Help! My Closet Sweep Part One--LONG - YouLookFab Forum

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Help! My Closet Sweep Part One--LONG

Nicole

Veteran

First of all, I am wearing the same top in every single outfit and the same black tights in all the skirt outfits. I was trying to simplify the process. I tried to organize the photos into 4 categories--jeans, casual non jeans, work pants and skirts.

The first 6 pair are jeans. The first and second pair don't really fit me very well--I'm always pulling them up. The second ones have too much stretch. I also have a few more pair of jeans that I didn't shoot because I like them, get compliments on them, and they are on the drying rack.

THe next 7 pair are casual pants, some sub casual, I'm afraid. I know I have to get rid of the ones I titled "embarrassed". They are literally falling apart and are obviously huge on me. But I love to wear them in the summer. They are cool and loose and look great with thong sandals. I need to find a simlar pair to replace them! I also think the ON cargos, and Esprit Tan Cords have to go. And I'm not really feeling the cream Newport News Skinnies.

The next 3 are work appropriate pants (I have others, I didn't post) I am thinking it's time to get rid of the "Softer Grey" ones (the are at least 6 years old) and I have to admit I've never really liked myself in the AT Light Tan Full pant. They just seem so bunchy to me.

Next are the skirts. This exercise made me realize that I look much better in skirts, and need to get some more casual skirts to replace my non-jean casual pant look. (Don't forget to look at page 2--there are a lot more skirts on page 2).

I'm not only interested in hearing what you all think works and what doesn't...but I'd also like ideas on gaps in my wardrobe. For example, almost all of my skirts are straight--Angie has been trying to get me in an A Line from day one. I have yet to find one that fits my hips (or lack thereof).

Hopefully tomorrow night I can do the tops. Hubby is in UT this week, so I'm trying to keep myself entertained.

http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....Sweep%20I/

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Wow Nicole, good effort!! Are these all outfits you are thinking of "Sweeping" or all these all your outfits? You have lots of jeans

Here are my quick thoughts!

You have to keep the Newport news Denim Skinnies - you look great in them!!

I agree that many of those casual pants are waaaaay to big for you! (especially the first few pairs)

Skirts are certainly a great look for you as they show off your great legs. The faded denim I'm not so much a fan of, but I love the plum tweed!! Perhaps its because it has a bit of kick and isn't quite pencil straight? Give the a-lines a try!!

JewelryGirl

My favorites in the pants are the Calvin’s & the cream soft cord. I LOVE the Kenneth Cole Dark Denim skirt!!! You do look AWESOME in skirts, I think you’re inspiring me to try some! Ohhhh, the plum tweed flare is GORGEOUS on you!!!! I'm in the middle of my own closet sweep (I took pics of all my jackets) & need to post later this week. Can't wait to see more pics of your sweep, what a fun way to do things!

Nicole

Veteran

yublocka, These are all my pants and skirts (well most of them). They are all up for critique. If there is anything in particular I should pass on, I'd like to know. If there is anything that is a keeper, I'd like to know that too. And if there is anything that is passable, but should be replaced with something diffeent, I'd like to know.

I know most people do the basic culling and let the group decide on a few pieces, but I really needed to see everything on me in a photo. I'm not good at deciding waht looks good on me. So I figured I'd post everything and let you all have at it.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I don't have time to comment right now (I need to get in the shower if I'm going to catch the bus on time), but I do want to weigh in on this. I'll try to post on my lunch break.

Great job getting all the photos up! That's half the battle, isn't it?

dee

This is a great idea to do all the photos! I agree with your 'getting rid' of list, except for the esprit cords. I think they look good on you. And I love the Calvin jeans on you. You look really good in skirts, especially the tweed one, and the dark denim. The only one I though looked a bit big was #25.

Love the colours in your room too!

Nicole

Veteran

thanks ana and Dee. (Ana, I'm looking forward to your comments).

Dee, Thanks! I just painted my room a few moths ago while I was laid off. We are planning to redo the masterbath and install hardwood on the bedroom floor--hopefully this spring. That is why the mop boards in my photos are not painted. I figured no point in painting them until the nasty pink carpet comes up. I love this color too, every time I walk in my room, I feel very warm and comfortable. I think you're right about that skirt being too big. It's from several 10's of pounds ago. But it has an elastic waist, so I thought I could get away with it. I have plenty of black skirts, I can probably move that one out.

