Tag: fashion tips

Cleaning Out Your Closet: Common Pitfall Phrases

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I have noticed in cleaning out my own closet (and helping others clean theirs) that we tend to use the same phrases over and over again. These phrases initially seem like a reason to keep an item, but are actually red flags that it is time for these items to go. I’m hoping that addressing a few of them here, with some stories of my personal struggle, will keep you from falling for the same mental traps that I do.

  • “I really should wear this more” // usually this phrase comes out when we have dragged some item out of the depths of a pile. It is something we have not seen in a long time, but we remember liking it?

Every time I pulled this heart sweater out to wear it, I thought “I really should wear it more” but then I would wear it and remember why. It is just not very comfortable, fits a bit tight for my taste, and the sleeves always left painful imprints on my elbows. Yes, it was cute, but I will never reach for it over my other more comfortable sweaters. So this most recent cleanout, this sweater was gone.

What you should do: when you have uttered this phrase, that doesn’t mean an immediate no, but you should take a minute and think long and hard about the item. Why don’t you wear it more? Why was it in the bottom of this pile? Often the reason we don’t reach for items we can clearly see is the same reason we don’t search for items that are long forgotten. Either they don’t fit, or they aren’t our style anymore, and just in general they aren’t serving us. If you get to the end of this thought process and still decide to keep the item, then make sure it is in a prominent place. If you haven’t “worn it more” by the time your next closet clean out rolls around, then get rid of it.

  • “It was a gift!” // usually happens when you come across a thing that you do not actually enjoy wearing, but a person that you care about gave it to you so you feel guilty for getting rid of it.

This red dress was a matching set of dresses my grandmother picked out for celebrating the 4th of July one year. I liked it in theory – I am generally into oversize printed dresses as layering pieces and the ruffle at the bottom could look cute under a sweater. However, the few times I did try to wear it again I just didn’t like it. So in the next round of cleanouts, this dress found itself in the going pile.

What you should do: when this comes up, ask yourself why you are really keeping this item. Is it serving you or is it taking up valuable storage space, and cluttering the things you enjoy wearing? Will the person remember that they gave it to you and ask about it? If you aren’t going to wear it, and it is likely that the person will not remember giving it to you, then you should get rid of it. If you just cannot bring yourself to get rid of the item, try finding a storage solution that doesn’t keep it out in the open.

  • “I used to wear this all the time!” // usually occurs when we see an item that we used to love, but have since stopped wearing for whatever reason. We eagerly try it on, and often quickly discern why we stopped loving it.

This purple shirt with fun sleeves was a hard one to get rid of. In fact, for me the “used to love it” line is the most dangerous. It is hard for me to admit that a thing just does not work for me anymore. This shirt was so fun, a great color, and gave me all the French provincial vibes I adore but when I tried it on recently it was just. too. tight. It was uncomfortable to wear, and required layering underneath since it’s so thin. I knew that I wouldn’t wear it anymore so it was time to go.

What you should do: this phrase is an acknowledgment that you used to love it, but clearly don’t wear it anymore. Whatever the reason – if you don’t reach for it over other items in your closet then you don’t need to keep it. Unless it is something unique, timeless, or valuable, I would say “used to love” items are ready to go. If they are still in good condition then someone else will love them just as much. If they are falling apart beyond simple repairs, then they have served their time.

  • “Oh this would be so cute if…” // usually shows up when we find an item that we’ve been meaning to edit for a long time. A shirt we’ve been meaning to crop; a skirt we wanted to hem; some pants that we wanted to adjust the waistline on.

Ah this skirt. I bought it on a last chance sale (i.e. non-returnable) thinking that it was only a few inches too big and I could easily fix it. When the skirt arrived, I realized a few inches was more like 5 inches where I wanted it to sit. After my first mend, I still wasn’t happy with it and I knew I wouldn’t want to put the effort in to mend it again. Someone else will be happy to have a skirt that fits them, and I don’t need to be giving space to an unfinished project.

