” Try not to make mistakes when you buy. Do not buy for the sake of decluttering if it doesn’t work out. Only buy garments you are sure about and are comfortable saying “I love it”. Anything less, is to be walked away from.

Get punished a little for making mistakes. Else, there is no incentive to not make them. Wear things you want to declutter, 30 more times.

Do not use the words ‘get rid’. Words matter. Clothes are to be revered and treasured. We do not get rid of them or throw them away. There is no ‘away’ when they leave my home. One’s waste is everyones to bear.

Do not increase the number of coat hangers in the closet. Do not declutter more than 2 garments at a time.

Do not let go of things that are usable. Find a way to use them up.

As a last resort, let go in a way that it goes into the hands of someone who desires it and wants it for real. Or else, it’s your burden to bear. “

– Neela.

Witten above is my default policy on decluttering. At the end of every season, I do a mini closet clean out before I switch out the seasonal clothes. Wouldn’t it be interesting to keep a record of things that I let go ? Perhaps I can look back in 10 years and see the trail of clothes that I have discarded ? Perhaps there are lessons to be learn in this exercise ? So here we go :

What : Canvas Sneakers by Bensimon. I bought them when I lived in California to add a splash of pink to my blues. They eventually became gardening/yard shoes. There is no yard work in my next 2-3 years for sure.

Why : I can only wear them on the weekends. And there are too many other shoes competing for the spot.

How : I listed them on my local craigslist for free. A young kid + her mother came down and picked them up.

Where : Sold them from my apartment.

When : This Saturday morning.

What : Steven Alan shirt dress. The cotton is GOTS certified. It is made in the New York garment district. This was my first ever ethical fashion purchase 6 years ago. I remember everything about it : the first time I laid eyes on it, sleeping on it, the wanting of it, the haunting of it, the price sticker shock, how poor I felt after the money left my bank account, the first time I wore it, the time I wore it on my birthday, the time I wore it on a hike, the time I wore it when I first met M, the way it hangs when I line dry, ….. I love this garment. It has definitely hit 100+ wears.

Why : Now, it feels a little too young for me. It’s not work appropriate. It’s not getting worn as much lately. Such a beautiful dress should not live its life as my lounge garment. I want it to be worn by someone else who will adore it like I do.

How : I want to offer it to folks I know first and only resort to selling/giving it away if no one wants it. If you are interested in the garment, do comment/send me an Instagram DM. Shoulder to shoulder : 16 inches. Bust: 18 inches. Waist : 18 inches. Hip: 20 inches. Length : 33 inches. Make me a small offer and it’s yours.

Where : Blog/Instagram.

When : Right now.

Status : Sold.

What : Second hand Eileen Fisher linen tunic.

Why : I got it for my mom before her visit to America last year. She did not like it. I sometimes wear it at home as a jacket but I own these vintage kimonos for lounge that get worn more. It needs more love in the form of wear.

How : I took it to a clothing swap and it got picked up. A clothing swap is such an interesting experience. It got all these women who are interested in sustainable fashion into one yard. I made a friend.

Where : A church yard.

When : Last week.