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.
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| Outfit No 41 Sunday Pottering Floral Print Kaftan Tunic Top - Vintage Denim Shorts - Topshop Leggings - Primark Fringed Boots - Miss Selfridge |
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.
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| 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:
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| 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):
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| 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!
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| Outfit #44 'Return of the Mack...zi...' Maxi Skirt - Primark Top - Primark Pumps - Office |
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| Outfit #45 Sunny Saturday Chiffon Top - eBay Necklace - Topshop (back to front) Maxi - Primark Sandals - Topshop |
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| Outfit #46 Going Tribal on a Sunday Skirt - Vintage Sheer chiffon t-shirt - eBay Sandals - Topshop |
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.
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| Reunited with my old leather friend! |
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
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