Holding zone or give it up? - YouLookFab Forum

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Holding zone or give it up?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Today while I was getting ready, I decided to either s**t or get off the pot, as my dad used to say. I pulled out my old Equipment silk shirts and swore I was either going to wear one or let it go...or at least take steps to let it go. Well, I put one on over a tank top and jeans, and just was not enjoying it at all. The brushed silk feels nice, but it catches on the jeans, bunches up at my hips, and the pocket flaps above my boobs annoyed me. I don't even love layering jackets over them because the floppy collars don't lie neatly inside jacket collars.

Despite my knowledge of the whole concept of sunk costs, I'm kind of bummed about this. I have three of these blouses from 5-6 years ago, and I wore them a bit back then, but I just don't enjoy them any more. But I love the colors, and the quality is amazing, so I tentatively put them on the closet door of my holding zone. But should I just give up and sell them? I have been building up quite a pile of stuff to sell, and have not yet gotten around to putting it all on eBay, which is quite a project in itself. I suppose I could take them to consignment too.

Part of me (my mother's influence) says hang onto them because they are nice and maybe someday I'll figure out how to wear them so that I enjoy them again (tucked into bootcuts? but I've been kinda over that look for years, but it might come back in???).

Somebody talk some sense into me. I clearly inherited some of my mom's reluctance to let things go.

General

34 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'd let them go. It sounds like you have tried them several times with "fresh eyes" and still don't enjoy them. When this happens to me, they lose their spot on a hangar and go into the zone - and then usually within a year they go to someone else. It's not that I do this with everything that I'm not wearing, but you have lined out specific features that you do not like about them. The floppy pockets, bunching at the hips, collars, etc. I'm not sure pockets work on silk or other silky shirts in general. I have a couple myself and have not been reaching for them. I don't mind pockets when the shirt has a bit more structure.

If you feel you will miss the "spot" they hold, then maybe you can add some notes to your shopping list about what you want to try and replace them with - similar color tops, feminine tops, etc.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Texstyle. Good point about noting any "spot" these occupy. The colors -- teal, blue, black -- are already represented in my tops in other fabrications and styles, although I could use a really good blue long-sleeve tee or knit top. I've veered back into wearing more knits and tees rather than button-front shirts -- they're more casual and easier to wear with jackets and toppers, and are also easier to accessorize with scarves and necklaces. I gave up a couple of crisp cotton button-front shirts earlier this year after giving them years to earn a place back into my closet.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

It doesn't sound like you enjoy anything about them! Send them and the other things you don't need into threadup. They'll sort it out for you and sell what they can. The check won't be huge, but it doesn't sound like you're looking to make money from them.

Toban

Veteran

Let them go. You've identified why they don't work and they are taking physical and mental space from you. I agree with texstyle to consider replacing them with versions that do work for you.

karen13

Veteran

You have figured out your lesson learned so now say goodbye. If you have success selling or consigning, all the better. I find I keep things in my closet far too long, and the mistakes just silently mock me. They bother me every time I look at them. When I finally do get rid of them, it is a relief.

Sara L.

Veteran

Unless you can figure out a way to wear them that you love, I would let them go. It sounds like you've tried wearing them recently and that hasn't happened. Let go of the guilt and find them a new home.

LaPed

Veteran

Oh, I know exactly what you mean about floppy collars! My only silk top right now is a crewneck for that exact reason. That plus the poor fit in the hips is plenty of reason to sell/consign. It will feel good to move on.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Off to Dress For Success they go.

jill58

Veteran

Away with them! Having these shirts around will just make you feel depressed. Sell them or donate.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

OK, you all have convinced me! Angie, that's a lovely idea. DFS would make excellent use of these. Perhaps I'll do that with some of my other dressier pretties that are going unworn.

You all are so right. I just needed an additional nudge -- almost like permission -- to let them go. I'm happy to free up some room in my closet too. I've added some fab new things this season that I'm really excited to wear, which is throwing the stuff I don't want to wear into sharp relief, and making my closet feel a little overstuffed.

Instead of one of the collared shirts, I ended up wearing a silk tunic length BCBG blouse in a favorite shade of cobalt blue. It is long and comfortable and roomy and skews a little dressier than my usual, but is still comfortable, and it is a collarless style that plays better with scarves and necklines. I'm wearing it with the new Paige black skinnies and the new Marc Fisher combat boots, which I debuted yesterday and am thoroughly enjoying. Much happier! Lesson learned.

