Getting and Spending: "When do we stop accumulating?"

I had dinner recently with my perceptive and expressive friend Jude, who interrupted an intense discussion of jewellery renos to ask this question. We were in a raucous trattoria; it hung in the air like the steam from her espresso.

We stop when we stop is the facile answer—but what calls a woman to action? Reasons include:

1. Exhaustion: The chaos of bins, boxes, exploding drawers. Oh look, a top you forgot you bought. 

2. Ennui: We are bored by coastal quietude; the edgy looks overwrought; the trends, silly. We care, but are not ruled by fashion''s shifting weather. (See my post on "Image Interest".)

3. Ecology: We decide to buy less for the planet's sake, often in concert with choosing responsible brands, and to "Rewear, Repair, Restore". (See "How to Sustainably Shop for Your Clothes". ) 

4. Energy: Our effort or income is required elsewhere. "A sample sale was once a thrilling event", said Jude, "but I no longer want to stand in line for anything." Two of her favourite local boutiques had just closed, and she wasn't looking for new candidates.

5. Essence: This is a person's core identity. We spent decades cycling through a cast of characters, and  no longer cosplay, buying for a life we don't have. We may tweak, refresh or hop between sizes—but no more total makeovers.

Look familiar?

Since I've lived every one of those reasons, you'd think I'd be an exemplar of decumulation, but I out-lipstick a makeup counter.  So, sirens will sing, and to wholly resist leads to an austere corner of life. Where's the fun in that?

The Passion Exclusion

I love pearls, they love me. Over the past three years I divested some, bought fewer, but don't obey a strict one in/out because they are beyond an accessory, carrying the sea and its significance. Whether it be nutty socks, Edwardian nightgowns, your signature eyewear—there's a place for passion and it's your call whether you need to own it, or settle for the coffee table book.  

If you are passionate about everything, maybe open a store.

Where are you these days?  I'm betting that you have comments about Jude's question, too, and would love to hear your thoughts!