Ann-Me-Downs

You must be wondering (and some of you have asked) how, exactly, I have enough room in my closet for all my fabulous Salvo finds. Do I have an enormous closet? (No.) Do I cram them into a space too small for them? (Well...ok, a bit.) Do I pack up and put away off-season clothes? Most definitely. But mostly, there is the bi-annual event called Ann-Me-Downs.

Twice a year, I sort through my clothes, pack away clothes I likely won't be wearing for months, and sort out the ones I'm going to get rid of. My rule is that if I haven't worn it in a year, I have to get rid of it. Once in a while, something squeezes by this rule, but usually I'm very strict about it. And my friends reap the benefits. We call them "Ann-Me-Downs" and they get to sort through my leftovers and walk away with a nicely supplemented wardrobe for free.

This Saturday we had brunch at my friend Sarah's house, and Ann-Me-Downs ensued. This usually entails Sarah displaying all of the items one at a time, while people claim things (or demand that someone else try it on).

Sometimes someone else takes a turn displaying, but usually not for long, because Sarah likes things done just so.

Sarah and her mom (my other mom) also brought jewelry to share. I nabbed some for myself (the orange and white jewelry to the left are mine).

Afterwards, everyone has to try things on. If they don't fit, they go back into the pile and passed on to other Ann-me-down fans who couldn't make it.

She's keeping the skirt, despite what the face implies.

Definitely keeping the sweater.

Mother and daughter and adorable new skirts.

Checking it out in the mirror.

Plaid and pearls? Please. She's not from the country.

Aside from my beautiful jewelry, I also nabbed a rather fabulous pair of heels.

But I tried to restrain myself. Mostly. Obviously, the point was to get rid of stuff, not take home more than I left with... but not leaving with those shoes would just have been crazy.

Now that I've made a little space in my closet, I'm thinking ahead to that Wednesday I have off in November before Thanksgiving... and how thankful I would be to hit a few area Salvos. I'll keep you posted...