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| J.Crew leopard pumps 2012 J.Crew white linen dress 2009 |
However I managed to skip the very first and most important step: the master list. It's a bit time-consuming but itemizing every shoe, frock, jacket, scarf etc is actually very helpful. Of course it takes me an extra long time because I like to try things on along the way with Ruthless Purging Eye out in full force.
This was the best thing I discovered yesterday: a new way to wear my leopard pumps which I have in the past worn with either black, or, for some reason, green.
I like them with with a white dress. This frock is something I need to show you in more detail, it is heavy linen with a silk lining, an old J.Crew item.
I'm sure you've noticed the movement towards black and white for spring and summer, have you been eyeing up your black and white basics?
Ever take up a pen and jot down a master wardrobe list?
xoxDani
Now everyone will know what a total geek I am - I not only have my entire wardrobe described on paper, it includes pictures of every item. I created a wardrobe document a couple of years ago, at the beginning of my closet update. I keep it up by adding new items purchased and deleting items donated or sold. It has been incredibly helpful, not only in knowing what I have and where I might have a need, but also in putting together outfits. There's something about seeing the garments on the screen that allows me to imagine themw ith other garments and accessories.
ReplyDeleteThe shoes are fabulous, Dani. I'm a big fan of the leopard shoe. I think leopard is an neutral and can be worn with almost anything!
DF, it is geek chic! And IMO very helpful in avoiding category over-buy and seeing staples that need replacing. I will be adding photos to my spreadsheet so your closet/ inner nerd has company 'kay. Thanks. (Polyvore could be the ticket for some in this way too, I think.)
DeleteDF that's what I'm talking about! What a good idea! I need to create this kind of document, thanks for sharing the geek-chic. ;)
DeleteDesert Flower, you are no geek. I know what you mean. You are a visual person, like me. I found Polyvore extremely helpful in putting together outfits. Do you use it?
DeleteThat is pretty fabulous DF!
DeleteWow, DF, that is impressive!
DeleteGreat idea - I need to do this!!
DeleteDani can you hear me applauding you from here? Love the detail, but dread the thought of time taken to build your master list.
ReplyDeleteNever really thought about leopard with white vs. black etc. The new Brooks Bros. shoes have suede heels, so that's a no. But I do have a pair of JC leopard patent Valentinas I strangely don't have to hobble in. Must pull those out with the neutrals. Look forward to more happy experiments/ discoveries as you list and dig.
GF it's an eye opener and a good one. I'm a bit house-bound this week and pushing around the paperwork in my home office, the wardrobe list is a welcome distraction from all that!
DeleteHi Dani. What pretty pumps! I am always amazed at your organizational skills, whether it be your wardrobe or your house. I do not keep any lists. I have to say that I can't always find what I want when I need it and I am so indecisive with accessorizing at the last minute. I do use my I-Phone to photograph my outfits that work out really well so I can recreate them again. My mind is like a sieve so the visual reference is a huge help.
ReplyDeleteAmW I also have the sieve mind thing happening. With the exception of images, there I have a photographic memory. Blessing or curse who knows.
DeleteGood idea on the iphone outfits!
Love your shoes with the white dress, and I too find leopard shoes a total neutral. No, never done a master wardrobe list, and undoubtedly, never will. Far too lazy, and for me unnecessary. Everything in my closet goes with everything else, literally. You cracked me up yesterday, imagining me layered in Brora! I was wearing flannel PJ's, with a flannel nightgown over that!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling a bit better today, Kathy.
DeleteKathy I hope you feel a bit better today! I was going to suggest you take the Brora blankets from the dogs but that could be a bit of a fight and you are ill so not recommended. Layers of flannel sound cozy.
DeleteThis wardrobe list is a bit much even for me but I think it's a healthy exercise. The whole pink skirt saga showed me there isn't much out there for me anymore with the exception of shopping Brora.
Thanks Abby and Dani - I do feel a bit better today - light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday the dogs were laying all over me with their Brora blankets, so I guess that sort of counts. I think figuring out what you really wear is the most important thing in budgeting and figuring out what purchases to make. If that takes a wardrobe list, then it's well worth it. By this age, I really do know what I wear, and don't buy things outside of that box. I did just order (while sick) the most beautiful, simple Calvin Klein Collection dress, and it arrived and was totally gorgeous - but I can't even think of where I'd wear it. It was the perfect dress if I went to charity luncheons with women, which I don't do - so back it went.
DeleteI like that combo, Dani.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for trying on and cataloguing your wardrobe, that is a big task.
I have a spreadsheet if my wardrobe, but no photos - I might eventually add those.
I was very inspired by your comment on Wendy's blog about consigning everything uncomfortable.
No, Dani - I am way too lazy and disorganised for a list! I need you to come in, turf me out of my basket and put a padlock on the drinks cabinet. It's the only way I'll ever get anything worthwhile done!
ReplyDeleteSulk kitten, just have her come in, but you may need the drink!
DeleteI love those shoes! I am working on the list Dani, along with my 150 projects... As I will downsize my wardrobe, purchasing new items will be in a different spirit... I am working on making the list of everything I have... And I already have decided that most of my heels will go away as I nearly never wear heals... I am very impressed by the work of DF!
ReplyDeleteI've also worn my leopard pumps with red, blue and burgundy. They are a great neutral shoe.
ReplyDeleteI've never made a master list, as I'm more of a visual person. I just open the closet door and there's the 'list.'
