Closet edit: phase 2 - YouLookFab Forum

Inspired by the post about imagining Angie standing in my closet, I tackled my outerwear, shoes and jewelry. Here's a list of what I purged and why, as well as what I've learned.

Gone are:

(photo 1). Prana Esme jacket: loved everything about this, but never wore it because it was too short.
(photo 2). Ugg Blayre boot: a gift that wasn't really my style, but they were
warm and cozy and they became my default shoe on lazy days. I have a
pair of Sorels that are equally comfy and I don't need two similar
shearling boots.
(photo 3). Black Vince Camuto Jerrell booties - worn once before I realized platform + stilettos are not my friend. These were my first pair of expensive (to me) shoes and tough to let go of.
- Teal TNF Apex bionic jacket. Bought as a windproof base layer for post-ski sightseeing in Tahoe. Tried it on this weekend and realized it feels like a constricting wetsuit. I haven't been to Tahoe in a decade. And I no longer wear teal. Out it goes.
- Guess knee-high cognac heel boot: I discovered I've only been keeping these because I love the warm whiskey color, but they aren't comfortable, I struggle to wear a sock with them (my feet are always cold), so I dreaded wearing them. I have a Frye riding boot and a black Aldo otk suede heeled boot for when I want a boot with jeans. May replace these with a combat style boot or something I can wear with my casual dresses and skirts.
- Grey nine west suede bootie: Cute, but they make my heels hurt. And they always come untied.
- All chunky/large statement and bubble necklaces, as well as costume cuff/bracelets. I don't like the fuss, or the jingle.
- A very well-loved Kuhl green merino zip hoodie. Worn almost daily as a layer under my waxed jacket, but it's time for the textile recycle bin. I think I cried when bagging this one....

Still on the fence (holding zone for now):
- Navy trench coat, thrifted: Love the coat (it has a satiny sheen to it) and the fit, but HATE the buttons. It would be inexpensive to change the buttons and see if I wear it more.
(photo 4) JCrew Bella velvet blazer, green: I love everything about this - it fits, is in great condition, but it is at least a decade (or more) old. For some reason, I just don't reach for it... Is it cool & vintage or just old & dated? Such a fine line...
- ASOS pink satin pleated maxi skirt: I was OBSESSED with this when I bought it. But, it's about 9" too long and will be pricey to hem, thanks to the pleats. Not sure I will wear it enough to justify the cost...?
- Jcrew grey cords and AG navy cords: both need waist and hem alterations. Again, not sure I will wear them enough to warrant the work.
(photo 5) Splendid navy suede booties (why do I have so much suede in a 4-season climate?!) Fell in love with these (NAS), but haven't even taken them out of the box. May return and look for a more casual boot (the combat one, maybe?)

Going forward, here are the takeaways from this closet edit:
- I need to rotate and edit my denim more frequently - my jeans are the workhorse of my wardrobe, I wear them daily. I tend to reach for the same two pair and wear them until they are threadbare. By the time I reach for a different pair it either doesn't fit, or is dated.

- I am not allowed to buy any more cardigans - I think they multiply at night when I am sleeping; I swear I don't remember buying so many.... I have a handful of really cute, great jackets that could EASILY be worn in place of a cardi and I need to train myself to reach for them more often. I think I succumbed to the ease and comfort of my cardis, but I am trying to look more put together, not like I rolled out of bed and threw on a bathrobe.

- My basics should have texture - Upon reviewing my pile of shopping mistakes, I realize that I am drawn to very unique items with a ton of detail, like embellishments or busy prints, but then feel too self-conscious to wear them. I think I tend to avoid basics because I find them too plain. Going forward, I will look for subtle touches of "something", like a knit pullover in a small waffle weave or eyelash knit instead of chunky cables, embroidery or sequins, or a button up shirt in a satin or silk instead of a matte/cotton, that will allow me the oomph I am drawn to but be versatile enough to mix with my other clothes. I will save my patterns for scarves.

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7 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Your plan sounds great. I feel for you about the shoes in pic 3 especially. If it makes you feel any better, last year I donated black patent pumps I had NEVER worn. I was seduced by their shape and elegance a few years back but could not walk in them and neither could 30-years-younger DD with my same size feet. Lesson learnt.

Anonymous

Im with you about the texture, it makes a huge difference but without the business of prints and detail. I like those navy booties but why are so many shoes in suede? I always worry about them in rain and snow.

Gretchen

What great insights. I'm with you on the cardigan proliferation problem - where do they come from?

I love the idea of looking for basics with texture. I met a very stylish lady a few years ago. When I complimented her on her look she said she always makes sure that each piece has one little detail that catches her eye or makes her smile. I like it as a style philosophy.

Barbara Diane

A thoughtful edit.Well done.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great insights nemosmom, and WELL DONE. Your closet edit is steady and sensible.

I think you mean ESSENTIALS with texture. Basics are undies, socks, sleepwear, shapewear, loungewear and the like. Good soul searching there.

I would like to see the pink skirt

nemosmom

Angie - here is the skirt; a blush/baby pink satin. I would model it for you, but it’s around 45” long and I don’t have heels that high! I keep thinking with a sneaker and rocker tee and Moto jacket, it might be a keeper.... I just can’t decide.
And, yes, I meant essentials!

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Great job! I hear you on the "hard-to-let-go" items.

cjh

You might look into shortening that skirt from the top instead of trying to do a new narrow hem at the bottom, which I agree would be difficult and expensive. In the photo it looks like it might have an elastic waistband, covered by stretchy fabric?

Thanks, cjh! The waistband isn't elastic, it's the same satin fabric as the body, but as a bias tape of sorts (thick though, so maybe some interfacing inside? Not sure...) I didn't think to ask my tailor if he would shorten from the waist or hem. I took it in, put it on, he chalked the hem and zipper, quoted me $85 and I told him I'd have to think about it. Ha! He does amazing work, but that is more than I think I want to spend.

I have a break from work tomorrow, so I may take the skirt and the two cords to a different tailor for a second opinion.

cindysmith

I can so relate. Your cardigans that breed in the dark corners at night? Yeah, I think my skinny Jean's do that, but I don't try and stop them because you will have to pry my skinnies from my cold dead hands before you bury me LOL

And the avoidance of basics? Me too. I need them to have something that elevates them from 'just a basic'. Sometimes it's a really awesome color, sometimes it's a texture, often it's an asymmetric shape; there has to be something that sets it apart.

You've done some really great work here, and I'm proud of you! Editing can be hard, so High Five to you

Suz

This is extremely well thought out. I am with you on the need to keep the jeans capsule current. Give yourself permission. If you wear them regularly, you deserve it!

You've really identified what DID work about each item you're getting rid of -- i.e. what tempted you to hold onto it. That's at least as helpful as knowing what was wrong with it for you. Thanks for mentioning it -- I will take that with me in my own edits going forward!

Cardiff girl

Fab editing,ld keep the velvet blazer if I were you,seriously ontrend this year.

What Suz and Cardiff Girl said. A blazer that is velvet and green. I'd wear it with everything this season. Great job editing.

Thanks, nemosmom. Yup. A bit impossible to hem. I'm sorry. Lets see it on when you have a moment. Pretty skirt.

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