The "Would I buy this again?" closet cleanse!

[Antonia]

I've often thought about this but never actually tried. After doing a search (attached below) it inspired me. I'm going to give it a try!! It might be similar to the 'spark joy' method. Example: my Louis Vuitton monogram speedy. Although I don't use it everyday, if I parted with it for some reason, it's definitely something I would buy again....so that means I need to keep it. Let me know your thoughts!!

Yes, asking yourself "Would I buy this again?" is a great, simple, and effective way to approach a closet cleanse. It helps you focus on what you genuinely love and use, leading to a more streamlined and functional wardrobe.



Here's why it's a good strategy and how to implement it:



Why it works:

• Focuses on Value and Use:
  This question forces you to consider the practical value and emotional attachment you have to each item, rather than simply holding onto things out of habit or guilt.
  

• Promotes Clarity:
  It helps you identify items that no longer fit your lifestyle, style, or needs, making it easier to let go of things you don't truly need or enjoy.
  
  
• Encourages Ruthlessness:
  If you wouldn't repurchase an item, it's likely a sign that it's time to part ways with it, even if it was once a favorite.
  

How to Implement the "Would I Buy This Again?" Strategy:

1. Prepare Your Closet: Clear out your closet and lay out all your clothes, shoes, and accessories.
   

• Categorize: Group similar items together (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses, shoes).
  
  
• Ask the Question: For each item, ask yourself: "If I didn't own this item, would I go out and buy it again?".
  
  
• Be Honest: Be truthful with yourself. If you wouldn't buy it again, even if it was a good price, consider letting it go.
  
  
• Create Piles: Based on your answers, create piles: "Keep," "Donate/Sell," and "Trash".
  
  
• Be Ruthless: Don't be afraid to get rid of items that no longer serve you.
  
  
• Clean and Organize: Once you've decluttered, clean your closet and organize the remaining items in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle.
  
  
• Reflect: After your closet cleanse, take some time to reflect on your new wardrobe and how it makes you feel.
  

 

[Pollie-Jean]

I find this very helpful and will ask myself this question in the future !
Too much stuff is always an issue
I have once again clearly realized that I actually do not need clothes (with a few exceptions), shoes, jewelry or bags for the rest of my life because my closets are full of high-quality, timeless things .
If I see something I like , I will first check whether I already own something similar and I am pretty sure that I will find what I am looking for, as my taste has consolidated over the years .

 

[papertiger]

I've often thought about this but never actually tried. After doing a search (attached below) it inspired me. I'm going to give it a try!! It might be similar to the 'spark joy' method. Example: my Louis Vuitton monogram speedy. Although I don't use it everyday, if I parted with it for some reason, it's definitely something I would buy again....so that means I need to keep it. Let me know your thoughts!!

Yes, asking yourself "Would I buy this again?" is a great, simple, and effective way to approach a closet cleanse. It helps you focus on what you genuinely love and use, leading to a more streamlined and functional wardrobe.



Here's why it's a good strategy and how to implement it:



Why it works:

• Focuses on Value and Use:
  This question forces you to consider the practical value and emotional attachment you have to each item, rather than simply holding onto things out of habit or guilt.
• 
  
• Promotes Clarity:
  It helps you identify items that no longer fit your lifestyle, style, or needs, making it easier to let go of things you don't truly need or enjoy.
  
  
• 
  
• Encourages Ruthlessness:
  If you wouldn't repurchase an item, it's likely a sign that it's time to part ways with it, even if it was once a favorite.

How to Implement the "Would I Buy This Again?" Strategy:

1. Prepare Your Closet: Clear out your closet and lay out all your clothes, shoes, and accessories.

• 
  
• Categorize: Group similar items together (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses, shoes).
  
  
• 
  
• Ask the Question: For each item, ask yourself: "If I didn't own this item, would I go out and buy it again?".
  
  
• 
  
• Be Honest: Be truthful with yourself. If you wouldn't buy it again, even if it was a good price, consider letting it go.
  
  
• 
  
• Create Piles: Based on your answers, create piles: "Keep," "Donate/Sell," and "Trash".
  
  
• 
  
• Be Ruthless: Don't be afraid to get rid of items that no longer serve you.
  
  
• 
  
• Clean and Organize: Once you've decluttered, clean your closet and organize the remaining items in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle.
  