What you should do: with these items I give it the “right now” rule – am I willing to sit down and fix this right now? If I am already doing a closet clean out, then I know that I have the energy and motivation to complete the task, and often simple edits I can whip out in that moment. If I am not willing or able to do it right now, then it is time for it to go. If right now doesn’t work for you, give yourself a time limit that does. Maybe until the end of the week works better for you. A time limit is the key – these items need an expiration date. Unless you’re a seamstress regularly sewing and mending items, the likelihood that this will continue to be an unfinished project taking up space is high. Make peace with the loss and move on.

I also want to say about this line — if the modification is to your body and not to the garment then gone it should be. “This would be so cute if I was more tan” or “… if I was thinner/thicker” means that the piece was not made for you, is not serving you, and needs to go. Clothes should fit you, not the other way around, and all bodies are beautiful and valid as they are 🙂

  • “I spent so much money on this…” // usually comes up with an item that we regret buying. Either it was an impulse buy, a trendy piece that didn’t work out, or a vintage/thrifted item that was ‘such a good deal’ in the store but not actually right for you.

THIS. DRESS. AAHHHHH… So I don’t even have any pictures of just the dress. I originally purchased it from someone who made it for me but the sizing was off. So I purchased it again, and sent them measurements, hoping that it would fit better. The new one did fit better, but I realized the the style was not working for me. I spent so much money on these two basically identical dresses that just didn’t work out. Time to cut my losses and let them go to others who will like them more.

What you should do: like the items above, you might just have to make peace with the loss and move on. There is a reason you don’t wear these items enough to justify the cost; the guilt is a red-flag in and of itself that this item is not serving you. The goal of a closet clean out is to have readily available the pieces we love to wear, and that make us feel good. Items that bring up guilt don’t accomplish that goal. Perhaps you can list it online and recoup a bit of the cost? Or take heart in the fact that while you don’t love it, someone else certainly will.

  • “Oh, this actually fits!” or “Well, it fits.” // usually happens when we try on an item we initially wanted to get rid of; the surprise is because we don’t actually wear it that often.

I owned this sweater for a long time because it fit me really well and I liked it in concept. However, I never wore it for various reasons – it was hard to style, it was a bit small for me – but honestly I just did not like it as much as I thought. It was not my style. So while it passed many cleanouts because it did fit me well, I finally gave it up. Someone else will love this sweater and wear it all the time, no need to it to be taking space in my closet.

What you should do: This is a trick of the mind – we think because it fits that means we should keep it but fit isn’t the only reason that an item deserves a spot in your closet. Maybe it isn’t really your style anymore or doesn’t fit your current climate or lifestyle. Like the things we used to love, these items end up cluttering the visual space in our closet and hiding the things we really love to wear. There is a reason you didn’t know that it fit – and it’s probably time for this item to go.

Often we know as soon as we see an article of clothing whether it should stay or it should go. I am hoping that recognizing some of the phrases in you hone in on your instincts and curate a closet that makes you excited to put on your clothes in the morning. After all, clothes should make us feel happy and confident – not guilty or uncomfortable.

What are some common pitfalls in your closet clean outs? Do you recognize any of the above phrases? Did I miss any the should be addressed? Let me know in the comments below.

How To: Thrift vs. Consignment

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As sustainable fashion becomes trendy, secondhand clothing is having a major moment! Rifling through clothes previously owned by others and finding the perfect thing at the perfect price is such a rush! Leaving the store with a bag of new goodies and knowing that you haven’t fed more money into fast fashion certainly helps as well.

A while back, I was bonding with an acquaintance over our love for thrift shopping. We decided that we must go together!

So she picked a couple of stores, and we headed out on our thrifting adventure. Boy was I surprised when we walked into a consignment boutique instead of a thrift store like I was expecting. When we’d talked, I thought we were on the same page! After attempting to explain the error to Oliver, I realized that a lot of people aren’t fully aware of the differences.

While for the most part, it’s not a big deal, there are some key differences which could cause a problem for your shopping or donation adventure!

THE BASICS

Thrift Stores:

  • get their clothes and other items as donations for free
  • often have cheaper pricing
  • quality of clothing is not guaranteed
  • styles are dependent on location/clientele
  • offer a wide variety of items in one location (clothes, furniture, home goods, etc.)
Thrifted pieces: the sweater and the jeans.
Basics, not particularly interesting brands, and purchased for under $20.

