The Closet Cleanout Challenge

I am a self-proclaimed bargain fanatic.

Truly, is there any thrill greater than receiving a compliment on something, and then declaring to everyone around you how cheap it actually was?!

But in this lifetime frenzy of trying to find the most things at the lowest price, I’ve often sacrificed quality, common sense, and valuable closet real estate in exchange for a handful of $4 sequin dresses I’ll never actually wear because the zippers are missing.

Like many people, I sort of got enthralled last year with this whole idea of capsule wardrobes, minimalism and pairing down. And while I had no desire to take on the whole “lifestyle”, I knew there had to be something to getting down to the root of who I really am – finding out why I spend like I spend and dress like I dress, and the message I want to communicate to the world through what I wear.

And because I’m me, I wanted to do it on a virtually non-existent, shoestring budget.

this year, the challenge is to simplify my closet.

The rules are as follows:

1. No shopping for new clothes

2. I want to build the perfect closet from the things I already own.

3. For a little extra pizzaz, I boxed up everything I own except my favorite 14 items

4. Every weekend since January I’ve been reintroducing one piece back in that I’ve been wanting/missing

5. I’m keeping a running tab of what I’m finding I’ll really need to purchase eventually.

The hopeful end result?

A 66-piece “perfect closet” by December

I’m trying to stop shopping and consuming, and get down to the absolute essentials of what I need and love.

Ever thought about doing the same?

It’s never the wrong time to start fresh, to look at what you already have through new eyes. If you’re in need of a closet clean out, you should join me!