Closet Clean-along

[clambaby]

Well thank you Karend and Lalena this is really interesting. I didn't feel comfortable in this outfit because it is something so much more trendy than I usually wear, which makes me wonder, do we know what looks good on us? Do we dress in the familiar and are comfortable for that reason and start to date ourselves in the process? Makes me think now that some more of my iffy outfits might need posting for comment. This is interesting because when I used to teach sewing classes in the evenings I was amazed at how rigid so many women were about what they would wear and also that so many women under dressed. Maybe this is me too, I will have to think about some of my own assumptions.

This Friday a younger colleague of mine will be in town before he and his family move off to New York for a new and big job. He very nicely emailed me and asked me for an early drink, for new job career advice. I was wondering what to wear, and now I think I will be wearing the outfit.

Many thanks.

[RuthieK]

Oh yes, that will be great. I think boleros work fine over something longer in the same colour.

[Karendee]

Barbara,

I don't think you'll ever really be stuck in a rut, because you are open to and take suggestions. Not having a closed mind if the first step in "thinking without blinders on." Wow, I'm delighted you took our suggestion and will keep the outfit. You will certainly turn a few heads when you're out this weekend; you look beautiful in it. Enjoy your "new" clothes.

Karend

[sdBev]

Barbara

Part of planning your wardrobe takes into account your personality.  I tend to pastels myself, but I do find myself reaching for that same color and I too feel self conscious in it.  However, if I use those bright colors in my embroideries or as piping or other embellishment,  I'm OK.  It's just the massive amount of really bright colors in which I feel uncomfortable.  I always get compliments in these bright colors. They must suit my coloring just not my personality.  I'd suggest making that same blouse, but in a more conservative color and see how you feel about wearing it. You'll learn something else about yourself. 

PS, I'm sure I have the same or very similar silk in my wardrobe and I'm planning a blouse like the orange one the lady wears on the wireless phone commercials.  You know the one with the guy from AT&T in the bad fitting shirt and along comes the well fitted female competitor in the bright orange blouse and pushes him off the screen with a swing of her hips....

[clambaby]

This is a very interesting discussion and I hope others are learning as much as I am. Obviously what you wear is one thing and how you feel when you wear it is another. And it is not just internal, how the outside world may see you or an outfit may be more positive than you see yourself. Interesting thought. OK so what is it about this outfit that made me uncomfortable? One the fabric. I was brought up on the Canadian Prairies and sensible is a big word there. When I wore this I kept thinking, one spill and its ruined, something I don't feel so much with patterned silk. It feels great and is comfortable but I admit that is one reason I wasn't relaxed in it. (thanks mom). The other was the colour is bright, most of my work clothes are black and grey, and the style was more trendy than I usually wear. Excellent thought about the same top in a darker colour. Maybe that's a good guideline, new colour quieter style, quieter style new colour.

This really is worth thinking about. After all isn't a big part of sewing trying to look your best, and maybe that means pushing the comfort zone a bit? This whole discussion reminds me of women I see and I think to myself, oh if only they tried a little makeup, what a difference some colour would make ...

Thanks for the help.

[MaryAnn]

Hello,
   I'm feeling guilty because I've been lurking on this thread and not contributing, but now that the Rescue Mission has called and said that there will be truck on my street on Friday, I've swung into action and have 5 large garbage bags filled with no-longer-wanted clothing from my closet! I'm feeling virtuous. I, too, have recently lost a significant amount of weight (20#'s and still trying...) and am trying to part with things I hope will never fit me again. I have finally forced myself to refit the Loes Hinse Oxford pant (cropped) and tank (sort of my summer uniform) and have made 2 each of the newer size. Now, to go into production on those and to add a 3rd piece in another equally quick and easy design--probably her Casablanca blouse. And some knit tops, of course.
   And I must keep cleaning out....maybe it's time to start on the folded things (t-shirts, etc.)
Thank you all for the inspiration and great ideas.

[RuthieK]

Oh well done MaryAnn. Both for the weight loss (I bet you feel better for it) and getting rid of 5 bags of clothing. Way to go!!!

In terms of trying new things I think that the idea of a classic style in a new colour or a new style in a classic colour is a GREAT one, I really like that.
adding a single new item to other clothing you are already comfortable in seems easier somehow to.

But its always worth having slightly nicer things. These days I try to only buy leather shoes, and never buy anything in 100% polyester, choosing blends instead and knitwear out of cotton or viscose mixtures. Its so much nicer to wear stuff like that.

