Thoughts From the Dirty City

It’s week two of Wardrobe Therapy! What does that mean? Time to pile some shirts (and at some point bras…but I’m saving that torture for another post). If you have no idea what “piles” are all about you can read all about them on drwende’s site here. Honestly though, they aren’t too complicated.

Anyway. Tops. Sorting. Ugh. I knew this little project was going to turn into work eventually. Okay, that might be a BIT dramatic. The truth is, I got A LOT of clothes. Most of which I don’t wear. Which is exactly why I signed up for this little adventure.

I’m not going to pile every top I own here. Well not for photographic purposes anyway. Though it would probably do me good to go the extra mile. For now, I’m just going to focus on the highlights.

Pile 1: Velveteen Rabbits

Not as bad as I expected. I have a tendency to hang on to clothing long past their expiration date. I’m actually fairly impressed half my closet isn’t in that photo.

At the top there is my hoodie. I live in that hoodie. It is fading and the pocket on the front is coming undone. There is no good way to go about fixing faded black cotton. This one really just needs to be replaced.

Same with the tee sitting next to it. At one point I think that gray was almost black. Sad, but true.

See also the three shirts on the bottom left. An assortment of short sleeve black tops. One tee, one polo and one button up.  All faded and in desperate need of replacing.

To the right is evidence of my addiction to cardigans. It’s a common addiction and one I’m not remotely ashamed of. I can’t say the same for these particular cardigans though. Pilling, missing buttons and a string of beads that are barely clinging to life. All mendable.

As a side note: anyone noticing a color theme? Black. I admit, I love black and own way more of it than I ought. But I also love color and wear it often. The thing is, I dress in layers. Even in the summer. I can’t tell you the last time I wore just one top. So I own a ton of black. It’s neutral and makes throwing color into another layer super easy.

Pile 2: Torture Devices

Yeah so I got more than a few of these for various reasons.

The top pic is my collection of jackets (those not belonging to suits).

There was a time in my life when my job required that I wear a jacket everyday. Those pictured are the ones left behind. They come in handy from time to time when I need to look professional but don’t need to be in a suit. And honestly, I love the idea of a nice jacket.

The problem are my shoulders. They are a bit broad and nothing really accentuates that like a jacket. I always feel like a linebacker when I wear them.

Bottom pic: The two button ups on the left are too big for me everywhere except the bust. I feel super frumpy whenever I wear them. It’s a problem I have with almost all button up shirts. But they look semi polished under the jackets with a nice pair of pants and they are well suited for my current job (aside from the fit). And they are nice in the summer for the office because they are light weight and easy.

Just below the button up is a cute little gypsy blouse that I totally fell in love with and actually looks cute on me. There are a few problems. The sleeves are a tad too revealing and I’m self conscious about my arms. But that is easily fixed with a cardigan. Also the neckline is elastic and irritates the crap outta me. It itches and clings and generally makes me miserable. I can’t remember the last time I wore it. It’s gone.

Below that are three sweaters that are just a bit to snug in all the wrong places making me feel like a sausage in knit casing. Gone.

Bottom right. I love this shirt. I thought I would hate it thinking the ruffles would add unwanted bulk to my chest. But when I put it on it did amazing things and managed to balance all my body parts out perfectly. And it’s a button up. It was like a miracle. The problem, those ruffles are IMPOSSIBLE to iron and it always just ends up looking sloppy and bad. I’m not getting rid of it, but I don’t have a ton of hope for it surviving much longer in my closet.

The rest are tees that sadly shrunk in the dryer. I love them too much to part with them, but they generally end up being worn under things and even then make me feel like I can’t breath. Oh, and the black one is actually of my own design so no chance am I getting rid of that.

Pile 3: Superstars

Sadly, I have none. Don’t get me wrong I have clothes that I love, but none of them are anything noteworthy. Certainly not anything that could be deemed “superstar”.

Pile 4: Stalwart Staples

This is where the bulk of my wardrobe sits. Staples. I mentioned I liked to layer. This should show just how much I meant that.

I have a huge collection of tanks, pictured top left (perfect for summer layering). And an ever more insane collection of long sleeved tees (perfect for fall and winter layering – living in Ohio that is pretty much all we have). I also have quite a few basic tees and hoodies that work well for layering anytime of year. I didn’t picture them because I ran out of room.

You may also notice this is generally where all the color comes into play. Loads of color in every variety. Though I do try to avoid pastels as they wash me out. I have dark hair but very pale skin (more on color in a separate post).

Bottom left are two random shirts that look great both over and under other shirts. I wear them often. Now that I think about it, both may sort of qualify as superstars. They are right there on the line.

What you do not see pictured are 3/4 sleeves. I am on the tall side and they always just seem a tad off on my body and I am totally uncomfortable in them.

Pile 5: Same Time, Next Year

These are my winter staples. The one on the left is winter casual. On the right is the go-to office appropriate. I have lots of sweaters but these two saw lots of action this winter. They are super easy to throw over pretty much anything.

Pile 6: Sentimental Journeys

On the left is the shirt that pretty much defines my youth. At least in my mind. I never wore it often but I can’t ever imagine parting with it.

On the right is a dress that was gifted to me. By a boy. And I absolutely love it. It’s super slinky and sparkly, and when it fit it hit my body in all the right places. I have never had a dress that made me feel so amazing. Working to someday fit into it again as I still think it is just amazing.

Pile 7: Mysteries of the Lost Shopping Trip

In theory, they are all pretty. The real problem, synthetic fibers. Even when over another shirt they cling in weird ways and generally make me feel like I am wrapped in cling wrap. Also, many incorporate elastic in some way shape or form. So, cling wrap with a rubber band.

Oh, except for the one on the top right. It’s a hoodie. And cotton. And orange. All things I love. But its got this hawaiian floral print thing happening. WTF was I thinking? I don’t do floral, especially hawaiian floral.

Lessons:

1. Avoid synthetic fabric and anything with elastic.

1A. I like cotton.

2. GET SOME SUPER STARS. Seriously. I need some special pieces in my wardrobe.

3. When black becomes gray, replace the shirt.

4. Me and button ups don’t get along. Avoid them for the most part.

5. Keep on layering, but try to avoid the super basics as I am well covered on those.

6. Jackets are great, but not with these shoulders. Perhaps there is one out there cut just right…I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled.

7. Add more color in different ways.

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