MARC FISHER LTD Wanya Boot

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PAIGE Transcend Hoxton High Waist Undone Hem Skinny Jeans

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Marlene1

I sold my Equipment shirts via therealreal website and received between $16 and $25 each. Not very much, but the process could not have been easier - free shipping. They even supplied a box.

Anonymous

I had the very same experience with Equipment shirts. Collected a few thinking they were such great, iconic pieces, and hated them every time I wore them.Yes, I'm that dumb. There is nothing in your post that suggests you even like them anymore - off they go. Let someone else enjoy your gift to them.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I did enjoy them a few years ago, but the love has passed.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, I also find it reassuring that I'm in good company in trying to make those shirts work and not finding them the iconic versatile classics I thought they would be. I think I remember Una having frustration with hers as well?

Anonymous

Janet -- It is none of my business, but if you have the choice between selling them and donating them to Dress for Success, I would like to advocate for Dress for Success. I have a good friend that works at a battered woman's shelter and the need is great. I can't imagine how happy you could make a woman in real need.

RobinF

Veteran

I have the same problem with letting something go. I figure I have already spent the money and maybe some day will have a need for this again. I am trying now to wear my questionable items and if it just doesn't feel good put it right in my to-go pile.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I’m having my own struggle with oversized blouses and floppy collars at the moment—I feel your pain. I would try selling them on eBay or Poshmark because they hold up well, and even if you sold each for $40-$45, you’d still be able to recuperate around $100 net for them.

Chris987

Veteran

What everyone else said -) I especially love what karen13 said about things silently mocking us... LOL!

I have a really hard time with this lesson too, but its best to not try too hard to like clothing. Too much energy spent on shoulda, coulda, and maybe. Listen to your feelings and let someone else enjoy them.

I have 4 gorgeous cashmere cardigans that I've been unable to part with even though I haven't worn them in several years and don't see ever wearing them again. I finally got the brainstorm to ask my Mom if she'd like them and she said she'd LOVE them. Haven't delivered them yet but this will be a great solution.

Sal

Veteran

I would at least pass on two of the three...

There are clothes that we want to make work, or used to work, or should work, or are on the "Must Have" list, but that do not work for us.

Worst case scenario is that in a couple of years you regret handing them on....

My take - you don't like anything fussy - your clothes are very clean lines and while sometimes layered or complex patterns or embellished, they are never fussy. And shirts that need tucking, with a collar that does not sit right, that cling in the wrong places - they are fussy no matter how beautiful. I love the look that Gillian Anderson wore on The Fall (a very dark show) but the silk shirt tucked in rucks up on me and never looks right....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Glad you are sorted. I am in favour of passing them along. Anything that annoys you that much is not worth keeping.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I may also offer them to my eldest niece — nice professional clothes are always good for her! And we like the same colors.

rachylou

Veteran

Yes.., they’ve been on your ax list for awhile and nothing has turned them around...

Scarlet

Veteran

I bet those shirts will make someone else really happy.

Joy

Veteran

You have been given many good ideas as to what to do with the shirts. I sounds like you would not wear them even if the style comes back or collars and pockets were removed. Next.

Marilyn

Veteran

Sell them! I've felt the same way about letting things go but it's important to acknowledge that our style changes and what's the point of hanging on to things that don't make us feel great.

Beth Ann

Veteran

As Angie says, "Sounds like you're sorted!" I'm glad you felt free to let these go. Sometimes lots of pretty garments can get in the way of a integrated wardrobe.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

They have served their purpose for you. Even though the time was less than expected. Time to thank them for pleasing you back in the day and pass them on.
If you still think you want to sell them, I'd suggest putting a date on your calendar. If you haven't done it by that date take them to your niece or Dress for Success. Also, the equivalent organization by us doesn't only take professional work clothes as people starting over may work jobs with very casual dress codes. And they may need non work clothes also.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Ha! I completely relate to this thread although must admit I just wore one of my two remaining equipment shirts a couple of days ago. (Attached lousy mirror selfie after a long day and before I tidied up.) I long ago got rid of my darker and patterned tops but still like the lighter ones as my white shirt equivalent (this one is blush).
Dress for Success, consignment, The RealReal, all great ideas.

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Staysfit

Veteran

It’s hard to let go of certain items. I’m glad you have sorted this out, It always feels good to make room for something else too. Once the decision is made to eliminate something old, I am always happier.

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