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By looking at my closet, some might think I’m a shopaholic, but my clothing and accessory collection has been an ongoing labor of love.
I? Am a clothing collector.
Frankly, I don’t see the difference between picking up beautiful pieces of clothing and adding to any other collection. Some girls like snow globes, I like couture.
It’s important to point out that my collection has taken years and a ton of bargain shopping and resale hunting to get this extensive. I love my pieces and enjoy the thrill of adding a beautiful blouse here and a flowy scarf there.
As a child, my hero was my Aunt Kathy. I wanted nothing more than to grow up and be just like her. I was only ten years her junior, but ever since I can remember, I looked to her with admiration and respect. She taught me so much while I was growing up and inspired the woman I am today. I’m extremely grateful to her.
Aunt Kathy was an extremely girlie girl. She was always on top of fashion and rocked many fabulous pieces. In fact, my Aunt had more than her closet could handle, so my grandfather built her a walk-in closet to make room for all her cherished items. It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen in my young life. I fell head over heels for her closet and the vast expanse of clothing.
I have to confess that, as a child, not only did I want to be like my aunt, I wanted to look like her. Sometimes, I would sneak into her closet and hide an outfit in my book bag in the hopes that I could change into them at school and sneak them back before anyone was the wiser. Don’t get me wrong, I got caught red-handed several times, but I’d always find myself carefully sneaking in to look over her treasures a day or two later. Her closet was my dream, my fascination, and my ultimate goal growing up.
I’ve never outgrown my love, respect and admiration for Aunt Kathy or the deep desire to emulate her. She was the best part of my life growing up. Over the years, I’ve clung to many of the great life lessons she taught me and shared in her adoration of the girlier things.
I still can’t get enough of clothing. Shopping makes me feel like that little girl going through her aunt’s wardrobe again. I carefully sort through each piece trying to decide what I’d most like to wear. For me, it’s a high to find that next treasured piece to add to my collection. And, the bonus is I can wear whatever I want without getting in trouble because it’s all mine. 
The greatest part for me is finding an awesome deal. A must-have top for a $1.50 that’s been gently used. A sassy new hat for $2.71 that was clearanced twice. A sophisticated suede purse for $25.00 that was originally over $100. To me, a great bargain makes it that much more special. Those are the pieces I love most. I’m even looking forward to breaking into garage sales, because the further my money goes the happier I am.
There’s nothing wrong with doing something good for yourself. Every woman needs to treat herself to something special from time to time. I have no regrets in my growing wardrobe–even though my clothing collection has gone from sharing a closet with the hubs to taking over the guest room closet and adding a second rolling rack.
I refuse to let go of my dream of a vast wardrobe, and I’m willing to bet that many lovely ladies out there share my dream. So, I will continue on, merrily building my clothing collection one beautiful piece at a time.
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