Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Relationships with clothes

We need clothes, even on a most basic level, just to keep us warm.  Unless you are a Naturist of course, I'm not a Naturist but I have accidentally wandered onto a Naturist beach in the South of France, it turns out learning another language is useful as there were warning signs, albeit very teeny, which I didn't understand which informed tourists of the liberation of the human form ahead.  Nonetheless everyone seemed very happy, it must be lovely getting your nether regions warmed by the sun, but it wasn't for me.  I left in the awkward way you do when you have wandered into a shop where you don't really like their stuff but don't want to appear to rude as you back out.

I digress, my wardrobe is going to be culled.  Cull is a brutal word.  It's appropriate.

I have a weird fear of an empty looking wardrobe, but half of my wardrobe is unused.  I used to think I was really good at culling too, sometimes I suppose I am.  But this one will be tough.  There will be space left.

I don't wear these......but........

my 'Natalie Wood' dress (I do name a lot of my clothes.......is it odd? I don't know hehe)
it's a dress from my honeymoon
It doesn't fit, my boobs are barely contained in it
but it's sentimental
it stays


'Studio 54' dress
it has never really fit me 
sitting down is not an option in it
and I don't really like necklaces
but I like it a lot



This top has no name
it's more of a feeling
it feels like the 20's
and I know it doesn't suit me
but I still like it

The 'Russian Doll' dress
the detail is lovely
I don't wear it


It has lovely sleeves


I love the detail


Detail!!!


This is going to be hard

I have 3 daughters
who want me to keep my clothes

and I know we shouldn't get attached to 'things'
but my clothes are more than that
they don't define me
but they do allow me to express myself

There is a whole lot of sentimentality in my wardrobe
I fear there may be some tears and tantrums!
I will keep the some important pieces for the girls
 but the rest has to go

*Breathe*

I am linking in to Anne at Spy-Girl
'Short over Long'

Have a wonderful week

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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42 comments:

  1. Curtise29 January 2014 at 04:25

    Yeah, it's tricky... We are supposed to know that things don't count for much, and so they don't, if it comes to a toss up between a frock and a loved one! But that doesn't mean we don't invest those things with emotion and value, even of their intrinsic monetary worth is minimal. Sure, it's sentimental, but I think we all do it.
    I have similar dilemmas. My girls have their eye on a few dresses of mine, and I'd like to keep them for that reason, even if I didn't wear them. Imagine; in 25 years time, our wardrobes will be covetable, and our daughters could spend a fortune buying similar items from fancy vintage shops! I like the idea of some things being passed on, and becoming Great-great-Grandma's Honeymoon Dress or Mad Old Great Aunt Curtise's Dancing Frock!
    I name clothes too. And I do think you must keep the Russian Doll dress, and WEAR her! Good luck with your decision-making anyway.
    Laughing at your naturist beach experience. I like being clothed. Most people look better with clothes on - I know I do. Why would I want to inflict my wobbly bits on some poor strangers?! Back away, just back away... xxxx

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:18

      I love that thought! our frocks being played in and being covetable vintage pieces, good call! my naturist experience happened at 18, I still have the image of the tennis playing family in my brain x x x

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  2. mondoagogo29 January 2014 at 05:31

    Have you thought about refashioning some of the things that have sentimental value, so you can use them again? I've turned teeshirts into cushions, trousers into skirts, made bags out of trousers, chopped sleeves off pullovers etc... and all without a sewing machine, I just use a basic running stitch or whip stitch for most projects. The red top looks like it has a nice drape to it.

    btw this is Eloise http://www.eloisewebsite.com/eloisiana.htm :)

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:22

      You must be very creative and talented! I have tried cropping knitwear and I intend to do more but I don't think I could re-fashion the clothes, I just can't! thank you though for the suggestion, and thank you for the compliment with Eloise!! so lovely! x x x

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  3. Melancholy and Menace29 January 2014 at 05:32

    I love all these outfits and the red top really does suit you woman!!

    I have a lot of clothes that don't fit me but I hold on to them because I hope that maybe they will one day.
    I'm terrible like that, but I don't feel guilty about it, because whatever doesn't fit me now, my daughter wears anyway :)

    If you desperately need to have a clear out for the extra closet space, then try selling them and buy one fabulous outfit.
    Or...keep them in the attic for your daughters, they may not wear them now, but trust me in years to come they will and their daughters definitely will.

    I so wish my mother had held on to her old clothes, don't you?

