To Keep or Not to Keep: That is the Question!

In helping a good friend determine which items to-keep or not-to-keep in her closet, it reminded me you all may need a few pointers...

Real-life example: How many times have you gone through the ritual of trying on the pair of jeans (that have been on the hanger and in your closet for three years, unworn)--saying, as you try to squeeze the button clasp closed as your love handles grow over the belt loops, "I'll work out and fit into these!" Or, "These are my skinny day/week/month/year jeans...?" Honey, by the time you will fit into them, they will be out of style. You probably shouldn't have bought them in the first place, even if they were on the sale rack.

Not to be a "negative Nancy" here, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Reward yourself by buying a NEW, flattering, in-style pair of jeans, after meeting your weight-loss goals. Washes, fabrics, dyes, and leg-opening widths are all trends! Close your eyes and let go, throw those bell-bottoms and low-rise, hip-hugger jeans in the give-away pile!

To-Keep?

• This one is so easy, and short and sweet, just like me! I've heard again and again on the Today show, "If you haven't worn it in a year, throw it out." Which, I don't always believe to be true. For any piece of clothing, try it on, and if it fits and flatters, then keep it, and wear it--and most importantly, feel great in it! If it looks good on you (and obeys my "not-to-keep" rules, below), you shouldn't be afraid to wear, you should want to wear! 

Not-to-Keep?

• Items of clothing have stains on them. Enjoyed one too many french fries at the wine fest? Ended up on your favorite shirt, didn't they? Grease stains are ugly. Stains are unattractive. Period (no pun intended). Put any clothes with stains, in the give-away pile,and save that white silk shirt for a night you're drinking vodka sodas and not red wine.
• Fabrics that are discolored or faded. That black Express dress shirt faded after years of washing and wearing every once a week, 9-5, or, your green swimsuit has seen more sun-filled vacations than I have. Adios!
• Shirts/dresses that are starting to pill. If you start to see little tiny balls forming on your clothing--that piece is down to its last leg. And no, your little battery-operated lint remover won't help. Count down the times you have to wear it left like 3-2-1. (Tip: Wash your cotton and jersey clothing by hand and hang to dry, this will pro-long the life of the garment).
• Items that do NOT, and I repeat, do NOT, flatter your body! As we grow older, our bodies change, and so do fashion trends. Things that flattered in the 1970's, may not flatter as much today. You may have lost 10lbs since 2008. Therefore, your body shape has CHANGED.  If you feel like you look good in it, you DO! If you don't, then give away! (Tip: buy a great pair of straight-leg jeans. These will stick with you--not to you--through thick and thin).