topic Re: My closet: Spring is just around the corner... in Fashion

Purge/restyle is over! Curating in progress.

MacDUFF — Tue, 18 May 2021 03:28:21 GMT

I needed to update photos for my closet archives (just a pet project of mine) since so much has changed in the past few years, so while I'm at it I thought I'd post them here, too.

Definition of mishmash: a confused mixture; jumble (which is exactly what my closet used to look like). Definition of mash-up: something created by combining elements from two or more sources.

The three sources I used to "create" a wardrobe are old (have been in my closet from 3 to 15ish years), new (purchased last year), and thrifted (within the past 3 years).

I bought/thrifted exactly two items of clothing so far this year...well, let me re-phrase that: I purchased/thrifted a few things this year and kept exactly two. I know, SHOCKER! Three months and two purchases...admit it, you don't believe me...I can't believe it either! (I think it's one of the bonuses of my year-long Epic Closet Purge.)

I feel a shopping marathon is in order, though, especially with the coming transitional weather (which has always been a problem area in my closet), so I shouldn't brag!

A side note about thrifting: I have a few "rulez!" Although I mostly shop for clothes, I have a pair of peds in my purse for trying on shoes. Shoes get wiped down with hydrogen peroxide before they go in my closet. I plan my thrifting trips and wear (or carry with me) a long sleeved tee and a pair of silk long johns underneath my street clothes for trying on. I look for "new with tags," and almost everything has to be washable. Thrifted items go straight to the laundry room (or dry cleaner) before they go in my closet. I'm averaging $3 to $4 per thrifted item.

I'm going to put several pics in each post in order to move along quickly and so this thread doesn't get ridiculously long. I'm not online like I used to be, so there will probably be several days in between posts (just like my weekly "Fashion Favorites" thread). I didn't want anyone to think I'm ignoring your comments...I'm just not as active here (or anywere haha) as I used to be (**sigh**).

So, here goes and hope you enjoy the show.

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

MacDUFF — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 03:32:23 GMT

WINTER

I don't need much...we've had maybe 7 or 8 days that were cold enough to wear heavy winter clothes with heavy base layers. I wore my wool coat once in January. We have about 6 to 8 weeks where, yeah, it's cold, but not freezing cold...I adjust to temps with differing base layer weights. But, we're moving into early spring, so most of the wool and cashmere items in the first set of pics are about to go into storage (airtight bags with cedar under the bed).

***

These Trina Turk silk cashmere neck warmers (Rack) were super versatile for NC winters. I throw them on with various tops...warm and cozy without the bulk of a long sleeved turtleneck...

***

Denim joggers...biggest splurge ever on one piece of clothing (including wool coats and handbags, shoes, or jewelry). I really wanted a soft (think vintage) denim jogger, but would have been happy with cotton as long as they were perfect...a slim fit, not too long or short, comfortable, no drawstring, a neutral color that would go with everything.

It felt like I tried on every pair of joggers on the planet...from $7 Fruit of the Loom men's joggers at Walmart to pricey denim from the premium denim brands. Nothing was ever quite right.

Then I saw these Rag & Bone Trompe L'oeil "Miramar" 100% cotton joggers (Nordstrom, new, good discount) that look like denim and figured I'd give them a try. The multi-dimensional optical illusion (trompe l'oeil) is that everything you see...button, grommets, yoke, belt loops, pockets, distressing, whiskering, etc. is printed on cotton (underside is soft white cotton). It's unbelievable how realistic it looks even up close. (There are real side pockets.)

I've had them about 5 months and have worn them dozens of times. They go with almost everything I own...from cashmere sweaters to summer blouses to jackets to tees and sweat shirts...so you'll see them throughout the seasons. Hand wash and drip dry overnight. I can wear them with sneaks, sandals or flip flops. I can run an errand or take a nap in them. They check off everything I wanted in a jogger, and I LOVE them. A few pics to show versatility...

Trina neck warmer

Amicale camo cashmere

R&B joggers

Silver Converse convertible sneaks w/low cut socks

CuddlDuds fleece-backed base layer and long johns (thrifted)

Duck's Head linen blend hoodie (thrifted)

White linen blouse (old)

Croc flip flps

(can't wait for summer to wear this outfit)

Detailed pic from R&B site

***

Ribbed Chocolate brown 360 Cashmere

Brown/white striped button down, Lauren by RL (thrifted)

AG "Harper," mid-tone wash

Old boots

***

Liz Claiborne white (YAY!!) puffer vest (thrifted)

Black Nordstrom Signature cashmere turtleneck (old)

Old DG2 jeggings

Old Blondo boots

Goes with almost everything (I wore it today with the camo cashmere). Super warm...90% duck feathers...snaps...collar goes up above my ears, if needed.

