A frivolous post about clothes or: Why am I hanging on to this ill-fitting crap?
While trying to dress for church on Sunday, as I pulled out and discarded multiple terrible outfits, I was reminded - yet again - not to buy separates. Unless they are all classic. Or black. Or better yet, classic and black. The empire-waist babydoll does not flatter me. Either that, or it just feels like maternity wear after living through 4 pregnancies in 6 years. I'm pretty sure it's just unflattering. Add the 'tunic' to that pile of ill-fitting items - I am not 6 feet tall.
The pretty 'girly' blouses patiently waiting on the hangers have no pants or skirts to coordinate with them, and I can't wear jeans everywhere - much as I would like to. Honestly, I never wear blouses. During the summer I wear t-shirts, in the winter it's the rib-knit turtleneck. Or one of my many sweaters (most of whom also never see the light of day because they are too 'nice' to wear while I'm herding the kids around.) Why do I have blouses that I never wear hanging in my closet? I have no idea, but there they are. All 12 of them.
While I'm clearing out, I should probably just give up on the at-waist skirts and pants from the pre-baby days, as my waist is never going back in them without surgical intervention.
From now on, I'm going to try to take my cues from Audrey Hepburn. Simple, classic, clean and elegant.
Well, maybe not the elegant, I probably can't pull that off. But no more ill-fitting trendy purchases for me. I pledge to no longer squeeze wardrobe replenishment into 15 minutes while Matt waits patiently with the kids in the car and I try on as much as I possibly can in that time frame. I am going to stick to things that I know will work for me and not be side-tracked by what's 'it' now - because tomorrow 'it' will be something else, either something equally unflattering or else something I'd feel conspicuous or uncomfortable in - for example all the pretty graphic t-shirts with rhinestones all over them - love 'em! Have 3! Never wear them! From now on I'm taking my cues from Audrey and am going to work on my personal style.
Now to hunt down a good consignment shop.
The pretty 'girly' blouses patiently waiting on the hangers have no pants or skirts to coordinate with them, and I can't wear jeans everywhere - much as I would like to. Honestly, I never wear blouses. During the summer I wear t-shirts, in the winter it's the rib-knit turtleneck. Or one of my many sweaters (most of whom also never see the light of day because they are too 'nice' to wear while I'm herding the kids around.) Why do I have blouses that I never wear hanging in my closet? I have no idea, but there they are. All 12 of them.
While I'm clearing out, I should probably just give up on the at-waist skirts and pants from the pre-baby days, as my waist is never going back in them without surgical intervention.
From now on, I'm going to try to take my cues from Audrey Hepburn. Simple, classic, clean and elegant.
Well, maybe not the elegant, I probably can't pull that off. But no more ill-fitting trendy purchases for me. I pledge to no longer squeeze wardrobe replenishment into 15 minutes while Matt waits patiently with the kids in the car and I try on as much as I possibly can in that time frame. I am going to stick to things that I know will work for me and not be side-tracked by what's 'it' now - because tomorrow 'it' will be something else, either something equally unflattering or else something I'd feel conspicuous or uncomfortable in - for example all the pretty graphic t-shirts with rhinestones all over them - love 'em! Have 3! Never wear them! From now on I'm taking my cues from Audrey and am going to work on my personal style.
Now to hunt down a good consignment shop.
Good luck with that! I'm the last one to give any fashion advice, seriously the last!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Classics are great, and you could always spice things up with fun accessories!
ReplyDeleteGood idea, to stick with simple classic and elegant, but remember to wear color and not all black!
ReplyDeleteSpruce up an outfit with some cute accessories and you're all set!
Well put, I am in the same boat with my clothes being a jeans and turtleneck or T shirt kinda gal. Yesterday I went into our local trendy shop thinking that I might find something to wear to my upcoming reunion. I'm sorry who let the 80's out of the closet? Parachute pants? All kinds of drapey, layery, Flash Dancey stuff that a 6 foot tall 18 year old would have a hard time pulling off, let alone a 43 year old mother of three. So my motto is, "If is isn't classic, at least it must be clean."
ReplyDeleteOh my heavens I am SO with you.
ReplyDeleteSal at AlreadyPretty says it's like buying stuff for your imaginary self, as opposed to your real self. Sure, you'd love to wear graphic tees because they're cool. But if they're not the *real* you, you're not going to wear them.
Let's do it. I'm going to our brand-new Goodwill at lunch today. I'll keep you posted.
I could have written this, it sounds exactly like me. Except for the "trendy" part. Cuz I'm not.
ReplyDeleteI threw out all of my clothes after being inspired from watching What Not To Wear. Only problem is, that show gives you money to buy new clothes. And I have no money.
ReplyDeleteSO now? Now I have nothing to wear.
I am such an ass.
I HATE my clothes, no make that DETEST them! UGH! I feel your pain! I have nothing that fits! Everything is either too young or too old.... KWIM? I am having MAJOR fashion DON"T going on! I bought 2 pairs of wide leg jeans (totally flatter me) and 2 sweaters yesterday, so I am hoping this has been a step in the RIGHT direction! Good LUCK!
ReplyDeleteI am with ya, Jen. In fact, I seem to remember our having a conversation about clothing {shorts maybe?} earlier in the summer. My closet needs an overhaul, for sure. Nothing coordinates and I'm missing many basics. It's not pretty. You can't go wrong following Audrey, though, I agree.
ReplyDeleteI like the classic looking clothes. It allows me to stretch my budget further.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I so get it....Just blog hopping and enjoyed yours.....Hope you will stop by my new Christmas blog...There is a GREAT GIVEAWAY drawing on OCT 1st
ReplyDeletehttp://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com
I think we all could say and do the exactly same thing!!! My closet needs cleaned out in the worst way. I'm like you...holding on to things I WISH I looked good in and sorry that I bought, because I KNOW it doesn't flatter. We could all learn a thing or two (or more) from Audrey. My checking account would thank me, if I would quit buying on a whim, just because it looks good on the mannequins.
ReplyDeleteOhhh I went birthday shopping yesterday and was sooo frustrated. Im going to blog about it later. I totally understand!
ReplyDeleteI am with you 100 percent. Taking pictures of my sewing projects has made me take a hard look at my wardrobe. My method of really paring down is to ask myself if I would pack this if I were going on a fabulous vacation. Too dowdy? Out it goes!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate- I have way to many trendy clothes that are just not so trendy anymore! I like the classic look as well...but I am still not in pre-baby size argh!
ReplyDelete~Becca
I'm in the same boat...literally. I feel like a huge boat in those tunics and empire waisted items.
ReplyDeleteI find that a cute inexpensive necklace can make a plain tshirt and jeans become an "outfit". I used to not take any time to accesorize...but it really makes a quick difference.
For fall and winter I'm going to become the cute blazer lady. That will be dressing up my longsleeve tshirts/turtlenecks and jeans :)
xoxo ~Lisa
Why can't you wear the blouses with jeans and a pair of cute heels? I can totally relate to things in my closet that I seriously will never wear again. Actually, you've just inspired my to clear a few things out...
ReplyDelete