Something Old, Something New

09 Jan Something Old, Something New

I have a closet full of clothing and nothing to wear.

That’s not completely true. I wear the same six articles of clothing repeatedly.

In high school, I prided myself on never repeating an entire outfit for at least two whole months, following the Claudia Kishi school of thought. Where is all of that creativity now? Why am I wearing the same things over and over again?

At first, I told myself those pieces made it somehow easier to get out the door on time. I knew what they looked like on and how they worked with specific things. When, really, I’m uninspired and the majority of clothing in my closet no longer represents who I am.

All of this shit feels too cutesy. Remember when I moved to New York? And refused to put on a pair of pants to save my life? Times sure have changed.

Shop the look: ASOS Faux Suede Trench ($39), ASOS Pier Pointed High Heels ($47.50), Super old Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet, Vintage Chanel Train Case, Chanel Allure Ink matte liquid lipstick ($37)

But then when I thought about the actual items I revert back to, I realized I was subconsciously trying to trick myself into feeling a certain kind of way. In the way that I favor red nail polish when I want to feel brave, I was using my clothing as an armor.

But to say what exactly? What blouse do you wear when you have to tell your parents you lost another job? Or what shoes are appropriate when you tell the guy you’re seeing you’re ready to be more serious? Where’s the dress for an awkward conversation with a good friend after a fight?

My closet suddenly feels, or felt, lacking. I’m doing a better job at cleaning things out that I’m no longer reaching for to make room for pieces that I love to wear over and over again. That way the possibilities feel endless with a well-edited wardrobe.

Meet one of my major players: an ASOS suede trench coat that in the past two weeks, I’ve worn as a dress with over-the-knee boots for an interview; open as a jacket with a striped t-shirt and baggy boyfriend jeans for the train ride home; and over a pair of sequin pants for New Year’s Eve.

I took this trench home for Christmas where I wore it again as a dress with an old Juicy Couture charm bracelet I can’t make myself get rid of. I started it when I was 18 years old and it took years to get that thing so full and loud. Plus something new, my vintage Chanel train case that I am going to wear as a handbag. Isn’t she pretty? Thanks, Mom ?

SHOP THE POST

I can’t wait until my wardrobe accurately reflects me and my moods. Consistently. That’s the major key that I’m going to work on for 2017.