A Fortnight of Floral and Lace

Well, I'm 54 days (Nearly two months!) and 65 outfits in.   

And. I. Haven't. Bought. A. Thing. 

Apologies for the black hole in communication but fret not The Rose With No New Clothes has has not been living in the nip, nor have I nipped The Challenge in the bud (sorry, I couldn't resist...). I could say that my silence was due to being unbelievably busy with work and dosed with a bugger of a head cold... and I WOULD be telling you the truth.... but admittedly the REAL reason is that I STILL haven't sorted out my terrifyingly overwhelming wardrobe and I've been too ashamed to keep you posted on my (lack of) progress. 

About a week ago, high on the pride of my hall cupboard success, I was inspired to tackle the bulging wardrobe in my bedroom. But, after taking out hanger after hanger and placing them on my bed, all I could do was stare at the mountain of clothes and sigh.  It was all a bit too much.  There WAS too much.  Emily, who had been roped in to assist, was so overwhelmed that she told me she was finding it hard to breathe, so we decided to shove it all back in and have a glass of wine instead. It just wasn't the right time...  

However, despite my inability to do a proper sort out, I have managed to unearth some more of my wardrobe's hidden gems.  

The first was this rose print maxi dress that I picked up for a mere £5 in a discount store in Ealing last year.  

Outfit No 48 The Rose with Rosie Clothes

Absolute bargain and perfect for a lovely sunny day. This was only the second time it's ever been worn.  Looking forward to more sunny days so I can wear it again.

Then I had a couple of not feeling so hot days. So no new (to you) items in outfits #49 and #50...lots of dark colours instead...

Outfit No 49 Hayfever, Head Cold and Hump Day = Jeans.
Crochet Collar Sheer Blouse - Primark
Skinny Jeans - Primark
Buckled Ankle Boots 

Outfit No 50 Dress Over Jeans
Bird Necklace - Primark
Bottle Green T-shirt Dress - Topshop
Skinny Jeans - Primark
Sandals - Topshop

Feeling a bit better, I had another rummage, found this fabulous little musical themed tee and thought it deserved an outing.  I bought it last year and think I have worn it only twice, which is a shame because I really like it:
  

Outfit No 51 Sleepy Saturday
Denim Shirt - Primark
Music Note T-shirt - Topshop

The rediscovery of that wonderful musical themed T-shirt inspired me to discover this rose print one.  This was definitely a discovery and not a REdiscovery. I had NEVER worn this one before, having only bought it a few months back.  Thought it was time I remedied that. Pretty, isn't it?

Outfit No 52 More Roses for #therosewithnonewclothes

Bat-wing Rose Print Tee - New Look

Gold Leaf Headband - Accessorize

The next day, sticking to the floral theme, I donned this fab little vintage dress.  

Outfit No 53 I love a good floral...
Grey Blazer -  Some little Boutique in Manchester circa 2009
Leaf Brooch - Charity Shop Find
Vintage Floral Dress - eBay
Jeans - Primark
Pinstripe Pink/Champagne Converse

It's an old faithful of mine.  I bought it during a flurry of eBay purchases a few years back.  I think it is a 1970s number and that it was once a maxi but I love it at this really wearable length. 

I also wore my trusty grey blazer for the first time this year, having rescued it from the hall cupboard.  It's missing a button so I stuck a brooch on to cover the gap.  

The Converse don't get worn enough but I love them for their unusual colour. I really really covet a pair in tan but I guess that these will have to do me for now...

The next day I wore a top that is actually new (to me) as it was a kind gift from my flatmate Emily. 

Outfit No 54 Minty Lacy Pleated Tuesday
Mint Green Lace Top - A gift from Emily
Tube Top - New Look
Pleated Skater Skirt - Misguided
Leggings - Topshop
Pumps - Office
Leather Jacket - Topshop

When I first started The Challenge one of the things I was most sad about was the lack of mint in my wardrobe.  I love that colour and it is in all the shops at the moment.  Em had this baby hiding in her wardrobe and never wears it so she very kindly donated it.   I like how the pleat detailing on the skirt, together with the leather, toughens up the lace.

Having enjoyed the lace look of the day before, and thanks to an (unwelcome) influx of wintry weather, I channelled the Gothic vibe in this Never Fully Dressed black lace smock top.  The bat-wing sleeves are amazing.

