Discussion Board

This morning as I rooted through my closet to look for something to wear, I became painfully aware of the fact that I have TONS of clothing in my closet that does not fit me. I know that most of you probably have lots of clothes that are either too big, or are getting there - but my problem is the opposite . I've gained a lot of weight in the past year and a half, and I have clothes in my closet that I haven't worn in close to 5 years - they are all classic pieces, so they are still very much in fashion, but I feel as though I should get rid of a lot of it.

Do any of you McDougallers out there feel as though you would benefit from a clothing exchange? I'd be willing to ship my unused clothing just about anywhere in the world without profit. I figure we could set up a flickr group for everyone to post photos (and measurements/sizes) of the clothing that they have that they are willing to give away, including their e-mail address so that other could contact them to arrange for shipping of the desired items. Or, we could simply post pictures of the clothes we're willing to give away in this - or another - thread on the discussion board.

We could create this lovely circle of giving and sharing - as we outgrow the clothes we previously obtained from others (provided that they are still in good condition) we can send them to someone else!

I know that I spend a lot more on groceries now that I'm eating really heatlhy, and I know that I don't want to buy an entire new wardrobe every time I drop 2 sizes... so this seems like a great idea to me!

What do you guys and gals think?

this sounds like it could be helpful to lots of people.

Have you heard of Freecycle? It's a way of networking online to exchange things that you no longer need but that others want, or vice versa. It's all free, and there are Freecycle groups in many communities. You can look on yahoo groups to see if there's one in your area. In my town, clothes are offered/requested all the time.

While it obviously isn't exclusive to McDougallers, it's a great way of being resourceful, saving money, and reducing waste. It offers the benefit of not having to pay (both in dollars and environmental cost) to ship things--it's all in your community. If you're not familiar with it, I suggest checking it out, both for the clothing issue and other times when you need something or want to get rid of something. To me, it's exactly the type of thing the internet is best used for.

eri - is this something you'd be interested in from either side of the equation?

stephanie - Thanks for the info about Freecycle - I hadn't heard of it until now. I checked and there is a group for my city, but no mention of clothes.

The simplest approach might be to simply donate to Goodwill Industries, if there is one near you. You might get a tax break out of it. It provides employment for otherwise marginally employable people. It provides a supply of items to others at low prices. Some of their items are new -- donated by stores who are closing out product lines or going out of business.

When I shop for clothing, kitchen items, etc., I always shop first at the "superstore" Goodwill near me. About 90% of the time, I find what I am looking for -- clothing, shoes, bowls, pans, toys for my grandchildren, books, CDs, and a bike helmet once. I have saved thousands of dollars buying items there.

Freecycle is really great when it works. It's very gratifying to give something to someone who really wants or needs it. On the other hand, I've had lots of people flake and waste my time for nothing.

Selling your stuff on Craigslist can be fun, especially if you ask for things like "pay the bridge toll for the car behind you" or some other random act of kindness in return.

Hauling stuff to the Goodwill isn't as interesting a transaction, but it's quicker if you just want to declutter.

I'm interested in your clothes. I wear size 10-12. I like black. I'll pay shipping.

Molly, I have several pairs of black dress pants in varying styles and sizes. However, none of them have a 10 on the tag.
BUT, I used to where them all at my smallest, and I betcha that a lot of them would fit you. Sizes can be so different from one brand to the other. Heck, right now I buy all my clothes at the same store, and some of their pants fit me, and some don't.. so you never can tell with the size on the tag.
Do me a favour? Lay your best fitting pair of pants flat, and measure from one side of the waist to the other. I will do the same with the pants I have and we will know for sure which ones would fit you.
I don't think I have any black tops, but I will double check and get back to you. If you're interested in any colours other than black I can photograph some of the clothes. Heck, I should probably photograph them anyway if I'm planning on giving them away - people will want to see what they're getting.

That means I'm going to have to dig out my digicam and charge that sucker up (haven't used it in ages).

So anyway, let me know about the pant measurement. I will measure mine too!

I sent you a pm. I understand that the notification system here sometimes doesn't alert you when you receive a private message.