Consignment Shops:

  • pay compensation for their donations
  • usually have higher pricing (though still far below market for new items)
  • quality of clothing tends to be higher
  • styles dependent on curator and current market demands
  • often specialize in one type of item (clothes or furniture or home goods, etc.)
Consignment item: this lovely dress.
Quality fabric (100% silk), designer brand, purchased for $45.

It’s helpful to think of consignment shops as more like a museum and thrift stores as a gift shop: museums are curated quality items while gift shops can vary widely in price and quality. 

Thrift stores and consignment shops serve different purposes for different shoppers, so keeping in mind the key differences listed above can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Some good guiding questions:

  • Are you looking to find a good price on a designer item?
  • Are you looking to save as much money as possible?
  • Are you expecting monetary compensation for in style pieces from brands?
  • Are you trying to get rid of as many things as you can?

When shopping, I tend to prefer consignment for fancier things like event dresses because they will have higher quality and often more modern or in style items.  I also look here for coats and shoes which I consider investment items – items in my wardrobe that I want to last a long time or survive a lot of wear and tear.

On the other hand, I tend to prefer the thrift store for general clothing (sweaters, t-shirts, jeans) as they will have a larger selection that isn’t limited by modernity, trend, or brand. I also find that thrift stores are better for costumes – you’ll be able to see a much wider variety of things and won’t spend as much money on something you will likely only wear once.

That being said – you can’t go wrong with secondhand clothing – especially gifts!

Coat: gift from a friend! (though this would have likely been consignment if I’d purchased it)
Pants: thrifted for $5
Joy of Looking Fabulous: priceless 🙂

Have you ever gotten mixed up in the wrong type of store? Do you have any other questions or information about the differences between thrift and consignment? Comment below!

Review: Zella Leggings

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Readers, I have a confession. I have a pretty big butt.

Not only do a have a large derriere, but also rather thick thighs, and hefty calves. As the cherry on top of my leg pie, I also have a lot of anxiety that surfaces around tight clothing. It’s similar to claustrophobia; a fear that I will not be able to get a pair of pants off.

For these reasons, among many others, leggings have been an elusive beast. I need my leggings to be thick. I need them to stay in place through either a lot of sitting or a lot of movement. I need them to fit comfortably over all of my bottom half. I need them to not dig into my stomach. I need them to be tight enough to look cute, but loose enough that I don’t feel trapped. I need them to be loving partners for adventures but also cozy enough for the couch. This is asking a lot of any article of clothing, and yet it’s what I ask of leggings.

I finally grew fed up one day with my search. I’d found a few pairs that weren’t quite right. One pair was loose, but thin, and continually slid down. Another pair was thin cotton – stretchy, and comfortable, but soon holes wore into the thigh region. Finally, one day, I asked my friend who is a yoga teacher (and always clad in beautiful leggings like the goddess she is) for a good, affordable pair of leggings.

“Zella is a good, mid-range brand that I’ve found success with” she told me, nonchalantly sipping on health tea, and probably glowing.

Turns out that not only are Zella leggings amazing – they fit ALL of the qualifications – they honestly don’t break the bank. For those of you functioning on mid-grade funds, you can buy a pair for $60. For those of you, like me, who needed something cheaper, Nordstrom frequently has them on sale in various different lengths and styles. I got both of my pairs for half off – $60 for two!

I purchased the Zella High Waist Live In Leggings – one pair regular length, and one pair cropped. AND LIVE IN THEM I DO.

My Zella leggings are a go to for:

  • travel
  • adventures
  • when I’m sick
  • when I’m on my period
  • when I don’t want to wear any clothes at all

They are thick enough that I’ve even ventured to wear them as pants a few times (which is not in my comfort zone) and they are warm and comfortable. Add a pair of tall socks, and they’ve gotten me through rain and snow and generally-just-cold weather. Wear them with flats, and they are cute for transitional seasons.

