A Time to Clean: Day 19

So, a couple years ago, as I was preparing to go to my first Allume Blog Conference, I decided I really needed some new clothes. I have a habit of buying new clothes for everyone buy myself and the truth was, I wanted to feel confident about myself instead of frumpy. My daughters went shopping with me and they helped me pick out some pretty new clothes.

And you know what? It was the first time in years that I paid more attention to how I felt in the clothes and how they looked on me than the price tag. I did buy things on sale and I found a cheaper version of a pretty scarf I loved at the Dress Barn for only $4.00 a Wal-Mart. So I tried to be smart about the money I was spending.

Okay, so I’m all about saving money. I really hate spending money. I don’t do a lot of shopping and honestly, I’d rather spend my money on my kids. But, it was nice to buy clothes that made me feel confident and pretty.

I’m not saying I’ve never had clothes that made me feel pretty because I have had things in the past that I’ve liked really well. It’s more the difference between liking my clothes well enough and really loving them.

That one shopping trip inspired me to come home and get rid of all those clothes in my closet that I’ve only half loved or than no longer fit. All of them. I decided it was better to have three outfits I absolutely loved than a closet full of clothes that made me feel so-so.

See, I have a habit of shopping ONLY on the clearance racks. There’s nothing wrong with that. Saving money is AWESOME. And as Christians we should be good stewards of our money. But what if I bought one blouse I love on sale for $15.00 instead of three blouses that were just okay for $5.00 each? I’d have less stuff in my closet and will have still spend $15.00. Remember my idea that less really is more? Maybe that could apply to the clothes in your closet too!

So, not only that, but why would I wear clothes that are uncomfortable? My favorite pants {and I know moms every where will agree with me} is my collection comfortable yoga pants. I’m not going to even begin to suggest that at this point in my life I’m actually doing any sort or stretch – although, the thought crosses my mind daily and I really should be getting more exercise! As pounds have crept up on me over the last few years, I often pretend like that’s not happening and still try to squeeze myself into pants that are clearly a size to small. Why?

I love what Shauna Niequist, author of Every Bitter Thing is Sweet,  said at the Allume conference about tight pants. I wish I could quote her exactly, but it was something like, “With everything in my life that’s squeezing me, why would I let my pants join the party?”

That struck me as so profound, and yet so obvious!

I’m not going to suggest you should go throw out all of your clothes and start over. But, I do want you to spend some time during this challenge – take a day or two – and really evaluate your clothing choices. Do you love your wardrobe? Is it ho-hum? Perhaps you can’t afford to go buy a whole new wardrobe in one shopping spree. I can’t either! But what you can do it make a decision to shop wisely, and only purchase things you really love.

[Tweet “3 Tips for a Happier Closet: “]

3 Tips for a Happier Closet

1. Love what you own. Like I said, make sure those things you buy are things you really love and make you feel good.
2. Own what you wear. Don’t feel bad about getting rid of clothes that you no longer wear – even if they are still in good shape! Give them to someone else less fortunate!
3. Save money by buying less. Just because something is on clearance sale does not make it a good deal. Could you save more money by buying less, but better quality items?

What do you think? How do you shop for clothes? Do you struggle with shopping too much, too little?

More Resources

• Dress for Success @ A Virtuous Woman
• The 40 Hanger Closet @ Living Well Spending Less
• 4 Tips for Having a Minimalist Wardrobe @ Money Saving Mom

 Today’s Goal

• Re-evaluate your clothing choices. Do you need to make some changes in how you shop?
• Clean out the closet. Get rid of things you don’t love, no longer wear, or are uncomfortable.
• Pray about making hard decisions – about what things you should keep, preserve, or let go.
• Pick up a journal and write down your thoughts about what He has shown you or print my free prayer journal.
• Choose an area in your home you want to tackle.
• Fill at least one bag or box full of stuff to give away.
• Take a picture of your bag. Share it on Facebook or Instagram – use hashtag #atimetoclean2017 {optional}
• Leave a comment below about what you chose to get rid of and anything else God has laid on your heart.
• Do your best to wake up early tomorrow and spend time in prayer. Use your prayer journal.