Outfit No 55 Winter in May...
Lace Batwing Top/Smock - Never Fully Dressed
Skinny Jeans - Primark
Boots - Aldo

Sticking to the lace theme, the next piece to be unearthed was this little nude lace top which I also wore as part of Outfit No. 16.  50 outfits later and it's still a winner.

Outfit No 56 It's been a lacey week for #therosewithnonewclothes!
Nude Lace Top - New Look
Skinny Jeans - Primark
Fringed Boots - Miss Selfridge

I love everything about this top from the scalloped edging to the pretty gold buttons on the back:

This next outfit is most definitely not one of my favourites.  I was super tired when I put this one together but it got a lot instagram likes.  Not sure why. 

Outfit No 57 Finally Friday. It was hard to get dressed this morning...

Leather Jacket - Topshop

Grey Marl T-shirt - Primark

Burgundy Chiffon Skater Skirt - eBay

Leggings - Topshop

Fringed Boots - Miss Selfridge

Pashmina - Forever 21

I do like the pretty burgundy chiffon skater though. The Pashmina scarf always gets a lot of compliments too.  It looks like I picked it up in India or somewhere but it is only a cheapie from Forever 21.

The next rediscovery was this fringed and beaded cream silk top.   

Outfit No 58 Silky Saturday
Fringed Silk Top - Forever 21
Skinny Jeans - Primark

I picked this up in Forever 21 in New York back in 2010. That was before the store had arrived on Oxford Street and when you could still buy stuff from the American stores without everyone here at home having it too. This one comes with many fabulous memories and makes me think of eating Greek feasts in Astoria with my good friend Val.

NYC 2010 Back when I was still blonde...

I wore it last Saturday to cheer myself up about having to work on the weekend. Of course, I had spilt coffee down it before I had even gotten off the train (Slowly being reminded why I used to wear so much black.  Truth be told, I sort of miss winter, when my scarf could serve as my morning bib).  Old me would have bought a new top but The Challenge me wasn't allowed. So, hello Stained Saturday...  Thankfully it was a cold day so I had chosen to stick a shirt on top and was able to do some stain hiding that way:

Camouflage Cover Up
Shirt - Zara
 

That night I hit the town in this fabulous blue silk kimono dress.  It is from Topshop Unique and originally cost £80 but I bought it off eBay (BNWT!) for £30.  No regrets about this one.  

Outfit No 59 Saturday Night in Brixton 
Blue Silk Kimono Dress - Topshop Boutique 
 Leopard Print Shoes - Tk Maax
Necklace - Debenhams

I've had the shoes since my librarian days.  In fact, I  haven't worn them since and probably never would have, had I not set myself The Challenge.  I like the touch of fun they add to the outfit here.  The necklace is great too but unfortunately it lost its tassel that night...shame I can't replace it....

Another Monday morning came around and with it another rediscovery. This time this cheery floral skirt:

Outfit No 60 Cheering up Monday with a #floralprintskirt
Sheer Green Tee - eBay
Floral Skirt (Dress) - Primark
Khaki Tights - Primark
Tan Boots - Office

It's actually a dress but I tucked the top half underneath so I could wear it as a skirt.  I wasn't in the mood to be fully floral.  I'll wear it again as a dress when the weather gets nicer. 

I needed a nice warmish coat to wear on top and, having jumped the gun and put all mine into storage, I had to improvise.  Rather proud of this one:

Makeshift #swingcoat using a #cardie and a #brooch
Cardigan - Bennetton (gifted from my aunt)
Leaf Brooch - Charity Shop Find

More rain led to the unearthing of my favourite rain  coat.  Well, it's more of a rain cape really.  Total gem:

Outfit No 61 Layers are the only way to deal with this weather
Peacock Cardie - Pull & Bear
Grey Tee (just seen) - Primark
Skinny Jeans - Primark
Waxed Rain Cape - ASOS

One huge rediscovery for me is colour.  Pre challenge I had definitely fallen into a black rut... but no more! I'm sure you've noticed the array of colours I've been through in the last few weeks. Turquoise is one of my favourite and I'm loving that the 90's silky camisole has come back around again because I have loads of them hiding in those clothy depths!

Outfit No 62 Roll out of bed Wednesday

Sheer Turquoise Tee - eBay

Turquoise Cami - Primark

Skinny Jeans - Primark

Boots - Aldo

Peacock Cardie - Pull & Bear

Another night out on the town, even more colour and an excuse to introduce you to another of my kimono jackets...

