I have a fantastic collection of shoes. I’m not bragging, just stating the facts. I also have a lovely wardrobe of beautiful pants, skirts and dresses. Alas, all of this fashion loveliness stays in the closet about 99% of the time. I’ve come to the realization that, since I don’t have a “real” job, I never enjoy all the dressy clothes I carefully selected and bought over the years. Ditto for the wide variety of pumps and dress shoes in my closet. As Lori and Valerie have pointed out on several occasions, I wear my Frye boots almost daily so why have so many shoes? That’s like asking why the sky is blue. It just is. I’m slowly realizing that what I really need is a good closet cleaning and that’s just what I’m doing today. I’m putting all the sandals in storage, making way for the boot collection, and discarding all the shoes that haven’t been worn in several years (including the black satin flats bought in 1996!). I already feel better and don’t feel the need to go out and buy a bunch more to replace the ones I’m getting rid of. Steve also joined the fun and is working on his own closet. I think it’s just one of those chores that never gets done until someone reaches their nadir and can’t take the mess any more.
Tomorrow I’m going to call local resale shop, [The Review Shoppe](http://www.thereviewshoppe.com/), and see if they need any of my fall/winter shoes. I already have clothes and purses there so I’m hoping they’ll tack the shoes on to my consignment. If you wear a 9 1/2-10 women’s shoe, check them out in the next couple of weeks because I’m predicting they’ll have a terrific selection in those sizes!
But I still have a fashion dilemma. What in the world am I going to do with all my nice clothes? I don’t want to get rid of them because I really want to wear them. Do I get a part-time job just so I can wear them? Do I keep the ones I really love and wear them whenever I can? Do I face facts and realize that my “job” means jeans all the time and special occasions mean shopping for something specific to that event? Suggestions are welcome. And no mom, this isn’t an invitation for you to come over and raid my closet. I’m still not ready to let go.
Pretty Pretty Bang Bang 
Just wear them! If you really love the clothes, let them see the light of day!
Closet purging is all fine and good, but don’t get rid of the things you really like. Make it a point to wear pretty shoes when running errands. Skip the jeans and wear a skirt for no real reason, just because.
At least, that’s what I’ve been doing. 🙂
You should sell them on e-bay! I’ve been selling some of my “work clothes” that are too big or I just don’t have the opportunities to wear. I don’t know what you make from the consignment shop – but I’ve made (in some cases) more than what I’ve paid for the item, i.e. Micheal Kors pants purchased at T.J.Maxx for $19.99 – sold on ebay for $54 – and I’d worn them!!! I’m selling some of my aunt’s high-end designer shoes and clothes and they are going like wild fire! I’ve had so much success that I’ve even bought my own mannequin. If you don’t make much from the Review Shoppe – try ebay!!
Good ideas from both of you! Staci, I think you have a good point that I should wear my “nice” clothes when I’m not in the studio. Maybe this afternoon I’ll run some errands just so I can wear something pretty!
Miriam, I need to call you about the eBay thing. I guess I just go to The Review Shoppe because it doesn’t require any real effort on my part. I’ve never done any eBay selling, but I’m beginning to think I should.
I agree on selling them on ebay, I have sold lots of stuff there and all works fine. But take really good pictures because that is key to selling on ebay.
I have a closet full I need to get rid of but I some how keep avoiding it as well. And these are clothes that don’t even necessarily fit … they’re like from when I was 45 pounds heavier. It’s funny, I just can’t seem to let go and yet I really need the space. But I agree with the previous poster who said you should just wear ’em. If they look good and you enjoy wearing them, then do it. Life’s too short.