goldenpig

30 Comments

• jen replied 12 years ago

  Love your posts, they are always get me thinking. That dress is VA VA VOOM!!!!!!

• Mo replied 12 years ago

  Wow, Natalie, that's a lot of 'brand new' stuff - you should be good for at least a few months of SYC! ;) All kidding aside, I at first was holding on to stuff at the start of the new year because of SYC, but you know what? I eventually purged a lot of it right before my move in mid Feb. When I really looked at it, I was getting back to quantity vs quality. Some things were actually summer faves the prior FL year, but I knew coming back to the mountains, I would only need maybe 1/3 of the amount of summer stuff I had. So I purged. BCBG zip back sharkbite tank - consigned. Red 'sexy dress' sold on eBay. White Tracy Feith for Target eyelet dress handing down to my neice. 2 pair of short shorts consigned. Red maxi skirt donated. And on and on. And I still have unworn items, so obviously I didn't need all of it for fear of going naked. Just a thought when you feel the need to hang on for fear of lack of future purchasing!

  Back to the question of things with tags - I join you in the cocktail dress category. Two of those, but I think that's to be expected in that genre.(pic 5 & 6)
  The new just last week crop white denim jacket (pic7) - but it's still snowing strong and in the 30's right now so I expect that to wait until 60's temp wise.
  I think that's it!
  I do have 3 other items never worn, but not with tags. One is a strapless black dress I have tried eBaying because the boning is just not comfortable (pic2). Another is an H&M grey shirtdress (pic 1) that's just a touch snug but was only $8. Lastly, a full length wool overcoat that's just too dressy so far for any occassion I've had. It's been 3 years hanging there, but it was a complete steal at $15 brand new, so I will NOT get rid of it. It's a classic.

  EDIT: adding pictures made me realize that my unworn items are mostly dresses, and either too dressy or too tight lol. That's why I'm specifically looking for a floaty, casual day dress for this spring!

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• MsMary replied 12 years ago

  I am Team Wear. I almost never have things in my closet that haven't been worn. Right now the only thing I haven't worn is a blue oxford button-front shirt (planning to debut it this week) and a pair of camel dress pants that will be worn to work tomorrow.

• Sylvie replied 12 years ago

  I only have two items that haven't been worn yet:

  Black pumps - I've had a few occasions when I could have worn them, but opted for black sandals or black oxford heeled booties. I'm certain that I'll wear them in the future, since they're a basic that will never go out of style.

  Silver clutch purse - I just bought this last month but discovered it's too tiny to fit much into it. I will probably find at least a few opportunities to use it but I know I'll never get it down to $1 CPW.

  Update: Oops! I forgot that I have a grey/brown silk tie-neck sleeveless blouse I haven't worn yet. I'm going to make it my mission to wear as soon as it warms up.

• Mo replied 12 years ago

  Oh, Sylvie's post reminded me that I have not used my red patent purse yet or my purple Harajuku Lovers heeled oxfords (at least not out of the house). :)

• CocoLion replied 12 years ago

  I have a white button down shirt for work (long sleeves), and one with short sleeves, also for work. These are keepers. I have a pair of yellow jeans and two spring sweaters that I've mulled over sufficiently and now plan on wearing as soon as the weather improves (we've had snow -- winter finally arrived). I have a striped jacket I am returning. And I have a striped red and white top I'm mulling over.

  Basically, if it sits in my closet too long with the tags on, it means it's not meant to be so I bring it back. I have regretted this policy a few times, but usually I think I'm doing the right thing.

  I also have a pair of yellow jeans but I plan on wearing them as soon as the weather improves. We had snow yesterday and today.

• christieanne replied 12 years ago

  I am TeamWear for sure. There are two new sweaters just waiting for right day but just bought - lightweight for spring. Cobalt blue peep toe heels - need warmth for those. Two new pairs of jeans are in laundry pile to be washed and then tailored.
  Nothing has tags though - it's all keep.

