Despite the weather, spring is finally here, and summer will be here before we know it.  You know what that means – time to PURGE!  Before you start updating your spring/summer wardrobe, it is essential to first go through your closet and drawers and get rid of things you don’t really love.  It will make it easier to get dressed each morning, and you will feel better wearing only things that make you smile.

Truth be told:  It is not easy. You are not the only one that has trouble parting with ‘perfectly good’ items that you paid a lot for. But they are doing you ‘no good’ just cluttering up your closet. If you donate, give away, or consign items, someone else might enjoy them, and you  might even make a few dollars!  Here are my personal purge guidelines:

• If you went the whole season and never wore the piece, let it go.
• If it doesn’t fit perfectly – and you aren’t willing to have it tailored – let it go.
• If you don’t like how it  feels, let it go.
• If it is always a challenge to coordinate pieces with it, let it go.
• If you don’t LOVE it, or are just sick of it, let it go.

This goes for everything – dresses, sweaters, shoes, belts, scarves, coats, jackets, jeans, blouses – everything!  And it applies to men just as much  – I’m willing to bet that your guy has a closet full of items he never wears.  (And plenty that he never should wear!)  The process of purging definitely takes time, so allow yourself at least a couple of hours to start.  I recently did ‘Purge #1’ to prepare for spring, but ‘Purge #2’ will be around the corner, delving deeper into the spring/summer clothing.  Here’s what I let go so far:

Red V-neck cashmere sweater from Ann Taylor.  Nothing wrong with it.  I wore it once all season, just doesn’t spark joy.

Navy blazer from JCrew.  Never worn, even though I had the sleeves tailored.  I never should have bought it.  Not my style. The rust colored pants by Theory; tired of the super fitted, skinny leg style.  Bye bye!

Pale yellow cashmere scarf from Nordstrom’s…Burberry, Cole Haan, and funky no-name sunglasses.  Never wear these when I have others that are my favorites. Great to get rid of some accessory clutter…

This BCBG faux leather pencil skirt was no longer sparking joy.  My daughter scooped it up and looks adorable wearing it with sneakers!

And last but not least, this is a fabulous synthetic blend blazer that I also gave to my daughter. While it’s undoubtably a great, versatile piece, I did not love the color/pattern on me.  It looks super cute on her!  (And by the way, this white top I purged many moons ago – not a good style for me, felt like I looked pregnant!)

You might be thinking that it is so wasteful to toss out clothes so easily, that we should be more careful with purchases.  Well, speaking for myself, there are many more items that I don’t toss.  Items that I love, wear for years, pieces that I take very good care of and get lots of use out of.  You never really know if you are going to love something until you own it and wear it, so don’t feel bad!  Make smart choices to the best of your ability and when the time comes – LET IT GO!

CHALLENGE OF THE DAY:  Get rid of three items in your closet before you buy one more thing for spring.