Wardrobe Declutter - Part One - Long Overdue! | Vlog

After putting this off for YEARS, I'm finally decluttering my wardrobe to make way for just the things I truly love. I've ended up in a situation where I genuinely have tons of clothes and nothing to wear! Something needed to change. So today I'm starting the process of a wardrobe declutter (closet declutter or closet cleanout as you might refer to it overseas), and over the next year or so will work to develop a wardrobe that truly fits the person I am today, rather than the person I was over a decade ago, who led a very different life.
WATCH PART TWO HERE:
• Wardrobe Declutter (fo...
Over the last few years, I've come to the realisation that whilst a certain level of material things do add to your life, more stuff will not necessarily make you happier. This realisation hit me when I looked around my home that was filled with stuff (so much so I felt I needed a bigger house) and couldn't say I was particularly happier than when I lived in Spain (in 2008) when everything I had with me fit in one large drawer and a very small wardrobe.
These days I prefer to adopt a buy less, buy better approach, with a focus on quality over quantity, removing the clutter, adopting aspects of minimalism, and utilising my money in the best way possible.
WHERE ELSE TO FIND ME:
Instagram - / kirstyloukirby
Blog - www.kirstykirby.com
MAKE UP WORN:
ABH Soft Glam Palette
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara
Benefit Ka Brow
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
MAC SkinFinish in Medium Deep (As Bronzer)
MAC Blusher in Mocha
MAC Lip Liner in Soar
MAC Lipstick in Brave
NAILS:
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Nuvola Rosa
CLOTHING:
Dress - F&F Clothing (several years old)
LIGHTING:
I use natural light (i.e. I sit in front of a window) supported by a ring light on darker days.
DISCLAIMER:
All products were purchased with my own money and this video is in no way sponsored. Should a video ever be sponsored, or should I receive goods for free to review I will always aim to disclose this either in the video or in the video description. My views will always remain honest and my own.
Items marked with an asterisk were received as a gift or as PR.
I do sometimes use affiliate links in my description, these links do not cost you any more to purchase, often you will receive a discount, but I may earn money from these links.

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

Don’t feel like you’re boring, you’re a beautiful and bright woman. Being fun and attractive is not measured by the length of a skirt, it’s an attitude. My nieces and nephews who are in their 20s all think I’m elegant and cool 😁. I stay current in music, books, cultural events, traveling. Clothes are important to me, and I feel the same as you when I have to let go of some pieces. But it’s who we are today that matters 😊

[@KirstyKirby]

Bless you Dominique, I’m probably projecting things that have been said to me in the past there. I used to dress quite traditionally, even when quite young and had friends (who in hindsight weren’t very good friends at all) who would say I was boring and looked old. I think that’s probably stuck with me over the years subconsciously. Then my life changed and when I was singing professionally, the whole world is a stage and there’s an expectation you will dress a certain way - anyway I’m waffling. Yes you are absolutely right, it’s who we are today that matters. It’s taken a long time to let go of things, but some are just memories of another time really, but the memories don’t go just because the clothes do! Ps I bet you look fabulous 😘

[@KirstyKirby]

Hi everyone, I'm planning to do a part two to my wardrobe declutter in maybe 6-8 weeks (when the mince pie weight has gone - my Christmas food seemed to last until the end of January lol!), so let me know if you like this type of video and I will film when I do it again if so. I think I will have several stages to my declutter as I've held on to so much for so long as you can see in this video. I will be working on really curating my wardrobe this year so that I have just things I really love to wear and actually use. So much in my wardrobe I simply do not wear as it's not really my taste or style! The eagle eyed of you might notice my watch had stopped - I didn't realise when I put it on this morning!

[@pemanumb703]

May I ask how you’re losing the weight? I could use some help too.🙄

[@KirstyKirby]

@@pemanumb703 I’ve been really boring really, I lost about 40lbs last year through just healthy eating and removing virtually all sugar. Bit disappointed with myself for regaining some over Christmas (and the Christmas food lasted until end of January too lol) but back on it now. I really don’t follow a specific diet, but eat simply, no processed foods, and watch my portions. I’m hoping to add in some exercise this year but for general health reasons more than weight, but finding it hard to fit in with work being so manic, but fingers crossed I will find a way x

[@pemanumb703]

@@KirstyKirby don’t be disappointed in yourself. We are so hard on ourselves. Look at what you have accomplished in the last few years! I know it’s how WE feel about ourselves, but I think you look amazing.