[clambaby]

I am continuing with my closet assessment and this is what I have learned. I need to sew along three tracks.

First new sewing needs to add matches not orphans. The endless combinations works for me as a sensible starting point - this is the track for "original additions." Also pondering the silk-outfit-does-it-suit-me issue, I realize the key to why people reacted favorably to that outfit was the colour not as much the style, and so it is time to ease into more colour for me. I figure that colour in simple styles would be a good start, and all my grey and black would match. Also I think women fade a bit as they age and it might be time to start, purple and plums are big again this fall so I might look at that, and red.

Second I have a lot more nice bottom units than tops, in fact three nice wool crepe skirts that really I wear with the same two tops. I realize that this breaks all the wardrobe planning rules. If my second track involves just making two tops/jacket equivalents, designed to work really well with each skirt, as opposed to just a generic top that goes with anything, I would be way ahead. I thought the closet clean-along was going to be about throwing out, in fact for me it has been more about identifying the spaces.

Thirdly I see that my "after hours" clothes, the things I put on when I come home from teaching, are really ancient, sort of downgraded old good clothes. Some snappy casual wear would be a good idea, as I probably spend as much time in this stuff, if not more, than my work wardrobe.

This is a great exercise and brings sewing closer to real life, what actually gets worn.

[sdBev]

...This is a great exercise and brings sewing closer to real life, what actually gets worn.

As I pondered what I wear and what I don't wear,  I realized I was learning about myself, my life style, my preferences.  That surprised me.  I'm in my later 50's.  I thought I knew all about me.  It also changed my sewing.  Why use a certain technique, fabric or pattern, if I know I won't like the finished item.  How do I know I'll like the item?  Well I just spent 4 months figuring out what I like. 

I can fell it coming.  I know I'm going to purge fabrics and yarns too. 

[Fox Valley Patti]

Eureka!  Barbara you're hitting on some of the same things that occurred to me in this exercise. 

I had no problems filling the RAGS category - but nice casual clothes - pfffftttt, I have none.  Stuff for at home after work, when I'm making dinner - but may also have to run to the Library or store for a last-minute item; I either am in Rags, PJs or work clothes.  So that's a big hole.

It's making me pickier - why not use nice fabric, even for the casual wear - it'll look better and last longer, and really all the casual wear needs to be is comfortable!  So I'm even thinking why not nice looking pants - just make them in a heavy double knit?  And I have a couple of big pieces of really nice French terry for warmer tops.

I'm happy to be participating in this! 

Just wait til I hit my daughter's closet this weekend!!!

[RuthieK]

At the moment I have completely stopped sewing. I have bought some RTW though so I have clothes to wear.
In the shop you can try things and see what works, and then buy them or not, its hard if you sew something and it doesn't work - its difficult to know what to do next.
I had also been having a lot of trouble working out what size I was  - again at least in RTW you can go up or down a size until the fit is better.

I would really love a tailored shirt. But I have yet to find one either in RTW or that I've sewn myself that fits reasonably well  - I had one that worked quite well when I was a UK 16-18 (US 12-14) but it needed shoulder pads, so the style looks dated now, so I live in knit tops!

Its really great to hear how other people are taking the whole wardrobing issue, I am learning so much from you all :-)

[Michelle T.]

Ok I first saw the thread on the pros and cons of swap/wardrobe planning, but the links on the first page no longer work.  But as I read through it I found other great links.

Then next someone suggested we clear out our closets and this new thread was started.

There were promises of photos of closets and more.  Now I will be the first to admit I too have a closet that has clothes I never wear (Ok I cannot really get at it either) and dress from the laundry room, except for underclothes and pj's.  Oh, why can I not get at my closet?  I do actually bring laundry back up to the bedroom, but dh will not put his clothes away.  He piles them in front of  the closet.

So I think the answer is to get rid of closets and put up some hanging space in the laundry room.

I unfortunately have the opposite problem of Ruth, I have put on weight this past year.  I do have a few clothes that fit and truly the ones that do not fit are so old and worn out that I will not want to wear them when the weight comes off.

I may be brave and post a closet photo in the next few days.

[RuthieK]

Michelle, my DH won't put his clothes away either, so I do it 'cause it bugs me otherwise. Works for me. Life is too short to let it wind me up.