  After reading your post I realized I don't even own a cocktail dress. I have a dark burgundy velveteen suit that I have worn to holiday parties at some point (need to pull that out and look at it) but except for once that I had emergency formal wear need, it's never come up in all my years. I should look into my "dressy" wear.

  As for all your cocktail and non work dresses - maybe you and DH should go out on the town! Don't know how close you are to Montclair or Berkeley but Sola Lucy is nice consignment option if you need one :)

• lyn* replied 12 years ago

  I have a very cute black dotty dress that hasn't come out to play yet because it is so TERRIBLY cute and I want to save it (very bad! *smack hand*) :p

• Mander replied 12 years ago

  I have several things I bought on eBay recently that turned out to be not quite what I was expecting in person. I've also been guilty of buying for my imaginary lifestyle (the one in which I have a regular office job) and so I have acquired several things that would be good in this kind of environment, provided I actually ever get a job. These include a sort-of animal print shirt made from some funky stretch material, a white blouse that wasn't as sheer as I thought it would be, a skirt, some cute taupe heels, a slinky cardigan thing that is too big, and a blazer that is a bit too small.

  I've also been feeling down in the dumps lately so I have some other items that are probably fine for more casual events, but that I haven't felt inspired to wear. These are mostly skirts that I either don't have a shirt for (a cardinal YLF sin, I know!) or that seem a bit too long. I still haven't come around to the midi length thing. And I often just can't face the prospect of putting on tights, but it is just too cold here for bare legs.

  Maybe I will challenge myself to wear one of these items to class for the next few weeks, just so that they actually get out of the house! And I'll practice my blind hemming. Alterations would probably help a lot.

• Meredith1953 replied 12 years ago

  Natalie,
  You have a lot of things in your closet to look forward to playing with!
  I have ONE thing. A cocktail dress my hubs bought for me that really isn't me, but I'm so flattered he bought it that I don't dare give or consign it away!

• Janet replied 12 years ago

  I have a few things with tags on. One is a very nice wool jacket -- a NAS item from last fall, and somehow I never felt motivated to wear it. I felt so *me* at the time, but I ended up reaching for edgier pieces all fall and winter. I could return it to Nordstrom, but it is classic enough that I wonder if I should just keep it for the future.

  Hmm. What else? A bright red blouse that I bought at Saks Off Fifth that I like but seems to wrinkle if I look at it. Maybe I'll break that out of hiding this week. And the cobalt blue Halogen seamed pencil skirt, but I know I will wear that. Also a few new items from some recent shopping that I have not yet decided on. Also a couple of items that the weather has not allowed me to wear yet, since we seem to have gone straight from winter to summer around here! *looks longingly at green leather jacket*

• anne replied 12 years ago

  Nothing! Of course our returns policies here is Australia are not so accomodating. I don't have anything unworn either.
  But I do have some things which come into your category of least worn but still there for a reason
  Black/grey stretch blazer (pic 1) - I bought this thinking I'd wear it over everything and for about 3 times a week but have struggled to wear it once a month - and only over voluminous tops

  Colbalt t shirt (pic 2) - it is a bit tight around the arms and only seems to go with one bottom - hoping for lots more CPW next summer though

  Ruffled top. I just don't like it! - BUT Angie does and so I am not culling out in case my taste changes

  Not pictured. A high necked ruffled silver top. Sleeveless but the high neck makes it a bit too hot for summer. I have probably worn it 6 times in 2 1/2 years

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• Makrame replied 12 years ago

  I only have a few recent items, and some of them are going back. This is a fairly recent development - I started keeping items with tags on until I can figure out whether or not they work for me. I used to just keep whatever I got, which resulted in a not so great wardrobe. By keeping items in a returnable condition, I can actually keep my spending under control - sometimes I will buy something because I really, really like it in the store, and then discover that I just don't like it that much a few days later. Anything that is not worn after 2-3 weeks will be returned.