[@KirstyKirby]

@@pemanumb703 bless you that’s very sweet of you to say, I just mean in hindsight I would have enjoyed the Christmas break just as much with a few less mince pies eaten 😂

[@moonica5770]

I'd love to see the part two!

[@amandarussell6298]

Love a good clear out - I like to hear why as it helps me think of questions when I declutter my own wardrobe !

[@KirstyKirby]

Thanks Amanda! Xx

[@KMcKee-qn6bo]

Thanks for the acknowledgement that you’re perceiving it at ‘part one’ of several times through the process. For some silly and limiting reason, I was in the mindset that I had to buckle down and do it “completely and correctly” one time through. I think that’s why I was putting it off... holding onto the idea that I only had one chance. Feeling totally relaxed about it now. Thank you.

[@KirstyKirby]

Oh absolutely, it’s certainly a process, or at least it is for me. I need to do a video on it at some point, it’s what I call slow decluttering and it’s in contrast to the Swedish death cleaning or Kon Marie methods that are so popular on here. I tend to do it once, then go back in a few weeks or even a few months and do it again. I’ve found decluttering is almost a bit like a muscle, you keep doing it, getting in the practice bit by bit, and over time you get better at it. 😊

[@ruwanikakothalawala4576]

You are not boring. You have got classier over time. 🤗

[@KirstyKirby]

Aww that’s very sweet! Xx

[@aimietonsberg8685]

Kirsty this was hilarious! I must be about the same age as you and recognised so many of my own old clothes and outfit choices in your declutter ('I was trying to recreate an outfit Victoria Beckham wore..'🤣)...well done for being ruthless. Keep going... you'll whittle down those racks to just the good stuff in no time. And yes, I also have committed to never wearing neon again! 🤣💪

[@KirstyKirby]

Ha ha I'm so pleased you could relate - I was half worried I would be slated for my younger less classy choices ha ha! Oh and I rocked that double demin outfit of VB's, although I dare say hers likely wasn't from Miss Selfridge lol! I even managed to source shoes that were just like hers - I was obsessed with her back in the early 2000s. There's definitely lots more to go - I daren't tackle my 'going out dresses' yet as many of those were not cheap so I know I will find those harder to let go of, but will need to be done in time. Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad to hear it wasnt just me wearing these things - they were very much on trend at the time! xx

[@ChapstickChunx]

I like hearing your reasoning for holding onto certain items that you no longer wear. It’s amazing how sentimental we can be over clothes. I have the tendency to hang onto things I never wear for similar reasons

[@KirstyKirby]

I think many of us do. It’s daft really isn’t it? We have the memories no matter what x

[@leamay5134]

I'm really glad I found your channel. I love how authentic you are in your videos and I love your personal style.

[@KirstyKirby]

Thank you for such a lovely comment Lea xx

[@leamay5134]

@@KirstyKirby Looking forward for more videos.

[@KirstyKirby]

@@leamay5134 I’ll be back to uploading later this week. Had a break due to work and Covid. X

[@Hide_and_silk]

One thing that is a really good investment for an effective wardrobe is to get your colours done. Clothes are then so much more flattering, your wardrobe us cohesive and it immediately removes an entire selection of clothes from temptation that are not in your colour palette.

[@KirstyKirby]

Hi there, this is a really old video. I’ve talked about colours in other videos since. Sorry if you missed it in the video but most of my clothing was bought in my twenties when I personally believe you can get away with looking great in a whole range of different things, you have the youth to pull it off, I don’t think colours play such a large role when considering an outfit for clubbing in for example. I’m actually more neutral to cool toned, yet my skin pulls really olive when I tan.

[@Hide_and_silk]

@@KirstyKirby It was just a general comment about cost effective wardrobe planning.

