My Mum has FINALLY FORCED me to take away all my old magazines that I left behind when I moved out of home. Errr, ok, so it's my Mum that is doing all the culling... :)
I now have stacks of Australian, UK and US Harper's Bazaar, Instyle, Vogue & Elle dating back 3 to 8 years neatly stacked under and beneath my sizable lamp table. I know I should just throw them into the recycling bin without further ado, but before I do that, I can't help but flick through them for anything interesting or inspirational that I may find (such as the Keri Russell feature I blogged about yesterday).
I have already come across some interesting wardrobe planning/organisation and shopping tip articles which I might share on this blog... make it the ultimate culling resource one stop shop!
I'm wondering though if there is a better way to set up this blog for ease of navigation? It's sort of taken on a life of it's own...
Fashion dysmorphia
Have you ever been so inspired by a magazine feature or editorial, that you go out and buy the pieces in order to try to replicate the look for yourself?
Do you then look in the mirror with despair to realise that what you have come up with looks nothing like what was presented on the glossy pages of the magazine?
These images have been in the back of mind for many years:
For months now they have been sitting around in their box. Each time I went to put them on I immediately took them off. Even though they looked awesome in the Country Road catalogue, I felt they looked odd on me. I even thought this when I tried them on in the store (why on Earth did I buy them then?!?).
On Friday last week I said to myself - I HAVE TO WEAR THESE SHOES TODAY.
I wore them... but come lunchtime I had changed into a pair I keep in my cupboard at work. Up until then I had felt like a clown all morning. They just didn't work for me...
I'm not sure though whether I'm suffering from 'fashion dysmorphia' (i.e. my brain is tricking me into thinking I look like a freak) or whether I actually look OK (since Keri and the CR model looked so great)?
Do you then look in the mirror with despair to realise that what you have come up with looks nothing like what was presented on the glossy pages of the magazine?
These images have been in the back of mind for many years:
Photographs by Pamela Hanson published in Instyle Australia - March 2009 (personal scans)
For months now they have been sitting around in their box. Each time I went to put them on I immediately took them off. Even though they looked awesome in the Country Road catalogue, I felt they looked odd on me. I even thought this when I tried them on in the store (why on Earth did I buy them then?!?).
On Friday last week I said to myself - I HAVE TO WEAR THESE SHOES TODAY.
I wore them... but come lunchtime I had changed into a pair I keep in my cupboard at work. Up until then I had felt like a clown all morning. They just didn't work for me...
I'm not sure though whether I'm suffering from 'fashion dysmorphia' (i.e. my brain is tricking me into thinking I look like a freak) or whether I actually look OK (since Keri and the CR model looked so great)?
'Upgrading' ... when second best is simply not enough
In the spirit of this blog being a study in building my ideal wardrobe through the process of culling and then only buying things that I KNOW I will wear and enjoy to (re)develop my style... I have a confession to make.
An opportunity arose to buy the Isabel Marant 'Dickers' in the Taupe colour. I seized the opportunity.
Truth be told, although I never intended to buy the real deal, the idea did not seem completely obscene since I was immensely enjoying wearing my Witchery knock-offs. Through wearing the Witchery shoes, I now knew that this style would work for me, so buying the Isabel Marant version would not be a waste of my money (like the countless other things in my wardrobe). Further in reading owners' testimonials about how comfortable these shoes are (and comfort now being the number one factor when considering a shoe purchase these days), I decided to bite the bullet and splurge. I figured if I didn't, I would regret it next week when someone else decided they had to have these shoes BEFORE I decided the same thing.
This is not the first time a Witchery dupe has caused me to spend a lot of money. The Witchery 'Phoebe' - a knock off of the Chloe 'Paddington', sans the padlock started it all.
Although I liked the Witchery knock-off "Chloe" bag, I couldn't help but daydream about one day carrying the real thing... I patiently waited for the Paddington to go on sale, and when it did it became mine! Buying it made me REALLY happy (but quite possibly because I was in a really unhappy relationship at the time).
That Chloe 'Paddington' bag kind of set things off for me. The Witchery knock-off didn't even compare to the real thing in terms of quality and workmanship (even though it was a lot more comfy to carry - weighing about a tonne less than the Paddy!).
