Gemma Cartwright writes...
We're only a few weeks into the new year and I've already bought two vintage dresses, one vintage reproduction dress, two wrap dresses, a shift dress, a fascinator, a pair of high waisted trousers, four tops, a cardigan, a handbag, $80 worth of shapewear and two pairs of boots. In the words of my colleague Laura, I think I've "got a prob."
I know it sounds like a lot. And I'm not helping the cause when I tell you I'm off to Primark tonight to no doubt spend another fifty quid on stuff that won't fit in my wardrobe even though I'm currently trying to convince myself I'm only going for some tights and slippers. But I justify my spends thus far: I was in America. My suitcase was not. I needed 'things'. And as for the vintage dresses...well who was I to turn down a £3 bargain that was not only my favourite colour (green) but also had my favourite vintage touch (30s style flutter sleeves)?
Sadly, the result of all this shopping (no matter how cheap the 'offending' items were) is that my bedroom looks like it's been raided by particularly nasty burglars, with the contents of three suitcases and two wardrobes strewn across the floor waiting to be put into some semblance of order. I'm spring cleaning a few months early, and it's taking me forever.
I'm a terrible clothes hoarder, so this month I've made a deal with myself. At least twenty items of clothing currently loitering in the back of my wardrobe need to be removed and passed on to friends / donated to charity shops before January is out. To do this, I've organised an office clothes swap party. These are not a new idea by any means, but a great way to rid yourself of stuff you don't like and maybe acquire something else you'll wear constantly. Just send round a message urging everyone to raid their wardrobes for all the stuff they never wear, collect it all together on a chosen day, get some wine, nibbles and a suitably cheesy soundtrack, and raid your mates' wardrobes! At the end of the swap, anything left over should be donated to charity and NOT taken back home by whoever donated it!
It's always tough to throw things out - particularly things you shouldn't have bought in the first place, but the truth is if you've not worn it in the last six months, you probably never will. I know I have things I'll never wear again; unflattering drop-waist nautical striped sundresses, mini skirts that are far too short for my 5'7 frame, strappy empire line tops that make me look pregnant...the list goes on. Perhaps, somewhere, there is a woman who'll love my cast-offs?
And just think, all that new-found space allows for more shopping!