Tanya

Veteran

Wow, what an effort Nicole! Great job! I will also post detailed reply later in the day when I manage to find enough time. And I really like your room!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Okay, I'll go photo by photo:

1. Intentionally faded black jeans. These are okay. They fit you nicely, and I could see them going with a lot of things. How would you feel about replacing them with some dark black jeans instead? I've always found it difficult to match faded black jeans, but I think that's just me (you know me, I like really vibrant solids). If you feel like they are too big, pitch them, or maybe get the waistband taken in until you can find something to replace them with that you like better (I do this a lot with my wardrobe).

2. Tahari Jeans. These look like they fit you alright in the picture, but I'm not a fan of the wash. Plus, it sounds like you already don't like these that well and they stretch out. I vote toss.

3. Calvins. Nice, I like the wash on these a lot, and they are very "smart casual." They look like they fit you nicely too. Keep these.

4. Sevens. These a great! I think you should wear these as your "casual" jeans in place of your more faded pairs of jeans. These are very flattering, and could be worn dressed up a bit or more casually. Keep!

5. Newport News Denim Skinnies. Are these too big for you? They look like they are kind of bunching funny around the zipper area. If I remember correctly, the only way you wear these are tucked into boots with a longer tunic top, right? If so, then I don't think the bunching is really a big deal. If you have nothing else to wear with boots, then keep these. If you don't really like them, keep them until you can find something you like better.

6. ON Jeans. Not a fan of these. I think your Sevens are a million times better and more flattering. Toss 'em, or keep them for gardening or painting.

7. Brown Limited Cords. Yep, toss. Too big.

8. These. I have to admit that at first I didn't read all the way through your post, I just opened up the photos and started looking through. When I got to this photo, I though, "What the hell ARE these?" and then I scrolled down and saw you had posted, "Embarassed to own." LOL. You crack me up. Anyway, don't throw these away--burn them. I can't tell what they are made of, but I'd replace them with a lightweight pair of cotton-linen trousers for summer, or maybe a very lightweight cotton pair of bootcut chinos. J. Crew makes a good summer chino that comes in several colors.

9. ON Cargos. See #8.

10. Esprit Tan Cords. I actually like these a lot. How do you feel about them? Is it that you just can't figure out what to wear these with?

11. Newport News Cream Skinnies. I think I would like these worn with boots and a tunic top, but it sounds like you aren't getting much use out of them. Maybe you're finding that you just wear the blue NN skinnies more? If that's the case, I say pass them on. I wonder though--would you find you wear them more in the spring, when colors tend to lighten up a bit? I think they would look great with apple green, and that color is fabulous on you.

12. BR Black Denim Trouser: Are these a bit big for you? Maybe it's that it looks like they are hemmed for heels, and you're not wearing any heels in this photo so they kind of pool at your feet. If they fit okay up top, I vote keep. The color still looks nice and dark, and I'm thinking that shape would be very flattering on you with heels.

13. AT Black Slim Cords. I think these are okay. It's hard for me to see the pants because they are so dark on my monitor. If they fit up top, then keep them. Are these hemmed for heels as well? These are a bit on the casual side because of the pocket detail on the front pockets. I like that though. You are so lucky you can get away with that.

14. Grey wide legs. These look too big around the crotch area, and so they are bunching kind of funny. Do they fit you okay? It could be the way you are standing though, I'm not sure. I'm sort of torn, but I'm leaning towards getting rid of them, but only because I think you look so great in your jeans. I think you could find trousers that fit in a similar way. Maybe you can keep them until you can replace them with something else.

15. Softer grey. Are these like yoga pants? I think they look good for yoga and exercising and stuff. Lounging around the house. Taking your daughter to school.

16. AT Light Tan Full Pant. These look way too big on you. I vote toss.

17. Black Pencil Skirt. Great! Definitely keep. Nice to see you in a skirt again!

18. Kenneth Cole Dark Denim pencil skirt. Keep.

19. Black and Blue Large Print Knit. Keep.

20. Stitch Skirt. Keep.

21. Faded Denim. Hmm...I'm torn on this one. I much prefer your Kenneth Cole dark denim pencil skirt to this one. But that could just be personal taste. The skirt looks like it fits you alright. Maybe if you keep this one, it would be good for going to the park and running around with the kids, or beach vacations and stuff.

22. Esprit Wool Plaid. Nice, keep.

23. Plum Tweed Flare. Great! This is a wonderful shape for you, because it really balances out your top half. Definitely keep!

24. Target Cream Cord Skirt. It's so weird seeing a cord skirt with totally bare legs! I think if you always pair it with tights or something, it's nice. I love cream.

25. Unidentified Skirt. What is this made of? I prefer your other skirts to this one, so if you are going to get rid of any of them, I say it should be this one. The print just seems too tiny for you or something. I can't put my finger on it.

