2 Years Retired! Closet Clean Out - Purses, Hats, and Clothes

[@jmerylashmore5866]

Am I the only one who styles a "new to me" outfit from my closet and I take a picture...it really helps me to objectively see whether it's working for me or not...haven't seen anyone else suggest this, perhaps it'll help you &/or your viewers. I'm 60 & have been retired for 2 years as well! Thanks for sharing your content and for being transparent...so refreshing!

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh great idea!! I may mention that in a video if you don't mind 😊

[@lalablotz7348]

That’s a fantastic idea. I will try it too. 58 retired 2 years as well. Loving it 🩷

[@grammyet]

It is interesting how we leave work to retire but it doesn't all end in our mind that day. It does take at least a year or more to switch gears. It was such a relief when I finally cleaned my work clothes out of my closet and got rid of the bags and shoes. I am down to two purses now, a light airy straw that I love for summer and a lovely leather Fossil tote for cold weather. I have a little brown leather cross body bag that I can toss in either, wear on it's own if I don't need a large bag and be ready to go. It is basically a wallet on a strap. My closet now holds simple, basic design casuals that I can accessorize or layer to make them smarter if needed. Once you are fully in the mind set of being retired, those formalish occasions are few and far between. Simplicity in clothing means less fuss for care and laundry. PS: I love that you kept the little tucked away corner to commemorate your past and tell your story.😊

[@lifeandflowers245]

So interesting! It has taken me a while, and even now when I talk about my last job, I notice I still want to say "we" rather than "they". I waited about a year to go through the clothes the first time to give myself some time and to try to re-think them. Once I did, I found that I did not want to wear those clothes I wore to work everyday! They just didn't feel right anymore. I wondered if people would think I was odd with my little corner but I do love it. I'm glad it came across ok 😊 Thank you for watching and for your comment.

[@lorismith5369]

@@lifeandflowers245 I love your little corner . It made me smile ! 🦋🌸

[@dianeschenkelberg8270]

I'm one of those who has uses the same handbag for 3-6 months. If I switch over too often, things get left out or lost. Right now I'm using a very small bag and I love it. I'm surprised at the wallet collection you have. I have a zippered card case with an emergency $20 folded in the last card slot. No wallet. The card case fits into my handbag with my car/house keys, my phone, chapstick and small kleenex packet. That's is really all I need when I'm out and about. I'm looking forward to the next video of this series. And no, it wasn't too long. I'm glad you explain your reasons for keeping or getting rid of items.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I had one of those wallets for about 20 years! I tried to not use a wallet but ended up going back to it. I am trying to use a small bag now too. I have two small cross body bags that seem to be working well. My shoulders are tired of heavy bags! I am glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching and commenting 🌸

[@ambsat]

Hi, (sorry, forgot your name), just discovered you last month & so enjoy your videos & relate to you in many ways. I was the one who commented on those Michael Kors sandals! Lol...😆 So glad you decided to enjoy them & style them anew for your new life. I still see those as being suitable to who you seem to be, from what I've watched, and you say you still LOVE them & they're comfortable! So why not! I'm retired 4 years, always decluttering, redefining my look, same reasons you give. I have similar tastes, & style as you seem to. I was always the artsy, bohemian romantic (one side of me), as well as classic tastes for those occasions/moods too. I've noticed we just have to "sophisticate" (as my dear mom used to say) our look. What looked artsy, boho at 20, can look goofy at 50-60 and up! So we just need to do them in a more grownup, classy way...maybe a boho print, but a sophisticated style, with "good" accessories. Sometimes better quality, not "disposable" fashion. Or just a boho detail, accessory. You can be a grown up free spirit without looking like 1970's Stevie Nicks, who we all wanted to be! You'll know how, I can tell. Got more to say, but ending here, maybe do another comment..sometimes YT randomly takes down my comments...maybe too long?

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh cool! I hoped you would see this video and know your comment changed my mind 😊 My name is Ave' (like the song Ave Maria if you have heard it). I don't use my name much but maybe I should. I love your comment! I can relate to it and love your mom's advice to "sophisticate" a look, so perfect. It's so funny I was recently wondering how to sophisticate (as your mom would say) my boho style. Haha I used to name some of my clothes "my Stevie Nicks" this or that. Not sure why KZbin would take down your comments but I sure appreciate them!

