Looking Spiffy

(Image courtesy: http://stanthonysf.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/clothes.jpg)

In going through my closet to see what I should keep or discard I realized, once again, I am a very sentimental person. I have a hard time getting rid of things, even clothes, that have a history. I had to accept the fact, with some of the pieces, that they would never be worn again and should therefore be tossed. But, for those harder to toss pieces here are a few ideas for holding onto them just a little bit longer.

This gives some suggestions for reviving the look of worn clothing. There were several good ones, such as changing the length of shirt sleeves or skirt lengths for more modern looks, and having shoes dyed to their original color (or I would suggest a different color too if the current one no longer goes with anything in your wardrobe). Something that I have loved owning is a fabric shaver. I had never heard of such a thing until my dad bought one for us and said it was a must have for every closet. I dare say that he is correct. It certainly revives the look of sweaters that look past their prime due to fuzz.

This article deals strictly with tailoring clothes to get more wear out of them. I liked several of the ideas. Cropping jackets, extending skirts, shortening cardigan sleeves (while using the original cuff) and changing the collar of blouses are just a few that I thought I might actually do.

Another idea (that comes from my sister) for hanging onto the memories without hanging onto the clothing is to cut up the clothes and make a quilt. For a year and a half I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will likely not wear those clothes again, but just seeing them brings back so many memories of amazing people and experiences. No matter what the period of life the clothes come from, making a quilt seems like a great way to preserve the clothes (and relive the memories) without taking up space in the closet.

I think the key is to be creative and think outside the box. If you really love an article of clothing and want to hang on to it, or if you're feeling the need to pinch your pennies but want a new look, then try to look at your clothes differently and you might be surprise at what comes forth!