I am working on my list even now, but it is slow going and right now, dooesn't even include summer things! I am being ruthless in purge! Every day is something new. And then I try on the stuff I am keeping and decide if I love it or not. Only love it staying. You don't wear things you don't like, in my experience. You think you will, but you don't! The pictures are a good idea! I may have a lot of pictures because of my blog so that is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteA Master List---THAT is what I need to create. Thank you for pointing this out to me. Wardrobe management is NOT a superficial vapid endeavor because the results go straight to the bottom line of the family budget!
ReplyDeleteI also need to make the list of things I need. I just wish I knew what they are! I seem to have a middle ground in my wardrobe which is lacking. I have the casual, even the dressy casual and the very dressy, but seem to be missing the in between. Perhaps I really have it and it is lurking in my closet! BUT--will I know it (or like it) when I find it?
Susan it is a good exercise because it can result in not spending much money. Fabulous Florida Mommy advises doing this in her excellent closet posts, take everything out, try it on, make the outfits, and only then evaluate whether or not you actually need to buy anything.
DeleteIt is time consuming but worth it!
I don't have masses of clothes so I can see everything - that keeps me calm, I would never want roomfuls of clothes, my old chum was the opposite, she had so much, about three double wardrobes full, and was never satisfied, I just don't think anyone needs that many clothes unless they projectile vomit 12 times a day!
ReplyDeleteToo funny Tabitha!
DeleteTabs no they don't and if they have projectile vomiting they have bigger problems! I need to see everything too, I hate hidden things, gives me the creeps. I'm really paring down, at one time I was a bit of a collector and now I'm going the other way.
DeleteWe got a beautiful white dress last spring from J Crew for my daughters high school graduation this spring (paid $40 think it was the Emmaleigh). Unfortunately she is required to wear all white...including the shoes (we are still looking for those). She would have loved to wear your pumps.
ReplyDeleteBlue Booby all white, that reminds me of my confirmation dress code in the eight grade. White shoes are not easy to find unless they are canvas sneakers!
DeleteHi Dani-Making a master list of all of one's clothing is a brilliant idea, but just thinking about it gives me a tummy ache. I did finish my purge of the high heels in my closet, only comfortable midheels remain along with ballet flats, loafers and oxfords. I am halfway through my dresses and suits now, I am only going to put up with cotton, silk or wool, everything else is out the door. I did begin clearing out the overgrown canes on my rose bushes yesterday, but not today-snow again!
ReplyDeleteDavid I am not finding it that bad, I have a good recall of everything as it is all hanging up where I can see, either in my bedroom closet or the storage closet upstairs. No bins for me as you know.
DeleteME TOO not putting up with anything I won't actually wear so the fabrics have to be natural, I can see that less will be a good thing. Not travelling is leading to a smaller wardrobe for me, I was a real shop-for-vacations kind of gal.
I have two pairs of ballet flats and they kill my feet. I need one pair, black, that I can actually wear. That would be a good buy.
Snow, hmph, I was just on the phone with my sister in Georgia, she's had a headache for weeks due to all the rain!
Dani, I wear Geox flats and they are very comfortable. There is one style that is pretty sporty looking, because you can see more of the rubber sole, and sometimes that is the only one available. But, if you look a little more, there are several very basic and not sporty styles available as well.
DeleteThanks Abby I'll have a look at those! I have repetto ballet flats and even if I put a rubber bottom on them I don't think they'll be comfy.
DeleteYou might consider the Wolky Passion or their ballet shoe. I think their shoes are superb quality and so comfortable. I got a pair of the Passion shoes in taupe recently. Now I am contemplating the black suede and red too. Not to sound too frumpy, but they also fit orthotics which is heavenly. Onlineshoes.com has a lot of their styles and colors, and frequently has sales, but I don't know the Canada shipping policies.
DeleteIt's a great exercise Dani! You will be so happy to have the list. I spent ages on Polyvire basically clipping everything (or close approximation) and it has been immensely helpful. I constantly refer to it for both shopping/inventory purposes and to put together outfits.
ReplyDeleteI don't have the patience for the list but it would probably be useful. For now I find that just not buying things for a while reminds you of a lot of pieces hiding in a closet. Well, sometimes I am excited about my closet find until I try it on and realize why it was hiding there after all.
ReplyDeleteLeopard with white sounds great. It inspires me to wear my leopard Valentinas with white cords. Ha!
Hi Dani, having a master list is a very interesting idea. Up until now, I have just been thinking of making a list of my shoes (with an eye to seeing which ones I can get rid of). I am trying my best to pare down my wardrobe and a master list might be useful. Also, I like the idea of white with leopard. I usually wear leopard with reds, oranges, and dark blue denim. Looking forward to seeing more of your white linen dress!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a big project and I commend you for your organizational skills. I am an avid Polyvore user and most of my closet-actual or like items, plus wish listed pieces are cataloged there for easy reference. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your linen dress.
This discussion reminds me of the wardrobe software from Clueless. :)
ReplyDeleteCute shoes!
Black and White combos are a favorite of mine, especially for summer. The classic pairing is elegant and sophisticated yet can be casual and fun at the same time.
ReplyDeleteSince I've been tracking all my purchases in spreadsheets for a few years now I have a fairly comprehensive list but I've never thought to add in those pieces that I had previously and are still in my wardrobe. What a great idea.
I think leopard is a wonderful print combination with a wide variety of colors and patterns. I've never thought to pair leopard with white - what a crisp combo.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to follow your lead and replace some linings with either silk or cotton. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhich shoes are those?