[@kimhanback1302]

@@ambsat I love your Mom's 'Sophisticate my look' and is very appropriate for me. I'm 60 and retired for medical reasons about 2 years ago. I tend to declutter my closet every season. I've got my wardrobe down to what I like but I may get rid of anything that still doesn't work for me anymore. I've started to declutter thru my summer things that I didn't wear this summer. I'll keep them till spring and donate those items then. I loved the boho style when I was in my teens and 20's and maybe into my early 30's. But at 60, it would look stupid on me. I miss it though.

[@cocoa7782]

About 85% of the stuff in my closet is thrifted. Vintage clothes are made better and fit me better. I enjoy your videos.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I love thrifting and also find that thrifted clothes often fit me better and are better quality!

[@thermalhill]

I love that green hat on you! There’s definitely something big/worthy of exploring about one’s clothing at midlife/post retirement. I’m coming up on my four year retirement anniversary. Still evolving my wardrobe.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I agree and am having more fun with it than I ever expected!

[@GillianKempster-u5d]

Hello.I’m new to your channel. Your comment about finding what to wear makes us feel like ourselves is so true. These days so many people wear the same things and it’s all you see on KZbin channels. The lovely white/cream blouse you showed with gorgeous.sleeves would look great with a fantastic pair of jeans and kitten heels. Great video,and you have inspired me to get going with my wardrobe. It definitely needs it. Thank you. Xx

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you for your comment! I share your sentiment of feeling like things all look the same. We are more diverse and wonderful than that! Thanks for the idea for the blouse!

[@animalrescuegeek]

Fresca and Tab. I lived on it in my teens and early twenties. Thank you for these videos. I am looking for retire next year and have been getting rid of so much already. Since covid the office has gone casual. Now trying to find some key items to invest in my new post office wardrobe. Most will be active wear as I will be able to spend more time at the gym and hiking. Take care-Sue in MI

[@bnbtemple5936]

You tube recommended your channel, and I'm so glad! Love how your quite upbeat personality comes across and so enjoy your thought process verbalization! Tho many years retired and constantly, it seems, teducing my closet, just cannot seem to ket go of the fancier clothes Iwore in another, more formal life. Hints would definitely be appreciated! In meantime, please continue your great content. So enjoyable.

[@lifeandflowers245]

@@bnbtemple5936 I am so glad! Welcome! And thank you. I wanted to do something fun for ladies in our time of life 😊🌸 I have had similar comments about it being hard to let go of ice clothes. I will give that some thought.

[@enatp6448]

Did the purse purge, did the black and gray sweater purge. Holy cow! I can't believe how many black sweaters I had. Totally inspired by the idea of getting in touch with the post retirement style. There's a KZbinr who is great at explaining how to deal with a shorter frame, shorter legs, and getting away from frumpy "petite dressing". Thanks for another fun video!

[@lifeandflowers245]

Haha I had so many black sweaters too and black pants. Yikes! I would like to look for that KZbinr...

[@nikij.6058]

Yes, Fresca! Just had some at a to go restaurant! So refreshing! I have no big wallets anymore. Just carry a small card carrier with a place for a few coins and bills. Very minimal and love it!

[@lifeandflowers245]

It is so nice not to have a heavy wallet and purse!

[@smallretiredlife]

I just commented on one of your older videos…I think just after you retired. You look so much more relaxed in this one! Retirement is awesome!

[@lifeandflowers245]

@@smallretiredlife I agree it is awesome! And I am more relaxed!

[@marianne7122]

Awesome job. It's hard work to clear out a closet and you were clear-headed and resolute.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Aw thank you!

[@lb8822]

I am so happy i found your channel. Thanks for sharing.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh yay! I am too 😊

[@patriciafay-f9l]

I am approaching two years retired and did a big declutter and some small ones along the way. I am definitely ready to go through and purge out the yesterday items This has been like peeling an onion and I am ready to reveal a fresh layer Thanks for your inspiring video

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you! It is like peeling an onion, life has layers 😊

[@Pubslife]

Wow u really look great in hats!

[@lifeandflowers245]

Aw thanks! Love your sunflower 🌻

[@elainemeyer3076]

Thank you for making this videos and sharing your thought process and reasoning. I haven't retired, however, I did transition careers and no longer need some of the clothes I have half onto for "just in case" moments. I haven't had any of those in three years. Soooo, time to say goodbye to those clothing items.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Letting go of things from the past that I wasn't using, really did help me make room for my life now 🌹Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@lalablotz7348]

Ooo saying something feels like yesterday hits the nail on the head! So helpful. Thank you!