Outfit No 63 Wednesday Night Cocktails

Kimono Jacket - Warehouse (eBay)

I told you I had a lot of these! This one was originally from Warehouse but I got in off eBay for next to nothing.

The peacock cardie got a lot of wear this week... Thursday was definitely a pick-clothes-off-the-back-of-a-chair-day:

Outfit No 64 Post Cocktail Thursday...

Peacock Cardie - Pull & Bear

Sheer Turquoise Tee - eBay

Grey -shirt Dress - Topshop

Jeans - Topshop

Fringed Boots - Miss Selfridge

Yesterday this pretty top got an outing...as did my wellies...

Outfit No 65 A Rainy May Friday #welliesneeded

Floral Top - Primark

Jean Shorts - Made from an old pair of jeans

Turquoise Leggings - Primark

Wellies - Hunter

So its been 2 weeks since my last post and in that time I have shopped my closet for 26 Brand-New-Old  items; pieces that haven't seen the light of day in quite some time and might never have, had it not been for The Challenge.  Not bad, eh? 

When it's put like that I feel much less guilty about not having sorted that closet out yet...

Over & out

M x

P.S. Here's Emily getting some joy out of one of my rediscoveries:

Rocking my #greyblazer #leafbrooch 
#saturdaynight #bedroomdancing #friends #sharingclothes

Isn't her belt fab?  I actually bought it for her years ago when we were both undergrads in Liverpool.  It came from a fabulous little vintage shop called Bullet on Hardman Street.  I got some gems there over the years, including another belt very like this one.  

To bare or not to bare?

On sunny bank holiday Monday I gave this dress its first outing of 2013:

Outfit #47 May Bank Joliday
Headscarf - Charity Shop
Dress - Topshop
Sandals - Topshop 

Spring/Summer 2013 is all about the LWD, don't you know? 

I've had this one for two or three years. I'm surprised it's still even remotely white looking considering how regularly I miss my mouth! But then I suppose it hasn't really been worn that often...Same. Old. Story. 

Anyway, I was putting the outfit together - pretty head scarf, dainty sandals and thinking that it all looked quite nice when I found myself reaching for for my usual black leggings. All over sunny London women of all shapes and sizes were getting out their pins and there I was ready to cloak mine in the same old pair of black leggings. Why? 

Would they add anything? No, if anything, they'd completely kill the summeriness of the look and the daintiness of the white lace.

Was the day ahead going to involve rolling around on the floor in front of a bunch of students? No, I was freeeee! 

Was it cool enough to make them a necessity for warmth? No, it was glorious! 

Then why the hell did I find myself drawn to those stupid black leggings?!* 

I tried to think back to the last time I had actually let my legs be free... and I just couldn't (except, perhaps, for the odd night out at home in Northern Ireland - EVERYONE gets them out there, despite the awful weather. I'd feel like a prude if I didn't!) Even last summer, on the (few) hot days, the leggings made an appearance and my legs did not. 

I don't know what it is. I think somewhere along the way I must have lost my leggy confidence. Which is a shame. It's not like I have very bad legs. They are by no means amazing, the cellulite is creeping in, there's the odd little vein appearing behind the knees and I have PLENTY of scars and usually a bruise or two (I'm quite possibly the clumsiest person you will ever encounter. Just walking from A to B without falling over or bumping into something is a bigger challenge than The Challenge. Of course, throw in a pair of heels and a couple of gins and, hey presto, you've got a walking catastrophe...), but as far as legs go they are grand (especially from a distance) and do me fine. 

Why then the reluctance to get them out? I suppose it's got a lot to do with the fact that I think they need to look PERFECT before they see the light of day (I think we've got magazines and Hollywood to blame for that). I remember going through a phase in my late teens when I felt the need to paint my leg with spray on leg make up when I got them out. Even at music festivals(!) when the denim shorts came out so too would the Sally Hanson Air Brush Legs. Seriously!? Make up. On my legs. In a tent. With wellies. 

Admittedly just basic maintenance is a pain in the ass. You've got the shaving or waxing, the exfoliating, the moisturising and, certainly at this time of year, the tanning (I'm Irish. They are practically blue without a bit of Garnier Summer Body to help them out. It's gotta be done). But the thing is I do all that anyway (except maybe the exfoliating, I'm pretty lax about that...) and then cover it up with leggings... 

