On Helena's thread about breaking a bad editing cycle, I mentioned that I haven't been wearing a number of statement items I purchased last year. Actually, I've barely worn the ones I purchased this year, either. Angie kindly asked to see them so here are some of my Finds with explanations.

1. Halogen red pants. Only managed to wear twice, at home, not on the street. They feel too...bold. Also, it turns out that I don't really like this kick crop style on me, even in black. I *do* still wear my black pair, though. In fact, I wore them last night. The fabric is the perfect winter weight. And they are good for travel. So even though I prefer a tapered pant to one with this little bottom-of-calf flare on my own legs, and even though I prefer navy or grey to black, I wear those black Halogen crops. But red? What was I thinking?

2. Sequinned culotte. Okay, so this is special occasion wear and the occasion has not arisen. I will give myself a pass on that. These cost me all of $25 and I adore them. I think they have closet longevity. Next!

3. Vince dress. Purchased several years ago. Arguably not a statement but came with a statement price tag, even on sale. It really only works for me in early autumn, and again, I didn't have an occasion. It's also "special occasion wear" for me. If I liked it over trousers or jeans it might be easier, but I still can't get used to that look (on me) and whenever I try it, I end up peeling it off and putting on something that feels more "me." It was a lot of money for something I wear so seldom. I like it a lot. But it makes me feel guilty to see it unworn in the closet.

4. J. Crew jacket. I *did* wear this several times in the autumn as a matter of fact, and I will probably wear it again in early spring. But "several times" does not feel like enough for an item this pricey. Yes, I still need to change out the gold buttons. Haven't found any I like yet. I'm sure that affects number of wears. It's just so much easier for me to wear my navy blazer or my new plaid one. (And I *do* wear those -- but they are not statements!)

5. BR stand collar jacket. I've only had this a few months and I *have* in fact worn it (outside the house, too!) 3 times. It's a great little jacket...but it feels a bit "costumey" in a way my blue knit military jacket does not. Of course, this is precisely what might make it work for public appearances and such. And that is the reason I bought it. But is it *too* costumey? I think it might be. I think I want to get my drama in other ways. (See gilet, below).

6. Moto. This is arguably not a "statement" and not a new purchase either, but I barely wore it last spring. And didn't wear at all last fall. What is going on?

7. Blue cropped sweater. I love this. Why am I not wearing it? I need high waisted pants for it, like the J. Crew culottes. But I haven't worn the culottes. Just not feeling them and plus, we have so much snow here! Yes, I have underlayers for them but I hate the bunching.

8. Bell sleeve top. It feels boring. And I don't like the sleeves. They get in the way of everything.

9. J. Crew Culottes: see above. Love the drape of these but sometimes feel a bit "plump" in them, probably because I have to layer so darn much to make them work!

10. Gilet. Well, what can I say? I'm still not sorry I bought this. This is the thing that represents my aspirational style in as complete a way as possible. I adore this. Adore it!! It makes me feel like a million dollars. I just never find a place or time to wear it! Partly because of the coat issue. I don't have a coat that works over top and I need it in my climate.

11. Leopard corduroy skinny. Again, I've worn these about 4 or 5 times since purchasing in November. They're not as comfy as I had hoped at the waistline, which is part of it. But also, the pattern...the pattern...sometimes it just feels like too much!

12. All. The. Pretty. Booties. We all know why I am not wearing these. If more explanation is needed, see attached photos of what is happening in my world today.

This is really interesting. I am not sure what to take from it, though. Suggestions welcome!