simplifying my closet/style

[bonjourmama]

I need basics. Things I can wear everyday. Maybe in different colors. Right now I am getting rid of too much stuff that I can only wear once in a while. 

I am eliminating ALL clothes from my closet that don't fit anymore. What do you do with maternity clothes? How do you store yours without being in a space consuming card board box?

Also, I like things like tunics, flowy pants, and skirts. But I need basic ones. Where do I buy such things? I don't like the quality of target and often times I find it hard to find thrift buys that fit properly because I have a large bust. 

We have a tiny closet and I have got to downsize. I am sad to give away my vintage dresses and it is a bit hard to let go of a style that I thought defined my outward appearance. Did you have a hard time with this? Since being a mom I just don't care to look "different". Now I just want to look pretty and light. 

[doubledutch]

ooh, i think it's really cool that you have your style and a sort of "uniform" nailed down.  that's a good place to start - i wish i could tell you where to find what you're looking for, but i don't know.  i'm sure someone will (or you could post that specific question in TAO).

with saving maternity clothes, i'm really picky about that . . . i probably saved five or less pieces of maternity clothing, because after ds2 was born i knew i didn't want to conceive again any time super soon (now he's 4yo and i'm single, yet not ready to for sure be "done" as i'm only 30).  i also received tons of maternity clothes from sil and a friend, and bought them on clearance at old navy for $10 or less.  therefore i figured if/when i get pregnant again, it's easy to replace that stuff.  that rambling thought aside, once you have a stash that you know you really want to keep, you can get one of those bags that you zip it all into, and then suck the air out with a vacuum.  they really do compress way down!

with your special vintage dresses that are hard to say goodbye to, you might be happier finding a specific person for them, rather than donating.  you could post them on craigslist or something, if you don't know personally know someone who'd want them.  i am fine donating, because i figure that way someone will be putting my things to good use rather than me just storing them.  however i can totally understand being bummed about letting those go.  do you have a picture of yourself from that time that really captures your style?  if so, maybe displaying that somewhere would help you feel like that aspect of your persona is still around.

[Momsteader]

I would look places like Etsy or Hyena Cart.com  You can work directly with the designer and get a quality item that will last and you'll love :)

Maternity stuff, I always gave most of mine away to friends who needed, and they always gave back when I needed. So, I got some of mine, and a few new pieces too.  Like PP, I kept maybe 5 or 6 things (mostly jeans/bottoms as I am tall and it's hard to find them to fit properly!). And then just filled in from clearance/friends loaners when I needed them again.

[bonjourmama]

Oooh, vacuum bags! I hadn't thought of that! I had a lot of maternity handed down too, but I love everything because being pregnant was such a fun and beautiful time! I think I will bag 'em up.

Really good, albeit funny, idea to frame a pic of myself in my favorite outfit! My hubby would think I am a nut, as he has never understood why one would want to wear outdated clothing to begin with 

Hyena Cart is sweet, I had never been exposed to that yet. 

Thanks Mamas, for the ideas. 

[Tjej]

J. Jill might have the style you want.

Tjej

[Ruthie's momma]

I agree with the J Jill suggestion.  Your wardrobe-to-be sounds like my own.  I like to get my shoes from Nordstrom.