  I am still keeping the tags on a red denim jacket I got at TJMax because I need to figure out whether I can find a better-fitting jacket in a similar color. If not, I might need to tailor the jacket I have.

• Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago

  I'm proud to say I don't have a single thing in my closet with the tags still on. I have a couple of things I purchased about two months ago that are spring pieces and have been waiting for the season to change and will now start to wear.

  I've done alot of thinking about the small vs large wardrobe and have decided that through my fall/winter wardrobe, there are certain loved items I return to again and again. So for me it makes more sense to keep my wardrobe relatively small so that I don't end up wasting money buying things that I don't need and will sit in my closet unworn. That's kind of why I'm focusing on footwear at the moment, tailoring the SA skirt and then working with what I have to see what of those items I really want to wear, how many different ways I can wear them and then determine what holes I truly have.

• Beth Ann replied 12 years ago

  Natalie: I have a small, circa 1980-s closet, although I do my best to keep it quite full! I have a number of items waiting for wear in warmer weather, which is, oddly enough, already here, and at least one awaiting a decision.

  1. Black Loft Outlet lgihtweight elbow sleeve jacket -- this piece will get worn this week to work.

  2. 4 spring/summer knit tops -- these will get plenty of wear one it heats up for good and I begin my MOTG summer. I also have an eyelet shirt that I'm decided to K/R.

  3. Very lightweight pink cardi -- bought it at the Gap on clearance. It's practical, but it has to compete with a dark blue stripey cardi of the same weight, I probably don't "need" both, but it will get some wear.

  4. 2 dresses, recently purchased. One, a python print number (whoa!) that I will wear today. The other is a striped cotton sleeveless dress I've already posted. It will be worn a lot on those hot days when you need to look fresh, but are really soaked in sweat! Of course, I should wear it now with a jacket, but 80 degrees (today) is a little warm for jackets!

  I also just bought some Miss Mooz shoes at the meetup, which I promptly wore and adored yesterday! I usually buy to prepare for a season,when I can find good prices, because my size is often gone in the clearance section. It's not unusual at the season changes for me to have unworn new items, but they rarely sit waiting more than 4-6 weeks. I did just purge a jacket with tags that was, quite simply, an unflattering mistake, and a leather (yes) jacket that was a gift that didn't really fit and flatter. It was Coldwater Creek -- decent quality, but made me look like Grandma. My sentimentality has limits!

• modgrl replied 12 years ago

  I have a problematic faux fur jacket... I think I mentioned it on another thread recently. It is gorgeous and I know hubby will love it because he loves retro looks, but it just doesn't fit any of my lifestyle needs. It's too flamboyant for work and it makes no sense for MOTG.... I need to find a way to rock it and like soon because I will be so sad if it turns into an orphan. In addition I have a number of pumps or pump type shoes that I am no longer comfortable wearing.... I can't believe it but I think I am searching for new comfortable shoes yet again.

• Kirti replied 12 years ago

  I don't have anything, except a cream kurta and thrifted orange skirt that is too chilly to wear right now :)

• texstyle replied 12 years ago

  I have a few- a white denim jacket - which I wanted to keep for nicer casual wear but now it's going on several weeks of owning it and not wearing it....a casual knit black dress that I plan to wear this spring/summer. And a pair of nicer black pants that I wanted to have "just in case". I also have a dressy top I bought a couple of years ago that later I realized was just not my color/style.

• replied 12 years ago

  I love this topic! I'm team wear but I do have a nemesis-skirt that has just never worked: it's a camel A-line mini from Forever New. I don't want to get rid of it because I got it for cheap on sale, it's a classic cut and colour and it's lined (holy grail!) In theory it should go with everything in my closet :(

• ManidipaM replied 12 years ago

  Natalie, I'm heartened to hear, in your view of your SYC, that you still have new toys to play with! That's good planning, actually!

