Weekend Wrap-Up

Happy Weekend!  I hope everyone is sitting somewhere on a patio, enjoying a bottomless brunch.  More likely (if you're in DC) the person behind the hostess desk is telling you that there's at least an hour wait and no, they do not take down your phone number so you need to stand, crammed with the other people wearing sunglasses in doors until you give up and go to Subway.

On the off chance you do decide to wait it out and you're scrolling through your phone rather than make awkward chit chat with your brunch partner (there's a reason you're going to brunch, you need a social lubricant) . . . here're some posts from this last week to kill the time

1. I confess that I've been hiding some recent purchases from everyone.
2. I then try to justify said purchases
3. And, finally, I talk about how this project has started to change how I shop (hint: I'm returning a lot of stuff)

Now, go enjoy that mimosa!

Decision Processes

After rambling on and on yesterday trying to explain my rationale for each of my purchases . . . I realized that what I was really trying to explain was how this project has started to change my approach to shopping.  In the past, my thought process went a lot like this:

Ok, maybe that's a little simplistic, but I didn't really think holistically about how that piece would fit in my wardrobe, whether it would go with items I already owned, or (gulp) whether I would actually ever wear it.   This was at its worst when I was shopping for things that I thought I needed--like when I first started to build my professional wardrobe.  I thought dressing like a professional meant lots of boring suits and shirts and so that's what I bought (in every color known to man).  Shopping for those items was a chore and it never really crossed my mind that I could find things that were not only functional but that I actually enjoyed wearing. 

 

(to clarify, I never bought things that I felt ugly in or really, really hated.  But I never thought of my work clothes as really being an extension of my personal lack of style)

 

Now, I would say my thought process when I buy something looks a lot more like this:

 

easel.ly

Well, it's a lot more convoluted :) The biggest change is that my first criteria is whether or not I really like the item--is it at least a 4 on my rating scale?  If the answer is "no" then usually I put it back.  If I don't love it, then it doesn't matter if it's filling a need in my wardrobe because it will eventuallyend up in my donate pile.  (there are some obvious exceptions to this.  Underwear for example.  Or if you get hydraulic fuel spilled on yourself during a work trip, like Mr. C and it's between buying something you're not crazy about or showing up to work naked.  Never choose naked). 

 

If I do love it, then I start to figure out whether or not it's something I actually need.  I definitely struggle a little bit with the love/need thing.  If I really "love" something it becomes frighteningly easy to figure out why I "need" it.  Anyone else have that problem? It also happens when someone brings pastries into the office.  All of a sudden "second breakfast" becomes absolutely necessary to my survival.   

 

When I get stuck, I usually go on ahead and buy it, as long as it's something I can return.  I've found that trying items on at home, in the comfort of my less-than flattering mirror, is a really easy way to figure out whether or not I should keep it.  Plus you can see if it really does go with that black skirt or it really does look good belted over jeans.

 

I'm obviously still figuring out this whole, becoming a better shopper thing.  But, I will say, for those 5 items I bought, I probably returned at least 10 items.  That's progress, right?

Shopping Confessions Part II

Looking at my recent purchases, they fall into one of two categories:

(Most of the things I bought weren't polyvore friendly, so excuse the items I subbed in and the awkward model pic)

I think of trend items (or what I consider trend items, don't take my word for it though, I once wore wide-leg overalls with platform sneakers and thought I was cool) a lot like accents (like throw pillows).  They're a fun, easy way to update your wardrobe, but they're probably not worth spending a ton of money on.  The two items I recently bought are a perfect example of that.  

As soon as I saw that jean jackets were "in" again, my inner homeschooler jumped up and down with glee (or at least as much as her floor length denim skirt would allow her).  But, I also knew that I didn't really need a jean jacket.  My chambray shirts worked just as well and it wasn't worth buying something that I could only wear for the two weeks of spring that we get here in DC.  A vest on the other hand was different.  Even in the swamp that DC turns into between June and September, a jean vest is still practical.  Plus, it's an easy item to layer and is a fun way to dress down an outfit.  On our recent trip to Puerto Rico, I actually wore it a ton--throwing it over my summer dresses to dress them down for the day-time or layering it over that shirt dress for the plane--and it helped to cut down on the number of outfits I packed. 

The floral skirt was a similar purchase.  Florals are everywhere right now and I knew I wanted to incorporate them into my wardrobe.  Originally, I thought I'd combine two trends and go for some floral denim.  Turns out floral denim on me looks kind of like the slip cover on a couch we had growing up.  Also, given that I've now chronicled how many jeans I have on the internet, I felt a little guilty adding another pair to the pile.  The pencil skirt was the perfect compromise.    It was a way to experiment with the trend (because, let's face it, I prefer to dip my toe in the water before embracing a trend full-on)  but in a classic cut and style.  I was a little worried about covering my rear-end in flowers, but it all worked out. 

If I'm a little cheaper thriftier when it comes to trends, I am willing to spend a little more on basics.  Now, as I mentioned, the one thing I did not do was buy basics to fill the most glaring hole in my current wardrobe--work tops.  BUT, these are all things that I know I will get a lot of wear out.  That said, I did struggle a bit with whether or not to purchase two of the items--the shirtdress and the chambray shirt--because I already own two, very similar pieces.  (Both chambray, ironically, which with my new denim vest almost gives me a Canadian tuxedo)  I wanted to be sure I wasn't duplicating things that were already in my wardrobe.  Ultimately, however, I decided that there's a difference between buying similar items because you know that they're a great cut/fit for you and you'll get a lot of wear out of them and buying things that are duplicates (I'm starting to see how I rationalized 11 pairs of jeans) I literally wore my shirtdress at least once a week, every week last summer and into the fall.  Considering the cost, it was a great investment.  The same thing with my chambray shirt.  