If you clear the closet out a bit there will be room to put things away - half the battle I think :-)

I am thinking of declaring next week to be a 'skirt week' and try and wear a skirt or dress every day to work. I tend to go for the lazy/easy option of pants but have lots of nice skirts I could wear. I have quite heavy legs so have to be ultra carefully about skirt length and shoe style for it to work which is why I think I don't much.
I stopped wearing skirts to work many years ago when I was an IT engineer who had to crawl under desks, but I just get other people to do the work for me now, so i could quite easily wear skirts more LOL.

Closet Clean Out form Flylady.net
http://www.flylady.net/pages/FlySpecial1.asp

MissusSmartyPants Purge Your Closet
http://missussmartypants.com/CDA5240F87574D8387EBDE8FEC733210/page/display.asp?id=19314

[Robin]

I'm glad I came back and caught up on this thread.  I am stuck!  The last 2 things I sewed for myself have turned out to be orphans.  Ack.  Then I sewed a dress for my DD, but the pattern was wrong, so the fit was wrong.  I guess I got discouraged.

Maybe I can do what you all are doing.  I think I am also really sick & tired of summer.  But it is too soon to dare wish for cooler weather. 
Good news - I lost 5 pounds as a result of dental work and change in diet.  My doctor suggested I have wheat sensitivity.  When  I stopped eating wheat, all bloating went away.
While I am very pleased to feel lighter, I am discouraged that all of my pants seem baggy and sad.
Sewing is a lot of work and it is hard when it is not successful.

woe is me.   Sorry for all the whining, I will stop now.
You ladies are doing GREAT.

[karent]

I am hundreds of miles from my closet right now, but I made a big step yesterday.  I have tried to start a major cleanout, but haven't jumped in with both feet because I don't want to haul it all out until I have time to put back away correctly.  I need a whole weekend and haven't had one, as this summer has been nothing but a big blur.  I did post a few photos on my blog a few weeks ago, and have decided what and how, but need to allot the time.  Yesterday, though, I made a step.  I have never really had a problem tossing something that doesn't fit right, or that I just don't like, it's the things that I like but don't use that seem to just hang around.  Somewhere recently I mentioned a red bag that is almost new, that I bought because I really liked it, but red is just not my color and it was simply takng up space.  Needed to go, but hadn't because I do actually think it's pretty.  Every time I've carried it, though, it was because I felt guilty letting it hang there.

Enter Marji who PMed and said she'd buy it.  I don't know how to put a price on something when a) I don't recall what I paid, b) I can't recall if it's real or a knock off, and c) it's been hanging around a while.  But it did need a good home, so as of yesterday morning it is in the hands of the postal service, winging it's way to Missouri.  I'll take a piece of stash in trade, or whatever, but it feels good to have taken something that I otherwise would have left hanging around and found it a home.  Feels like a first step!  K

[Towanda]

I cleaned out my closet room and put all the giveaway clothes in a bin. I found more clothes to give away. Everything is hung up. I found a new home for the fabric that I had stashed in the room. There is still more work to be done. I need another shelving unit for folded clothes. I need to sort out my shoes and get them organized. Today, I will pull out the purses that I am not using and give them away. Jewelry needs to be sorted out and put away.

I need to get a bigger mini refrigerator for the room. We keep bottled water, fruit, cheese and sugar-free chocolate upstairs for night time snacks.

Any more work has to wait until my cat and her kittens get out of the corner that they have taken over. As soon as they start to walk, they are out of there. I did end up with a huge pile of laundry because the cat likes to lay on the shelves of folded clothes.

When I walk pass the room, I feel a sense of accomplishment. DH and I will have to work at keeping this room neat. Now I need to do laundry. After everything is put away, I need to do an inventory to see what is missing. Then I can plan my fall-winter sewing.

[ejvc]

I think clearing out your drawers/closets so there's room to put away is a big help.  Also not having a laundry basket :-)

Elizabeth

[clambaby]

Thank you ladies. On Friday I went out for drinks and a talk with my friend who is moving to New York, his wife and my former assistant from my last office. The server happened to be a friend of my daughter's who promptly sat down with us and said "Hey universal mom (that's what they call me because I do sewing and things for the ones far away from home - this one I made curtains for when she was heart broken after a break up) you are looking sharp."

And this was the outfit I was going to throw out. So my closet clean out is continuing with a new perspective. Now what to do about all the shoes? They are spilling out of the rack and marching out of the closet across the bedroom floor. I started buying for style then had surgery to remove a size 70 jeans needle from my foot (it worked its way into a tendon) and then switched to buying Naots for comfort.