So on Monday morning, as my hand was reaching for those trusty black leg hiders, all of the above flashed through my mind. I looked in the mirror at my 'they'll do me rightly' pair and thought "**** it! These pins are one item in my wardrobe that can't be replaced when they start to look worn out, shopping ban or no shopping ban. I might as well get some wear out of them now!" 

Maybe it's getting older and wiser, or just that I've been too busy to have the time to care, but 'perfection' is no longer something I strive for. Now it's something along the lines of being happy in my own skin that I'm going for, I think.  And, on Monday, as wandered up the high street (don't worry I only bought a bag of avocados and some milk) wearing my free legs, I think I felt a little bit closer to achieving that. 

Somewhat inevitably, Summer only graced us with his presence for a couple of days. The wind and the rain are back again and so too are the leggings (my rear is one item I would rather keep safely in the closet, thanks very much) but, I have to say, I rather enjoyed my leggy fling. Here's to many more! 

Over and out 

M x 

 * Sorry, leggings. I was a bit harsh there. It's not you it's me. I love you really. We have been through a lot together and our relationship is really pretty great but I think it is healthy to have some space every so often, you know?

Digging Deeper: The Great Wardrobe Clear Out Begins

I'm over a month in!  35 days to be exact.  In fact, tomorrow I will hit 5 weeks! Only 47 more to go...

So how is it going? Not too badly, I think.  

I've been very busy with work so that has been a great distraction from the odd shopping pang.  I've also been better about digging deep into the recesses of my wardrobe. This week I wore a few pieces that hadn't seen the light of day in a long while, and certainly not since The Challenge began:

First up was this pretty little floral tunic top that I inherited  a few years back, from a friend who was cleaning out her closet. I think she said she picked it up at a  flea market in San Francisco.  

Outfit No 41 Sunday Pottering
Floral Print Kaftan Tunic Top - Vintage
Denim Shorts - Topshop
Leggings - Primark
Fringed Boots - Miss Selfridge

Isn't the fabric just lovely? I really like the little bits of gold running through it: 

and the lovely trim on the sleeves and collar: 

This is such a little winner of a top.  I must start wearing it more.

Then on Monday I gave some Breton stripes a whirl and unearthed a little blue chiffon skater skirt.  I wore it with red converse because I was feeling quite casual on that day but I think the statement necklace dressed it up enough for work.  

Outfit  #42 - A Spring Monday
Necklace - Primark
Striped Top - H&M
Skirt -eBay
Leggings - Primark
Red Converse

Later on I popped on a blazer and changed into pumps to teach:

Blazer - New Look
Pashmina - My Friend Emily...
Pumps - Office

Tuesday brought with it an outing for this cheery little number, which I picked up in TK Maax last year (love that place): 

Outfit #43 A Rosie Tunic for #therosewithnonewclothes
Tunic - Tk Maax
Over Sized Black Racer Back Top -Primark (tied to alter neckline)
Leggings-Primark
Pumps - Office (not seen)
(So sorry about the dirt of that mirror!)

It's a lovely one this and has pockets, which are always a bonus in my opinion. I wore it with those ski-foot leggings and my nude Office pumps.  It's very sheer so I wore one of those baggy racer back tops underneath but knotted the racer back to make the neckline more interesting.  I often do this. I think it adds interest and suits me better.

Then on Thursday, as the sun was shining, I merrily whipped out my first maxi skirt of 2013 and paired it with that fabulous white fringed top (you're probably sick of looking at those bad boys but they are just super versatile), tucking in the fringe to show off the lovely crochet collar. I love this skirt because it has pockets so feels really casual and easy.  I think this was my outfit of the week.  I felt really comfortable but dressy enough for work. I love maxis!

Outfit #44 'Return of the Mack...zi...'
Maxi Skirt - Primark
Top - Primark
Pumps - Office 

Saturday and another maxi skirt was salvaged from the dressy depths of  despair. It's actually the same as the one above, just in a different colour. More pockets!  Whoop!

Outfit #45 Sunny Saturday
Chiffon Top - eBay
Necklace - Topshop (back to front)
Maxi - Primark
Sandals - Topshop

Today I'm channelling the tribal look, thanks to this wrap around midi gem of a skirt:
   

Outfit #46 Going Tribal on a Sunday
Skirt - Vintage
Sheer chiffon t-shirt - eBay
Sandals - Topshop

This wonderful skirt has been with me for many many years.  It actually used to belong in the dressing up box that lived in the attic of a childhood friend. I'm pretty sure her mum used to wear it in the 70s. 

