Major wardrobe declutter

I really don’t look forward to getting dressed at the moment, and recently I’ve been wearing some pretty random outfit combinations, that I never would have worn when I worked full time (!) I can never decide what to wear and I end up getting quite frustrated. Plus, as I’m feeding Rufus I am further restricted by practicality. Don’t worry, I do realise that there are FAR bigger problems in the world than Esther deciding what to wear!

Every morning I stand in front of my wardrobe having a conversation with myself: “I can’t wear that because it’s too short to wear with that”, “I can’t wear that because of that”, “I don’t have a vest top to go under that”. It is SUCH a waste of time. I decided to have a massive wardrobe declutter and have been really strict with what to keep and what to throw away. It also occurred to me that I don’t own any basic items. I don’t own a plain black t-shirt, a plain white t-shirt, a nice vest top or a pair of blue jeans. I have nothing to base my outfits around and I need a few more lazy items that I can just shove on and go. When I’m pregnant I tend to stock up on shoes and coats, because shopping for jeans and tops can get quite depressing.

Here is what I did:

– Removed all of the things that need mending.

– Removed all of the hideous tops with tiny holes, immoveable stains on them, stretched or of rubbish quality.

– Removed all the things that don’t fit properly or don’t suit me and listed them on eBay.

– Charity shopped lots of accessories…at times like this I love it when you get charity bags through the door. SO practical.

Since my Uni days I have become much better at buying things that last longer, are more versatile and most importantly good quality. I used to be drawn to fashionable items and cheap items that would lose their shape, or be out of fashion in a few months time. It’s so worth spending money on basic tees if they are going to keep their shape, colour and last.

Removing so many items from my wardrobe has left quite a hole; as in, I actually have spare coat hangers! I’m using the money from selling items on eBay to fund my new ones. So far, I’ve made £71 which doesn’t sound much, but on eBay will get me all sorts.

My tips for buying on eBay:

– Buy things that are new, or have been worn once or twice.

– Save searches so items are much easier to find.

– Only buy items from shops you know fit you.

– Be strict with yourself and stick to your budget.

– Write a list before you start looking, otherwise you’ll get carried away!

– If you really want something ask the seller if they will consider a ‘buy it now’.

– Look for a good deal. The variance in price that the same thing can go for is huge. It is so worth being patient.

– Only buy from sellers with excellent feedback.

Here is my eBay shopping list:

1. Good quality basic tees and vests – starting with grey, black and white. All of which I need. As if I don’t own a plain black tee? I am not buying cheap ones that go short and square after a few washes. Tips people? I’ve heard Gap is good.

2. Jumpers – I have a few thick jumpers, but could do with a couple more. I am loving Cos jumpers at the mo and you can get much cheaper on eBay. The colours are perfect, the quality is great and the shapes are classic. Lightweight sweaters are also on my list. I just bought an Oasis one from eBay for £5. I love the faux leather neckline. The Urban Outfitters ‘Je t’aime’ one was £4, which for some reason I really loved.

3. Blouses – I love a good blouse. They are so useful and fun patterns are easy to find. The button front is practical for feeding, they’re longer than tees; so bending over and moving around isn’t a problem, and they’re not clingy. I love Zara for blouses as they usually have an extra detail on them – always from eBay of course. This one was £3 and had only been worn once.

4. Skinny jeans – Miss Selfridge, H&M and Topshop Leigh jeans are the ones that fit my shape best. I’ve bought three pairs of Leigh jeans in different colours for a total of £36 from eBay. Bargain. Acid wash, indigo and black – they are SO soft and comfortable.

5. A few accessories to keep things fresh. I’m not sure what this will entail yet but I’m keeping my eyes open.

Nothing ground breaking I know, but hoping I will have a core of useful, practical items that will last. We’re going to Centre Parcs in a weeks time, so I’ve also had to do the dreaded swimming costume shop. Thankfully Asos had a keeper and with free postage and free returns it is so practical.

Happy eBaying!

E xx