[@KirstyKirby]

@@Hide_and_silk no problem! Obviously I’m rare in that I read all comments and try to reply. Any comment will be read as a comment directed at me, not necessarily as a general comment for anyone. Sorry for any confusion!

[@emmy8526]

Kudos for honing in on your current style and lifestyle! Now when you open your wardrobe, there will be nothing but good 'friends' in there.

[@KirstyKirby]

I love that outlook, that’s exactly what I’m hoping to do. I’ll likely never have a capsule wardrobe (and that’s ok with me because I find so much joy in clothes) but I really want to get to a position where everything I have is loved, worn and suitable for the life I lead, rather than the one I had a decade ago. Thanks for watching! X

[@blane1814]

Loved this. You won me as a subscriber 💖

[@KirstyKirby]

Welcome!

[@brunokaamorim]

Hi Kirsty, my name is Bruna I came across your channel about 2 weeks ago and I'm in love with your content, please dont stop making videos 🥰 I've been thinking on trying a capsule wardobre for quite while now but something was always bothering me and I couldn't quite pinpoint what....but watching you to acknowled that this is not something for you, it made me realise that also not for and that's ok. Tks for being honest. Cant wait for the next video. Have a good week.

[@KirstyKirby]

Hi Bruna, hope you are well. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I think there are some fantastic points to be learnt from the capsule wardrobe thinking - colour palette, buying things that go together, etc. But I think I enjoy fashion too much to restrict myself to say just 30 items. Plus in the U.K. the weather is so very interchangeable that you often need different clothes! And yes, I think it’s totally ok to acknowledge that something is a good idea but won’t work for you and your lifestyle. Xx

[@boomshine87]

What a coincidence - I did a wardrobe declutter two days ago! I loved doing it, I discovered things I had forgotten like a red blazer that I will wear to my new job ☺️ What I realised is that I too seem to have bought same style items in different colours/prints. I decided I had too much duplicity, so just kept one of each. I have a strict one in one out policy now - if I buy a dress, jumper etc then I have to get rid of one I already own. Edit: Just a thought, maybe you needed to close the blind to alleviate the lighting issues? 🤔

[@KirstyKirby]

Congratulations on your new job!! My declutter was waaaay overdue, I’m going to need to keep going through it all many times, curating on the way, but sure I will get there. A one in one out policy is a great idea x

[@lolaphearse3688]

I am a Classic,whether I like it or not. Strikes me you may be one also,and things that look really cute on others do not suit me,while more classic styles look great. I do try and jazz things up a little,but gotten rid of for instance all my denim jackets,white trainers etc. You are not boring…..

[@KirstyKirby]

Yes! I really love classic items and even from quite a young age loved them - I did experiment in my teens and 20s, and was influenced by friends who are probably much cooler than me! I realised recently that I need to let go of things that are just not me anymore and not feel guilty about it, and just gradually build my wardrobe back up over time. x

[@pemanumb703]

Kirsty, thank you so much for doing these videos. I just bought my parents farm and it’s going to be TIGHT. You are an inspiration.💙🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@KirstyKirby]

Wow what a journey that will be though! I dream of moving more rurally in the future with a little bit of land. Best wishes with it! X

[@pemanumb703]

@@KirstyKirby Thank you.

[@AtHomeWithMercedes]

I haven't watched yet. But I have recently just decluttered my wardrobe. And I got rid of at least half and if not more. It was honestly so satisfying 😊

[@KirstyKirby]

Yes I’m weirdly looking forward to getting it organised into just items I like and wear, it’s been a long time coming and will take several attempts to get it sorted, but I’ll get there! Well done on your declutter! Xx

[@olgamstelveen]

Thank you very much, we enjoyed watching it with my 9 years old daughter.

[@KirstyKirby]

Thanks for watching Olga and hello to your lovely daughter x

[@christinebausman2834]

Hello from the States! I enjoyed watching your video. My family am just starting the journey of owning and enjoying less physical possessions. I appreciate your honesty and experience especially as I am a fellow clothing lover and am taking a hard, honest look at my own wardrobe. Please keep the videos coming.

[@KirstyKirby]

Hi Christine! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it. It’s been many years coming and I do find it hard to let go of things, especially clothes (even more so when in lovely condition), but it feels like it’s time. Xx

[@kerrycox9872]

Great job!

