"Look what I found in my closet, and it still has the tags on it!"
"So, that's where that skirt went!"
Fess up! You know you have made at least one of these statements sometime in your life. It's okay. Happens to us all. It's called wardrobe amnesia.
This weekend I found a dress in a suitcase I had bought (and worn) many, MANY times in London. I pulled it out, and holding it my hands, I blinked a few times and thought "how on EARTH did I forget about this?!"
See, last week I made a very bold statement on the blog, I said "I've never worn any kind of dots..." and featured a blouse that my mother had given me and claimed it "was my first time". Clearly I had thought about the situation and obviously I felt so strongly about it that I shared it here.
But, goodness, what a huge LIE that was! I had worn polka dots. Many times. And I loved that dress. How could I have possibly not remembered I owned this? I just could not understand it.
I wore it in the production of "Sisterly Feelings" in June 2011 (My AmDram days!)
Then dancing at LolliBop with Little M in August 2011
With British celebrity mommy Myleene Klass at the Gurgle Awards in September 2011
Laugh all you want, but wardrobe amnesia is a serious issue among women which doesn't get talked about very often but one that should be more openly discussed.
Right now I am living in a time when budgets are super tight in the Very Busy Familia. Yes, I spend a little here and there, but I'm talking every penny is being counted. I no longer have the disposable income I once had and I have to be extremely careful with my money.
Living with wardrobe amnesia: I forgot I owned this polka dot dress
Dress from a boutique on Chiswick High Road in London & Zahara Necklace from Kristin Biggs Stella & Dot Stylist
Although on this blog it may seem like I'm always out shopping, I'm not. A lot of my looks and clothing come straight from shopping my closet and when I do indulge in some retail therapy, I think about what I am about to purchase at least 10 times before I get it. But this problem, this wardrobe amnesia, is getting progressively worse and it it costing me (and the family) big time.
This is not the first time I have had my memory completely wiped of what I own. Back in January I said I was thinking of "going green" and again claiming I owned nothing of that color. A little rummaging around later and low and behold, out pops my FAVE dark green blazer and a pair of green Chuck Taylors that I have had for years. Unbelievable.
Why does this happen? No need for psychologists and all that nonsense. I'll tell you why...out of sight, out of mind. Simple. If it's not in front of my face, then I'm not remembering I own it. You think I won't happen to you, but it will. It gets us all in the end.
So now, I'm here to tackle my problem head on. And in the spirit of helping others who suffer from the same, I've put together a ten step guide to combating wardrobe amnesia (and save you money!)
Ten Step Guide to Combating Wardrobe Amnesia
1. Admitting you have wardrobe amnesia is the first step. Say it out loud, tell a friend, tweet it. However you feel it best to share. But get it out. Once you acknowledge this, you can quickly move on to resolve the issue.
2. You are NOT alone. Thousands of women (and I suspect men) suffer with the same problem. No need to be ashamed.
3. Tackle the problem the best way possible: music and wine. Seriously, turn up some tunes (or if the kids are sleeping have a silent disco with headphones) and swing open your closet doors.
4. Rummage! Take a deep breath and begin sorting. Have a good look, really get in there! Try things on again and just get re-acquainted with what you own. Work it, work it!
5. Take Inventory. Make piles for your jeans, another for your sweaters, tops, blouses, jackets, blazers, shoes, accessories, bags etc. Get it ALL out!
6. Make style assessments. From the piles, you will quickly see what can be given to charity and what you can still wear. I GUARANTEE you will find something you forgot you owned and that you can still rock.
7. Put together new looks. Grab one item from each pile and create a new outfit. Often times pieces I would never think to wear together have come to life when tackling my wardrobe amnesia in this way.
8. Quick snaps with your smart phone will help jog your memory. Make an album of what you have found before putting back in the closet, especially out of season items (for instance, winter items now) on your phone and label "In my closet". You can quickly refer to it when you feel your style memory fading away.
9. Wear your "new" clothes throughout the next few weeks - really make an effort to wear your new outfits every day. Not only will you have a sense of pride, but you will have that "I just went shopping" feeling that we love so much.
10. Repeat. While you may be feeling super confident and happy with your new found threads, the reality is wardrobe amnesia is for life. You will relapse. However, by following these steps every few months or at the beginning of every season, you will be able to lead a comfortable, stylish and budget friendly life.
How do you deal with wardrobe amnesia? I'd love to hear what you are doing to get through it.
Together we CAN overcome this!
beso
