Wardrobe Workhorses & Wishlists

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Posted on August 13, 2013

This week the weather has turned warm, even hot by some standards and it is officially still winter.

Many of my clothes are suitable for most of the year depending on how I wear them. However, the warmer weather has made me stop and think about what new things I might consider buying this season. I have 3 good pairs of shorts and probably enough skirts but it might be time to get some new tops. Other than that the 2 main things on my wishlist for summer are sandals and a hat. My current sandals are well-worn and have been repaired. They will keep going for some time yet but it would be nice to have a new pair to wear to work during the summer months. The hat that I crave is a straw one in a dressy style. Since I am not tall, I find that I need a hat with a straight or slightly upturned brim or otherwise I end up looking like a mushroom. I have a fabric hat which is fine for travelling and beachwear but I would really like one that I can wear with a dress in the city.

That is enough about my wishlist, now for the workhorses.

These are some singlet tops that I bought at Uniqlo when we were visiting Japan in 2009. They are some of the most versatile items I have ever owned. I wear them as singlets in winter, pyjama tops with boxer shorts, tank tops in summer and even to work as a camisole with a skirt and cardigan. The lace edging and straps are actually elastic lace and they are really comfortable. When these wear out I will definitely buy more or possibly make some if I can find suitable elastic lace.

Having items of clothing that do double or even triple duty will be very useful when I come to pack when we travel overseas. I am hoping to travel as lightly as possible. Do you have any particular ideas that have worked for you?

Project 333 – What Was I Thinking?

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Posted on June 17, 2013

It is now about 18 months since I first read about Project 333 and a little over 14 months since I first dipped my toes in the water and participated in the April/May/June challenge in 2012.

After constantly and critically reviewing the contents of my wardrobe and having experienced the full seasonal cycle, I thought that there really was nothing extraneous in my closet.

How wrong I was!

I wore this top to work last week. It was teamed with black trousers and I wore my dusty pink suede jacket when I was outdoors on my way to and from work. I felt unsure about it when I left home but it was what I had planned the night before and there was no time for mucking around and trying on other combinations. As the day wore on I was more and more convinced that this was not right and by the time I got home I knew it had to go.

The top has a ‘grandpa collar’, is loose-fitting and is black and cream. I know I look better in white than cream. Fitted shirts with a collar and v-neck suit me best so I am not even sure why I bought this but now I am sure it is going to a new home.

Project 333 – A Perfect Fit

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Posted on February 6, 2013

I have been continuing my quest to own only clothes that I truly love and wear regularly.

When I first became involved in Project 333 in April 2012 I took 4 items out of my wardrobe that did not fit me. I was not prepared to get rid of the clothes at that time as they were almost brand new and I was not ready to let them go.

Fast forward to July 2012 and I decided to embark on a grain free, gluten free diet for health reasons. Coincidentally, I have lost 8kg in 6 months.

In October I tried on the skirt and decided that it was never going to suit me whatever size I was, so that went to the op shop. There was a pair of white linen 3/4 trousers which 6 months earlier had not been even a glimmer of hope of zipping them up yet now they fitted.

Tonight I decided to check the other 2 items in the bag. They are cotton drill jackets – one red and one a dark charcoal in an identical style. They now are also suitable to wear so will be added back to my wardrobe as the weather cools down over the next few months.

It is just as well that I had these additions because there is going to be some more culling of the wardrobe contents before long. There are several pairs of 3/4 trousers which are really much too loose and now are quite unflattering. Some of my skirts are also rather loose.

I am trying to think carefully about what new items I might buy and make sure that they fit with the existing pieces in my wardrobe. We will be in Melbourne this weekend so I am hoping to find some trousers that will be suitable for winter here. I will also look out for anything else that is on my wanted list.

A Pile of Clothes & Something For Me

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Posted on November 9, 2012

I am gradually working my way through a pile of clothes that I brought home from Missy’s place nearly 2 weeks ago. I was helping her to sort and declutter in preparation for her interstate relocation.

Some items were deemed not suitable, too old, worn out or simply no longer loved. Most would suitable for someone else so they went to the local op shop.

I did score a scarf which Missy no longer wanted. I am not usually a huge scarf fan but this was a small lightweight one in turquoise, black and beige/gold colours which caught my eye. I have worn it twice in less than a week. The first time was out to dinner when I had a black skirt and 3/4 sleeve top of the same turquoise colour. The top has a v-neck and no collar so the scarf really finished it off nicely. Secondly, I wore white 3/4 trousers and a black camisole with a gold tie-up 3/4 sleeve mesh top. I used the scarf as a belt for the trousers and it added a bit of colour and brought the whole outfit together. I certainly had not gone out looking for a scarf like this but once I saw the opportunity it fits really well with my existing wardrobe.

Like most people she had some items lurking amongst her clothes which were not wearable for a variety of reasons. We assessed the viability of each piece and I brought some home for some alteration/mending to return them to fully functional pieces.

The handiwork has included replacing buttons, letting down hems and a multitude of minor adjustments that enhance the wearability of a garment.