[@Flora-bf2zd]

Hi there - One thing I have learned in all these years is that I do not need very much in the way of clothes except those that are timeless and reflect who I am. I am 77 yrs old and my clothes were kept for a lot of wrong reasons like they were name brands, expensive, designer - so sometimes kept for the wrong reason. How I feel in an outfit and how I feel about it is now a better criteria for me to follow, thanks to your example

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! It's true, besides keeping us warm etc. It boils down to how they make us feel in them!

[@joannanangle4876]

V necks the best

[@cathoxfordshire]

How funny this came on my feed, as I went through all my jumpers, t-shirts, long sleeved, 3/4 length, short sleeve and vests. Purged for fabric recycling, as my local council in the UK do this 😊, everything which had seen better days. Now have the space for new one's, and won't feel guilty for buying new. New subbie. Happy Days ❤

[@lifeandflowers245]

So glad it came across your feed! I wish we had fabric recycling! We probably do but every time I look I seem to just go round and round. I would so much rather recycle than throw away when things are just worn out. Thank you for subscribing!

[@sylviearsenault2674]

Thank you for this video. I also retired about 2 yrs ago (office work) and I’m still having a hard time getting rid of my professional cloths, shoes, bags, etc… It feels like I’m « getting rid of my old life ». Anyway, I really enjoyed your video, it is very helpful. 😊❤

[@lifeandflowers245]

I understand. I think I mention it in another video but can't remember which one. There is a sense of loss when we retire or have a big change. I definitely felt/feel it. I tell myself that those "selves" are still with me and will always be a part of me even if I add another layer on top. ❤️

[@vivianhudacek1556]

I retired almost 13 years ago, & I definitely understand what you mean. I’ve had a hard time getting rid of relics from my previous life as a college teacher. A truly hard part was getting rid of books & teaching materials, though I’ve done fairly well there with more to go. I’ve finally made peace with not needing those things any longer. Getting rid of clothes has been harder, but this morning, I pulled 42 items to put in a consignment sale later this month. It felt liberating. I have more to do, but at least I got started, the hardest part. Good luck!

[@dise2716]

I’m so glad you kept those beautiful Michael Kors shoes. I have a pair of Seychelles that I love but may never wear again because the heels are so high. I take them out every now and then just to prove to myself that I can still walk in them. 🤣 I’m retired and about your age. I hear so much truth in your videos and a lot of it hits close to home.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I am so glad the videos are relatable! I am glad I kept the shoes too. Who knows, maybe we will have an event where we only have to walk a short way then just have to sit 👠 😆

[@lorismith5369]

Ditto! 🦋🌸

[@annettejenkins1134]

TAB was my favorite soft drink!!! I miss it so much. Love Fresca too. I still buy Fresca.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I looked for Tab today but did not see it. I loved it too ☺️

[@lorismith5369]

REMEMBER AND LOVE FRESCA! New sub…hello from TN 🦋🌸

[@lifeandflowers245]

Hello! Welcome!

[@heatherlynnh]

So inspirational! I like that you say “it doesn’t feel like me, and I’m going to find something else that feels like me”. That is a good thing to think about when decluttering clothes! I have so much that isn’t me…it’s time to let it go!

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you! Once I started thinking of my clothes in those terms it has made it so much easier to part with things I wasn't wearing anyway and make room for something new. ✨

[@RachelBrooks-zp3on]

Yes, I enjoyed the video. I also retired 2 years ago. I want to downsize my wardrobe but get overwhelmed just thinking about it.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video! I understand feeling overwhelmed. You don't have to take everything out like I did for the video. I actually started by just taking out some easy decision pieces. Little by little works too. ☺️

[@KKinTex-p9i]

I remember Fresca! I used to love it but haven't had one in years and years. Fun memory!

[@lifeandflowers245]

It's still good! I'm glad it was a fun memory, it was for me!

[@briangenny8670]

I love that you have a display of things showing your growth as a woman, Thankyou for your vlog.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh good! I like it but hoped it wouldn't seem odd. Thank you for watching.

[@DC-pr2bq]

I don't drink much soda, but when I saw Fresca again at the grocery store, I stocked up. So refreshing.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I felt the same way!