Figuring out how to rationalize the shoe collection is the next step, pardon the pun.

[Robin]

"Hey universal mom (that's what they call me because I do sewing and things for the ones far away from home - this one I made curtains for when she was heart broken after a break up) you are looking sharp."

You go girl!  That gave me a big smile this morning.

My stepson is off to college in couple of weeks, to live in an apartment with roommates for the first time.  I am secretly preparing a few items to slip into the van at the last minute.  They have these large bolsters at IKEA that make bed more comfortable for lounging around, so I'm slipcovering a couple of those to go with his bedding.
He always appreciates my sewing.

clambaby, I am really glad you wore that outfit and it made a splash!

I'm getting good motivation from you all, keep up the good work!  This is really going to help me with my Fall sewing.

[Karendee]

I am so proud of you for a lot of different reasons. First, the closet cleanout, clothes organization, wardrobe and personal introspection is so helpful and freeing. Alas, I have not been participating. I do this fairly regularly, but it can get done again. Anyway, hear my cheers from the sidelines.

Ruthie, I think you look really good in skirts. Remember those flutter types you make for your Swap and JCC? They were adorable.

Robin, sorry you've felt bad with the teeth, but you had wanted to drop a couple of lbs. However, there is nothing worse than droopy pants, unless it's sewing that turns into wadders. But remember all the successes you've had. I find it hard to believe they were absolute wadders. Maybe your daughter's dress, cause they're specific, but what about the jacket with the peplum? I thought that was cute. Maybe you just need a sewing break then start thinking of fall sewing. You probably have enough summer things don't you?

KarenT, glad you found a home for the red Dooney. I know that makes you feel so much better than donating it, knowing it will be sold for $1.00. I'd rather just give something away to anyone who wants or needs it.

Now, Universal Mom (Clam)...I know you were a knockout at your evening out recently. Trust us when we say both the style and color are meant for you. However, on shoes, I have a different slant. If you feel  you need comfort shoes, wear them. I have lost sleep (figuratively) over this same problem, and just realize that to live a full, active life--I must wear comfort shoes. I do my best with dress shoes with Stuart Weitzman, Rangoni, Taryn Rose and a few others, but I don't wear those unless absolutely necessary. I just decided that I'll wear the same clothing regardless of the shoes I have on my feet. And I try to find the cutest shoes I can in comfort styles or  flats or wedges in dress shoes. But I have donated all my hard-to-find cute dress shoes in a large size that hurt my feet. Enough about shoes, I'm so glad you had a lovely time out and got reassurance concerning the new (Newly worn) outfit.

Towanda, you have really worked hard and accomplished a great deal of organization. Pat yourself on the back.

Elizabeth, I know you are a real closet organizer. When you finish your sloper, you've now got to fill your closet back up with new garments.

Michelle, my philosophy is keep only clothes that fit the body you have now. But I don't know how close those garments are to your actual size, or if they could be altered etc. Show us those pics of the laundry room and closet.

Good luck all!
Karend

[sdBev]

.. However, on shoes, I have a different slant. If you feel need comfort shoes, wear them. I have lost sleep (figuratively) over this same problem, and just realize that to live a full, active life--I must wear comfort shoes. I do my best with dress shoes with Stuart Weitzman, Rangoni, Taryn Rose and a few others, but I don't wear those when absolutely necessary. I just decided that I'll wear the same clothing regardless of the shoes I have on my feet. And I try to find the cutest shoes I can in comfort styles or  flats or wedges in dress shoes. But I have donated all my hard-to-find cute dress shoes in a large size that hurt my feet...

Karendee
I found that you are absolutely right.  For myself, I threw out the shoes that hurt and refused to buy if they didn't feel great in the store.  That means I passed up a lot cute shoes.  Slowly I found shoes that are comfortable and do look nice.  I do think that shoes can make or break an outfit. Fortunately, I didn't have to wear sneakers forever and pretty much have comfortable, appropriate and nice looking shoes.  Some people must wear those speciality shoes.  I always feel sorry for them.  I think "there but for the grace...."  and I won't criticize their footwear choice. 

