I have so many beautiful clothes that live in their respective closets because, while I think I’m quite savvy at applying ‘the rules’, one factor I often fail to consider is my lifestyle - especially post-pandemic. We have our own business,live on-site and my office (where I work alone) is a small space where mice often like to hang out because it is on the middle of a stable yard. I work pretty much 7 days a week and can be called out to hold horses for the vet or fill water buckets (I was delivering a foal at 1.30 this morning!) However, my wardrobe thinks I’m a socialite or a K-Pop idol who loves to travel frequently and enjoys long city lunches with elegant friends. At least it has the upside that I always have something to wear when occasions do (very infrequently) pop up...
Great article, Irene. I am still making buying mistakes. Most of mine seem to be emotional purchases. I get excited about the way something looks, I love it, and then ignore whether or not it will fit in my lifestyle.
I've made far too many mistakes - don't even know where to start! I'll be echoing some of your comments, for sure. One is definitely buying clothes that look nice when I'm standing in front of the mirror, but I don't reach for them because they're not comfortable. Another is ignoring my body type, thanks to well meaning advice that they don't matter. I'm not going to follow body type rules religiously, but they do matter a bit! Another involves shoes - I have quite a few heels and they're rarely seen. They're not particularly modern looking and I never wear them. I often get my pants hemmed to wear with heels and then never wear the pants because they're too long. Time to shut up about my heels, but hemming has opened up an entirely different can of worms, hasn't it?
Basically nervous to hem pants, more than likely to do with Tibi's take on the situation. Hem or use other tricks to keep your pants off the ground? As for heels, it seems no one wants to wear heels with a stiletto anymore. Not a modern choice?
We touched on this last week I think! I find wide leg, floor length pants not practical for a lot of people for this exact reason. I only have a couple myself and don’t wear them often bc I have to think too hard about it plus the shoe situation. There are a lot of other pant options out there that don’t require you to worry about hemming, and maybe you can explore those?
Hi Irene, Happy to be more specific on "emotional" purchases. I love dresses and skirts but I live in a very casual, outdoorsy place (Santa Fe) where most of my friends are dressed in the latest REI / Patagonia clothing. I buy what I love and then don't wear it because I get so many comments when I do. I am always trying to "dress down" and still be "me". Make sense?
I am a walking mistake. Everyone’s target demographic. Lost for so long and trying to find myself through purchases. Easily “influenced”. But with many thanks to you I am getting a bit of footing to find what truly is me?! Fit is a big one. And making sure I love it. Thank you!!!!
I have only consigned locally and have never tried consigning to retailers online or otherwise outside of Toronto. It’s a lot more work, but have you considered doing it yourself through Poshmark or eBay?
Yes! I have tried both and you're right -- it is a lot of work and the price-points don't seem high enough to make the effort worth it, in my experience so far. People want to pay $5 for everything. You've inspired me to check again at what local consignment shops are near me. Thank you!
I have so many beautiful clothes that live in their respective closets because, while I think I’m quite savvy at applying ‘the rules’, one factor I often fail to consider is my lifestyle - especially post-pandemic. We have our own business,live on-site and my office (where I work alone) is a small space where mice often like to hang out because it is on the middle of a stable yard. I work pretty much 7 days a week and can be called out to hold horses for the vet or fill water buckets (I was delivering a foal at 1.30 this morning!) However, my wardrobe thinks I’m a socialite or a K-Pop idol who loves to travel frequently and enjoys long city lunches with elegant friends. At least it has the upside that I always have something to wear when occasions do (very infrequently) pop up...
I’m going to address lifestyle in the next instalment!
Sounds like me!! Looking forward to Irene's comments on lifestyle.
Short version: baked into Q2: do i need it!
Great article, Irene. I am still making buying mistakes. Most of mine seem to be emotional purchases. I get excited about the way something looks, I love it, and then ignore whether or not it will fit in my lifestyle.
Now you are speaking my language! And you didn’t even touch on the sadistically irresistible “it was on sale” mistake!
Next newsletter lol. I had it all ready to go but the newsletter was getting so long!
I've made far too many mistakes - don't even know where to start! I'll be echoing some of your comments, for sure. One is definitely buying clothes that look nice when I'm standing in front of the mirror, but I don't reach for them because they're not comfortable. Another is ignoring my body type, thanks to well meaning advice that they don't matter. I'm not going to follow body type rules religiously, but they do matter a bit! Another involves shoes - I have quite a few heels and they're rarely seen. They're not particularly modern looking and I never wear them. I often get my pants hemmed to wear with heels and then never wear the pants because they're too long. Time to shut up about my heels, but hemming has opened up an entirely different can of worms, hasn't it?
Can you tell me more about the hemming and heels situation?
Basically nervous to hem pants, more than likely to do with Tibi's take on the situation. Hem or use other tricks to keep your pants off the ground? As for heels, it seems no one wants to wear heels with a stiletto anymore. Not a modern choice?
We touched on this last week I think! I find wide leg, floor length pants not practical for a lot of people for this exact reason. I only have a couple myself and don’t wear them often bc I have to think too hard about it plus the shoe situation. There are a lot of other pant options out there that don’t require you to worry about hemming, and maybe you can explore those?
Thank you! Yes, we touched upon this issue last week and it’s clear I have far too much doubt! Best to steer clear.
Hi Irene, Happy to be more specific on "emotional" purchases. I love dresses and skirts but I live in a very casual, outdoorsy place (Santa Fe) where most of my friends are dressed in the latest REI / Patagonia clothing. I buy what I love and then don't wear it because I get so many comments when I do. I am always trying to "dress down" and still be "me". Make sense?
Yes it does!
I am a walking mistake. Everyone’s target demographic. Lost for so long and trying to find myself through purchases. Easily “influenced”. But with many thanks to you I am getting a bit of footing to find what truly is me?! Fit is a big one. And making sure I love it. Thank you!!!!
❤️❤️❤️
Where have you found to be the best place to resell your own clothing items?
Are you based in Toronto? I personally take my clothes to either VSP or 1132 Yonge. But there are a lot of options in the city!
Unfortunately I'm not in Toronto. Though when I visit I will definitely check out VSP! Have you had any luck with online consignment at all?
I have only consigned locally and have never tried consigning to retailers online or otherwise outside of Toronto. It’s a lot more work, but have you considered doing it yourself through Poshmark or eBay?
Yes! I have tried both and you're right -- it is a lot of work and the price-points don't seem high enough to make the effort worth it, in my experience so far. People want to pay $5 for everything. You've inspired me to check again at what local consignment shops are near me. Thank you!
I don’t have the patience for it either 😬.
Loved this and am excited for more in the series! ❤️
Also your writing voice is great :)
Agree!