26. Tahari Cream and Pink pinstripe. I like this one. From the description of the color, I think it could be nice for Spring. Give it a shot and see if you wear it a lot this coming season. If not, then pass it along.

Whew, I made it! Hope that helps. I'm looking forward to your part two of closet cleanout.

Patience

Veteran

The stellar stand outs are clearly the KC denim skirt and the plum tweed skirt.

Jeans - to me the only ones that don't look right are both NN. They don't seem right through the hips to me. The best pair are the Calvins. I think keeping the rest depends on how many pairs of jeans you need and whether you wear each particular pair.

Pants - I actually like the Esprit tan cords. The rest to me are too big or just not working right.

Skirts - You do look great in skirts. However, I think you look great in pants too. I like the black pencil skirt and all of the denim skirts for various purposes. The floral skirts seem to large to me. The pink pinstripe looks good and I think you can do better with the target cord skirt. I also like the plaid skirt.

I hope I got everything. I too love the color of your room.

Anonymous

You have been busy with your closet clean out.
You look great in skirts. Your legs seem to be shrinking and you may need to re evaluate saying that your calves are big because they don't seem to be. You have nice shapely legs and should show them off every chance you get. You'll be turning heads for sure.
These are the ones I like for sure.
Pants: Calvins and Sevens.
Skirts: black pencil, Kenneth Cole, plum twead, Tahari pink and cream stripe.
Others are also good but I didn't put them on the asolutely best list because of fit issues that may be just fine with a different top.

Amanda

Nicole - you've gotten good comments on the pants and I think your own instincts were good so I won't add to that. I will say that you do look great in skirts and should make them a centerpiece of your wardrobe. My least favorite skirts are the two floral ones -- I think you need a more structured skirt for balance. LOVE the plum tweed skirt! Definitely get more skirts with a flare or A-line.

Elika

Ok, I also went through photo by photo and just put down my thoughts without having read other comments. I tried to be strict, hope it doesn't seem like I'm being unkind :). In general, I love, love, love the skirts on you and the jeans in general are great too. As for closet gaps, I think it would be a good idea to invest in some great new dressy pants and try out some different skirt styles; the pencil line is great, but you would rock an a-line too!

Her are my comments per piece:
1. Cant really see the fading? But it looks good to me -> keep
2. I’m personally not a fan of this jeans-colour, but they do seem to fit ok. If you specifically like the colour, keep, otherwise toss.
3. Calvins. I love the colour, but they seem a bit too tight? If so, then toss. Otherwise keep.
4. Sevens. They look great!->definitely keep
5. Denim skinny. Is the fit ok? I can see some scrunching, or is that just the picture? Keep
6. They’re ok. If they’re very comfortable, then keep them for lounging or very casual occasions.
7. & 8 & 9. They all seem too big, like you already said and not very flattering. Toss.

10. Esprit cords. They look like a good spring look. I vote keep.
11. Again, I see some bunching. Do they feel like they fit properly? I think they’re a great colour and would be very versatile.
12& 13. They’re not very easy to see, but something about both doesn’t really appeal to me.
14. Seem too big. It doesn’t look bad, but I think you could get much nicer work appropriate pants.
15. More bunching. I don’t prefer this style…
16. Too big. I vote toss.
17. Black skirt-> fantastic! Love everything about it .
18. Denim skirt. Very nice-> keep!
19. Print skirt->keep!
20. Denim skirt. I really like the stitching details. Keep.
21. Again, I personally don’t really like lighter denim colours, but it fits well and could be a good summer piece. Keep.
22. Esprit skirt. Keep.
23. Plum skirt. Fantastic, I love it! Hope you (will) wear this often as it looks great!
24. Cream skirt. Nice->keep.
25. I like the print and colour, but something’s a little off. Maybe it’s just the way your sweater is a little bunched in the picture. Also, I think a slightly shorter length looks better on you.
26. Can’t really see the colours, but the fit looks great. Keep.

And that’s it

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh goodness. You busy, busy bee! I have time to comment right now because we are having the upstairs rooms re-carpeted as we speak and it is CHAOS. Remember that we are fully moved in. We had to move everything out for the crew. Not fun. It shall be worth it by the end of the day.

Firstly Nicole, I don’t think you look better in skirts than pants. You look equally good in both. You might FEEL nicer in a skirt and that I fully understand.