One dress gaped where the bodice crossed over but since it was a stretch fabric I just permanently sewed the crossover section. Another top had fold back cuffs on the armholes which needed to be pressed into place each time before wearing so I stitched them so that it stays in place. These adjustments are not usually evident at the time of purchase and it is not until you wear an item a few times that you realise that it is not as ‘easy’ to wear as you would like. Sometimes there is a simple solution that can make all of the difference.

This is the pile that I have finished. There were some other maintenance jobs like trimming off loose threads and pilled fabric. All of this combined with washing has created a pile of items with a new lease of life.

I still have a bit left to do but it is not as bad as it looks spread over the ironing board. Soon it will be a neat pile of wearable clothes.

One of the things that I have learned from my involvement in Project 333 is that nothing deserves a place in your wardrobe unless it is wearable and you love it.

Do you find yourself with a cupboard full of clothes and ‘nothing to wear’? Perhaps it is time to check out what is lurking in the cupboard.

Project 333 – Plains & Prints

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Posted on October 17, 2012

Today I had a blinding flash regarding the items in my wardrobe.

I have plain shorts (black, white and khaki) and plain trousers (black, white and jeans). I can wear patterned tops with these (striped, floral prints etc).

My skirts are patterned (striped, floral, spotted) and I have plain coloured tops to wear with them.

But………..never the twain shall meet, so I am limited in the selection of mix and match outfits that I can create.

I can, and do wear a plain coloured top with plain shorts or trousers but there is no way I would ever mix 2 different patterns. So I have come to the conclusion, that although at least some of the patterned tops will remain to be worn with the trousers or shorts, I will work towards having more plain coloured tops that can be used in a greater number of ways.

How have you identified ways to streamline the clothes in your wardrobe?

Frocktober – What I Wore Last week

Project Streamline – Summer Tops/Shirts

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Posted on July 2, 2012

I am getting close to the end of cataloging the categories of clothing in my wardrobe. Naturally, I have left the most difficult till last. Even so, I have split the tops into a couple of groups. Today I am looking at the summer (short-sleeved and sleeveless ) tops that I have.

SUMMER TOPS

As usual this includes the full range from old polo shirts that I use for painting to tops I wear to social events.

2 T-shirts in good condition that I wear regularly though not frequently
They are both ‘souvenirs’ that I will happily keep and use until they wear out. I probably will not buy any more of this style in the future.

2 polo shirts – the darker one is actually a corporate freebie but the logo is reasonably discreet so I do wear it. The lighter shirt is quite faded and whilst still wearable is probably not required so I think it will go to the op shop where someone may get some use from it. In the following photos you will see that I have more than enough shirts to wear when I am painting/gardening etc.

These tops are identical and are a simple scoop-neck top with a cap sleeve. You can see my penchant for buying more than 1 of the same style when I find something that I like.

I have had these tops for over 10 years and they are a permanent fixture in my wardrobe. They are not identical but very similar. They have a short sleeve which is quite fitted and are perfect for travelling and suitable for wearing under a rugby top. They feature in almost all of my holiday photos and will be going to the USA with me in a couple of months.

These 4 paint-spattered polo shirts belonged to my daughters when they were at high school (10-15 years ago). They are hold every colour paint that we have used in 3 different houses! I wear them when gardening or painting and will continue to do so as they are no use for anything else – not even as rags as they are polyester cotton and have no absorbency. One day I will throw them out.

These are 3 shirts which are suitable for wearing at home but have not descended to the level of the previous selection. I will probably get rid of the green one and keep the others.

Just in case you thought that I don’t have any presentable tops – here is a sleeveless linen one I made last year. I have 2 more in the same style that are partly made so they will be new for next summer.

2 basic cotton/lycra camisoles for wearing under shirts/cardigans

3 cotton shirts that I have made. The red/white definitely stays but the others are looking past their best so I might move them along. I will reserve my judgement on that for a bit longer.

This is a loose cotton shirt that I made many years ago and it is excellent for those really hot days as it is 100% cotton. Not the fanciest style or pattern but definitely a keeper.

This black collared top is well-worn but super comfy and goes with anything. It stays.

As usual, I am forced to make some decisions, simply by virtue of having to put in writing why I own some of these pieces.

I will throw 2 of the ‘painting shirts’ in the bin. The faded navy polo shirt and the green t-shirt will go to the op shop. I will decide the fate of a couple of others when the warmer weather returns.

Next week will be my 3/4 and long-sleeve tops and then that should be almost the end of Project Streamline.

It has been an enlightening exercise to list all of my clothes here week by week. I can now see where I have an excess and what I need to replace or add to.

Project Streamline – Skirts

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Posted on June 11, 2012

Following on from my earlier posts on trousers, shorts and dress, here is the latest instalment of Project Streamline – skirts.

