Last year I was overwhelmed. Ok, maybe I’ve been overwhelmed the last few years but, 2022 was a bit of an emotional reckoning and I needed a change. I’ve talked about this on Youtube; my experience in design of late has felt more chaotic than even I, an unabashed neuro-spicy Sagittarius could even handle.
Collecting, hoarding, the thrill of the hunt - the dopamine was dopamining. Granted, I have an unusually large apartment and a garage (sans car) so, the space to play and try things was critical to further developing my approach to design. That coupled with ‘influencer access” annnnd a wee bit of a thrifting addiction, lead to me owning more things that any one person could ever need.
Accumulation isn’t new for me. I’ve spent the last decade as a fashion and lifestyle influencer so things being such a big part of your job adds up. Over the years I’ve definitely learned to say no. No to products or PR that I won’t use etc but still, things add up.
In this state of overwhelm I decided that I needed a massive purge. Creating content in the home decor space and working on other projects does require me to have a bit more than the average bear - ya can’t stage and style elaborate table scapes with nothing. But, I wanted to widdle things down, all the little bits and bobs and massive pieces of furniture I sourced because the price was amazing and I couldn’t resist.
In January, I hosted an estate sale and honestly, once I saw just how much stuff I had - a LITERAL massive event space full, I was beshooketh. How Kellie??? Like, girl! Are you ok? Nope, I was not! The people piled into this gorgeous event space at a local hotel and bought the vases, and dishes and rugs and bedframes and and and of my collection. Everyone kept asking me if I was sad to see my stuff go? I felt nothing but relief. I loved finding those things. I loved styling those things but then it was sort of over for me. I found joy in people’s excitement. Shopping for things that they couldn’t wait to put into thier homes.
Hosting this sale helped me in a number of ways. It made me feel less impulsive, even when finding something amazing. Forcing myself to not just envision it in my space but to consider how long I might want it for. Does it feel disposable, do I feel like I can’t imagine my space without it? Some of this is impossible for a person like me but getting closer to the middle is important.
I do purge my closet regularly. For the same reasons. I have a lot, am gifted a lot and what I wear is a big part of my job. I say no a lot more than ever to gifts but still, things find a way into my house. I’ve sold on platforms like Poshmark and even at local resale stores. This time I tried something new. I sold at a flea market called Thick Thrift - a local event hosted outside, flea market style in LA. What an incredible experience. If you can’t tell from the name, the event centers larger bodies. People/brands aren’t allowed to bring things smaller than an XL. Everything is catered to mid and plus size shoppers.
As a person who loves fashion and who cares deeply about being able to express myself through my clothing, it’s so incredibly empowering and exciting to be able to shop with far less limitations! Back in the day I used to host an event in NYC called Shop & Swap - same vibes. I’d invite a few other plus size “bloggers” at the time to sell thier closets and we’d invite our followers to come hang out etc. It felt great not only to be in community with other INCREDIBLY STYLISH bigger bodied humans in LA but, to also meet some of the amazing people who follow me online.
There’s not some huge statement I’m going to make about becoming a minimalist. I’m just being even more selective and discerning. My passion for sourcing/collecting will likely take the form of seasonal sales, pop ups and client work. Everybody wins!
Love you, mean it!
Kellie
Beshooketh!! Sag soul second-hand sisters 4ever…also, I’m still pissed I missed this😵💫
Sometimes a good purge is necessary.