I asked Handsome if I looked like a big fluffy marshmallow. He said, "A little, but big fluffy marshmallows bring back wonderful memories of beautiful night skies and cozy campfires." This is as romantic and poetic as he's ever going to get hahaha!! What do you think...marshmallow or cozy campfires?

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

on the bay — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 03:34:14 GMT

Love the white blouse especially and the pink sweatshirt

Your view is also really pretty and your smile

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

phoenixbrd — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 05:19:09 GMT

I think these outfits look adorable on you and you are ready for adventure

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 09:58:41 GMT

I adore your style! You just look so pulled together but also so comfy! I like that you give such details about how you obtained your items and so much information about them. You seem so organized in how your choose your clothing items so that they will mix and match and be long wearing! Me? I'm all over the place! Keep posting your stuff --- it's awesome!

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

Texasmouse — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:59:36 GMT

@MacDUFF you have a few cashmere pieces and I've never owned anything cashmere until I ordered a sweater from the Lunchtime Specials yesterday. Any tips on how to launder / take care of it? TIA

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

Lisa Y — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:04:57 GMT

@MacDUFF Your outfits are great. I love the versatility of how you pair tops and bottoms. Keep up th great work and keep sharing with us. 👍🏻😊👖👗👢🧣

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

Greeneyedlady21 — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:37:20 GMT

@MacDUFF.All those outfits look so good on you. I love the joggers with the camo. Makes me want to try denim joggers. Yours aren't in my budget, but they look great.

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

donna71 — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 12:46:02 GMT

I love your style and your clothing choices are fabulous. Do you have a youtube channel? I would love to follow your advice on putting an outfit together and a "look of the day" also admire your blend of new old high end and thrift!

thanks

Re: My closet: A wonderful fashion mash-up...

itsmagic — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 13:11:53 GMT

I really enjoyed your post and appreciate all the detail. You look great in all the outfits and love the joggers. Will be so cute on a cooler summer day. Looking forward to seeing more! 😁

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

MacDUFF — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 03:33:19 GMT

@AngelPuppy1 I hear ya! Were you around here for the Great and Terrible Epic Closet Purge of 2017-18? My closet was a complete mishmash ("a confused mixture"...I might have to change the title of my thread to use the play on words hahaha). Now it's a wearable, organized mashup, and I'm so happy!

Hi @Texasmouse Long time...hope you are well! I used to think cashmere was too precious and that I wouldn't get as much use out of it for the high cost. I had a tendency to save my good stuff for special occasions or church or just in case (just in case of what I could never figure). Turns out cashmere is quite durable! I can't afford regular dry cleaning, and I don't have the patience to baby mine too much...I put them in the deep freezer for 2 or 3 days to kill off larvae (gross!), then store in an airtight bag with cedar blocks. I just washed my camo sweater...by hand with Woolite, squeeze the water out, put it in the dryer for about 3 or 4 minutes (with other clothing, including a pair of jeans no less), then blocked it on a towel to dry. Every time I walked past it, I'd smooth it out and re-block. It dried overnight and looks exactly the same as it did when I received it. I hope you love your new cashmere texas!

@Greeneyedlady21 Trust me 'lady, the joggers weren't in my budget either! It hurt for a while, but I got over it!

@donna71 I can barely keep up with two threads let alone a youtube channel hahaha, but thank you for the compliment.

Thank you all for your nice comments!

@on the bay @phoenixbrd @Lisa Y @itsmagic

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

MacDUFF — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 23:45:31 GMT

I own two cardigans...both shawl collars which seems to help keep the front panels in place.

This one is about 4 years old...survived the purge hahaha. I hated it (my usual complaints about cardis...bathrobe, fluttering/cascading open front, front panels that fall to the sides of my breasts)...hated it so much that I've had it in the donation bag half a dozen times at least.

I tried everything I could think of to make it work...I sewed the front panels together twice (once with the panels fluttering on the outside of the seam, once with the panels on the inside and tacked down oy)...I put buttons on it and made it a false double-breasted sweater...I bought a humongous decorative safety pin wrapped in black wool...I put snaps on it to keep it closed...I washed it in hot water and dried it on high heat. Nothing worked. And, then...

