top and beret. I am notoriously bad at parting with items in my wardrobe, and would be happy if I succeeded with a one in, one out rule. I usually do a cull at the end of each season but in between I only let go of things I don’t feel anymore. I really need to learn, especially when it comes to my biggest vice, jackets! xxx
My husband and I were just talking coats and jackets today and how much space they take up. It’s not easy when you live in a climate with cold weather.
oooh, I am crazy for this dress and you’ve added even more fab-ness with your accessories. The fit and flare accentuates your great figure.
I do a one-in, one-out usually. Like I just thrifted a navy blazer and I’m moving a blazer out. Small closets help!
Zoe, rock those wrinkles, and show us how it’s done. xoxo
I remember when I had a 3 ft closet for all of my clothes when we lived in downtown Toronto. It certainly does reduce consumption.
Such a pretty dress, and it looks lovely with the blue and pink pastel shades. I really need to use the one in two out rule – I have no more space for clothes!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Yeah, no space is a big cry for reduced consumption. Getting to the point of critical mass isn’t good.
Retro hipster geek, shine your light!! What a fabulous corduroy dress! So pretty and fresh.
I do the same.. while I have a lot of clothes..it still feels manageable..if a bit excessive..
But there are times when I go to resale, and they hope I buy things, because I am small and perhaps no one else will.. and I do feel a pressure of sorts..but I can’t always, in good conscience..continue to buy..
You’ve got game, girlfriend!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
I’m sure you do feel some pressure to buy their small sizes. As a seller I know my super tiny sizes are often difficult to sell.
You are right not to cave in. We only need so much and honestly I think we all surpassed that mark ages ago.
I try to follow the “one in, two out” rule, but sometimes after I donate a bag of clothing I will end up bringing a bag of stuff home with me, so I need to focus on more things going out. The pinafore is a great piece (Zoe coordinates with it perfectly).
It is so hard to not bring home items from the thrift store when there are so many great pieces to be had. My main rule to avoid this now is to ask, “Is this better than what I already own?” This seems to help.
What a sweet look Suzanne! You styled this so well! There seems to be some extra contentment in your expression here!
This corduroy jumper reminds me of one I wore and LOVED when I was around 4 years old. I think it was the first fashion item that actually tickled my budding fashion fancy. It was a soft, pumpkin color and made of pinwale corduroy just like yours.
I like your one in two out rule a lot!!
That is amazing that you remember your outfit so well when you were only 4 years old! It obviously meant something to you.
My photos are always better when I really love what I’m wearing as I do here.
Zoe’s wrinkles are absolutely lovely and she’s stealing the show once more!
You look fabulous in your pinafore dress, so cute in this color combo! and the round bag is a perfect accessory!
I’m taking notes on your wise words, as my wardrobe needs some downsizing!. Brilliant advice (as usual)!!
besos
I’m always upstaged by my dog! Ha!
Dang…that’s a tough rule. I used to be good about one in and one out for my shoes.But I haven’t been as good about it lately.
I did just go through and purge a bag full of things for the consignment store. But it wasn’t easy….I’m afraid I’m becoming my mother. Ugh….
Not only do I love that dress, I love that you paired it with pink. What a lovely color combination for the colder months!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
We are all becoming our Mother’s! It’s just a fact of life. Ha!
Although many people would say I’m totally unlike my Mother as she literally owns and wears about 10 items and I’m not even exaggerating. Her whole wardrobe could fit in one very small carry-on bag.
I was worried about this looking too spring but in the end it just felt cozy.
The dress looks wonderful on you. I love the pairing with the pink and those lace up booties are sweet! I got rid of 3 bags to consignment this year and gave a bag to my sister, so I have been keeping items in my closet that I love and want to wear. I really like this idea instead of adding more “stuff”
Darling bag!
I just bought a pink beret too as I love the look, it suits you!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
That pink beret is going to look great on you Jess. Pink on a redhead is a nice combo. It always makes me think of Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink.
Adorable dress. And good advice on closet-curating. And we never tire of seeing your cute pug.
Good because she loves being the star ; P
I don’t think you will ever whittle your wardrobe! Ha ha, luckely not! You always show the most wonderful clothing!
It is going to take some work for sure! Thanks Nancy : )
its a super sweet dress!
limiting rules for purchases are a very good thing – it prevents us from being buried under STUFF.
i only buy things and clothes that are extremely special for me – if i find something only “pretty/nice to have/cheap” it has to stay at the (thrift)shop/flea market….. sometimes its hard to resist and i often thought about to open up my own shop to justify my purchases – but i´m not a merchant at all 😀
xxxx
Since I opened my shop my opinions about clothing has shifted. Thrifting has become more about work and less about play.
Since I saw that exhibit Anthropocene instead of seeing a pretty dress I often see polluted rivers, lost land and resources and exploited animals and workers. It has changed my view. I see the responsibility that comes with consumption and it is overwhelming.
It is a beautiful pinafore dress, Suzanne. It ‘s very pretty and feminine and I love how you’ve matched the dress with the pastels.
I wish I could take two items out of my wardrobe for every one I introduce, but I struggle at times to take one out! I always feel good when I manage one in one out, though. This is what I aim for but don’t always manage it, I’m sorry to say.
Zoe’s wrinkles are just beautiful!
Hope your week is going well.
xxx
As a woman that thrifts 99.99% of her clothes I’d say you’re already doing quite a bit to save the environment. Rock on.
Your rule is making you very aware of the importance of your possible new addition. You have to “sacrifice” 2 things. Is it worth it?
I am afraid I don’t have any rules. They tend to reign my feeling of freedom. I know, I know, I am rather absurd in my want and need for freedom.
The dress gives you a very happy vibe.
Greetje
You’re still free to make choices. Hopefully they are environmentally sound ones.
We all need to be responsible consumers and this little rule is helping me keep on track.
I just go through my wardrobe from time to time (about 5 times a year) and give clothes, shoes, bags to friends who aren’t as financially well off as I am. That way I am helping the environment and my friends.
Such simple advice Suzanne, but will you be able to stick by it? I tried to put a similar rule in place last year with a one-in-one-out rule, but it fell by the wayside when I did a mega shop on the mainland and just stuffed everything guiltily into my closet as soon as I got home. Well, no-one was watching me were they?
Anyway honey, I totally love this pinafore and am so glad you’ve found your way to keeping it. I so admire your ability to let things go via your shop – I know I’m not strong willed enough. BTW your styling of this is on point as ever!
Have a lovely week.
Anna x
As you wrote Anna you felt guilty. There is a reason for that. We know we are shopping in excess and it is destroying the planet.
I’m not sure what the coral life is like out where you swim but it is being killed off everywhere due to climate change. This is a direct result of pollution from overconsumption. Baby steps towards less consumption is a positive step in the right direction. It’s a process, but everyone needs to face the problem as it isn’t going away.
After I saw Anthropocene I don’t see clothing the same way. Instead of seeing a pretty dress I see pollution, exhausted resources, waste, exploited animals and people. It really has changed my view. I am trying my best to be aware of the impact my habits have on the world. Just that awareness is making it easier to reduce, recycle and reuse. I’m hopeful this will keep me on track.
That outfit is just adorable on you! I love the One In Two Out rule and I’m definitely going to start applying that – such a great idea! What a great photo mate you have – she’s precious!
http://www.voguefauxreal.com
Oh yeah…she’s a diva alright!