[@janetmurphy9378]

This was a great video, and not too long.thank you

[@lifeandflowers245]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bonnielemmon8493]

I thoroughly enjoyed the video and it was not too long. Cleaning and declutterring are my favorite things to do. I go through my clothes at the end of each season and then put the next seasons clothes out. Isn’t it a great feeling to look in a closet or cupboard and have the satisfaction of it being organized. Oh yes I do remember Tab and Fresca. I hope you will continue the declutterring videos, it’s a great incentive. Have a great week and enjoy Labor Day. 😊

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh good! Yes it is a good feeling for sure! I need to be better about putting winter things away during summer. Sometimes I wear my summer things in winter as a layer but I think moving things out you won't be wearing helps to see what you have. Thanks again for watching and commenting! I hope you have a great week and Labor Day too!

[@bonnielemmon8493]

@@lifeandflowers245 I think packing away seasonal clothes is very much a Midwest thing. I still do it even though I’m a few thousand miles away 😊

[@joannanangle4876]

You seem a really good person and yess sounds you have good family

[@lifeandflowers245]

Awww thank you 😊

[@dawnmarazzi538]

Very inspiring and for me it is not too long! I have way too many clothes and have been retired for about 17 months! However! I could not make my final decision until this January! I am gearing myself up for another clear out so listening to your thought processes is helpful! Thank you!

[@lifeandflowers245]

Wonderful! I like to give myself some time before making decisions. I find that my opinions and feelings shift around over time. I waited about a year before going through my clothes.

[@marilyndietzman-vx5ts]

I remember Fresca. I am a 1963 baby and remember Fresca. I have been retired for three years and I did a declutter for all the clothing I wore when I was working.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I am a 1963 baby too! Nice on the decluttering! It feels good once you get into it.

[@laurysteinke865]

You look great in hats!

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you!

[@lisadavis4279]

I too am decluttering and downsizing from a previous life in a different climate. Definitely, updating your hangers to match will make a big difference. IKEA has good quality wood hangers for a reasonable price. Many people also like the velvet hangers. I would turn your hangers backward and forwards when you wear it. You will see what you actually do wear. Nice work.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you! Yes I do really need to update my hangers. I think it will make the relatively small closet feel more luxurious. Wow a previous life and a different climate. That is a big change!

[@jennisutherland577]

Not too long! In fact it was just right. Thanks for making these videos🥰 I’m curating my wardrobe to suit my new lifestyle and are totally resonating with your methods and thought processes. I donated 99 items last week and gave 5 to a friend. I was almost regretting donating 1 pair of pink corduroy pants. I over it now that I’ve watched this video, they were comfortable but I felt “big” in them. 😅 and they had a weird grey stain on the back pocket 🥴 I will rewatch this one. Especially when I get to round 2 of my wardrobe clean up!

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh fun! Wow 99 items, that is great! I can very much relate to not wanting to part with pink corduroy pants! But if you didn't feel good in them, better to find something else that is fun but that you feel good in 😊.

[@DeannasWorld]

If you have a lot of bags that are around about the same size, you can consider using a purse insert which come in various sizes from small to extra large, and they will make switching up your purses a lot easier and faster because all you will have to do is pull the insert with everything in it out of one bag and put it into the other.

[@lifeandflowers245]

That is a great idea! I think I will try it!

[@amandamariemuise]

I’ve been using those for a couple of years now. Love them.

[@luvzdogz]

I've let go of many bags simply because they are too heavy. I have a sensitive neck and shoulders and I will not use them anymore. Sad but true 😉

[@cecilemayor4037]

Same here! I’ve finally sold my „too big and too heavy for me“ bags and am glad I did!

[@lifeandflowers245]

I am right there with you! Except for the red and white one... we will see if I actually use it this year.

[@joannanangle4876]

Like fossil bag and your smaller bags useful

[@Pubslife]

I got rid of my heavy bags. After using them I couldn’t wait to change it out for a smaller one. I now carry smaller crossbody bags and tote bags.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I am also using smaller crossbody more often and love them! So handy and easier on the shoulders.

[@jeannineolivas7429]

❤I love your bedding! Where’d ya get it?

[@lifeandflowers245]

The comforter itself is an older Scandia Down. The sheets and duvet cover I got on Amazon! I will send the link, and add it to the description in the video.