  
• 
  
• Reflect: After your closet cleanse, take some time to reflect on your new wardrobe and how it makes you feel.

It's a good method for people whose style evolves rather than goes through phases. Especially someone who thinks they are sitting on piles of clothes and accessories they don't like (or don't think they like) and don't where to begin.

If people edited their wardrobes a bit at a time and more often, this grand clearcut wouldn't be so daunting. I think these types of methods are emergency measures (so much 'stuff' - nothing to wear).

I'm a little uncomfortable with the word 'trash'. Most people can recycle, even worn-out clothes or broken things.

"Be ruthless" when dealing with problems the person themselves has probably caused is a bit harsh. I would prefer "let it go".The action is the same but just in the same way 'purge' follows 'binge', 'ruthless' often follows 'lax'. Better to stay moderate on what is a common issue.

I don't really buy for trends, so of I like something and it was good enough quality to invest in, I tend to like it and want it forever.

The problem would be too, if you were to want to buy anything again, would you still be able to afford it and would it still be available (at least new)? Prices have sky-rocketed.

Most looks are a matter of styling (or restyling) so I think a person should also be aware it may be how they wear something and not actually what it is.

My more shopping from my closet, earth-bound questions would be:

I would also ask myself to find much loved, working comparisons to gage because very often if I asked "would I buy this again" the answer would be "it depends".

Pieces:
Does it (still) fit? - What fits better?
Do I like the colour (and/or does it look good)? What do I have in a colour I love and look great in?
Do I like the fabric? Which fabrics work well for me?
Does it need repairing and will it be worth it? What/when was the last time I repaired something and did it work out?
Can I maintain it at not too much time/expense? What/when was the last time I specialist cleaned something and did it work out?

Style:
What would I have to also have/buy to make it work (and would it be worth investing in those pieces or should I let it go)?
Why do I have so many 'x'? Am I wearing them or just collecting? (Why don't I just keep the best and ditch the rest)?
How can I see more of my things so I don't forget about them?

 

[Antonia]

I do think my style has evolved especially after I started following Tibi on Instagram. During the pandemic, I would binge watch all of the style classes and learned so much from Amy. I fell in love with the clothes and the shapes of the clothes and learned how to style them different ways-things I never thought of before. I'm trying to learn from my mistakes and this method makes the most sense for me-I think it will keep me from buying into 'trends' which I've fallen victim to over and over. Another example of this is I bought a Marni wool coat from TRR, not so much because I was in love with it but it was only $150. I'm not in love with it and I need to stop doing that. So, I guess another good question to ask yourself is 'if this wasn't on sale, would I still buy it and pay full price?' If the answer is no, then forget about it.

 

[papertiger]

Another example of this is I bought a Marni wool coat from TRR, not so much because I was in love with it but it was only $150. I'm not in love with it and I need to stop doing that. So, I guess another good question to ask yourself is 'if this wasn't on sale, would I still buy it and pay full price?' If the answer is no, then forget about it.

I 100% agree with this. So many people will relate. Even in sales of our go-to favourite brands.

The only things I've bought in sales since I can remember are either things I couldn't afford full price, things I thought were fabulous but not quite worth the set-price, or things I've liked so much, I've bought another at a reduced price so I have a spare.

The easiest things for me to let go are
a) Things I've used relentlessly - because I feel like it's done its job.
b) Things I've never used (and never will)- because I am not attached.

 

[poleneinblack]

I did a big decluttering/downsizing of my bag collection and I used this too! I got rid of a lot of styles that I no longer cared to use or keep, and I cut my number of bags from 30+ to 12.

The questions I used were:

1. Would I buy this again?
2. Would I replace this immediately if I lost it?
3. If I was in an emergency, would I save this bag?

 

[Antonia]

I did a big decluttering/downsizing of my bag collection and I used this too! I got rid of a lot of styles that I no longer cared to use or keep, and I cut my number of bags from 30+ to 12.

The questions I used were:

1. Would I buy this again?
2. Would I replace this immediately if I lost it?
3. If I was in an emergency, would I save this bag?

That's amazing!!! That's a huge reduction! Proof that it works!!

 

[poleneinblack]

That's amazing!!! That's a huge reduction! Proof that it works!!

