Oh you all, I’m so happy that I’m not the only one with pieces in my closet that I don’t absolutely love. That makes me feel better, it really does. And it is inspiring me to get rid of even more of my clothes. Yes, really! (Wade thinks I’ve lost my mind. He may be right, it’s hard to tell.)
A really tightly edited closet can be scary — if you only have a couple dozen pieces, how does that work, exactly? Don’t you spend a lot of time repeating outfits? And won’t everyone notice? Yes, and yes. So is that something to worry about?
I don’t think so.
February 2
“I am looooving that pink blazer too,” Leslie says, “I can’t get it out of my head. But I keep wondering if it will be something that I truly wear all the time, or will I purposely not wear it because it is so distinctive (oh, she’s wearing that blazer AGAIN).” Leslie is on to something: when you opt for a distinctive piece, of any sort, people will remember it — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
February 10
There’s no rule that says you can’t wear the same distinctive piece over and over, but somehow we’ve gotten the idea that this is a DON’T, probably because fashion magazines constantly tell us we need something new. Instead of continuously recreating yourself — which makes it hard to get dressed, especially for those unusual events — think about cultivating a distinctive look.
When you wear something often enough, people begin to associate it with you — in a good way, if you’re doing it right. I have a pair of pink silk flats that I’ve had for literally years. Every time I take them to a conference or retreat, someone says, “Oh I was hoping you would wear the pink flats!” Those shoes are famous now. I saw Maggie at Alt, and she told me that she had bought a vintage pair almost exactly like mine — and thought of me when she bought them. I love that.
How do you feel about distinctive pieces — could you commit to the pink blazer, or would you worry that people would remember it?
I was worried about that when I bought this mustard yellow sweatery blazer at Piperlime (and also that I don’t wear yellow, ever). But every time I wear it, someone comments on how nice it is (which I assume is because I am, for once, not wearing black or grey in the dead of winter) and I’m blown away by how great it looks with the colors I do associate with me – pink, turquoise, bright blue (and black and grey too). I said go for it. Not a closet full of them but one is a big YES
So ironic that you posted this today because I started my own closet sorting/organizing/purging blog today. http://www.callingallfashion.blogspot.com
Yay Tara!!! I can’t wait to see what’s in your closet.
I do a lot of travelling for work and it’s really forced me to admit what I’m wearing and what’s just taking up space in my closet. Pencil skirts, white button downs, colorful cardigans and sheath dresses are in constant rotation, while other pieces haven’t been out of town (or out of the house) in ages.
I am all about the repeat look, and I don’t think there’s anything negative about it at all. People do associate me with sailor tees, jeans, boots, and scarves (and with skirts or dresses in the summer when most everyone else is wearing shorts or capris), but it always seems like it’s a positive association. So…why not? I sort of like that I have a distinctive style, or at least some semblance of one.
I just yesterday read in O Magazine how Gayle King sorted through her closet with the help of Adam Glassman and a couple others. It’s astounding how much they were able to convince her to get rid of. Now granted, we all don’t have her budget or social circle/calendar, but it was refreshing to see that she has the same “hangups” about getting rid of things that don’t work as we average folks do. And much of the article’s descriptions made me laugh, so that was good, too!
Unrelated: I want to know how you (and Rita) always seem to have perfect manicures as busy at-home moms. I swear, I put CLEAR POLISH on yesterday, and by evening it was peeling off from all the hand-washing and laundry and dishes and everything else. I can’t imagine keeping red or any other real color on my nails, even though I’d love to!
I tell you what Susan, if you were to post the items on ebay from your closet there would probably be a stampede to purchase. I cannot tell you how much easier when you have seen pics of an item and how it works in so many outfits like you show us. I love that we can take looks we love from you and try to make similar ones with what we own or purchase. It’s like having a stylist!
on another point, I really like it that you are tucking your blouses in. I have gone the “out” route for a while, but I really like the clean lines with the blouse tucked in… especially on vertically challenged me.
I really enjoy reading this blog. Found it by chance while looking for laundry advice! I think it would be great to be noted for wearing a lovely pink jacket……. I also buck the trend and enjoy skirts and dresses in the summer instead of the usual jeans.
What a fantastic jacket! Am so in love! I want it to