Somehow, after many a wear (it was the perfect dressing up item because the wrap around style meant it actually fit), I ended up taking it home.  I don't THINK I stole it... I hope not! 

Anyway, I remember rediscovering it about 10 years ago and it's been a bit of a summer staple ever since.  It always comes on sun holidays with me, because it is great to throw on over my bikini and can also be worn as a dress.  

Got to love this hard working, hard wearing multi-tasker! I really enjoy the history behind it too.  I've so many memories tied up in this skirt, including one which involves it untying itself... and falling down around my ankles.... in Tesco!  Unfortunately, this particular memory will probably never untie itself from my mind. 

This 'shopping your closet' malarkey is fun! I'm so pleased that The Challenge has forced me start WEARING my clothes again.  I really think that part of the reason I kept buying stuff was because it was easier than trying to find stuff in THAT wardrobe...

So in a bid to make it easier to see what I've got, last night I FINALLY started The Great Wardrobe Clear Out. I'd thought I could do it all in one go but that, of course, was far too ambitious. It's going to have to happen in stages. 

So, Stage One, I set about tackling that dreaded walk in cupboard in our hall... The one that was pretty much crammed full, from floor to (pretty high) ceiling, with bin liners of clothes.  My aim was to clear it out so it could serve as a proper workable extension of my wardrobe...

This was NOT an easy task.  That thing that always happens when I try to clear out my closet happened. I found myself sitting in the middle of what looked like the aftermath of a fabric bomb, just about ready to weep (OVERWHELMED doesn't cover it), give up and shove it all back in. 

But I'm pleased to say that after a quick tea break, and only thanks to the company of Netflix, I persevered and managed to sort all of the stuff into following categories:

1. Winter stuff to put into storage
Being able to put my winter coats away and out of the way was a major space saver... I was shocked (well, not really...but you might be) to discover that I have TEN!  Who needs TEN winter coats? But I do love (and wear) all of them. I'll wait and show them to you when winter comes round again... 

It's just SO refreshing to walk past the coat stand and not fear for your life. 

2. Stuff that needs mended 
This pile has just kept growing and growing over the last few years.  I NEVER do ANYTHING about it.  That is going to change. Shoes are going to cobblers, watches to jewellers and my sewing machine will be put to good use.

3. Stuff to sell on eBay
Another pile that keeps being added to... I really need to start trying to sell this stuff. It is just taking up space.  Some of it I could maybe make a bit of money from and it would be much nicer to know someone is actually wearing and enjoying it.  Maybe some of it will be Clothes Swap appropriate? Looks like that will be happening soon :)

4. Stuff to give to charity shops
Another thing that never gets done... mostly, I think, because of my hoarderish tendencies...I'm scared to let it go! I keep filling bags but they always end up living in cupboards or under beds instead of actually making it to the shops.  I've certainly been guilty of rescuing things from charity shop bags in the past too.  I need to get a grip and it needs to go.

5. Stuff I love but won't be wearing any time soon but LOVE and refuse to get rid of
There some things that are too big/small or just have too much sentimental value to part with.  This stuff can go into storage with my winter stuff.  

The cupboard is now clear and I have put a rail up so it will be able to function as a second wardrobe, so to speak.  Now I can't wait to get on to organising the rest of my stuff so I can figure out what I want to hang there.  I'll be able to SEE stuff!

The first stage of The Great Wardrobe Clear Out unearthed some wonderful forgotten treasures, like the leather jacket below. This will be a summer favourite, no doubt. I also found my favourite glasses in the pocket.  I  had thought they were lost! Happy Days.

Reunited with my old leather friend!

However, it also served to flag up to me, rather explicitly, just how much of a shopping problem I have (or had?  Hopefully had.)  

I discovered TWO HUGE bags FILLED with EXTRA tights, in every colour and pattern imaginable (some which are just hilarious).  I have a drawer full of them in my room so these are JUST my SPARES!  In fact I'd completely forgotten they existed! It's absolutely ridiculous. I mean what was I doing?  How many pairs of tights does one girl need?  

I showed them to my house mate, Emma, and, after a good laugh at some of the more 'out-there' patterns, she said, "It's like you've been in a coma for the last ten years and have suddenly woken up and thought, 'What the **** have I been doing?!'"

She hit the nail on the head.

Over and out

M x