"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Shop Your Closet

Here it is again! Fall is here and it's time to wash everything that is strictly summer attire and tuck it away. It's also a good time to air out by giving away some things! I always feel better when my clothes have room to breathe and I know that anything in there is something I'd actually wear. Why store something that just hangs there and creates clutter?

As has been my early fall tradition, I went out one day to look for a few new things. It helped that I had some Birthday money that had "new clothes" written all over it. Wait a minute. . . that's what I thought it said.
In these photos I have combined four new pieces with four used items and come up with nine outfits to wear. This is a very traditional selection. A fun combination would be to use a pair of fitted jeans with a sweater dress, a white button up shirt and jacket, or any of the above and don't forget the boots. Again, try on . . . if it's comfortable, modest, pretty and does not cry out for attention . . . you're good to go. Obviously black pants or jeans, go with anything ... and that is the point.

So to begin with, take some time to shop your closet. Choose a skirt or a pair of nice jeans or pants that you feel very comfortable in and that will go with anything. If you do not have that, start a shopping list.

Take some time. Try on different variations and see if there are some options you have not thought of when you were in a hurry. It is amazing how something old can become new again when you realize what you can pair it up with or what it does when you just add a sweater to it . . . my famous last words.

As you can tell from what the model is wearing ... clear throat ... there is nothing novel about the ideas. It is simply taking advantage of some layering. So take some time to play dress-up. You'll be glad you did.

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19 comments:

Bev K said...

This has been on the list in the back of my mind for quite some time. With this post, you've nudged me to get at that closet! I read somewhere to turn all your hangers so they hang to the back and then only turn them around when you've worn the item. That way you can easily see what you wear the most and what needs to be sent to the thrift store.

Beck's Bulletin said...

You should be a model...seriously!! not only do you look amazing but you have that flair for making absolutely everything you put on look amazing! I must admit though that you have inspired me to try on some different combinations......look out closet here I come!!

ellen b. said...

You really have a great eye for putting a wardrobe together and mixing and matching.

Vicki said...

What a fun post! You are indeed a model and thanks for sharing with us and giving us a great wardrobe tip.

Kathie said...

I love your fashione taste!! have you ever checked out Polyvore? They have some great combos. I just nix anything that looks TOO young or "out there" and try to incorporate a few ideas that keep me from looking too old or dowdy :)

Lovella ♥ said...

These fashion shows of yours are always my favorite. I love that you do this even timidly but knowing that it will encourage us to get into our closets and clean out and reinvent and then dress up and feel ready for the day.
I agree with Beck's. .you have such a great sense of style which is so age appropriate. .and that is something in itself.

camp and cottage living said...

You have wonderful taste! I appreciate your advice. I just went through my winter clothes, but found that if I want to wear them this year I'm going to have to loose a few pounds. So sad!!

Debora said...

I love the combinations you've come up with, and especially like the brown jacket...it's so versatile. Looks like you and I think alike on this!

Karin said...

Very pretty - good choices!

Anonymous said...

I just love the variety in all of your's and the other MGCC ladies blogs. You are like having all kinds of different "mom" types to gather advice and inspiration from. I really appreciate it! Keep up the great stuff!!

Judy said...

You are good at this, Anneliese...knowing how to mix and match and make it all look fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Love the combinations that you have put together. Your fashion posts have inspired me to put a little more effort into the way I dress. Trying on what we already have and mixing them with a few new things is a good idea.

Your sense of style is also reflected in your decor posts. It is very evident that you put care and attention to detail into all you do. Very inspiring. Thanks for being a great role-model.

Sonya (Australia)

Anonymous said...

Oh, Anneliese, if you have time to answer, I have a quick question (!). I have noticed that you wear skirts with tights/stockings and boots. How do you stop your skirts sticking to your tights? I have endless trouble with this.

Sonya

Just a little something from Judy said...

This is an informative, well stated post, with a beautiful model included. With three daughters, this has been a way of life for us at the start of each new season. Go through the closets, take inventory, get rid of those things you know you won't wear again, and buy a few new to hold you over. I feel like you sharing this post, was a good reminder to all of us. Thank you!

Rosella said...

Love this post Anneliese! You always look great and have obvious great taste! You've inspired me too to get at that overstuffed closet of mine! Thanks.

Anneliese said...

Sonya,
I'm wondering if the problem is simply static. I have had a bit of that as well with a certain skirt. You can take a fabric softener sheet (the ones for the dryer) and rub it on your legs once you have put on your tights or leggings ... you can also do the inside of the skirt or throw your clothes into the dryer on "air only" with a "fuzz free" towel and a dryer sheet for a few minutes.
I hope that helps. Oh, there are also sprays for this, I believe.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Anneliese. I think the problem is static. The fabric softener sheet sounds like a good idea. Will give it a try.

Thanks again,
Sonya

Kathy said...

Thank you for the inspiration. As i have gotten to know you more I every so often see something on a rack and say to myself.....that would look great on Anneliese.
You have a classic, modest look with just enough of an trendy edge....and you accessorize well. I love the 'find the basic' and work around it approach.
Darling model you are!

Julene said...

You have always been so good at dressing in style, but your age, while at the same time not shopping in the"old lady" section! You look fabulous & your Fall outfits look stunning!