Wear Out the Winter

A few years ago, a crazy reality hit me: I had officially lived more of my life here in Florida, than during my Massachusetts upbringing and a LONG time has passed (18 years actually) since I endured a harsh, extended, New England winter. Although, those years are far away in time, the distinct recollection of March's unpredictable elements remains: the mind and body so very ready for spring air and sunshine, yet mother nature with her own agenda. Conversely, Florida provides a more predictable pivot into spring. Although "cool" days are still intermittent, sunshine and temperate weather prevails. Regardless of the region in which you reside, what is consistent, is spring always arrives and brings with it a freshness and rebirth of all that was hidden under winter's cloak. In terms of a mindful wardrobe, March is an opportunity to phase out what we don't want/need in the fresh, clear spring and to let go of what no longer will serve us in the comforts of winter.

Despite living in a sub tropical climate, the love of seasons has never left me and I have tried to preserve a nostalgia in my home and closet as the calendar progresses. In the same way I find joy in changing the scents that fill the home from earthy to floral to fruity to spice, I delight in cycling seasonal clothes. Whether it's the color, material or cut, certain items just aren't suitable all year round. This notion brings us to our first March task to "Wear out the Winter".

As always, I am going to break this process down into easy, digestible steps:

1. CATEGORIZE - Potentially, you completed "The Plan" in my earlier posts (if not, definitely take a look) and have your closet organized into categories. Below are the ones we are going to look at for the winter changeover

• sweaters (duh)

• outerwear

• sweatshirts

• pants

• skirts

• dresses

• shoes

• accessories (mittens, gloves, hats etc)

2. PULL ITEMS OUT BY CATEGORIES - This is not the total closet overhaul, like "The Plan", which is a complete makeover. "Wearing out the Winter" is more of a trim or partial highlight, so it's ok to focus on one category at a time and yes, pull it out. Remember, you don't need to pull ALL your pants out or even ALL your sweaters. We are focusing simply on what you would consider "winter".

Here are two examples:

I have lots of work pants (5- 9 wink, wink), but only two that I would consider "winter": plaid with a wool blend and a deep evergreen color - those would come out.

I also have cardigans of varying lengths and thickness, that I know I will wear all year round because they are functional to cover up in an air conditioned restaurant, take along for travel or layer on a cooler spring evening - those would remain in the closet.

3. SORT - Sound familiar? Time to make some decisions.

Did you wear it this season?

1. No. Evaluate why. Have others in the category you like better? Not sure about the style any more? Doesn't fit? Unless you have some profound explanation as to why you would keep it - toss it (donate, consign, trash) and however you dispose of it, be confident. You went an entire three months (or more) and it was never what you chose, so it no longer serves you and just takes up space. Still struggling to let it go? Try it on, and ask the opinion of a trusted recruit (sister, BFF, hubby) to help seal the deal.

2. Yes. Wonderful! Proceed to #4.

4. ASSESS WEAR AND TEAR

One of my great closet disappointments is when I have a favorite staple or "sparkle" that has seen it's last day. It's like the Velveteen Rabbit - you have loved it so much that its slightly worn and shabby and it's REALLY hard to let go of. Take my blush-colored, perfect knit combination, long sweater for example. Blush is one of my favorite neutral colors and this particular sweater always looks great with a pair of leggings (winter must have). The years of wear became evident this season with a few noticeable pills and a lost crispness. Regrettably, it was time to let it go. I wore it once more on a casual Saturday and then put it in the donation pile. Assess the wear and tear, even on your favorite winter items. Maybe it has a stain, or a snag or has lost it's shape. March is the time to let it go and the good news is, you can prepare to replace it when winter rolls around again (or there is an exceptional end of season sale. Remember, replacing a staple is always an acceptable purchase -Yeah!!!).

5. PACK OR PLACE IT

Now that you have confirmed the items you are keeping it's time to pack or place them. Use these three decisive questions as your guide:

Do I need this for the remainder of the season?

Do I want to wear this again this season?

Am I still unsure whether to keep or toss?

"Yes" to these questions would all lead you to place the items back in the closet. This time create a section just for the remaining winter wear; color code, turn the hangers around and "wear them out" for the remainder of the month. When the elements finally turn (I promise, they will) you are all set to pack up those specific seasonals. Also, if any of your "unsure" items are still turned around, you have another reinforcement to toss it (LET. IT. GO.).

If you said "no" to the above questions. It's simple. Time to pack it away and say "sayonara" until next year.

Clearing the excess opens space in your closet. Clearing space in your closet helps clear your mind. Clearing your mind, leaves an opening for peace and intention with your time. As our journey to intentional, simplistic beauty continues, embrace minimizing and enjoy focusing on the fashion that makes YOU feel fabulous!

***For closet/fashion services contact liliesandlace11@gmail.com

Coming Soon: Spring Capsule Series

• Part 1: Somewhere over the Rainbow

• Part 2: The Pot of Gold