[sdBev]

I keep telling myself that I'm not going to do anything with my cool weather clothing until October, but after reading so much here I just couldn't help myself.  I organized my cool weather clothes into color stories, tried on the 4 pair of pants I have for winter; and moved the long sleeve t shirts from cool to current clothes.  Even though we'll have warm weather for several more weeks, there have already been days when long sleeve T's were just the right thing.  Also discarded 2 pair of jeans and 1 blouse.  Whined a lot on my blog about closet cleaning, but I'm glad I started.  It's got me thinking about fall wardrobes. 

[Karendee]

sdBev,

Even though we have hot weather here in TN for a long time, emotionally, I'm thinking fall once schools starts. And school has started where I live. I know I have enough summer clothes, and I'm really tired of the hot weather. Transitional clothes are good, right now. But either way, I know you're getting your closet and clothes organized and working on your wardrobe plan.

Karen

[clambaby]

Funny thing happened yesterday. I went into The Closet to get out a blouse to wear to work and I had mistakenly hung a necklace that I wear with one particular dress on the same hanger. It turns out that the blouse and necklace look great together, and with a bit of jewelry my plain blouse looked so much nicer. The point is that I have had both the necklace and blouse for two years at least and never put them together.

This made me wonder what other items in my wardrobe could receive new life in new combinations. Caroline at  http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com did a really neat thing a week or two ago updating old summer skirts by shortening them and adding a band. This also made me wonder what could be revived/renovated into something more wearable. For example I have two very nice Coldwater Creek linen dresses that I bought to wear to work in hot weather and don't because of the polyester lining. A nice crepe de chine lining would not be hard to put in (the old linings would just make the patterns) and would give me two new outfits.

So I think that I will also evaluate what I can do, as a sewer, to increase the wearability of what I already own. Combinations or renovations.

This also brings me to an interesting conversation I had with my 18 year old niece. My daughter is getting married next month and my niece is having a terrible time finding something to wear. This one has been super serious since she was born, and her problem is finding something that is made from ethically produced, organic, sustainable sources where the workers have been paid a fair wage. Apparently there is not much available in the fair trade bridal. formal market. Her sister has bought something glitzy at the Canadian equivalent of Target but this niece can't source anything she can wear in conscience. So I suggested she hit the second hand shops and my sister alter if need be. "Oh what a great idea," she said. " I never thought of that - you mean re-purposed clothing, how totally sustainable."

So here's to re-purposing what I can in my closet too.

[vtmartha]

my niece is having a terrible time finding something to wear. This one has been super serious since she was born, and her problem is finding something that is made from ethically produced, organic, sustainable sources where the workers have been paid a fair wage.

You are describing my daughter!  Does this make us sisters?    My DD wears only 're-purposed' clothing and carries it off well.

[clambaby]

Come to think of it my grandmother dressed like this too. Only she called it "being wife in the Depression" and did agree that any kind of waste was unethical. My grandfather ended up a successful professional, but well into her 80s I recall seeing a quarter of a pancake carefully wrapped and saved in my grandmother's fridge. She also made quilts, only of scraps, one was of suit samples from a tailor, another was of the tops of wool socks that she crazy stitched together and lined with old blankets. We hated those quilts when we were kids. They were so heavy (although very warm) we couldn't move and told my mother it was like sleeping under a sidewalk.

Maybe it is a good and sensible thing if our daughters and nieces are reintroducing some of that ingenuity back into our lives.

[Lisa]

She also made quilts, only of scraps, one was of suit samples from a tailor, another was of the tops of wool socks that she crazy stitched together and lined with old blankets. We hated those quilts when we were kids. They were so heavy (although very warm) we couldn't move and told my mother it was like sleeping under a sidewalk.

My grandmother made those heavy, heavy, quilts too!  But my sister and I loved them. 

My grandparents farmhouse was a converted two-story schoolhouse.  The second floor consisted of a hall, a storeroom (on one side of the hall) and two connected bedrooms (connected by a closet with doors on both ends).  The two bedrooms had five or six beds in them, and were the sleeping rooms for visiting relatives.  The house was set up so that they could heat only the main floor if they wanted to, and close the door to the stairs going up (so that the heat wouldn't escape). 

When guests were coming, they would "heat the upstairs sleeping rooms (but not the hall or the storeroom).  But it was still significantly cooler than the downstairs.  If the winter, we loved those quilts.  It took a while to get warm, but once they were warm, it was wonderful!  I have very fond memories of those heavy quilts!

Lisa

[sdBev]

... We hated those quilts when we were kids. They were so heavy (although very warm) we couldn't move and told my mother it was like sleeping under a sidewalk.
..