[@KirstyKirby]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AtHomeWithMercedes]

Ooh I love that grey top with floral on it 😍

[@KirstyKirby]

It’s very cute but really would best suit someone with a small bust, it’s a very boxy cut and therefore not very flattering on me.

[@emilysmith2784]

I felt the same with a lot of my dresses. Some were too short and I just never reach for dresses much. I’m all about jeans these days. The tops I really love I have chopped the bottom off and turned them into tops instead. Those plaid dresses would make lovely peplum tops 😉

[@KirstyKirby]

They’ve already left the building I’m afraid lol and one of the reason I didn’t wear them is that they were tighter across the bust than I am comfortable with these days - that said I do have a couple of dresses I’m considering turning into skirts so I totally agree that clothing can be reimagined into something you love. I love a dress, but like you I’m starting to really consider my lifestyle more, and have vowed not buy too many ‘going out’ or ‘dressed up’ items as I just won’t get the wear out of them. X

[@TanzaniteHayley]

That denim skirt was wider than it was long 🤣 time to go ❤️

[@KirstyKirby]

Ha ha I was teeny at the time but bought a 12 so it would hang lower on the hips and therefore longer but was still short 😂 I was probably 19 at the time of buying it and in my defence it was when micro minis were in fashion - Miss sixty were the ones to have and they had sewn in pants to preserve dignity. I was a big VB fan at the time and she wore tons of stuff like that then.

[@clairewillow6475]

@@KirstyKirby if it makes you feel better, I had a pair of Jean shorts so short that my little booty was popping out … ahhhggg late teens/early twenties I was such a little tart 😉🤣🤣

[@KirstyKirby]

@@clairewillow6475 🤣🤣 I cringe when I think of some of the things I wore in the past but I enjoyed myself clubbing at the time! 🤦‍♀️🤣 For many years I was a full time singer and being on stage seems to give you this confidence to a point I just didn’t care and enjoyed being a show off 😂

[@clairewillow6475]

@@KirstyKirby same ;) well not exactly but similar situation for me xx

[@lhendriks]

Okay, Thursday is my day of.. I should also start decluttering my clothes.

[@KirstyKirby]

Ha ha, you don't have to if its not needed - as you can see I've just hoarded for way too long! It was well overdue, it did highlight a few shopping habits from the past though and I'm taking note so I dont repeat the mistakes!

[@sct4040]

Until I really looked through my clothes, I had no idea how much I owned. Got rid all work clothes (some were 20 years old or older), and still working on the handbags.

[@KirstyKirby]

It’s definitely a process! I don’t really know why I had held onto things for so long that I hadn’t worn, or wouldn’t wear again. For me I think there’s a bit of guilt in the item still being in good condition, or thinking about the money spent. I’m getting better though and just turning that into a lesson to not over purchase in the future. I totally understand what you mean about not realising how much you own, it can be quite startling especially if you’ve been a previous shopper combined with not letting go - good luck with the handbags!

[@anuke123]

I really enjoyed watching this, as I am probably the same age (36 this year) and recognize some of your memories and and attitudes in myself right now. Like the thought of going clubbing in a foreign country 😆 or the feeling that I've aged out of some types of clothing. This is actually a funny feeling, because I definitely don't feel old per se, it's just this definite 'no' when I see some things I'd have worn ten years ago. It also has something to do with quality - cheap looking clothing no longer fits my more mature self ;)

[@KirstyKirby]

So pleased you enjoyed it! I relate to your comments so much, I still feel about 25, and I know there are no rules with fashion. I don't buy into the idea that you need to be a certain age to wear certain things, I look at J Lo who is old enough to be my mum and she looks hot in all manner of things - I put them on and just think absolutely not lol! I really understand the cheaper quality aspect too, I go in some stores now and think goodness this is not cheap, in fact it's so expensive for the quality. That's not to say I haven't partaken in a few cheaper items once in a while, but I know their limitations. The cut wont be as good, it won't hang as well, likely the stitching wont be as good etc etc.

[@doodleschucky]

Really enjoyed this 😊 look forward to more x

[@KirstyKirby]

Thanks 😊 I will definitely need to do a part two, have held on to so much for so long.

