the annual 'spring-cleaning itch'

we experienced a brief glimpse of spring last weekend

(i think a full 24 hours sans rain!); the sun even poked her head out,

albeit brief. the city seemingly comes alive when we transition from 

winter to spring, and i must admit, i couldn't be happier!

with temperatures in the low 50s, i was beyond eager

to ditch my heavy coat and all-too-familiar rain boots.

each year, as spring approaches, i experience a rather intense

desire to purge my closet. i want it all gone. and clean. and organized.

 i am done with everything warm, thick, waterproof - 

anything that reminds me of winter. black jackets and sweaters? goodbye!

 i want to chuck everything i have lived in for the past several

months and welcome lightweight, colorful and vibrant pieces.

disclosure: value village graciously provided me with a gift card used to purchase some of the 

items worn in this post. as per usual, all opinions are my own!

the spring purge doesn't mean throwing away clothing,

shoes and accessories (not in the literal sense). instead, 

i separate what i no longer wear or need into distinct piles:

sell, give, and donate. i plan to do an additional blog post detailing

this process (as it has become quite methodical). in general, however,

i choose a few items that are newer and perhaps more 'trendy' 

to sell at local consignment shops. i also have a pile

that i offer to my roommates, coworkers, and of course, my mom.

lastly, i donate the remaining items at value village

(you can find the donation site nearest to you here).

and it seems my attempt to purge and de-clutter my closet this

season was futile; unfortunately, i rarely drop off items at value village 

without also bringing one or two (or sometimes, several) 

'new' things home. it's a vicious cycle, i tell you.

while i may have gone into the store several

bags lighter (with a more organized car, bedroom and closet!), 

i came out with a new spring-inspired outfit.

'you're only going in to drop these things off, megan.'

this is the mantra that runs through my head upon entering

my local value village. whether or not this repeated mantra actually

works is still up for debate.

photos by karya schanilec photography

blouse: daniel rain (c/o value village), jeans: american eagle,

purse: steve madden (c/o value village), shoes: converse (c/o value village),

bracelet: gift from my parents after their recent trip to mexico, rings: forever 21

and while my meager attempts at keeping my closet

clutter low are seemingly futile, i know that both 

shopping and donating at value village makes a difference.

last year, they kept 650 million pounds of textiles and goods

out of landfills. that's quite a feat! 

have you experienced the annual spring cleaning itch? 

how do you stay organized, and what do you typically

do with items you no longer wear or need? let me

know in the comments, and happy cleaning (and donating!).

xoxo.