by Leigh | Nov 24, 2020 | I Feel Pretty, Slow Fashion |
Lucky Brand boots
Before we start, you might see a small white dog in a couple shots. This is Gabriel, our new puppy. He is a 9 month old, half Australian Shepherd/half Dachshund rescue.
I recently tried on ALL my shoes. I think it’s so helpful to try on everything at once. It really shows you how much you like what you have and don’t need new things just because they’re new.
When I was done documenting everything and tidying it all up, I decided to donate 4 pairs (open toe booties that just aren’t me, two ballet flats that I never wear and really don’t flatter me, and those vintage Dr. Scholl’s I thought I wanted but really don’t work for me), bringing the grand total down to 28 pairs. (Not included are: a pair of tall Hunter boots, a pair of Sorel snow boots and my Asics running shoes, which all reside in the hall closet.)
-
-
BP patent heels
-
-
J. Crew espadrilles
-
-
Steve Madden platform sandals
-
-
Steve Madden booties – DONATED
-
-
J. Crew platform sandals
-
-
Birks!
-
-
Vince Camuto espadrille slides
-
-
Steve Madden sandals
-
-
J. Crew sandals
-
-
Dr. Scholl’s originals – DONATED
-
-
Sam Edelman thong sandals
-
-
Old Navy flip flops
-
-
Banana Republic heels
-
-
Marc Fisher suede heels
-
-
Franco Sarto suede heels
-
-
Madewell ankle strap heels
-
-
J. Crew leopard ankle strap flats
-
-
Troentorp clogs
-
-
Lotta from Stockholm clogs
-
-
Pumas
-
-
Old Skool Vans
-
-
NB x J. Crew
-
-
Nikes
-
-
J. Crew pointy flats – DONATED
-
-
Dr. Scholl leopard flats – DONATED
-
-
Tahari boots
-
-
Cole Haan pointy boots
-
-
Clarks boots
-
-
J. Crew rain boots
-
-
Madewell suede boots
-
-
Lucky Brand boots
I pretty happy with this collection. I feel like I have everything I need. Some of my shoes are really worn which I’m okay with. It means they are well-loved. I’m getting my money’s worth and being more eco-friendly. And can I say, through this process I really came to appreciate that all my shoes are broken in and feel so good when I slip them on! I decided to give my brown Lucky boots a bit of shoe polish (remember shoe polish?) and they look so much better. Still very distressed but a darker brown than they were and I think they have a lot of character!
I will be swapping out my Asics for a new pair and maybe adding a pair of boots that are not black or brown. And those $4 rubber flip flops will most likely be replaced by these Rainbows.
I hope you enjoyed this inventory. I highly recommend doing one!
by Leigh | Oct 7, 2020 | I Feel Pretty, Slow Fashion |
I thought I was immune. I thought, “I won’t get sucked into the Fall mania, shopping for jeans and sweaters and boots.” But I did. Yesterday, I was at Nordstrom Rack, looking at all of them. But, I did not buy any! I tried on 2 pairs of denim from Madewell but they didn’t look right. And the few sweaters I tried, including a super soft black cardigan, were also no-go. Lastly, I looked at all the boots. Craving some clog boots, or possibly some Doc Marten or Blundstone boots.
Honestly, I have yet to really embrace Fall, I mean style-wise. I’m not putting much effort into getting dressed. Maybe that’s a good thing. I keep meaning to spend some time putting together outfits and getting inspired but I’ve been busy working, doing home reno and running middle schoolers around. Today, with those jean-craving feelings still lingering, I decided to try on all my denim. And non-denim. Are you excited? Well, here they are: my 17 pairs of pants.
I’m really happy with all my jeans especially the Lucky black ones. All the GAP jeans are faves as well as the Citizen of Humanity and Madewell pairs. The H&Ms don’t get chosen often but I think they look good. The one pair I might retire are the J. Crew ones, mostly because they’re so thin and rip more every time I wear them. Also they’re a little too low rise. I’ve gotten a ton of wear out of them in the 4 years I’ve owned them. The AG jeans are also starting to show wear and are a little too big (Skinny jeans aren’t supposed to be baggy, right?) I documented all my pants with the same white GAP t-shirt and my Lotta from Stockholm clogs, but many of these would look better with boots since they’re fairly cropped. I think the only addition I could make would be a pair of medium wash skinny jeans that really fit.
NOT JEANS (AKA CHINOS & TROUSERS)
Now the “slacks”. Don’t you love that word. Or trousers. The first pair is from a great brand Scotch and Soda or Maison Scotch for the women’s line. They look good but are tight. They are a beautiful thin chino fabric. The Old Navy chinos are a lot more comfy. And then the Top Shop trousers are really too big and never get worn, but they seem so ideal. IDK. I’m torn about the Old Navy ochre-colored chinos. They feel good and are a nice change from all the blue and black. Definitely look better with different styling. The army green chinos are an old favorite, too big now, but can’t give them up. I’m warming up to the camo pants but don’t wear them with a tuck because they do a weird are-you-pregnant thing. And those plaid pants! Can’t wait for the holidays! Some of these won’t get worn much in Fall and Winter. Not sure what’s missing here.
