WIW 6/18: Old favorite red blouse (keep or purge)

I've really enjoyed your responses and advice in my large wardrobe thread:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-too-large
So I've decided that for the next few weeks I'll make myself wear some of my lesser worn or older items so that I can evaluate how I feel in them and whether they really should stay in my closet. I would love your advice on keep or purging these items so I can make sure my wardrobe is as streamlined as possible (for me, anyways...)

This red and black INC blouse from Macy's was one of my favorites from pre-YLF. I think it's about 7-8 years old. I haven't worn it since joining because I've been busy with new favorites. Now it's time to see if it still works for me. I used to wear it plain (unbelted) with black trousers. It has a shirred long elastic waist and shirred sleeves. This time I wore it with a black pencil skirt, black belt, black pumps, black pendant and black doctor bag. It's a lot of black I know, but all of my other reds don't seem to match well with this blouse.

What say you--keep or purge the blouse?

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11 years ago

keruchina

Active Member

I don't think that it's bad, but I do think that you have other, more fabulous options these days. I vote purge to make room for some MOTG items.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Would you buy this shirt again, if it were new in a store today?

ManidipaM

I think this outfit works on its own just fine.

Not sure if it says summer --- maybe add a little white or tan in the accessories?

More importantly, though, is the blouse not getting worn due to lack of partners or are you no longer feeling it?

Kirti

I have seen you in much more fabulous blouses, so I vote donate/toss on this one. The red and black combo is fab though

DonnaF

@Rae; I love, love, love your test: Would you buy *X* if it were new in a store today? (Or I might even add for me, thrifted.) I will re-examine some of that old stuff remaining in my closet using this test.

GP: The color and the pattern are very flattering on you which is why I think it was a favorite. You have styled it well. Would you still buy something with those sleeves? If this blouse had long sleeves, it would better fit my image of your style. . . .

I vote this blouse off YOUR island, although I probably would have kept it on mine since my wardrobe is so tiny, lol!

harmonica

if your intension is to make your wardrobe smaller - then purge. but i think it looks nice and flatters you and you have styled it well. but you have so many other items that are super great. IMHO this blouse is ok, but not super great

i love rae's question and think that is a good guideline for K/T. i will use it on some of my items too

as for purging: i have a "hesitation box" where I keep stuff I'm on the fence with for a while and if forget about it, it means goodbye. i also keep a mental track of seasonal items and if I havn't worn them in 1-2 seasons, out they go. I also toss things that are supposed to get mended, but never does.

cjh

Natalie, what WAS your analysis when you wore it? Did you wear this all day? That is the crucial answer. But I do like Rae's test, too.

Anonymous

Knowing how large and fab your wardrobe is, I don't think you need to keep it. If you do, try pairing it with white for a change.

Meredith1953

I love the color combo and the way you have styled it. However, I wonder if you removed the sleeves thereby making the top also work as a vest, if you would have more styling options. Love the idea of it with white for summer!

Transcona Shannon

Love Rae's question - I'm going to use that myself when I'm questioning an older item.

Also, will you wear it or will it just sit in your closet? I've started looking at my wardrobe items as taking up important real estate and things that don't get worn, aren't taking up any of that space.

cheryle (Dianthus)

In light of your other post about influences, I find that I am sometimes very not in line with the other opinions expressed and so refrain from commenting. sometimes it is that I don't feel the love when everyone else does and sometimes it is the opposite as with your red top.

I wasn't going to post because of this but changed my mind. I think the top is very pretty on you and figure-flattering as well. I do agree that it is not necessarily a spring or summer color but could be fabulous under a black jacket for fall. I like it for summer too though.

I want to clarify that my question was not meant to sway one way or the other. Sometimes, an item can be perfectly flattering and current, yet it gets passed on because it no longer excites and delights us. And sometimes we hang onto things we love and love to wear even if they are not the newest model on the lot.

Aida

I think it's a pretty top, though this outfit would need a healthy dose of white/cream to feel summery to me. I could see this working in the fall very nicely though. I don't see the top as particularly current nor dated, so I would say keep only if the pattern still sings to you and you think you'll wear the top. Otherwise, pass it along

jen

I think it looks gorgeous on you, classic and demur! The colour really suits you, keep and wear it.

Asingh

The top looks nice with the belt! To avoid too much black, you can try nude shoes and maybe a tan coloured bag!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You look really pretty, Natalie! If you still like this blouse - I vote keep.

cheryl

I like it alot. I think it looks great on you!

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