It's the kind of quilts I make but I love them.  To me it feels like a big warm hug.

[sdBev]

...

This made me wonder what other items in my wardrobe could receive new life in new combinations. Caroline at  http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com did a really neat thing a week or two ago updating old summer skirts by shortening them and adding a band. This also made me wonder what could be revived/renovated into something more wearable. For example I have two very nice Coldwater Creek linen dresses that I bought to wear to work in hot weather and don't because of the polyester lining. A nice crepe de chine lining would not be hard to put in (the old linings would just make the patterns) and would give me two new outfits.

So I think that I will also evaluate what I can do, as a sewer, to increase the wearability of what I already own. Combinations or renovations.

...

Be sure to join us on the Alterations sew-along too!

[aisling]

Elizabeth, unfortunately no overshirt has been forth coming from my fiance. The lack of pullovers has been partly remedied. I finished knitting a pullover that I started 12 years ago. Between accidently crunching guage and weight gain it looks close to a modern fit. Better yet it's actually in my suitable colours. I'm starting in on the second pullover waiting for me to finish it.

I've decided to leave the coat cupboard alone for the time being. It's winter and that makes me want to hoard warm clothing plus I can list everything in there off the top of my head. I will wait for November and go through, purge, clean, mend and make covers for all the coats in there so that are ready for next winter. Maybe the covers will mean I don't have to wash every coat when it comes out of storage for once. There isn't anything truly atrocious in there maybe one or two things that can go but that's it.

So I'm on to the next phase "I've cleaned out the wardrobe, now what?". I've pulled out a bunch of fabric that goes together (in the endless combinations sort of way not the swap sort of way) . Towonda thank you for the mention of Endless combinations. That's the sort of idea I needed.

I've looked at the alterationsa pile but currently I don't think it's worth putting the effort in there when I could be putting it in basics. Most of the stuff that needs altering is more kinda like cute tops.

I just still don't know what I need to fill the holes. Now I know I'm stuck on hats. I need hats (eye specialist orders) but have no idea what kind of hats. I also need shoes (I only have 5 pairs - leather walking shoes, evening sandals, sensible sandals, paint-splattered g.p. boots, and black interview boots (that hurt my lower back) - excluding hiking boots).

[Lisanne]

So I'm on to the next phase "I've cleaned out the wardrobe, now what?"

I just still don't know what I need to fill the holes.

Aisling, have you tried Jennifer Skinner's wardrobe advice ?
http://www.jenniferskinneronline.com/

She is oriented to outfits rather than capsules, and that fits well with the endless combinations idea.

[Fox Valley Patti]

aaak!  OK, this is how I've ended up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear ...  I've cleaned the closet, have lots of holes - and now am faced with a mid-October weekend wine festival invitation.  And, here's the rub - it's motorcycles by day, resort by night.  Perfect place for a "very small wardrobe". 

I have a workable jacket - black with embroidery in tones of silver and taupe - for evenings, or "nice needs".  I can wear jeans and tee shirts for the times on the bike.  But I don't have any nice tops or bottoms for the jacket - and we are at the resort for 3 nites and a Sunday Brunch.

I'm thinking I can borrow my mother's black slinky skirt and top, then I guess I just need a couple other tops, right?

[Karendee]

Patti,

Do borrow your Mom's slinky outfit and purchase a couple of tops if possible. That could round you out for the weekend. It will be rather casual, right?

Aisling,

The Skinner plan is a good one; it's also good to write all of your haves/needs down in a format easy to work with. I think it was sdBev that made such a workable plan, wrote it all down, and knows the direction to go. I can't offer much more practical advice, because I didn't do the closet cleanout, except to go through and make sure each item was a keeper. I didn't play along in this or the alteration phase.I give clothes away that don't fit and don't ever have anything to mend (except maybe a button that comes off.) Then I do it immediately, because I lose loose buttons.


Sounds like you both should be congratulated for your progress in organizing/cleaning out closets and wardrobe planning.

Karend

[Ann]

Patti, get a pair of black pants and two tops; one can be bright and the other in the gray or taupe. You will then be set. The pants could have an elastic waist and be of a fabric that doesn't get wrinkles. The tops can be untucked with the jacket over the pants/skirt or without the jacket depending on the weather.

Have fun.

Ann

[Fox Valley Patti]

I have some black heavy ponte knit to make some wide leg pants out of - so I could do that easily!

I also looked up sdbev's blog - and her closet clean along blogs are classic, love them!!