Week 2: Shake Down
Fara Kids in Chiswick, and the illustration from part 2 of my feature in City Kids, September 2014, where I proposed my Five Bag System for wardrobe recycling and methods for extending the life of garments that keep the kids creative and hands-on.
Many of my purchases from the last few years have been to do with the fact that my body shape has been changing so much. I have had two children in the last 8 years, and have passed the physical/metabolic landmark age of 40. Things slow down, and the fat doesn't burn like it used to! My wardrobe was full of clothes I could no longer comfortably fit into, and of course this wasn't helping my sense of self. It felt great this week to finally fill bags with the size 8's, 10's, and some 12's. It took a little time to question and understand the range of emotional attachments the clothes held, but I found that when I took some time to consider each article, I could let go more easily. So, time to pass things on to another user…
What we need to move forward with a more sustainable lifestyle are new systems and habits, as well as new mindsets. Last year I wrote about how to shop green, prolong life and resist buying new for kids, by maintaining a ‘five bag system’ (City Kids magazine). So this week I used this system to have a total wardrobe shakedown.
1. Best Friend Bag. The quality clothes were the ones that I found hardest to part with (because they cost a lot, or are such classic, well-designed pieces). This week I decided to create a Martha Bag. This was anything high quality and maybe very 'fashion' that I will look ridiculous in when it comes back around in the years ahead, even if I can fit back into a 12 by then. These things went into a vacuum-sealed bag into the cellar, for my daughter Martha to 'inherit'. Also, expensive, beautiful shoes that are too high to cope with now - a few pairs of the best Nicky Lawler and Olivia Morris shoes have gone into the Martha Bag. Lucky girl.
2. Schwopping Bag. I haven’t been to a schwop event in years. It’s definitely something to explore again later this year. For this bag I put aside a few things for my slimmer colleagues and friends at work, especially the younger staff or interns who I know find London rents such a challenge. They pay me back with their dedication to work, cups of tea, and good cheer. They might also be more able to pull off the stranger, sample sale pieces I acquired during my Brick Lane days…
3. School Fair Bag. It was a super convenient coincidence that the local primary school had sent a few 'Phil the Bag's home in the kids' satchels last Friday. As a result the whole family had a wardrobe shakedown this week. The kids grow so quickly I find I have to do their wardrobes each half term or holiday – around every six weeks. It’s a bit laborious to be honest, but knowing that it is raising funds for the school helps.
4. Charity Bag. Anything left that I can't pull over my hips went into this bag. (And those things that I could pull up, but can't fasten the button. And those things that I can fasten, but it hurts when I sit down...) I am so over wearing uncomfortable things. I know I am sounding deeply unglamorous right now – but I do think many of us have clothes that when we wear them make us feel a bit… not quite right. I haven’t got time for them anymore.
5. Mending Bag. A sizeable bag, and it lives in the front room, near the sofa. I swear I am going to work my way through it. No, I really will. I love sewing. I get such pleasure from mending. I will do it. Those clothes will be given a new lease of life. Next week. Or maybe after I have done my tax return. Soon…
