Clothes

When my boyfriend pointed out this past weekend that none of my clothes actually fit me, I immediately thought oh, it must be because I still shop the way I did when i was younger -- buying clothes a little larger so that I would grow into them.  Well, that explanation isn't satisfactory enough for me.  I realize my relationship with clothing isn't always the healthiest.  Here's why:

1) It's really hard for me to part with clothing, any clothing.  This is called the "hoarder's effect."  I've given sentimental value and memories to each article, when in reality, there are better ways to remember those times.  I mean for god's sakes, I still have clothes from the 9th grade.

2) I'm a garbage dump for clothes other people don't want, and this includes my old co-op, and my mother. 

3) I'm a sucker for unique prints, oversized maternity shirts, and anything that doesn't make me look fat.  This explains a lot about my clothing selections I guess.

4) Since high school, my weight has yoyo-ed, which means, clothes that once fit, do not fit anymore, but maybe if my weight fluctuates again, they'll fit again.  I still have this mentality that my body is constantly changing, and I need clothes that can handle those changes (loose, larges)

5) Trends are recycled.  I just feel like three seasons later, some of my old shirts will be back in style again.  It has happened before. 

6)  Berkeley taught me to sourpuss Consumerism.  If you accept the idea that clothes are essentially sunk costs, it is hard to then go to the mall and purchase trendy items, from say Forever21 or H&M, which will last you until the end of the season.   

7) I'm a sucker for thrift shops.  They're cheaper so you can get more clothing for your buck, but then you just end up with a lot of old, worn clothing.

8) Safety pins do not permanently alter a garment.  I use them all the time.  If clothes don't fit me, I make them fit. 

I think the moral of this blog post is I need to not be afraid to clear my life of things that don't fit, and I need to start buying quality items (investments) that last me a long time.