    Have a lovely day xx

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:26

      Yes, definitely! my Mums clothes were amazing, but she has now kept everything from 1983 so the Eldest is happy! I think I'm going for the attic, and the others to the chazza's - your daughter must be delighted though with your clothes! and the red top? I'm torn x x x

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  4. at my dressingtable29 January 2014 at 07:11

    OMG , Sandra I totally agree with what you are saying in this post, the Russian dress I think you should keep btw.
    With love and kisses Les x

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:27

      It's so hard isn't it? I feel they have a life within them! and thank you x x x

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  5. Suzanne29 January 2014 at 07:55

    I am the same way with clothing. It is terrible. At the same time I kick myself for getting rid of items I had years ago because they would be "so perfect" now. Of course at the time I'd gained some weight and was convinced I'd never be any thinner than I was at the time so there was no point in holding onto something that was mocking my lack of discipline.

    If you ever should decide to sell that first dress, put my name on the list. It is a classic.

    That Russian dress looks brilliant on you. Too bad you don't wear it.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:30

      Thank you! you are lovely, I'm going to keep the first and save it for the girls and that's the other difficult area too, getting rid of clothes that you remember and how they would work now! gah! it's so tough x x x

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  6. Sewingadicta29 January 2014 at 08:19

    Oh, dear friend. I know that feeling! I even put my name clothing, each of them has a title. Love that black dress with white lace added, it's wonderful! Maybe you can send it to me, I could restore it for you ... that would be great! I would short sleeves and make it like pencil skirt to adjust it to your silhouette. Then I send it at your home, that would be fun!

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:36

      Oh Rosy, you are just so lovely! I thought long and hard about your sweet offer, I really did!! and it is so tempting!! but, if you don't mind I am going to keep it as it is, I am so touched and honored over your suggestion I truly am x x x

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  7. Betsy Banks Adams29 January 2014 at 08:30

    Gorgeous wardrobe... I'd have a hard time downsizing --if I had all of those pretty clothes. When I worked full-time I had lots of clothes. These days (in retirement) I wear sweats and jeans in winter, shorts and t-shirts in summer ---and that's about all!!!!! ha SO--my wardrobe is small except for all of the tons of t-shirts hubby and I buy when we travel! ha
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:38

      I think you always look lovely Betsy, you and George are the sweetest! x x x

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  8. Connie29 January 2014 at 09:24

    You have so many pretty things. No wonder you want to hold on to them. And heck if you don't look just like a beautiful pink cheeked Russian doll! I name my clothes, too. But unlike your daughters, my daughter begs me to get rid of things. Heaven forbid a mother should embarrass her children!!

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:40

      Thank you Connie and I hear you! I have to attend the Littlest school assembly tomorrow, she has politely asked me not to wear my green cape haha! x x x

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  9. Angels have Red Hair29 January 2014 at 12:20

    I'm the same ... can't bear to let go of anything ... and I don't even have any daughters to covet them. I'll decide "that's it ... I'm cleaning this stuff out" ... then all the what ifs and maybes raise their doubting heads ... and the only thing I end up throwing out is the t-shirt I spilt bleach on and the knickers with no elastic.
    xx

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:45

      How hard is it! but some will be going to the chazza's.......... arg! x x x

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  10. Helga29 January 2014 at 13:35

    Ooo, I love your Natalie Wood frock!
    I don't name my frocks, but there is the most adorable novel called "Fabulous Nobodies" by Lee Tulloch which has a character that does......I recommend it, it's a sweet, fun read!
    I have periods where I get rid of stuff, but long periods in between where I hoard and hoard!!!
    I've been to a few Naturist beaches. They are hilarious, and great for making one feel better about oneself! It's the stretched, dangling ball bags on the old boys that freak me out, though!
    XXX

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:47

      Yes, I saw one with a bum belt and a hat, I seemed to take a lot in that day! I'm intrigued about the book, I'll have a look on Amazon - all your clothes are gorgeous though, how do you do it? x x x

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  11. Louise 29 January 2014 at 16:59

    Your story about the naturist beach is the reason I like to keep a French dictionary or phrase book on me in France! Haha! There was a naturist beach one beach along to one I visited in Royan when I was 13... Luckily we didn't get lost and end up on it because at the time I would have been mortified. Haha! I've got nothing against naturists... I guess it must be nice to lose your habitations and embrace the body as nature intended... but it's not for me. Thank god, because I think I'd catch pneumonia living in cold rainy England! Haha!

    As for the clothes... I think the Russian Doll dress is stunning on you and you should keep that one! Maybe you could store the clothes you're reluctant to part with up in the loft? Your girls might love to wear them when they're older, (I wish my Mum had kept some of her dresses from when she was my age / younger) and in a year or two you might want to wear them again. If not eBay is probably the best place to sell them on... you could make some money for new clothes!! I'd find it so difficult to have a clear out of a wardrobe so beautiful as yours! I'd have difficulty letting go of most of my wardrobe now, too. I use to shop so frivolously, make bad fashion choices, get bored, and get rid of loads a few times a year... now I've learned what suits me and what I like and I couldn't imagine letting it all go. I have too many memories attached to my favourite outfits, and I do sometimes nickname them, too! xx