  No tags left here (return policy? what return policy?!), but here's what I've not worn:
  - Funny T-shirt got by husband from Vietnam (iPho, it says, with silly buttons below). Saving for my birthday!
  - New orange button-down bought recently. Saving as we're moving soon, will want a couple of really crisp garments for walking into workplace while laundry-deprived at our interim accommodations
  - Loose red salwar pants bought at the same time. Haven't worn the top that goes with it (older garment) recently; not exactly saving or avoiding it.
  - New brown and pink camisoles. Established that will rescue several orphans, but not actually worn them yet.
  - Converse Chuck Taylors with the flippable tongue. Have been a little scared of their casual and youthful style, I confess, and possibly don't have tops plain enough to work with these plus jeans. But mostly fear, which is...! Well, they're over a year old already!
  - Satin pajamas with a kimono-style top. Not worn since buying them 7 years ago. Matching belt had unravelled almost immediately, and it's taken me this long to go buy some black ribbon to replace it (last month!) :-/ But now unseasonably warm for it. Maybe while travelling...?
  - Striped Sri Lankan sarong. Also bought 7 years ago. I never seem to find time to actually get in the pool on these many trips, even though I bring my swimsuit along just in case :-/ I should have worn it on the trip I bought it --- but I was travelling with colleagues and felt too shy.
  - Striped summer maxi dress. Is in the 'other' wardrobe and needs a cami. Not found the right colour yet --- possibly needs a bright mid-tone blue or something (the dress is aquamarine and yellow).
  - Pale rose-pink and ecru shawl. Wedding gift from husband nearly 9 years ago! Don't have paler winter garments that would work with it.
  - Pale blue shawl, ditto! (Guess who has winter whites and greys on her shopping list?)
  - Printed brown&cream churidar pants! 4 years old? Unpartnered because apparently I have nothing plain enough to go on top!
  - Swimsuit, smidgen too small, bought 2 years ago thinking I'd fit into it after I'd done a few laps. Not yet :-(
  - Large square cotton scarf in geometric floral print. Was part of my trousseau(!) and never worn as had not figured out how in all these years! Hope to remedy this summer.
  - Large, long silk stole/dupatta, heavily embroidered but not hemmed. Haven't the courage to trust to a tailor as every inch is embroidered and it has to be folded *just* so, haven't made time to attack it myself :-(
  - Several sarees, partly because (like with your cocktail dresses, Natalie) I haven't had a formal occasion to warrant it and partly because some of them don't have the perfect choli/blouse to go with them.
  - Traditional Toda (Indian tribe) embroidered shawl in black, cream and red. Gifts from a friend, one each for my husband and me. Almost too precious to wear! Especially as I have the same combination in a cheaper (though still tribal and handmade) version, which is my everyday go-to. I have to stop 'saving' this for the afterlife. Must remember: I am not a pharoah's daughter!
  - Beige salwar bought end of last year, only waiting till I wear the tops that go with it (those being older, and the salwar being a replacement for a taupe one that's worn out)
  - Blue paisley print shirt, 2 years old, unworn because long length and body-slimming fit demands tucking (can't button the lowest button on my petite frame, so weird untucked!) --- and I've been afraid to tuck for years, with my round jelly-belly. But will do so this week, as bringing it on the trip to wear with light blazer for camouflage! (Also helps to have lost a little weight)
  - Butterfly pattern nude tights, two years old. too pale on me, needs possibly to have a coloured pair layered underneath, which I finally ordered recently --- but of course will have to wait for winter or travel when they do arrive!
  - Golden yellow silk stole trimmed in red, grey and navy, 5 years old, gift from husband and not worn as nothing in closet quite works with this beautiful sliver of fabric. Needs a top that will make friends with her!

  In conclusion, since most of my unworns are sleeping beauties awaiting their partners, I clearly don't spend enough time shopping! :-o

• goldenpig replied 12 years ago

  Great lists everyone--you are doing a great job on Team Wear!

