Shocking Realisation

Shocking Realisation

I realised something shocking this week. 

Something that caught me so unaware that I had to sit down for a couple of minutes to take it in.

Looking back, it is obviously something that has been building up for many many years but I just couldn’t see it clearly until now.

I suppose I’ve had an inkling every now and then.   More recently, a wave of guilt has passed over me whenever I have indulged another whim… but it has been just as quickly brushed aside and ignored.

But this week, I realised the full extent of it.

It shocked me to my very core.

I do not need anymore clothes.

While pulling options (Rachel Zoe speak) for my upcoming Greek holiday, I happily piled summer dresses, denim skirts, longline tops, t-shirts, tunics, kaftans, linen trousers, shorts, flowery skirts, maxi dresses, tea dresses, tunics, cover ups, vests, maxi skirts, beachwear, swimwear, silk dresses, silk skirts, coloured jeans, kimono jackets, short-sleeved cardigans, sarongs, t-shirt dresses and racer tops onto the bed.

Each item comes in red, green, white, cream, blue, black, hot pink and coral. 

I also have the same collection in a smaller size, which let’s be honest, might as well still have the labels on for as many times as I have been able to squeeze myself into them.

The Greek God(zilla) looked completely horrified at the heap of clothes that could effortlessly satisfy 2 changes a day for about 6-weeks.

“Obviously, I’m not taking ALL of it” I assured him “Now, I need to edit” (and match each outfit up with accessories and shoes)

But secretly, I was just as horrified.

Even minus the summer wardrobe, hangers still fought for space on the rails and clothes bulged out of every available drawer space. 

I counted 17 black dresses (that still fit) in various lengths and styles and I never go out anywhere to wear them. 

Yet I still purchased another black dress last week.  I justified it because it was only £7.99 and would be perfect for my holiday.

In the spare room, there is another cupboard bursting with jackets and shoes.   Another for scarves and bags.

In the loft, there is a suitcase full of clothes that I should take to the charity shop because I have not looked at them for 2 years.

I have jeans that I have held onto for when ‘I slim back into them’ but the last time I wore them was in 2001.  They are bootcut hipster Levis.  I WILL NEVER WEAR THEM AGAIN. 

Why did I think I needed so many clothes?  I am not Carrie Bradshaw, Rachel Zoe or Kate Moss.  Nor do I work in fashion or get papped on a regular basis. 

I am a working mum who lives in the same 4 items every day – skinny jeans, long tunic top, flat shoes and a jacket.  I will maybe go out with friends every other month and will wear skinny jeans, long tunic top, flat shoes and a jacket.

Occassionally, if the sun is out, I might wear a long skirt with a loose fitting top, flat shoes and a jacket.

The last time I was required to wear a ‘special occassion’ dress was probably at my own wedding. 

So why do I have so many of them?

How many times have I bought something because it was in the sale/pretty/I was bored and told myself it would be great for dinner with friends or a Christmas party?

How long was I walking around in a sleep deprived daze for to think that white jeans would ever be a good look on me?

How many times have I met someone for brunch wearing a tea dress?

Then I realised that I have still been clothes shopping for the life (& the body) I used to have.

Finally, I really do not need anymore clothes.

So, answer me this then…

Why can I never find anything to wear? 

You can also find me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @Smudgerella

 

 

24 Comments

  1. August 15, 2012 / 1:12 PM

    made me chuckle my darling. then made me remember that time you packed for cannes…..xxxx

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:44 PM

      Oh yes, I remember! 12 pairs of shoes…? xx

  2. katie
    August 15, 2012 / 1:30 PM

    OMG! am exactly the same, I never have anything to wear yet I have no space in my wardrobe. I also have numerous black dresses and evening wear yet no occasions to wear them. Ahh what are we like….

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:45 PM

      Katie – let’s make an occassion! Pick a night and we will frock up and go somewhere fancy for something bubbly x

  3. August 15, 2012 / 1:35 PM

    Oh wow so it’s not true that we can never have enough shoes, bags and clothes. Just hoping my husband never reads this post! x

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:45 PM

      I still found myself looking longingly in the window of Zara as I walked past earlier but had to remind myself that there is NOTHING LEFT TO BUY!

  4. August 15, 2012 / 1:36 PM

    Because you have to many and you can’t see the trees for the forest, as they say :-). Happy sharing, you’d make the old ladies in a charity shop very happy!!

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:46 PM

      I am thinking charity shop or swishing maybe…

  5. theprgeek
    August 15, 2012 / 1:38 PM

    So, so, so true! And you may go with same skinny jeans, long tunic top, flat shoes and a jacket combo but you always do it fabulously.

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:46 PM

      you are lovely, thank you x

  6. theprgeek
    August 15, 2012 / 1:39 PM

    And you should totally so a shwapping party!

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:46 PM

      Yes, but what would I wear…?!

  7. August 15, 2012 / 1:50 PM

    Totally recognise this. It’s probably got a fancypants pscyhobabble name, but I think it’s something to do with buying the life you wish you had. I find myself buying luxury bath unguents when I have time for a long bath at most once a year, same goes for glossy magazines, most of which remain unread.

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:50 PM

      So true Ellen!

  8. August 15, 2012 / 1:50 PM

    BTW, that doesn’t mean I don’t wash, just that I have a quick shower daily instead!

    • Grenglish
      Author
      August 15, 2012 / 2:50 PM

      Haha, well I didn’t want to say anything 😉

  9. August 15, 2012 / 2:55 PM

    A woman after my own heart. It won’t stop you darling! Top tip – NEVER work out how much you’ve spent – it will probably buy a small house somewhere! x

  10. Kerry Gaffney
    August 15, 2012 / 3:25 PM

    Have a similar problem, I always wear the same thing but I have, what the personal shopper I once splashed out politely called it, a compact wardrobe consisting mainly of jeans and geeky t-shirts All of which reminds me of the day we swapped clothes at the office 😉

  11. August 15, 2012 / 4:13 PM

    My sweet Sarah. Do not feel bad about your closets full of clothes that you bought on a whim and never wear. But if you insist on feeling guilty go through them and make a pile to sell at your local resale store, trust me it is very cathartic. Once you have done that and have the money in your hot little hands…..go directly to Selfridges and buy yourself a DESIGNER handbag 🙂 xoxoxo

  12. Jenn
    August 16, 2012 / 9:13 PM

    Ha ha – only a woman will truly appreciate this post- I feel exactly the same but my staples are : chinos of various colours with best or tank vests of various colours with a cardigan & loafers – its my uniform!

  13. August 20, 2012 / 11:06 AM

    hahaha great post – I never have anything to wear for almost the opposite reason… I’m always having a purge and getting rid of things I don’t like/wear/make me feel bad etc and then I open my wardrobe in despair every day wondering why I have nothing to wear… because I virtually have nothing!!! except of course a dressing gown, PJs, and some gym-wear (which always remains untouched) – none of which constitute acceptable work wear… sigh… I need Gok! xxx

  14. October 2, 2012 / 8:09 PM

    I have lots of clothes but I neeeeed more as I never have anything to wear. I’ve never understood how that can be so but it’s true!

    • Grenglish
      Author
      October 4, 2012 / 5:15 PM

      Same!
      Every day is the same and then I end up rotating the same items over and over!

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