There you go! 600+ words on why I bought 5 items ;) 

Shopping Confessions

The first time I bought something after I started this project, I felt a little guilty.  After all, I was no where near done analyzing my closet.  How could I make the best decisions about what to buy if I didn't have all the information?  This feeling lasted about a week until I got to wear my new jean vest (yes, I broke my closet fast for a jean vest) and it felt fabulous.  Since then it's all been down hill  . .  . I kid, I kid.  Actually, this might be the most restrained I've ever been with shopping . . . there's something about realizing you don't wear 30-40% of your clothes that makes you a little less excited to buy new ones.  One of the biggest things this project has taught me so far is to be more intentional about my purchases, to focus on quality over quantity, and to only buy things that I really love.

So, what I have I added to my closet?

1. Printed Shirt Dress

(It looks a lot cuter belted)

2. Floral Skirt

3.  Chambray Shirt

4. and, last, but not least . . . the Jean Vest

Not pictured are some wide-leg work pants I got, that I can't seem to find a picture for, but are similar in style to these. 

Ironically, given how much I've been talking about work wear,  most of the things I bought were not work appropriate (Irony? Or an addiction?).  Check back tomorrow for my excuses thought process on buying each of these

Change of pace

Looking through my work tops and figuring out what I do and do not like to wear has been therapeutic useful.  It seems the key for me is finding versatile pieces--ones that can transition through multiple seasons or from work to the weekend.  It also feels good to cleanse my closet of the tops.  For one thing, I think this is the first time I've ever had extra space in my closet.  But, of course, the purpose of this project isn't just to get rid of things that I don't wear.  It's to give me room in my closet for all the things I am going to buy!!!! 

Ok, ok . . . not quite that either . . . But, I have been talking a lot about getting rid of clothes and am slightly concerned that I have some serious hoarder tendencies.  Frankly, it's an eensy, teensy bit depressing, so I thought I we needed a bit of a break.  Instead, I'm going to dedicate this week to talking about some of my recent purchases (you didn't think I'd sworn off shopping all together? quelle horror!) and what I've learned about what I need to buy (Hint: it might involve some new work tops).

P.S. on a completely non-fashion related note, there's a new belgian beer place in my neighborhood and they have the best infographic for deciding what beer to order.  Check it out on the second page of their menu.

Back to the Top(s)

If you haven't noticed by now, I really, really like cheesy puns.  I like to pretend it's one of my more endearing qualities and less the fact that I have a five year old's sense of humor.

It's been a few weeks since I've talked about my issues with my work tops (yes, I realize I sound like I'm in a bad relationship with my clothes and you're my therapists).   Since then, I've been taking a closer look at 

One of the first thing I noticed was that a lot of the tops that I didn't like (ahem those five button-ups to start with) where pretty old.  I mean, I've been with some of them longer than I've been with Mr. C and we're going on seven years.  Most of them were hold overs from when I thought the professional uniform was a long-sleeve button-up shirt and slacks or a skirt.  I also went through a phase where, if I found one item I liked, I bought it in every color.  Turns out that is an easy way to get really, really bored with your clothes.  I think I've held off getting rid of these because, technically they're in really good condition (that's what happens when you barely wear something, it stays brand new).  I've kept convincing myself that it would be wasteful to get rid of them and that I'll wear them "one day".  Well, "one day" still hasn't come.

I also noticed a couple of themes in the work tops that I did like.  Not only tend they tend to be more recent purchases (duh) but they also seemed to be things that I'd bought because I really liked them or thought they were unique, not because I thought they fit some professional uniform.  I also seemed to have been pretty successful with finding long-sleeved blouses that I liked (this includes 3/4 length if we're going to be picky).  My favorites are similar to this style:

I think I like them because they are an easy piece to dress-up for work or dress down with a pair of jeans.  It's also easy to change up their look--I can tuck them into a pencil skirt or wear them with cropped pants and flats for an easy work look.

I found something similar with the only work sweater that I made the cut.  I don't always love J.Crew's stuff.  For one thing, they seem to be really over priced right now, but I have kind of fallen in love with their Tippi Sweater, for a lot of the reasons that I also like my 3/4 length blouses.

They're kind of a perfect weight for layering and can easily transition Fall to Winter to Spring.  Something I can wear for 9 months of the year is pretty good investment in my book.  And, yes, I might have decided to buy this sweater in a lot of different colors.  It doesn't count if they have different patterns, right?

Changes

There's been a lot going on in the Mr. and Mrs. "C"' world lately.  Lots of big changes coming up.  First off, we're moving apartments in a couple of weeks.  We're still staying in our beloved 14th St Corridor neighborhood, but we're taking it a few blocks north.  It's exciting and (more than a little) stressful, but it's going to be a good change.  I'm kind of excited to have a whole new apartment to decorate.  It's also been a good forcing function to get me to part with some of my prized possessions clothes.  

Originally, my plan was to put aside all the clothes that didn't belong in my closet and, after analyzing everything, donate them all to charity.  But, once we decided we were moving, it it didn't make a lot of sense to me to lug a bunch of items I was going to get rid of to another apartment.  If I'm being honest with myself, it would also give me more time to come up with excuses to keep things.  If I'm being 100 percent honest, I might even wear some of them just to prove to myself that I still need them . . . The easiest thing to do seemed to make a clean break.

I decided to take the clothes that I've already marked for donation and go through them.  Things that were in good condition, I am going to try and consign (my plan is to give the proceeds to charity at the end of this project.  Everything else, I'm dropping off at a local drop box.  The

I've never consigned before and I have no idea what my clothes are worth, but I'm kind of excited by the whole idea.  Also, the nice nice thing about consignment is that if your clothes don't sell, they donate them for you.  So, in the end it all goes to help someone.