Closet orphans, keep or toss?

Inspired by Nicole's mammoth effort, I've decided to clear up part of my closet too, and I found some closet orphans that I'm not sure what to do with.

This is the link for the pictures:
http://s553.photobucket.com/al.....20Orphans/

And the pieces are:

1)White jacket. Belted and unbelted. (I guess this is a skirtlength jacket?)
2)Tweed-like skirt. (Something about it makes me feel it's not flattering, but I do like the style.)
3) Red dress/tunic. (The fabric's a bit itchy...)
4) Pink pinstriped blouse. (I would only wear this as a layering piece)
5) white shortsleeved blouse.
6) Black/white striped shortsleeved blouse. (problem is that is bunches around my waist, even though it is most definitely not too small there. The fabric just wants to bunch there).

For all 3 blouses a problem is that they, like virtually every other blouse I've ever tried, are too tight around my shoulders/chest area (and bigger sizes would be huge around my waist). Is it acceptable to wear the top buttons open with a cami underneath?

Also, I put on the skirt within a test-outfit I created with the jacket and belt. Would something like this work?

Thanks so much!

17 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

The item that jumped out at me was the red dress--I love it. I don't like the blue lacy cami under it--I think its strong geometric colour-blocking and kimono-like cut call for a plain black or mustard cami--but otherwise I think it's very cool. If the fabric's itchiness is keeping you from wearing and enjoying it, though, I'd suggest 1) wearing it with a slip, or 2) passing it on if the slip doesn't alleviate the itchiness.

The other items are just so-so to me. I'd donate them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

First of all, that A-line skirt is fabulous. Is it fitted enough at the waist? It looks a little poufy where it shouldn’t be. Perhaps it needs a minor alteration.

Yes, it’s acceptable to wear a cami under a shirt and unbutton a little more to accommodate the bust. Here’s my 2 cents:

o I do not prefer the belt over the little white jacket. It competed with the welted pockets. It’s better on its own, but not with the tweed skirt.
o Red dress is great.
o The cap sleeved bourse look a little snug everywhere. When you sit, they’ll be even snugger. I vote pass on.

Hope that helps.

Elika

Active Member

Great, thanks!

Angie; you're so right about the skirt. After reading your post I gave it a good look again and the waist could be what's bothering me. I'll try to have it altered. And thanks for clearing up the open-buttons question: that's something I had been wondering about for a while.

The red dress stays too. Brianna: thanks for commenting and suggesting a way to help the itchiness. (oh, and the blue cami was something I was already wearing and indeed totally doesn't work; I would normally wear a black one).

I'll pass on the rest, but add a new white/cream jacket to my spring wish list.

Well, that's a start of my wardrobe organisation. It feels good to be cleaning out a little

Lee Hovey

I agree with all. The red dress is fabulous! I like the interest of the skirt, can't wait to see it tailored to you.

The button downs I don't prefer.

I hadn't realized that the tweed skirt was one of the orphans too. I think it's amazing. KEEP!

Thanks Brianna & LeeH! I really appreciate the advice. Left to my own devices, I normally tend to stay on the fence about everything, but this is a great help in making decision :).

Nicole

Hi Elika, Here are my thoughts:

white jacket--very cute fits you well--looks a little wrinkled though. I'd bring it to the cleaners and have themm press it. I think it's too sumery to wear with the skirt, and I prefer it unbelted.

I love the skirt, do you have any boots? I think it would look great with a black sweater, a red or purple shirt or sweater, cream.

The dress is really pretty--but I'd switch the cami to a black one. I'd like to see it with opaque tights and black boots.

The three button down shirts.... Hmmm well the pink stripe one is too small. It appears to be a little kid size that just happens to fit you in the waist. There's a seam at teh bust, that as far as I can tell is supposed to be under your bust, and it's just about at the fullest part of your bust. I'd get rid of.

The white one is also to small. It's supposed to have some gathers at the bust, due to the rouching. But the way it's pulling at the button right under your bust, makes it look too small. I'd get rid of.

B&W striped--same problem as the first two shirts. You can actually see the stripes bowing out just under the bust. I'm also not fond of the sleeve and the striping--so I'd get rid of it too.

I think you will probably need to buy shirts that fit over your bust, and then have the waist taken in. It's not a very difficult alteration.

I had never even considered clothes alterations, but this is opening my eyes. I'll keep it in mind and so hopefully enlarge my chances of getting more well-fitting blouses. These are definitely going.
Thanks for the suggestion and your input Nicole!

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