Rebuilding my wardrobe

Answering the why's and how's of rebuilding my wardrobe from scratch as well as announcements and resources for you to do it yourself!

After listening to the audio I sent explaining why I am rebuilding my wardrobe from scratch, I realized I omitted some critical reasons for embarking on this emotionally exhaustive but ultimately rewarding experience. While I am finally ready to show you what I bought and how I plan on wearing it, my editor and I think sending this letter explaining what was wrong with my previous clothes and some shopping surprises makes sense before you see what I bought. 

Before reading further, note that I accomplished my goal through practice. Most of you will be unable to achieve your goals because you do not have practice, so consider investing in a trustworthy wardrobe stylist that you can afford. Most people consider paying for a stylist frivolous, but if you choose the right person, you might spend more upfront but save money by avoiding panic buying or other bad shopping habits. This process worked because I have observed myself for two years and more vigorously in the last 12 months! So consider that as you read what I have shared here.

(I will send part 2 of this newsletter that includes outfits and examples for some what I have said here.)

Even if you can’t read this today, scroll till the end of the letter to find a link to an Excel template for documenting your purchases, returns, and wardrobe inventory created by my Virgo client Laura, whom I spoke about last week. Everyone, say “thank you” to Laura in the comments, who enlisted the help of her husband to make this great Excel sheet! If you have suggestions on how to make it better, also leave that in the comments! 

The problems with my old clothes

• Like everyone in the past three years, my life has dramatically changed due to the pandemic. Excited to explore more casual clothes, I flew too close to the sun and eliminated a vital section of my wardrobe: going out clothes. I had little to start with in 2020, but by early 2022, I had eliminated almost all my going-out clothes because I had become entirely uncomfortable with dressing up. 

• I was an obsessive purger and got rid of everything I wasn’t wearing regularly. My obsession with wastefulness and chronic purging banded together like Voltron to eliminate clothes I regret letting go of.

  And it was maddening because these were also the most clothes I had had in a long time, and I didn’t understand why I never had anything to wear for evening outings. You did not want to be around me when it was time to go out.