— THE PROS —

There are a few key reasons that the Zella leggings work really well:

  • Thick fabric that’s stretchy in all the places: they don’t feel too tight, but they definitely aren’t see through even when I’m bent over
  • Good elastic so they stay put: I have run through airports at horrible hours of the morning without these being even the slightest problem. I’ve climbed all over rocks and beaches without them moving.
  • The high waist band doesn’t fold over: while I’m sitting down, even after long hours in the car or at my desk, the band doesn’t fold over or dig into my stomach. I chose the high-waisted fit because that’s my preference – I can’t speak to the regular waist, but I assume it’s a similar deal.
  • They aren’t cheap, but they aren’t LuLuLemon expensive either: I like that I can get in at ground level without breaking the bank. I check pretty consistently, and Nordstrom runs sales on them often (though not in every size or style at a time).
  • They are minimalist in style: they ride that line between casual, sporty, and fashionable without sacrificing style or comfort. I find they work just as nicely with a velvet dress as they do with a sweater.
  • They are high quality: I’ve worn these leggings a lot, and definitely run them through several tests that have ruined lower quality leggings in the past. They’ve been through the washer, through the dryer, and through a thorough soaking of salt water. After two years of near constant wear I have no fraying or thin spots, no loss of elasticity, no change in color, and no degradation of softness.

— THE CONS —

There are a few downsides to these leggings (minimal but present) and they may not work for everyone.

  • The fabric tends to bunch at the knees, rather than pooling at the ankles all cute like. While I personally don’t find this an issue, it will likely bother others out there.
  • Affordable in fashion rarely means everyone can afford it: if you’re really tight on cash, these might not be very affordable for you. I have found some decent pairs on Amazon that run at the sale price for these leggings and would be a good working solution for a tighter budget. 90 Degree leggings have been my best find so far – varying from $15-$30 rather than $30-$60.
  • I haven’t found them in a bunch of cute patterns, and the cuts and styles all seem to be about the same: for someone looking for a lot of variation, or really fun prints, they likely won’t find that in the Zella leggings.

Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of quality leggings that won’t cost an arm and a leg, and will function as a comfortable basic in everyday wear look no further than Zella leggings.

Have any concerns or questions I didn’t address above? Found a better/comparable brand of leggings you think deserve a shout out? Feel free to comment below!

Style Spotlight! Cecily

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This week’s style spotlight highlights one of my best friends, and conveniently, my next door neighbor. Aside from being a domestic maven, Cecily consistently inspires me to play with color and pattern. She also inspires me to look a little fancier. She has a way with clothing that feels both very adult and very fun at the same time. She’s by far one of the best shopping buddies, because she has the same joy of looking at pretty things that I do. It’s a good yin yang relationship as well: she pushes me to be a bit thriftier and I push her to just buy the thing she likes.

Cecily’s wardrobe is full of vibrant, flowy clothing that brings life into any room. I really love how each item always has interesting details – a cutout in the back of a plain shirt, a polka dot pattern that’s actually boats, or gold detailing on all the buttons and snaps. She also successfully layers cardigans over button down shirts which I’ve been trying to do forever but never quite get right. It’s a skill of hers that I’ve always envied. Even on days where she hasn’t put much effort in, she still manages to look polished (another enviable trait). Cecily’s style is proof that comfortable doesn’t have to mean bland or casual.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I live in West Seattle with my beloved within sight of the sea and I love it!! Sitting on my deck looking at the ocean with a cold beverage and a book is one of my favorite ways to relax. I love reading mysteries and fantasy stories and I usually average about 9 books a month….  
Cooking and eating are my favorite hobbies – I especially like cooking Chinese & Italian food, and baking bread. I also make a mean cocktail.  Lately I’ve gotten back into sewing, which I hope will help take my style to new heights as I learn to make things that I can’t necessarily find or afford in a store! Me & my sweetheart love to travel, we try to take an international trip and a domestic trip every year. Obviously eating is my favorite thing to do on vacation!! I don’t have grand goals or anything – My aspiration in life is to be happy and live peacefully 🙂 (and of course continue to cultivate my domestic talents!)

Three words that describe your style: structured, loud, comfortable 

Biggest style inspiration: I love summer fashion – I like pretty blouses and skirts, and not needing to cover them up with layers. I really enjoy the silhouettes of the mid-20th century (who doesn’t?). My stylish aunt also inspires me a lot and I’m always thrilled when I get to pick through her cast-offs! 

What are your fashion struggles? Finding pants that fit, look good, and are practical. Bothering to wear fashionable shoes. Being even kind of fashionable in the winter (but I have plans to combat the last one!!)