What do you think? Should I add a new pair of jeans or stick with my Low Buy Challenge and wear what I have?
#jeans #tshirts #clogs #cloglife #useless_lowbuy #2020wehaveplenty
by Leigh | Oct 5, 2020 | I Feel Pretty, Slow Fashion |
Keeping in mind the Low Buy Challenge, I have not been shopping very much. I avoided shopping ‘because it’s Fall’ and reminded myself that I don’t need any more clothes. I don’t need the new styles. I know what’s “me” and I have so many items in my closet that are tried and true. I pulled out my fall/winter clothes and integrated them back into my closet. Hello sweaters and boots. Definitely don’t need any more of those. Jean? I’ve got plenty. It feels really good to realize that. If I do add something, it’s been on my wish list for a while and I only purchase what I truly need. Here’s what I’ve gotten over the last few months:
J Crew black watch Crimson plaid tuxedo pants (thrifted)
I bought this pair of plaid pants at a consignment shop I recently found. It’s a great place to sell clothes as well! I love extending the life of old items.
Gap pull on shorts in black
Then I found a perfect pair of black shorts on sale at the Gap. I probably won’t wear them much until next year, but they were exactly what I had been looking for all summer.
Gap vintage wash crewneck
I also got a soft tee in a forrest-y green that I will probably wear as a pajama top.
Vans Old Skool skate shoes
The best addition was these Old Skool Vans. I finally caved into Pinterest influence and got them! They look so cool with so many outfits, I’m so excited to wear them. Also very happy I found them for a great price because they are kids’ (I’m a youth 7/Womens’ 8.5) and they were on sale.
Gap softspun joggers
Gap truesleep modal joggers
Aerie weekend jogger
Finally, I picked up two pair of PJ pants at Gap and one pair of sweats from Aerie. It was not easy finding loungewear these days and I really needed to upgrade my pajamas.
I think this will wrap up my fall shopping!
by Leigh | Sep 10, 2020 | I Feel Pretty, Slow Fashion |
As you may know, I’m working on a low-buy challenge this year. Since I last wrote about it at the end of June, I have bought only a few items.
Madewell Camp Shorts
I LOVE these shorts. They are decadently HIGH-WAISTED and that is everything to me right now. I want them in white but they’re sold out now. I sized down a size. My original inspiration was these by The Great.
Nike Icon Clash Shorts
I’m such a minimalist. I go for solid black… or white. So explain to me why I chose these crazy patterned shorts? Other than they had them in my size and they were flattering. Uh, also, they match the weird sports bra I bought back in June.
Nike Swim Top
Ha ha. I bought this to go with the above shorts. Only it’s not a sports bra. It’s a swim top. I actually found the matching bottoms but they were a no-go. So, I figured, this was a two-fer. I can wear it to workout in or to swim. (I had not yet realized I had already bought the matching Icon Clash Bra.)
That’s it! One pair of shorts and one workout outfit. And workout clothes don’t even really count when we’re talking wardrobe additions, right? Right?
I keep looking through my closet and browsing online and I keep coming back to the thought that: I DON’T NEED ANY MORE CLOTHES. Sorry for shouting. I could have just bolded or italicized that. Maybe I’ve just been too busy to shop. Cleaning out the basement, going to the beach, kids starting back to school, training a puppy. I’m just living my life, you know?
But, here are a couple very carefully selected items I might buy this Fall.
RE/DONE Jeans
I’ve been wanting these for a while. It would be a splurge. I’ve heard you can give them your measurements and they will work with you to find the perfect fit. Did I hear that from another blogger? Or did I dream that?
Babaa Cardigan
Oh, the elusive perfect white cardigan! I think I should just go ahead and get this really nice one.
Everlane Grey Cashmere Turtleneck
I may finally pull the trigger on this sweater. Haven’t found another I like better.
And probably a pair of clog boots. 😉
by Leigh | Sep 10, 2020 | I Feel Pretty |
Last winter my friend Annie went on a clog-buying spree. As the boxes piled up and the obsession grew, it became so ridiculous that I had to document it. But the post ended up never being published. Now seems like a great time to share what Annie and I discovered about clog boots.
There were SO MANY clogs that came and went—boots, sandals, mules. Annie started ordering them in my size too and we had a couple try-on sessions. Then she started getting them for her daughters… I’m not sure how many pairs she decided to keep. I’m afraid to ask.