It seems that there is a trend based on my past shopping experiences and the most recent experience - that the Witchery "Simone" boots get culled after only a few weeks of being purchased - I like to make way for what I wanted in the first place. Which begs the question - should one save for what one really wants in the first place, rather than settle for second best or the copy? Or is the idea behind buying inspired goods or copies a way to road test whether to upgrade later?
An opportunity arose to buy the Isabel Marant 'Dickers' in the Taupe colour. I seized the opportunity.
Isabel Marant 'Dickers' vs Witchery 'Simone'
Truth be told, although I never intended to buy the real deal, the idea did not seem completely obscene since I was immensely enjoying wearing my Witchery knock-offs. Through wearing the Witchery shoes, I now knew that this style would work for me, so buying the Isabel Marant version would not be a waste of my money (like the countless other things in my wardrobe). Further in reading owners' testimonials about how comfortable these shoes are (and comfort now being the number one factor when considering a shoe purchase these days), I decided to bite the bullet and splurge. I figured if I didn't, I would regret it next week when someone else decided they had to have these shoes BEFORE I decided the same thing.
This is not the first time a Witchery dupe has caused me to spend a lot of money. The Witchery 'Phoebe' - a knock off of the Chloe 'Paddington', sans the padlock started it all.
Although I liked the Witchery knock-off "Chloe" bag, I couldn't help but daydream about one day carrying the real thing... I patiently waited for the Paddington to go on sale, and when it did it became mine! Buying it made me REALLY happy (but quite possibly because I was in a really unhappy relationship at the time).
That Chloe 'Paddington' bag kind of set things off for me. The Witchery knock-off didn't even compare to the real thing in terms of quality and workmanship (even though it was a lot more comfy to carry - weighing about a tonne less than the Paddy!).
Very similar detailing on the Witchery 'Simone'... but no leather lining and sole.
It seems that there is a trend based on my past shopping experiences and the most recent experience - that the Witchery "Simone" boots get culled after only a few weeks of being purchased - I like to make way for what I wanted in the first place. Which begs the question - should one save for what one really wants in the first place, rather than settle for second best or the copy? Or is the idea behind buying inspired goods or copies a way to road test whether to upgrade later?
The cull diary
I've decided to keep track of what I cull and why, to better remind myself when shopping why I shouldn't buy that less than perfect piece. Who knows, maybe this list will help you too in re-assessing the stuff in your wardrobe?
I'm also going to prepare a back dated post summarising all the previous pieces I have culled (since starting this blog). There is a lot. It's a wonder I even have any clothes left to wear... but I do. Still too many.
I'm also going to prepare a back dated post summarising all the previous pieces I have culled (since starting this blog). There is a lot. It's a wonder I even have any clothes left to wear... but I do. Still too many.
Item culled
|
Approx. wears
|
Reason for eradication
|
Black suede ankle boots (mid-range brand)
|
1
SHOPPING FAIL
|
Love the design but too high and improperly balanced for me.
They were bought on sale, so I should re-coup most of their cost on eBay... IF they even sell. A waste of time purchase.
|
Beige platform pumps
(designer)
|
2
SHOPPING FAIL
|
I enjoyed buying them, but my feet have not enjoyed wearing them! Each time I have worn them I have half crippled myself. They are much too high... 13 cm or 5 inches to be exact.
|
Brown platform pumps
(designer)
|
5
|
Not worn enough to justify a place in my ideal wardrobe. I have other brown heels which I prefer to wear over these.
|
Black velvet blazer
(mid-range brand)
|
4
|
Really gorgeous, very Gucci, but too small now... it has been for years, yet it still hangs in my wardrobe. Why?
It actually came with matching velvet skinny pants (already culled years ago).
I wore the suit to a wedding once and literally every second person commented how amazing the outfit looked on me (*sigh* ... those were the days).
|
Cream silk linen suit - jacket and skirt
(designer)
|
4
|
The skirt is the wrong cut in that it’s really too short for corporate/office wear. I think I've only felt it to be appropriate during extreme heat conditions... that’s really saying something.
