7.07.2011

An Outfit (Deconstructed)...




I'm feeling pretty meh about my closet of late, so I'm going (way) out on a limb with this one... My objective (yes, I sometimes have "objectives" when I'm putting an outfit together, I know, I have issues) was to wear something that felt a bit risky for me. I think this qualifies.

First and foremost, it's a dress worn without pants (I usually wear this belted over black skinny cropped pants from the Gap so this is a major departure). Second, it's short and printed, both of which are decidedly outside my comfort zone. And finally, instead of pairing the short printed dress with a simple gold necklace as is my wont, I decided to throw on Audrey's hot pink grosgrain ribbon adorned Crewcuts necklace...

I'm living on the edge here people.

But back to the closet for a minute (as that's what instigated this whole crazy-town outfit in the first place)... I am truly having issues. Namely, I hate everything in there. Not sure if this is a valid emotion or if I'm just in a mid-summer clothing funk, but regardless I need to take some action, as getting dressed each day is much harder than it should be.

I think the first logical step toward remedying the situation is a ruthless closet edit. I'm ok with the concept overall, as I'm always happy to get rid of massive amounts of stuff, but what's daunting is finding the time to actually try everything on, assess it and then take some sort of corresponding action. The project just feels so big that it has me sort of paralyzed with inaction. Does this ever happen to you, where you get so overwhelmed by a project that you don't know where to start, so instead you do nothing (except complain) or is it just me?

Can you tell that I'm feeling the need for some solidarity...






The Details:

14 comments:

Ana Degenaar said...

You look stunning my friend.

ritu said...

I can relate completely -- I am constantly editing, purging, and this time I am being more ruthless than ever. BUT, since I work and have children, dinner to make, bedtime routines, etc.... this means that my home is constantly in some state of disarray. It is very time-intensive, and I am never able to finish in one day. So we accrue bags of stuff: to give to this friend, or mail to that friend, or to mend (these never get mended, I should probably just get rid of them straightaway), or to donate, or to send to the cleaners, or the shoe repair.... (Sigh.) It's hard, but it's all worth it, right?

Regarding summer wardrobe, I'm hunting for something that is sleeveless, not black, not clingy (woven, hangs away from the body), not shorter than knee length, is easily washed, and doesn't reuire the purchase of special undergarments. And not too expensive, but not cheap-looking. Is it too much to ask?

TX Girl said...

I'm certain that this unbearable Texas heat isn't helping matters. I always seem to regret when I do a mass cleaning of my closet, because I undoubtedly give something away without really thinking it through. Wishing you luck!

allison said...

for being in a funk- you sure pull together quite lovely! and i blame the heat. yesterday after running errands in the car for like 20 minutes tops- i declared to my husband- we should all be nudists! this heat is unbearable. i was kidding about going around naked- but seriously- it's as hot as hades here!

xo
av
allisonviegerdesign.com

Nomadic D. said...

You look wonderful in that short dress! Let's hear it for the summer of stepping out of our comfort zones! And I hear you about those daunting tasks you think will take a whole week to get through, but the truth is, if you give a few hours of your sunday to trying on your clothes, you'll probably get through most of it. At least, you can just do one season's worth. I think a closet overhaul combined with a new sense of adventurousness is a wonderful exciting place to be.

http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

uh, do I need that Crewcuts necklace?!

I'm actually going through a massive overhaul on my closet right now. My new rule is that it has to make me feel sexy. And not cut down to there, cut up to here hoochie—but grown up clothing with a great fit and fabric. I'm getting to that age where cute isn't cutting it anymore.

kikiazure said...

Funny I was actually finding inspiration from you! You look great in the dress, we all go through this funk. Then I step out the door and find most moms are very casually dressed in California. I try to look my best everyday and shop at jcrew for some cute clothes...

dz_g said...

I feel the same about my closet! It kills me... but I'm afraid that if I *really* clean it out, I'll have hardly anything left to wear! I might just have to bite the bullet and start anew. Thanks for the gentle nudge ;)

Christian said...

I'd love to buy your closet cast-offs! Seriously!

Emma said...

Me too! Please tackle the project and put the cast-offs on operation simplicity!

Gaby [The Vault Files] said...

I do a "fashion emergency" meeting every 2 years or so with my best friend who lives in NY. Sometimes it's because she just feels like you do, others because they are postpartum fashion emergencies. So, besides going visiting her we assess her closet.She tries everything on and I give her my input on what to keep, what to throw away, etc. Sometimes it helps to have a second opinion, unless you are very certain on what to keep ;)

Caitlin said...

My favorite posts - probably because I love single white femaling you ;) Need that Madewell dress...it's opens next Tuesday in SF!

ps. I just got the orange Clare Vivier clutch. I thought it was appropriate for a Giants fan..haha!

Kate said...

I occasionally go through periods of being completely meh about everything in my closet, too, so I feel your pain, but if it's any consolation, you look fabulous!

Jennifer said...

a) You look great (especially love the necklace).

b) Yes, we all go through the closet doldrums.

c) Here's what you do: Invite your best (and most honest -- hopefully that's the same person) friend over, have a few glasses of wine and try on all your stuff. And then if you hate something, she can take it (and because she's your best friend, she'll let you borrow it if you change your mind later)!