[@susannordstrom5065]

Cookbooks are my hardest to get rid off, I really have difficulty

[@FrancescaLife]

You're gorgeous and funny. Love your channel 💕

[@KirstyKirby]

Aww that’s so kind of you to say! So pleased you enjoy my content x

[@homebodyheaven6114]

Very inspiring. I suddenly have the urge to get rid of a particular shirt that has been bugging me for some time now, in spite of the fact that it’s in perfect condition.

[@KirstyKirby]

I understand that struggle well, I hate getting rid of items that are in really good condition too. I sometimes set myself a challenge to wear the item within say 3 months and then if I don’t wear it, it challenges my thoughts that I should hold onto it.

[@debbiejohnson3723]

Loved this video 💜

[@KirstyKirby]

Thanks Debbie! Xx

[@antekpiekutosky818]

Beautiful clip ! ❤️❤️❤️ Very nice Vlog, Can You make clip.. Organisation, cleaning office desk - Declutter Paperwork in office?

[@willowgirl2635]

There comes an age where some of the clothes you have in your wardrobe no longer make sense, they make you feel silly. I have recently done a purge as I felt some of my things look too young for me. I know you can wear what you like and there are no rules but you just know when things are no longer age appropriate for you.

[@KirstyKirby]

Agree. I’ve had a fair amount of people cross with me in the comments on decluttering videos for saying I feel things are too young for me now, but I agree with you. It’s a personal thing and so much of what I’ve held onto for way too long makes me feel uncomfortable now when I would have loved it a decade or so ago x

[@jasmil2403]

❤️

[@KirstyKirby]

😘

[@DazzleDust32]

Hello! Fairly new subscriber here and really enjoying your content. I keep clothes for ages, even fast fashion, which is the majority of my clothes, to be honest! Anything else either goes to local friends, TRAID or the textile recycling bin.

[@KirstyKirby]

I think it’s great people keep hold of clothes for a long time! I cringe when I see people do haul after haul on here and then throw it all out only a month or so later. Some high street stuff is actually decent enough quality and it looked after and cared for can last a really long time - absolutely nothing wrong with that. A few family members have started passing things around and it feels easier to let things go that way.

[@pinayinuk]

Very nice

[@blane1814]

Are you decluttering handbags too

[@KirstyKirby]

I decluttered some handbags some time ago but will likely revisit. Like I said in the video, this is just part one. 😊

[@minimalzebra]

Good declutter

[@KirstyKirby]

Thanks! X

[@minimalzebra]

@@KirstyKirby Welcome! X

[@denisecarter5117]

10-15 year old clothes should for sure go if your shape has changed and your age. We can’t carry off short young clothes. Why hang on to these? Someone will like them and they will be tiny teens.

[@KirstyKirby]

We all hold on to lots of things for all sorts of reasons Denise. Sometimes emotional, sometimes sunk cost fallacy, sometimes aspirational. I’m being open here by sharing this journey with everyone, as I said I haven’t let go of anything for years, and I’m doing so now, with this being the first time through the process. I’m a bit confused by this comment as I did let go of them. Not sure I agree on length of things either, it’s not for me anymore but I know some people who are ardent gym goers with amazing physiques who still look amazing in them and that’s their style. It isn’t mine, but I don’t really buy into the idea that past a certain age hem lines have to hit past the knee, but that said we are all different and that’s part of the beauty of life.

[@denisecarter5117]

@@KirstyKirby I’m sorry. I did not mean to be insulting. I am a 70 year old and I don’t think I have ever kept clothes that long. I don’t have the storage and we have moved 14 times in our marriage so anything not worn went to someone else. You did good getting rid of clothes.

[@KirstyKirby]

@@denisecarter5117 Wow 14 moves is a lot! I can understand with that why you have not been able to hold onto much. Most of the items I had kept hold of had been worn in the past, just not for some time.

[@theflowerangel5724]

Don’t get rid of the plaid suit.

[@KirstyKirby]

Kept the skirt, but the top has already gone 😊

[@godartmascaro89]

✋ ???????

[@KirstyKirby]

???