Here we go:

o Pass on the ON cargos. The rest of the jeans look good in the pictures. How they wear during the day is a different story. Pass on the ones that stretch too much. The Calvins and Sevens are KILLER. By far the best. Faded jeans are great for certain ultra casual occasions, like ball games. I would not get rid of all of those.

o Pass on the brown cords and the pants you are embarrassed to own. RIGHT NOW. The tan cords actually fit really well. I can’t see the black slim cords. Your discretion.

o Pass on the grey wide leg pants, but I like the slimmer, softer grey ones. I know they are old. Perhaps they are photogenic.

o Pass on faded denim skirt. I’m on the fence about the floral skirts. They don’t seem your style.

o The ATL full pant looks too big. They were less bunchy when you bought them. Pass on.

o Ha! You have an A-line skirt. The plum tweed flare looks GREAT.

o Love your expression in the Tahari cream and pink pinstripe. I LAUGHED.

I’d like to see linen pants, tweed pants, micro checks (I think you have these), more A-line skirts and pencil skirts in colours. The perfect pair of white bootcut jeans is a must.

Nicole

Veteran

Thank you all SO much. Some of the suggestions were expected, some were surprises. I'm going to do tops tonight, and hopefully cull out the bottoms. So keep your comments coming.

I am kind of excited about getting rid of things that are serviceable, but not ideal, because this makes it so much easier for me to know what I need. Example: I am going to get rid of the cream and denim skinnies, and look for a better fitting replacement(s). It's difficult for me to justify buying a new pair of skinnies, when I have some I rarely wear. But the truth is, if I had some that fit better, I'd be more inclined to wear them.

shiny

Veteran

I missed this originally, so I'll be brief:

The plum skirt and the Kenneth Cole denim skirt: TOSS.... over to me.

(just kidding... but I really love these two in particular)

Maya

Veteran

OK, I looked at these without reading anyone else's comments. I watched it diligently as a slideshow and listed everything I liked in TextEdit, hehe. This is exactly how I typed it so forgive me if it's confusing.

calvins
sevens
NN skinnies (both pairs)
cargos?
grey wide legs
black pencil
KC dark denim
AT black & white
faded denim
esprit wool plaid
plum tweed flare
target cream cord
tahari cream and pink pinstripe

You absolutely do need more skirts because you look FANTASTIC in them. The KC skirt and the plum tweed skirt are both KILLER. Don't even think of tossing those or I will have an apoplexy!

Tanya

Veteran

I am sorry to be this late, it has been a crazy day! Without looking at what others have said, here are my two cents:

1. Black faded jeans - they look OK to me, but since you say they stretch a lot I would get rid of them, or keep them till you find a replacement. I'd look for a black-black pair, either straight or bootcut.

2. Tahari - I do not like the wash, but they seem to fit OK. But since they stretch out a lot, I vote toss.

3. Calvins - gorgeous! Definitely keep and duplicate ( with different length) if you can.

4. Sevens - another beautiful pair. Fits you amazing. Keep for sure.

5. Newport skinnies - I loove you in skinnies, but these seem to be bunching at the front. I would replace them with a better fitting pair of skinnies.

6. ON faded- I would toss them, or keep them for activities in which you will get dirty. Too faded.

7. Brown cords - too big, toss. I'd replace them with a better fitting pair if you can.

8. TOSS! If you want to replace them, and you do look great in cargos, I'd look for something like this:

http://www.revolveclothing.com.....8;sc=Pants

9. ON cargos - another toss, way to big. Again, I'd do a better fitting replacement.

10. Esprit tan cords - I actually REALLY like how this fit you, so I'd certainly keep them.

11. NN cream skinnies - same issues with bunching like with the denim skinnies, but otherwise OK. I would replace them if possible.

12. BR black denim - look fine to me.

13. ATL black cord - not bad, but something about them bothers me. probbaly the stitching.

14. Grey wide leg - They look too big, I vote toss.

15. Soft grey - I actually like these, I'd keep them.

16. AT tan - waay to big, definitely toss.

17. Black pencil - really great on you, definitely keep.

18. KC dark denim - killer, keep!

19. Black & blue large print - so-so, not a fan of that print or color combo.

20. stitch skirt - I like it on you, keep.

21. faded denim - I'd pass, not a big fan of the wash.

22. Esprit plaid - nice, keep.

23. plum tweed flare - killer, killer, killer! I'd look for more skirts in this shape - maybe black/grey tweed, or brown/cream tweed, or olive cord, or...

24. cream cord - pretty, keep.

25. floral - not a fan, toss.

26. Tahari -looks good, keep.

So, I don't know if these are winter only or all seasons, but I would think of adding a white denim skirt, white jeans, some loose drawstring pants ( maybe linen or silk), some wooly pants in false plain ( hounstooth, or tweedy), and of course more of those gorgeous flare skirts.