(In case you are wondering...the images in this post are from a real designer's show...does it make you want to go out and buy an animal mask? hey! there in style!)So I like to harp on superficial posts...things I find irrelevant or ridiculously immature. So this is my superficial post...because I'm a total hypocrite. (I really am...I like to think I'm mature, realistic, deep and genuine...well...maybe not-so-much) I am starting to get my Spring Cleaning itch...and decided to branch out and tackle the true source of my bedroom mess and clutter.
I'm sure that part of it's cleaning, but the economy is scaring the crap out of me. We are simplifying our lives, and living on less. It is sad that it takes such a drastic measure to bring this to the top of my priorities. I tried to simplify each room in my house last year, but it was not keeping things simple enough. That's why I'm embarrassed to post my true problem with such things...but since denial does not help me change...I tend to lay it all out.
I am a serious 'clothes horse'. But it's not just clothes...it's clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc. I also happen to be a serious bargain shopper. Over the years I have collected a closet full of STUFF.
Because it all comes from the clearance rack, some things are cute...and some are not so cute. I'm always proud of the amazing steals and bargains I get. Whether I need it or not, if I can pay $25 for something that normally costs $100...it's a victory! (Also, I have jumped around so much in sizes...I have such a range of everything in many sizes)
I've always had a major shoe fetish. My first real job was at Famous Footwear. I loved that job! When I got into management, the store became my baby, so to speak. I took such pride in my displays and the cleanliness of the store. I loved working with people and learned respect for Customer Service.
Well...as the weeks went by, I would set aside shoes that I wanted. I had a store discount, and I could also get my size transferred from another store if we didn't get it in our shipment. Needless to say...when I left the company I had over 70 pairs of shoes. Yes, seven zero.
When I moved, most of the boxes I moved were filled with shoes. And they were heavy! I thought about getting rid of some, but I just couldn't part with any of them. They were all different and unique in their own ways, and I had an excuse to need every single pair!
Mike knew what he was getting into...when we started dating, Mike helped me move apartments. He mentioned (more than once) how crazy it was for a person to have that many shoes. A few weeks later Mike broke his ankle while we were playing basketball. Being the good girlfriend I was, I visited him with gifts and cards. While at his house, I found out he only owned 2 pairs of shoes...TWO!!! Tennis shoes and church shoes. I was shocked and disgusted at the same time. I felt such pity for him...I immediately ran out and found him two pairs of shoes. Granted, he does have a size 16 foot, so it's a bit of a challenge. But there is no excuse for only having 2 pairs of shoes.
I bought him another pair of church shoes...then explained he needed a black pair and a brown pair. I also got him sandals. Then he informed me he didn't think he had ever owed a pair of sandals. I was floored!
So there it is...a little background on my issues. As my weight fluctuated, my shoe size did not. I also love hats! And accessories are another 'one size fits all' purchase.
Over time, I have realized that I'm really swimming in a closet of a lot of crap! I watch all the HGTV shows on cleaning and clothing. I hear what their saying...but when that sexy '50% off' sign catches my eye, I lose all control. There is nothing better than red tags, yellow stickers, slash lines and as-is writing.
I went to see that 'shopaholic' movie. It was cute and funny, but extremely 'close to home' for me. What they touch a little bit on, was the reasons people have shopping problems. I really do believe it fills a void, its addictive, and can distract me from painful things I don't want to think about.
For me, it is like eating for comfort. I think I realized it about 5 or 6 years ago. I realized that buying a pair of shoes drastically changed my mood. I could be having a bad day, or feeling depressed...and a new purchase seemed to fix things. But shopping everyday is not a good way to become a happy person. Shopping is another comforting coping mechanism I need to control. I suppose it's better than drinking...but I'm not sure it's cheaper.
So I have taken on a challenge...I am ridding my closet. I am making sure I have the essential pieces of clothing, then discarding anything the has not been worn in 6 months. I will, of course, keep some seasonal stuff, and some trendy pieces. But the rest is getting bagged...literally!
So, in case you are as superficial as I am...and curious...here is the best plan I've found to simplify my closet...
I am hanging everything in my closet backwards. As I wear and wash it, I will hang it up normally. After a few months...I will go back through and honestly see if I would wear those things still backwards, and if they are worth the room they take up in my closet.
These are the essential wardrobe pieces. These items should be comfortable, nice quality, and expected to last a few years, or more...
