Linea by Louis Dell'Olio

[LindaSal]

My weight doesn't change too much though it does fluctuate a bit.  Of course I am a bit heavier than my youthful days.  I don't usually hold on to things that no longer fit, I'll be 60 this year and not that I don't exercise and take care of myself but I don't feel I need to try to be back in my size 6 Jordache jeans, LOL (that will never happen I'm sure).  

The nicer clothing I tend to hold onto.  Like I have some size small Linea whsiper knit turtlenecks and I really take a medium now, but I can still wear those comfortably under another blouse.

Guess I dated myself with the Jordache thing. 

[Writer with Flair]

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@DecorDiva wrote:

I was going through my winter clothes and have decided to donate my XS and most of my S Whisperknit sweaters, since I am now more comfortable in a M.  Some of them were the Poshknits (remember them?).  I hate to do it, they are so lightly worn, but I don't see myself getting back to those sizes and I want to clear out my drawers of things I don't wear.  Do you keep Linea in sizes other than your current one?

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DecoDiva,

     There have been lots of good replies from other Linea Ladies.  Here are some of my thoughts.

• Linea styles are classic.
  You mentinoned that you have some posh knits.  They are classic styles that will be as good ten years from now as they were when they first came out.  You would be hard pressed to find that quality at the prices you paid for those items now or in the future.  
• The older the pieces of Louis' clothing you own, the better they are made.
  You just cannot beat quality.  If, after a year or two goes by and you have not regained any of the weight you lost, you can always look at having an expert tailor take them in for you.
• Your weight may fluctuate over the years.  Be ready for it. 
  You could be sick, break a bone, or etc. where you might gain some weight.  Even if you think you could lose the weight, it would be nice to still feel like you look good by having Linea pieces to wear.

     My bottom line is that I would hold on to your precious Linea pieces and store them in good quality plastic boxes.  I'd put either dryer sheets or bars of soap in with the clothes to keep them fresh smelling.

     I have learned to make somewhat larger tops and dresses fit better with the use of good quality natural looking shoulder pads (no 40's Joan Crawford or 80's "Dynasty" types).  They can give a nice crisp line to a top or dress.

[Mindy D]

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@DecorDiva wrote:

I was going through my winter clothes and have decided to donate my XS and most of my S Whisperknit sweaters, since I am now more comfortable in a M.  Some of them were the Poshknits (remember them?).  I hate to do it, they are so lightly worn, but I don't see myself getting back to those sizes and I want to clear out my drawers of things I don't wear.  Do you keep Linea in sizes other than your current one?

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@DecorDiva @Going forward, I doubt that clothes will be of decent quality. Clothing has already undergone a large decline in the type of high quality fabrics we used to see. There's no more wool, silk, genuine linen and even decent cotton is not that common. What's being substituted is cheap to produce rayons, (viscose, for example). If I were you, I'd save some (a few) of the pieces I love from a size range. Clothing will be of much lower quality and will not be long lasting,  just as appliances. 

[DecorDiva]

@Writer with Flair - thanks for the thoughts.  If the clothes were too big, I would have them altered in a heartbeat.  They are too small.  I'm 65 and I could see myself losing some weight as I get older.  I will keep the Poshknits and some of the Whisperknits in storage.  I also won't get rid of any of the leather and leather/knit jackets Louis has done over the years.

[DecorDiva]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.  After I retired, I did get rid of most blazers and jackets.  As I told Writer with Flair,  I am going to keep the better items in a bin.  We know we can't get this type of quality anymore and you never know what might be down the road.  I want to keep things that I know I could wear with my current lifestyle.  I'm on the fence about the upcoming BD -  again, quality and design - but I may allow myself one!

[lavendar]

I gained about nine lbs during the lockdown. It's not quite a size but some of my clothes were snug. I'm down four. There is no way I am going to replace my wardrobe. It's easier for me to lose weight. 

I have been shopping in my closet. Today I threw on an Indigo Moon short jacket. I think it's the first one she offered. In one block to the pharmacy two people complimented me and the pharmacist asked me where I got it. I bet it's fifteen years old.

It's not just Louis who has to make do re fabrics, etc. Quality clothes anywhere are more expensive. I noticed it in the supermarket as well.

[Writer with Flair]

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@DecorDiva wrote:

@Writer with Flair - thanks for the thoughts.  If the clothes were too big, I would have them altered in a heartbeat.  They are too small.  I'm 65 and I could see myself losing some weight as I get older.  I will keep the Poshknits and some of the Whisperknits in storage.  I also won't get rid of any of the leather and leather/knit jackets Louis has done over the years.

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     Sounds like a good plan, DecorDiva.  I totally agree with you about keeping the Poshknits, Whisperknits, and the leather/knit jackets.

     I'd put some ceder blocks in the box in which you store the Poshknits to discourage moths, if you do not have a cedar chest or cedar closet.  I don't have either a cedar chest or a cedar closet.  Maybe in our next house (sigh).

[Writer with Flair]

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@lavendar wrote:

I gained about nine lbs during the lockdown. It's not quite a size but some of my clothes were snug. I'm down four. There is no way I am going to replace my wardrobe. It's easier for me to lose weight. 

I have been shopping in my closet. Today I threw on an Indigo Moon short jacket. I think it's the first one she offered. In one block to the pharmacy two people complimented me and the pharmacist asked me where I got it. I bet it's fifteen years old.

It's not just Louis who has to make do re fabrics, etc. Quality clothes anywhere are more expensive. I noticed it in the supermarket as well.

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tzatke,

     I have a dark peach Indigo Moon jacket that I just love.  The embroidery work on it is first rate.  It coordinates with so many things and makes such a snappy outfit in a flash.

     Do you have any of the older Coldwater Creek jackets from years ago?  I have several and still use them.

[AuntG]

If you envision losing weight, then keep them in plastic storage containers.

[lavendar]

I don't have any CC jackets but I do have some Koos items I still wear. I have a reversible jacket that my tailor loved. When I told him the cost he said it could sell for four times the price. I have a navy blue Linea dress and I wear it over it.

I've been shopping in my closet since the lockdown. Only thing I'm buying is loungewear.