I think this decluttering was also sparked by my recent life changes. With everyone stressing over money and my baby, I want to carry fuss-free bags. That means bags I use comfortably and love, but also getting rid of more expensive bags. I could use the money and I don't want to deal with the hassle of worrying about a nicer bag. I got rid of all my flap bags and single function bags, as well as the monogram designs. I definitely feel freer and more comfortable with a more curated collection.

 

[snibor]

I've often thought about this but never actually tried. After doing a search (attached below) it inspired me. I'm going to give it a try!! It might be similar to the 'spark joy' method. Example: my Louis Vuitton monogram speedy. Although I don't use it everyday, if I parted with it for some reason, it's definitely something I would buy again....so that means I need to keep it. Let me know your thoughts!!

Yes, asking yourself "Would I buy this again?" is a great, simple, and effective way to approach a closet cleanse. It helps you focus on what you genuinely love and use, leading to a more streamlined and functional wardrobe.



Here's why it's a good strategy and how to implement it:



Why it works:

• Focuses on Value and Use:
  This question forces you to consider the practical value and emotional attachment you have to each item, rather than simply holding onto things out of habit or guilt.
• 
  
• Promotes Clarity:
  It helps you identify items that no longer fit your lifestyle, style, or needs, making it easier to let go of things you don't truly need or enjoy.
  
  
• 
  
• Encourages Ruthlessness:
  If you wouldn't repurchase an item, it's likely a sign that it's time to part ways with it, even if it was once a favorite.

How to Implement the "Would I Buy This Again?" Strategy:

1. Prepare Your Closet: Clear out your closet and lay out all your clothes, shoes, and accessories.

• 
  
• Categorize: Group similar items together (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses, shoes).
  
  
• 
  
• Ask the Question: For each item, ask yourself: "If I didn't own this item, would I go out and buy it again?".
  
  
• 
  
• Be Honest: Be truthful with yourself. If you wouldn't buy it again, even if it was a good price, consider letting it go.
  
  
• 
  
• Create Piles: Based on your answers, create piles: "Keep," "Donate/Sell," and "Trash".
  
  
• 
  
• Be Ruthless: Don't be afraid to get rid of items that no longer serve you.
  
  
• 
  
• Clean and Organize: Once you've decluttered, clean your closet and organize the remaining items in a way that makes sense for your lifestyle.
  
  
• 
  
• Reflect: After your closet cleanse, take some time to reflect on your new wardrobe and how it makes you feel.

I like this. But here’s my question. Should we assume we have all the financial resources to repurchase? Many of my bags (if still available) have gone up a lot in price. I’m a little more mindful right now about prices. So I might not want to repurchase certain things, knowing the current cost. Or do you think it’s just a feeling…like if I had all the $ in the world, would I buy again?

 

[Antonia]

I like this. But here’s my question. Should we assume we have all the financial resources to repurchase? Many of my bags (if still available) have gone up a lot in price. I’m a little more mindful right now about prices. So I might not want to repurchase certain things, knowing the current cost. Or do you think it’s just a feeling…like if I had all the $ in the world, would I buy again?

That's a great question! Either/or but I suppose just assume that we would all have the money in the world.

 

[foxgal]

I do think my style has evolved especially after I started following Tibi on Instagram. During the pandemic, I would binge watch all of the style classes and learned so much from Amy. I fell in love with the clothes and the shapes of the clothes and learned how to style them different ways-things I never thought of before. I'm trying to learn from my mistakes and this method makes the most sense for me-I think it will keep me from buying into 'trends' which I've fallen victim to over and over. Another example of this is I bought a Marni wool coat from TRR, not so much because I was in love with it but it was only $150. I'm not in love with it and I need to stop doing that. So, I guess another good question to ask yourself is 'if this wasn't on sale, would I still buy it and pay full price?' If the answer is no, then forget about it.

Thanks for introducing me to Tibi's style classes on IG!

I can SO relate to buying things because they're on sale, and it gets me in trouble over and over I have to keep the mantra of "Would I buy this at full price?" in my head.

Also "Would I buy this again?" is one I have to keep in mind because I'm often too quick to let things go that I don't feel I'm getting enough use out of. I sold my vintage LV Speedy 25 because I could realize a good profit and didn't think I'd use it much in the future but now feeling like I could buy it again....proof that I should have asked that question and thought about it seriously BEFORE passing it along. Argh!