LC Style: Clear the decks and help others

We're all busy, but this is still the perfect time of year to follow the example of trees and shed that which has outlived its usefulness.

For me, that starts with decluttering my life as much as possible. Spring may be the traditional time for house cleaning, but somehow, fall always seems like a more logical time to go through your closets and sort out what you want to keep and are ready to part with.

There's something about back-to-school season, even if it's practical to wear summer clothes for a few more months, that always makes me want to take a look at my wardrobe, reconsider colors and accessories and decide if this is the year I finally want to give up those last size 7s I've been clinging hopefully to, for too many years.

The argument that clothes I've loved are now out of style never is very successful for me. I've lived long enough to know that everything eventually comes back in style, albeit with a slightly different twist, sometimes. And most of us get more confident with age and experience about defining our own style, issuing ourselves artistic license to transcend conventions (or sometimes even saying to heck with the whole concept).

Still, I realize that there are some things in my wardrobe that I will never have the occasion or inclination to wear again. Cute, very high heels for instance. Things that were uncomfortable and restrictive, even when I had a 22-inch waist and was young and dumb enough to buy into the suffering-for-beauty notion. There are colors that I love on the hanger, but that make me look like an elderly green creature from the black lagoon.

My friend Marilyn, a retired librarian who shares my nostalgia for the classics, recently shared an excellent suggestion.

"Take pictures of things you love but no longer wear or use, then give them away," Marilyn advised.

Wonderful. You can have your memories and share things you love, too.

Another friend, years ago, suggested making notes about possessions that friends and family members admire. Then wrap and give them away for birthday or holiday gifts. I started doing that with holiday decorations years ago and now feel inclined to extend the concept to clothing, household accessories, art, books, kitchen gadgets and even furniture and appliances.

I don't think I'd qualify as a hoarder, but after 15 years in the same place, I'm amazed at how that once-seemingly infinite closet space has filled up.

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LC Style: Clear the decks and help others