[@lifeandflowers245]

I got confused on what video you asked about. In the video I laid a sheet on the duvet cover to protect it. But here is the bedding we use. These are the sheets on the guest bed and they are nice. Cotton Sheets on Guest Bed: amzn.to/3MxmCFZ Duvet Cover on the guest bed Duvet Cover: amzn.to/4gbsZfF We use these sheets in the primary and they are luxurious and my favorite! Bamboo Viscose: amzn.to/4dX9tlG This is the duvet cover we use on the primary bed: amzn.to/3MyrwlN

[@marilyndietzman-vx5ts]

Great purses and clutches. Great quality purses that we do not finding this day and age. Anyone who receives your donations will

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you! It's hard to let go of the fossil bag! I love the leather.

[@sherylmorris9646]

Not too long, I like to finish what I start, if possible. Not if my mind starts wandering or foggy. Stop and start another time!

[@lifeandflowers245]

I'm glad it wasn't too long. I still have a chunk to do, I just couldn't get to it! Filming takes a little extra time but people seem to enjoy the videos and that makes it fun!

[@sherylmorris9646]

Your thought processes were very helpful to me.

[@joannanangle4876]

Like your cream jumper

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thanks 😁

[@laurac56]

I remember Fresca and Tab-I hated them. 😉 My favorite soda was Wink, a grapefruit drink by Canada Dry I think. And we called it “pop” back then.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Haha they weren't great if you weren't used to diet soda. Is Wink a diet soda? It sounds wonderful!

[@laurac56]

@@lifeandflowers245 Wink May have been available in diet, but we drank the full sugar version.

[@kimhanback1302]

Girl, Fresco is the only soda I will drink. I do not remember it as a child though. No color and no caffeine. Win, win. To make my closet more eye pleasing, I decided to use all the same hangers. I went with black velvet hangers. You can get a big box of 50 at Sam's (if you have one) for less than $15. These hangers are thin and use less room than the plastic ones. We have a White House Black Market shop here in town. I'll be honest, I've never went in there. I'll have to check it out.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Yes we have Sam’s thanks for the tip. 😊

[@kylieharrison3782]

Once you've finished decluttering your wardrobe items you need to go back through and freshen things up. For example, your leather bags and shoes really could with a thorough clean and polish with really good quality leather maintenance products.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Yes! I noticed that too, a good freshening up is in order! Thanks for your reply.

[@joannanangle4876]

Low neck t-shirts okay

[@valerie718]

Fun video! Not too long.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh good! I'm glad it was fun and not too long.

[@eileenlehonnyberg1576]

I won’t drink Fresca because it reminds me of being sick since that is when I would drink it as a kid.

[@lifeandflowers245]

@@eileenlehonnyberg1576 That makes sense! For me it was 7-Up maybe that’s why I don’t care for 7-Up!

[@susanmorris7615]

Yes... my mom bought and actually drank Fresca and Tab. (Tasted horrible to me, as a child.)

[@lifeandflowers245]

Weellll it's not as good as the real thing but I got used to it 😊

[@joannanangle4876]

Yeah hassle handbag has to go x

[@nancywiebe3693]

I carry one bag for months until I wear it out or get tired of it. Post kids, they are shrinking and becoming cross body bags.

[@lifeandflowers245]

So much easier and lighter!

[@joannanangle4876]

Wow sell them bags some of them

[@lifeandflowers245]

I want to but haven't had much luck though I haven't tried that hard. Thanks for the encouragement to try again!

[@sherrybarnes-stebbin1701]

Instead of donate, why don’t you start your own Poshmark closet? That’s what I did when I retired.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Oh thank you for that! I will look it up. I have tried to sell a few things on Craigs list with no luck and wondered what might be a better alternative. Thanks!

[@joannanangle4876]

Keep skirt pale green lime skirt

[@lifeandflowers245]

I did!

[@joannanangle4876]

Active wear to much wearing all the time

[@lifeandflowers245]

I agree if you mean to limit active wear or at least not get stuck in only wearing active wear! Thanks for all your comments!

[@susanhigh3978]

4 minutes in and you still have not started. Maybe not talk so much and just get started. I gave up.

[@lifeandflowers245]

Thank you for the feedback! Talk less and just get on with it 😊

[@joannanangle4876]

I agree aittle talk as your going on with itt But you are explaining good x

[@joannanangle4876]

Like your brown handbag like your video thanks