Swedish Hasbeens Zip it Emy Clog Boot
The original “need” was a pair of mid heel clogs. Annie ordered a variety of styles including these Swedish Hasbeens. Aside from being very pricey, she found them to be so big in the ankle that even with wool socks she could still fit two fingers into the back of the boot and her foot almost slipped out of the boot when walking. She ordered her usual size 37. The website said they run small and to order one full-size up, but she ordered her normal size and they were too big. And that’s before any stretching that is normal with a leather shoe. Also, Annie said she ordered them in blue as well as black and found the black ones were a little bit bigger than the blue ones even though they were both 37s.
The Hasbeens that I tried on were all so narrow on my wide feet that I did have to size up one full size. So, a big thing we learned is that based on the brand, sizing is VERY inconsistent.
Free People Bungalow Clog Boot | Darker brown version
The next batch included these Free People clog boots. Annie liked these better than the Swedish Hasbeens because of the adjustable strap. I prefer a more sleek silhouette.
Patricia Nash Rafael
Eventually Annie found these Patrica Nash clogs which she said were a big improvement from the Swedish Hasbeens boots. The price was way better too. The only problem was deciding between green, natural, black and navy!
If I were to buy another pair of clogs, I think I would definitely get a pair of clog boots next. (Or maybe some classic black Doc Marten boots?) Here’s my round-up of the ones I like now.
- Swedish Hasbeens 60s Boot
- Frye Odessa Chelsea
- Maguba Auckland
- Troentorp Boot
- Sandgrens Boot
- Lotta Emma Clog Boot
by Leigh | Jul 6, 2020 | I Feel Pretty, Slow Fashion |
It’s amazing how well my #lowbuy experiment has gone so far this year. I first heard about the idea from Signe at UseLessWardrobe.dk. The goal is to commit to a year of limiting clothing purchases, to buy second hand, sustainable or not at all. It has really changed the way I think about new purchases and how I spend money in general. Here’s everything I’ve added this year:
JANUARY
Leopard Sweater | J. Crew (used from Poshmark) $39
I bought this sweater over a year ago (full retail: $89.50) and decided I didn’t love the way it fit so I returned it. Then, in January, I found it on Poshmark and decided it was a good deal and would be a good addition to my wardrobe. I had been wanting a leopard sweater for a while. It turned out that the seller had machine-washed it (on gentle, but it was hand wash only) and had shrunk it. I decided to not make a big deal out of it. I kept it and never wore it. I’ve since donated it. Such a bummer, but it really reinforced the idea that buying clothes does not me happy.
FEBRUARY
No additions.
MARCH
High Heel Clog in Tan | Lotta from Stockholm $81
These clogs were a really good purchase. I already had one pair of clogs, low heel, in navy and wanted a higher heel in a lighter color. I waited a long time before finally decided to buy this second pair of clogs. I really adore clogs and wear them all the time. It feels good to choose something you love even though it isn’t necessarily trendy, and to learn what your true style is. This was my first time purchasing from Lotta and I would highly recommend them! #cloglife
High Rise Cheeky Strait Jeans | GAP $40
Another thing I had been wanting for a while is a pair of white jeans. I looked a a lot of options, ordered and returned one pair from Madewell and then tried these from the GAP and they were perfect. I am happy to see styles moving from skinny to strait. I love the silhouette of the high waist and wider, cropped leg. And they are so comfortable.
APRIL
No additions.
MAY
No additions.
JUNE
Striped Tee Dress | Old Navy $21
Okay, so, as soon as stores opened up, I went shopping with my daughter and although I had previously pinned this on my wish list board, it was kind of an impulse buy. Did I need another dress? No. Another navy colored dress? Definitely no. But I love it. And I reach for it all the time, which in my opinion is the best indication that something was a good choice.
The Haul | Nordstrom Rack $86
So, everything had been going great… then I went to Nordstrom Rack with a friend when they first opened back up. I grabbed a bunch of things, then learned I couldn’t try anything on, so I decided to just check out and try them on at home. I paid for my haul and then they stamped my receipt, “FINAL SALE.” I could have died. I had no idea they were having a clearance sale. I wasn’t paying attention. I was not happy. I didn’t feel excited that everything was 50% off. I just felt sad, like, I didn’t need any of this stuff and I don’t even want it in my closet. So, I accidentally added a Nike sports bra, a Calvin Klein bralette, 4 Madewell t-shirts, a white Madewell cardigan and a pair of camouflage pants! They all fit me fine and I will use them, but I wish I had never gone on that shopping trip.
That’s all. That’s what I added. I am amazed how little I bought, and more so, how little I wanted to buy! It has been such a transformation. (Granted, the pandemic was a big contributor to my not shopping)
I now know, that when I really focus on what I truly want, and what clothing is really me, it’s very minimal. I enjoy the good choices, and I enjoy what I already have.