  Whoo! Thanks Mandipa, you are making me feel better. Reading this thread made me worried I'm the only one with lots of yet-unworn clothes! Sounds like you may need to start shopping for outfits if you have a bunch of orphan pieces? Or take another look at remixing?

• Elly replied 12 years ago

  Hmmm . . . . well, my interview clothes are still unworn. I need to pick up a cami and some hose so I will be ready with no notice.

  That is the one place I debate about "saving" clothes-- I am usually on team wear, but I'd hate to mess these up pre-interview or have them dirty for a last minute call.

  I have one pair of slacks that I need tailored, and then I will probably wear them once or twice before it gets hot (they are wool, bought on deep discount- 60%- after freezing at a funeral).

  I also have one skirt from 3 years ago I have never worn (a $10 impulse "pretty" purchase) -- it is a spring goal to find a way to wear it or pass it on.

• Ana replied 12 years ago

  Team Wear here. I have a couple of dresses that are waiting for alterations (taking them in this week). Also, there is a chambray dress with a full skirt that I'm still trying to figure out how to style. It is a summer dress and I got it at TJ Maxx for $10, so I'm fine with not having worn it yet.

  Maybe you could try to wear each item in an outfit once or twice a week for a while and then decide if you really want to purge the items or not?

• Irene replied 12 years ago

  Light wash denim jacket, sundress and sandals, all of them waiting for summer.

  Dressy black dress, waiting for some nice fancy dinner :)

  New denim skirt in a darker wash -I'll wear it next week or so, but I have to gain a couple of pounds so that it fits perfectly.

  Black dress pants. I bought them because they were on sale, and they fitted, and I didn't have a pair... but they are dressy, too formal for me. Maybe when I'm a bit older, they won't get out of style so I don't care.

  Courdoroy toast brown chinos. I bought them on sale, and really like them, but for some reason I've never worn them -have had them for over a year.

  I had a polka dot skirt but I just wore it today so it doesn't count.

  This being said, I do have some items that I've worn maybe once or twice... shame on me, I know.

• cinnamon fern replied 12 years ago

  One thing - a bathing suit that it hasn't yet been hot enough to wear. Usually if I don't wear something right away that means it was an unwise purchase.

  Natalie, it sounds like you would have no compunctions about returning most of this stuff if you weren't on SYC. So maybe you don't love/need these dresses and shoes? You're just anxious about not having anything new to wear for months? What about returning the stuff you can return and telling your husband that

  (i) you returned $xxxx of fancy expensive clothes, and
  (ii) you'll be getting some more practical things later this spring/summer?

  I wonder if maybe he sees you buying clothes for a life you don't live, and worries that you want to be living that life instead of the one you have (ie want to be married to some other guy, etc).

  I hope this isn't too personal!

• goldenpig replied 12 years ago

  Just revisiting this thread since it's been revived. Going over this list, I've now worn ten unworn items from this list in the last couple of weeks! Yay! Making good progress. I agree, I probably have too many evening dresses. But I'm planning to wear one of the fancy dresses tonight, DH and I are going out on a date to the theater. Fern, you are right that I'm probably hanging on to more things on this list than I should because of my fear of SYC. I'm going to re-evaluate and see what can be purged. Also, maybe I need to force myself get out my iron/steamer or else just get rid of those wrinkly high-maintenance clothes on this list, because I am super lazy!

• cinnamon fern replied 12 years ago

  Steaming is fun! Unlike ironing.

• goldenpig replied 12 years ago

  Good to know Fern! I bought a portable steamer recently but haven't had the time to try it out yet. Hopefully I will break it out soon!

• rachylou replied 12 years ago

  H&M floral pants and top, Forever 21 mint jumper, some long sleeve tees. It's been too cold and wet.

• ironkurtin replied 12 years ago

  I have some things with tags on, but it's still not hot enough to wear them. The other new things I haven't worn are generally dressy, since I have so little call for them - but it's always nice to have them when I do!