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:56

      Dictionary and phrase books! great idea! and yes If you are a naturist it's cool, but it's not for me either - I think I'm going to go for the attic/chazza shop combination and put my big girl pants on! you have so many amazing dresses though, it would be too difficult to get rid of any of them! your polka dot dresses (surely not!) and your cute prints, they are gorgeous! I'm attached to them too! x x x

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  12. Unknown29 January 2014 at 18:18

    I feel your pain sister! I know culling our clothes is necessary but it feels like giving away pieces of me. Just think though of the new treasures that you can welcome in that you will both love and wear! By the way, I love your Russian Doll dress. It is beautiful and you look lovely in it. Is there room for you to keep that? XXX

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 16:59

      You are right, it will be new life coming in to the wardrobe (it will be slow pah!) but the goodbyes are so hard (Russian Doll is going in the loft! I have decided!) x x x

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  13. Insomniac's Attic29 January 2014 at 20:06

    Noooooooooo! Don't get rid of the Russian Doll dress, Sandra! It looks fantastic on you!

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:00

      I won't hehe! she's staying but moving to the loft! x x x

      Delete
  14. Val29 January 2014 at 20:10

    I was never one to hang onto clothes once I got tired of them, but I've been surprised how some bloggers really hold onto their clothes for years, even if they don't wear them much. If you have the room, keep the ones you really love. If they were a whim that didn't work out, maybe it's time to cull.

    Keep the honeymoon dress!

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:02

      Yes! she's staying! I used to think I was a great culler too! but this one is proving to be tough, I will do it though x x x

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  15. Sue29 January 2014 at 20:11

    I hate sorting my clothes but once I get started I can be quite ruthless. At least your girls like what you have and want you to keep things, says alot about your style! But what ever you do throw, do not, I repeat, do not toss the Russian Doll dress!! Far to gorgeous to be abandoned and think of the boots and furs you could get to go with it!!

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:07

      Haha! I won't, she's staying and will be in temporary accommodation in the loft! I think it's about getting in the 'zone' and being a little ruthless, it's good...some will stay but some are definitely going gah!!! x x x

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  16. Coco30 January 2014 at 06:34

    Dear Sandra, Natalie Wood is beautiful. Studio 54 is stunning, you can still wear it at a party and never sit down! The 20s dress is adorable too, why don't you wear it? To dress it down you could wear it with a slim long sleeved top, black thick tights and ballerinas or medium heeled ankle booties. I adore you!
    Love,
    Coco
    Coco et La vie en rose
    Coco et La vie en rose on Bloglovin
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    International giveaway - Trendy staple for Spring2014

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:12

      Thank you Coco, I have never thought of wearing a top underneath the red top! what a great idea! oh my goodness, I will try it! I think the other two will be having a lovely rest in the attic though, the red top lives on! you are lovely! x x x

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  17. Monsterchen30 January 2014 at 10:12

    oooh it´s absolutely not odd to name your clothes i do it as well;) especially when i made them, and of course i do have a lot of feelings of them! i can see why you keep the natalie wood dress and the russion doll dress, they are so beautiful!
    love and kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com/

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:15

      Your clothes are so beautiful and perfectly made, I understand why you have feelings for them, they are amazing, and thank you for your lovely words x x x

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  18. LuaBleu30 January 2014 at 12:30

    I like the Studio 54 dress on you & I know what you mean....I should be "culling" too but I have an unhealthy emotional attachment to my dresses! I would find it very hard to get rid of these beauties!
    DeniseAngela

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:17

      Thank you! I have made a mental list of a few so far, some are definitely going in the loft and the others are going to the charity shops, I hope they are loved x x x

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  19. mispapelicos30 January 2014 at 12:35

    I love the 3 dresses. I never thought of naming clothes, ummmmmmmmmmmmm
    I must start with my skirt pronto, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    See what you have done now?
    Adorable ALWAYSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
    Will you be gothic or (come as you want) on Saturday link up?

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:19

      Hehe! I would love to know what you would call your awesome collection of skirts, they would have fabulous names! yes, I'm going to be Gothic for the link up, I'm very excited about it x x x

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  20. his_girl_friday30 January 2014 at 17:03

    I totally give my favorite clothes names too!

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    1. Peaches McGinty30 January 2014 at 17:20

      Yes! I love this! I'd love to know more of their names x x x

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  21. sonia31 January 2014 at 16:05

    well, everything looks great one you but I also love culling my clothes. in fact, if I haven't worn it in a year it's gone. so basically my wardrobe is very small but i love everything in it! xoxo

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  22. Roxanne3 February 2014 at 09:25

    I'm a hoarder, this post made me sad to think you were getting rid of clothes, don't do it!!!! DON'T!!!! I wear everything until it has fallen apart and can no longer be worn anymore! All those clothes look fab on you
    xx

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