How did you find your style? When I was in high school I discovered my love for loud colors and tacky stuff, and in college I developed a love affair with very structured mid century style clothes – think wool-like skirts and starched cotton blouses. As I got older I combined these two into a look that I think incorporates the elegance of mid-century clothing – collars, pleats, buttons – with bright colors and comfortable fabrics. 

Any tips for people trying to find their own style? Try things that you aren’t sure about – you might not love it on first sight but it might grow on you. Try shopping at stores you’ve never been into before, you might discover a brand you love. Especially if you like to thrift, you might have a piece from a brand you’ve never shopped directly – but if you like that one thing, you might find a whole bunch of stuff you like there! 

Favorite fashion find: I have a green crepe-like (but actually polyester) skirt that I got for $4 at Kohl’s like 10 years ago [pictured above]. It is one of my favorite items and I’ve never seen anything like it since.  Also my beautiful crinoline that was 100% worth the money I paid for it at a vintage shop: I wear it with every skirt I can get away with using it under. 

One thing you have learned about style or fashion:  If it doesn’t fit, don’t wear it. Get rid of it. Don’t keep it because “you might fit into it eventually.” You won’t. You should only wear clothes that fit you comfortably! (unless it’s something irreplaceable, then you can keep it!! I have a true 50’s vintage dress that I will never get rid of even though it’s a little tight, because it is a treasure.)

What part of your style do you feel you really excel at? I love matching (or power-clashing) colors and patterns!!  

What is one thing you wish you did better? My accessory game is so weak. I used to wear a lot of jewelry but these days I really can’t be bothered… since I wear scrubs at work it looks weird and is deeply unnecessary. It seems like too much work to wear jewelry for travel to and from work, and then I don’t think about it once I get home – but I want to start wearing more jewelry again! At least when I’m at home 🙂 

Style Spotlight! Kimberly

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I am so excited for this style spotlight because it highlights where my love of fashion began: my amazing mother. This woman is such an inspiration, not only to me, but to almost everyone whom she encounters. Her style is so very different from mine but shopping with her and planning outfits are some of my fondest memories growing up. It was always a joy when I would come home and find something on my bed that she’d picked out special for me. We spent many a night bonding over simply trolling through thrift store racks.

My mother also taught me extremely valuable lessons about how to find clothes for cheap but make them look nice, or how to mix patterns like a pro. Not to mention she’s been rocking brave fashion choices for as long as I can remember – from knee high combat boots to a leather corset to fishnets. Kimberly definitely lives my fashion motto: anyone can wear anything, and a lot of her lessons have become core parts of who I am and what I believe fashion can be.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I spend my work days helping people look their best by cutting hair. My main focus is men’s grooming. I like to play roller derby when I can and hope to get back on a team in the future.  My most favorite thing to do is dance. At the club, in the kitchen, at the store… I just love to dance.

Three words that describe your style: eclectic, maximalism, rockstar

Biggest style inspiration: One piece of an outfit usually inspired the whole finished look.

What are your fashion struggles? Finding jeans that fit. Wanting to wear heels all the time but also needing to be able to move without pain. Learning that every piece you buy can’t have patterns or textures because you need solids to pair them with.

How did you find your style? Just always observing the world around me. I will see beauty and want to recreate it. 

Any tips for people trying to find their own style? Love what you wear. I don’t care what a person’s style is so much as I want them to love themselves enough to have a style. Don’t settle for easy or comfortable.  Put effort into making you feel the best most powerful self you can be.

Favorite fashion find: Leopard print pants with leather lacing and inserts down the sides

One thing you have learned about style or fashion: Buy what fits.

What part of your style do you feel you really excel at? Putting a look together. Buying cheap clothes but still making them look expensive.

Any final thoughts? Here are some tips:

  • When you think you hate all your clothes look at fashion shots or window displays. Chances are you have pieces to recreate those looks already you just need a fresh look at how to pair items. 
  • Don’t say you can’t wear a look. That’s a thinking problem. Pants are pants… shirts are shirts… we all put them on the same way.
  • If you love it, wear it!
  • Dresses are the easiest thing to wear: they are one item, you don’t have to decide what goes with what, and everyone thinks you’ve made a great effort when actually they are super easy.