Pants
- basic black straight leg pants that you can wear with anything
- black wide leg pants
- jeans, one in dark denim, one with a worn-in look, another in the latest style
- menswear-inspired slacks (think Katharine Hepburn)
- boy-cut corduroys
- (I removed the tapered leg 'Audrey Hepburn' slacks...my body type will never allow it)
- black pencil skirt
- bias-cut skirt in silk or satin
- denim skirt, straight cut and to the knee or a little below
- tweed skirt in a brown shade for winter at the office
- little black dress
- Suits
- black pants suit in a classic cut to last you for years
- skirt suit in a solid color, but not black or brown
- wool or cashmere top coat for winter
- cropped, belted trench coat in a girly color, like pale blue
- cropped denim jacket
- At least 5 different colors of fitted tee shirts
- Several black tops with interesting necklines, like a square cut or sweetheart
- basic white tee preferably fitted
- 3/4 length sleeve top
- white blouse
- cashmere cardigan or twin set in a luscious sorbet color
- thin sweaters in flattering soft colors like peach or pink
- satin cami top
- cotton wrap top
- tee shirt with a crazy print, like tie dyed or a concert tee
- comfortable hoodie
- 4-inch fabulous dressy heels for big nights out
- 3-inch pumps for the office
- 3-4 inch ankle boots with pointy toes
- cute sneakers for running errands
- Italian leather loafers
- ballet flats
- strappy sandals for play time
- one pair of odd colored shoes, like kelly green sandals or fuschia flats
- silk scarves
- strand of pearls in various lengths
- gold hoop earrings
- chandelier earrings
- interesting pins as conversation starters
- funky pendants
(If you are still interested in all of this...and want to continue to read...there is more)
So I have issues with knowing the type or size of things that work the best for me. Sometimes I think that this is based on the current trends. When I was in Jr. High...it was loose and baggy clothes, High School...a bit closer fitting, and everything tucked in with belts (belts were a big deal), and now I feel like we are expected to wear clothes as tight as possible (not what I consider flattering) and flat shoes (which makes my size 10 foot look like I belong to a traveling circus).
I read an article that simple stated...you should wear what flatters your body the most. It makes sense to me! You should be able to find things in style, that still flatter your shape and size.
I'm not sure why I feel the need to share this, maybe it's that I can have a copy to refer to later. Because while I plan on cleaning out my closet and following guidelines...I'm afraid I will need to remind myself of these things often. More often than I would like to admit.
So here were some of the other tips...
The Little Black Dress (LBD)
- Fashion trends come and go and hemlines move up and down, but the little black dress will always be stylish. In the words of the great designer Karl Lagerfield, “One is never over or underdressed with a little black dress.” Sexy, glamorous and timeless, the little black dress is one of the most essential items in any woman’s wardrobe. Due to its versatility and slimming effect, it will flatter a woman’s figure and still allow her to demonstrate her personality through accessories which are updated every season. Team it with shoes in the colors of the season or silver and gold, rather than just plain black.
- Practical and versatile, with so many styles and cuts to choose from, a classic white shirt can be paired with jeans, well-cut black trousers or this season’s Silver Gray pants. Use it for covering up a bad outfit or unsightly bulges. Go for a men’s style for true chic.
- With spring season’s floaty, feminine dresses, a cashmere cardigan is both practical and smart. Avoid hemline clashes with flowing maxi dresses by wearing a cropped cardigan.
- Few pieces feature more prevalently in a woman’s wardrobe than a pair of blue jeans. Relaxed, simple and sexy – denims can be casual or elegant, depending on how pieces are mixed together. Combined with a well-fitted white shirt, denim jeans can inspire classic elegance and style. A low-waisted pair is kinder to more mature women if they are podgy around the middle. Any expanse of overhanging fat can be minimized by buying a size up.
- Very Audrey Hepburn. The trench is a timeless piece full of mystery and intrigue. Wear it with oversized shades for a look ultra-mysterious. Sexy over jeans or well-cut pants, the classic trench coat will take you from season to season.
- For the times when common-sense must prevail over high-heeled chic. In the name of practicality, a pair of stylish flats are an essential element of any woman’s wardrobe.
- A pair of classic black high-heel shoes are timeless, but don’t forget to be adventurous with seasonal colors. Impractical but sexy, a pair of ultra-high heels is a must-have to make any woman feel feminine and poised.
A Stylish Bag
- In her book, Nina Garcia recommends that every woman should have a tote or shoulder bag, a clutch and a medium sized handbag. At least one timeless, classic bag in a woman’s wardrobe is a must. A great bag can really make an outfit, so choose one that flatters your body shape.
Whew! So there is my contribution to the world of fashion. My 411 on wardrobe tips. I sit and type to avoid really going and getting rid of all the things I don't need or use. Off I go to conquer the collection of bargains, which added up, is not a bargain AT ALL! Just a lot of wasted money!
I guess the fact is...if people see me at a department store, or any clothing store...I need them to tell me to go home and do my laundry!
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