How often does a "closet pest" redeem itself?

catgirl

cjh's post got me wondering how often keeping a closet pest around actually pays off. I have a couple of items that were just hanging around (pun intended!) until YLF gave me ideas for styling them. Case in point: my mustard jacket which was pegged as outerwear and is now being worn weekly.

Mostly, however, I have found orphans to be recalcitrant about making themselves work for me. Hence the sudden recent evictions!

How about you?

12 years ago

General

9 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

DressLover

Veteran

First, I love the word recalcitrant. I can tell you sat through Crim Law.

Second, on the topic of closet pests, the only ones I have redeem themselves when they assist in me landing a new job. (Suits are really the only things I keep around that I no longer wear regularly, but definitely have a purpose.)

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Trying to think of when a closet pest suddenly became a closet romeo. The only ones I can think of are when I've switched climates. I definitely have items that work in, say, a travel capsule that just hang there otherwise.

I've had lots of cases where the reverse was true, though.

12 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

Usually when I buy the right pieces to accompany it or have it altered. I had an orphan skirt that I loved but never wore, and when I shortened it a couple of inches and bought a jacket to accompany it....suddenly it worked.

Not sure every pest is worth such attention, though! Some just have to go.

12 years ago

Marley

Veteran

It doesn't happen very often for me. The only thing I can think of in the past year is a skirt that I had taken in and shortened - it is now a nice basic - and a 3/4 sleeve denim dress which I had taken in, but have not yet worn because it is a fall item. In fact, I haven't even tried it on since getting it tailored - yeh, that's how excited I was about it! I have many other orphans - most of them are in a box right now - haven't been able to get rid of them yet, because I know that with just a little bit of tweaking they might be able to be full-time members of my wardrobe. But because I procrastinate they go unnoticed, unloved and unworn!

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm... very rarely. The only example I can think of is my dyed chartreuse utility jacket.

12 years ago

Claudia

Veteran

Not often, but it happens. Just often enough to give one pause in trying to cull. And it's just so great when it happens! Like finding a big bill in a coat pocket the first time you go to wear it again.

The flip side, also rare, is that I have evicted items that I later lived to regret parting with. Case in point: colored jeans were deemed juvenile here on the forum a year or two ago and I tossed a beautiful pair of muted rose-pink colored premium denim bootcuts that fit me beautifully. A few months ago while window shopping in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago I saw in a high-end designer boutique on a mannequin a nearly identical pair priced around $300. Still kicking myself.

I also got rid of a very cool Guess denim moto-style jacket, a very big splurge at the time, I bought in the early 1980's that I still think about -- wishing I had it now.

12 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

LOL at the legal argot.

Would your major concern be recidivism?

12 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Usually the pests need to undergo surgery...either cosmetic or internal...to earn a place in rotation. Unless the fabric and/or fit is fabulous, it may not be worth it unless you do the work yourself.

12 years ago

Elly

Veteran

I have never had an orphan become a fully-rehabilitated member of society. I have saved a few that made do for an occasion. Then again, I am young enough and poor enough to have few gems worth the effort.

12 years ago

Category