This is not a shopping fail, because it's actually quite lovely, just not suitable for my lifestyle. |
Black suit - jacket and skirt
(designer)
|
Well worn
|
Too small now, but thoroughly enjoyed wearing it whilst it fit.
|
Black blazer/jacket
(chain store label)
|
2
SHOPPING FAIL
|
The cut is not right and not what I was looking for, yet I still bought it. For two years it has hung there mocking me and my inability to say "no, it's not perfect" when shopping.
|
Multi-colour silk top
(designer)
|
5
|
It’s really beautiful but it’s the wrong cut and the heavy beading detail on it annoys me each time I wear it.
|
Black pencil skirt
(chain store label)
|
Well worn
|
It’s a little too fitted now and now I find that the split at the back is cut too high. Each time I wear it I am convinced that the people behind me can see my bottom, causing me to constantly check whether the airy feeling is due to the skirt tearing. Truth is - people can't see my butt and the skirt is not torn... it's just not the right cut for my bootylicious body shape!
|
Cream silk shirt
(designer)
|
Well worn
|
Too small now but besides, it's seen better days.
|
TOTAL ITEMS CULLED OVER THE WEEKEND: 12
I can actually hang hangers comfortably on the top rail in my wardrobe now.... but I can't keep up with the eBay listing! Add to this - I've inspired my mum to cull and each time she visits she brings a bag of clothes for me to sell :)
Items I enjoy wearing vs those that drive me mad
I'm trying to sort out in my head the types of clothes I should be buying and those that simply won't get worn - no matter what label, how cheap or how expensive...
Items I enjoy wearing
1. SKINNY JEANS. I wear these only on weekends and on causal days as I work in a corporate office. I'm especially partial to Nudie High Kais as there is nothing worse than sitting down in the vicinity of another human being and exposing one's plumber's crack. Unfortunately, my pair is a tad too small now, so a little diet and exercise is required. On a side note I've noticed that Nudie Jeans Co have recently reduced their RRP for this style in Australia - $199, down from $240... Not quite inline with US RRP but getting there.
2. BOOTS. In all shapes and forms. I have many that I don't wear anymore because they are too high and make my feet very unhappy. I have recently sold a few pairs and there are more which need to go and others which will be donated to charity once I bring myself to part with them (yes, I'm suffering from wardrobe culling denial again). Something tells me that time is now, given this week's outrageous boot splurge (post in the works).
3. BIG HANDBAGS. Especially for work. It's not like I carry around everything but the kitchen sink - but I like having the option. Importantly though, the bag needs to fit A4 in case I need to take work home with me.
4. DRESSES. What's not to like about putting on a single item of clothing and being most of the way dressed? 70% of the time I am wearing a dress.
5. LEATHER JACKET. I can tell I enjoy wearing mine because it's literally falling apart before my eyes *sad face* (I've owned it for many years). A new jacket will me on my US shopping list when I visit in the new year.
Items I dislike wearing
1. LOW RISE PANTS. I'm going to drive home the point. There is nothing worse than 'muffin top' and plumber's crack! I get both when I wear low rise pants.
2. TIGHT TOPS/DRESSES. Although I'm not over weight, I'm not skinny. I have a "cute" little pudgy stomach. It's always been there. I feel self-conscious when I wear tight fitting garments. So much so, I own a pair of Nancy Gantz for those occasions when I wear tight dresses ;)
3. VERY HIGH HEELS ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS. I used to be one of those girls who wore high heels to work EVERYDAY. I felt like the biggest dag in flats. Neighbours would comment that they knew my comings and goings because my heels would click clack on the footpaths. Sadly, sometime in the last two years my feet decided not to like high heels anymore (as much as I like them and think they look great), I only wear them when I go "out" now.
4. COTTON SHIRTS. Although they look wonderful on - I hate ironing, especially the sleeves! Surely there is an invention out there to make this job easier! Having worked in fashion retail during my studies, I found steamers to be quite good. A domesic steamer may be the next appliance on my home shopping list, as I'd love to wear crisp cotton shirts some more.
5. SHORT SLEEVED T-SHIRTS. Although I know this is classed as one of those "classic" items that makes up a basic wardrobe, I've never really found one that fits the bill. Rather than elude effortless style, I elude the look of I've-made-no-effort. The closest I have come to finding something that suits is the Dion Lee for Cue white tee that I bought a few months back. Not your classic white tee, but a white tee nonetheless - will crack it out come warmer weather.
Items I can't stop buying nonetheless
The one item on my dislike list that in the past I could not stop buying are high heeled shoes. I may or may not be a bit of a shoe addict... As a result I have quite the collection now! This year in making my ideal wardrobe resolution, I have vowed to myself not to buy anymore. If the shoe can't be walked in between home and the tram stop - it does not get bought! (There I said it).
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