I thrifted this belt. I bought it specifically for this dang-blasted cardi. And it works! I haven't owned a belt in forever...I never wear them (uncomfortable, distracting, constant readjustment around my muffin top drives me crazy hahaha). It's woven with no holes so it's easily adjustable to perfection and it's long enough to do that cool loop-de-loop thingy.

Nordstrom Signature shawl collar confetti cashmere cardi (Rack)

Thrifted no-name leather belt ($1)

Old DG2 jeggings

Old Blondo boots

*****

Thrifted black and white checked (no brand or size tag) shawl collar cardi with ribbed grey cuffs and hem. I had to take it in about 3.5 inches on each side, and I turned up the hem cuz it was so long that it "cupped" my bottom. It's warm, but not bulky...works for early spring and late fall, too. How about that for three bucks!!? Old G jeggings, thrifted CuddlDuds fleece backed top and old grey suede UGG boots.

Happy Passover and Easter to all.

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 10:34:02 GMT

@MacDUFF

I probably was but don't recall it --- LOL! At least you have put that behind you -- unlike myself! Keep posting your mash-ups --- it's so enjoyable and fun! Maybe some of it will rub off!!!

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

tototwo — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 10:59:31 GMT

All winners! You know how to style. I adore that pink hoodie - great find!

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

Texasmouse — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 14:08:49 GMT

@MacDUFF yes, it has been a long time. I'm well, as I hope you are! Thanks for your reply. I plan on washing the cashmere sweater with Woolite in cold water, on the gentle cycle, then reshaping and laying it flat to dry. I don't plan on sending mine to the dry cleaners either! (Might cost as much as the sweater...lol)

You have a YouTube channel? I'd love to check it out! What's it called?

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

wagirl — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 14:15:16 GMT

OP--so enjoy your fashion shows--you look mahhhveous--to use a Billy Crystal spiel----love all your looks and your smiling face----

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

depglass — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 19:48:51 GMT

I enjoy seeing your creativity in putting pieces together. Would you add a handbag to some of these outfits? I bet you pick up some great thrift bags.

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

MacDUFF — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:41:19 GMT

@Texasmouse It's crazy how much dry cleaning can add up...I refuse! My winter wool coat is the only thing I own that needs to go to the dry cleaners, but I wore it once in January and maybe wore it twice last year. At that rate, I'd need to clean it, oh, maybe every seven years hahaha. What cashmere sweater did you get??

No, I don't have a youtube channel...I was just saying that I can barely keep up with my two threads here let alone a youtube channel!

BTW, here are the three "tools" I use to keep all my sweaters (not just cashmere) looking polished. Any one of these will work (I don't know why I have three hahaha). On the left is a brush thingy called Save Our Sweaters...top is an old Remington rotary blade de-piller...on the right is a Dritz sweater comb.

@wagirl Thank you dahhhling!

Hi @depglass I have thrifted a few nice handbags and will include them in upcoming pics. But, I'm afraid I'll disappoint all the handbag aficionados here. Mine are more functional than anything else! Recently, I passed on a butter soft turquoise Hobo for $35...I tried, ohhhh how I tried, but my stuff wouldn't fit! Thanks, depglass, and nice to chat with you.

Thank you! @tototwo @AngelPuppy1

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

Texasmouse — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:57:33 GMT

@MacDUFF I bought a gray crewneck sweater A374538 when it was a Lunchtime Special.

Thanks for the tip about the combs/tools! Is there one that works better for your cashmere pieces?

Re: My closet: From mishmash to mash-up...

MacDUFF — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 01:42:54 GMT

Most of the pieces in these pics are old, but still in play. First three pics were taken about 3-4 years ago (I think I still have some dark blonde in my hair!)...

Vince navy-that-might-as-well-be-black wool hoodie "clutch" coat (no closures, you just clutch it together and run to the car haha...my Mom always called this type of coat a clutch, what can I say)...I'm seriously considering donating this coat 'cuz I so rarely wear it and it's taking up valuable space in my closet.

Old blue embroidered gloves, old G jeggings, old Sporto boots

*****

Pink Aran Craft double-breasted merino wool sweater coat...one of my most favorite purchases ever (thanks again to @winamac1)...old black G jeggings

*****

French Connection wool blend colorblock turtleneck, old black Coach boots

*****

Light grey ribbed Theory cashmere sweater, hand-knit cashmere capelet (thrifted), DG2 jeans, Blondo boots

*****

Ted Baker light grey cashmere with applique, AG Harper (2nd new pair, frayed by me), Blondo boots, Elliott Lucca handbag (old, Marshalls)

With R&B Joggers and silver Converse sneaks