Grey patterned skirt with lining and ruffle
PROS – I love the style, always get positive comments
CONS – slightly too big in the waist, only one top that I can wear with it
DECISION – keep and continue to wear, alter the waistband to improve the fit, consider this skirt when buying more tops

Black skirt with lining and ruffle
PROS – I love the style, plenty of options of what to wear with it
CONS – the style is not as obvious in plain black, I have another black skirt which I prefer
DECISION – keep and continue to wear, probably would not replace it as I really don’t need 2 black skirts

Black crepe skirt
PROS – length, weight and style
CONS – NIL
DECISION – keep and continue to wear

Black and floral skirt
PROS – good fit, nice fabric, pretty
CONS – only suitable to wear with one top, 7 years old and I am just about sick of it, some of the embroidery is starting to catch and unravel small threads
DECISION – will probably be the next thing to go

Black and white striped denim skirt
PROS – good fit, comfortable
CONS – nil
DECISION – keep wearing it in the warmer weather

Floral skirt
PROS – good fit, get positive comments, I like it
CONS – only have 1 top to wear with it
DECISION – buy/make more tops to wear with it

Pink cotton skirt
PROS – bright colour, comfortable
CONS – several years old, won’t last forever
DECISION – keep it and continue to wear

My skirt collection is all about what I wear in public – unlike my trousers! I have not included a skirt which I put aside when I first started Project 333 back in April as it most likely will not go back in the wardrobe.

Much and all as I have loved the floral embroidered skirt I think it is almost time to let it go. Other than that the rest will stay for the time being.

Project Streamline – Trousers

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Posted on May 14, 2012

It is now the middle of May and halfway through the 3 month period of my participation in Project 333.

I flouted the ‘rules’ on Saturday and wore a plain red knit top, white ¾ trousers and red/white striped overshirt. None of these were on my original list. The weather was unseasonably warm and all of these items are on my ‘big picture’ list.

Let me explain. Ever since I started the challenge of wearing only 33 items for a period of 3 months, I have been mentally working on creating a master list. This means I will not look at my wardrobe in terms of the next 3 months but rather the whole year encompassing all 4 seasons. I am identifying what works and what doesn’t and rather than have a major cull it will be a matter of removing things as they wear out and replacing only if required.

The first part of the journey is to catalogue what I really have instead of simply saying that I don’t have many clothes. Each week I will photograph and discuss one type of article of clothing. Today is trousers so you can judge for yourself.

TROUSERS

This category includes everything from trousers to wear to work to trackpants that I do not wear outside the boundaries of our property.

Charcoal grey work trousers
PROS – colour, weight, style
CONS – too big in the waist, slightly too long, only one pair, about 7 years old
DECISION – wear for the rest of the winter then send to op shop. Replace with 2 pairs of well-fitting trousers.

Black ¾ trousers
PROS – good fit, nice fabric, suit work and casual wear
CONS – nil
DECISION – keep wearing until they wear out, consider something similar as a replacement

Jeans No 1
PROS – perfect fit, op shop jean which I bought and altered to fit
CONS – nil
DECISION – keep wearing them

Jeans No 2
PROS – good fit, well-worn
CONS – getting threadbare in places
DECISION – keep wearing till the end of winter, send to op shop, look for another pair to replace them

Black Cotton casual 3/4 trousers
PROS – good fit, basic colour
CONS – a few years old, won’t last forever
DECISION – keep them continue to wear

I also have an identical white pair (the ones I wore on Saturday). Same as above.

Striped 3/4 cotton trousers
PROS – there are 7 nice matching buttons that I can salvage
CONS – 6 years old, a bit faded, the top I always wore with them has gone to the op shop, not really my colour, a bit tight
DECISION – remove buttons, send to the op shop

Navy 3/4 trousers
PROS – go with most tops I have
CONS – starting to fade a bit, am a bit over navy
DECISION – they get a reprieve at least until next summer. Op shop if I find that I am not wearing them

Navy trackpants x 2
PROS – comfortable
CONS – unflattering
DECISION – keep wearing them at home

Grey drawstring pants
PROS – comfortable
CONS – unflattering
DECISION – keep wearing them at home

Cotton 3/4 pants x 3
PROS – comfortable, suitable for home and local activities
CONS – not my colours, starting to wear out
DECISION – keep wearing them at home

Sage green lightweight jeans
PROS – good condition, bought from op shop
CONS – not my colour, don’t wear them them much
DECISION – back to the op shop

Charcoal travel pants
PROS – comfortable, zip-off legs, love them
CONS – nil
DECISION – keep wearing them and buy another identical pair before we go overseas later in the year.

Beige travel pants
PROS – zip-off legs
CONS – not super comfortable, dry more quickly than the other style
DECISION – keep until we go overseas then decide their fate

This has been a cathartic exercise and if you are trying to minimise your wardrobe I would strongly suggest trying to convince someone else either verbally or in writing why you should keep certain items. It has also been useful to do all of one type of garment together and then you can see just how many you really have and the range of occasions that they cover.

Watch out for more posts on the same theme each Monday for several weeks. Categories will include skirts, dresses (that will be short as I only own 1 dress), shorts, cardigans and so on.

Now that I have laid bare the inner secrets of the best and worst of my trousers please feel free to comment – the number, quality etc as well as my thoughts and decisions.