Closet Shopping

Have you ever heard of closet shopping? No, it doesn't mean shopping in secret. It means going into your own closet and taking a look around!

Here's the outfit I have on today, made up of older pieces with two new accessories:

• Magenta skirt from New York & Co. (You know I love that store!), purchased some time in 2009
• Black silk cardigan (cheaper than it sounds), purchased probably in 2007
• Black camisole, really ancient, at least 4 years old (I'm layering, because it is seriously cold today)
• Black lacy tights, purchased recently at the Icing for about 8 bucks
• Leopard print scarf, spring weight (wearing it anyway), purchased a couple of weeks ago at Payless for $12.99 (I had a return, so I only paid a couple bucks out of pocket)
• Tall black boots, purchased 2 years ago at Payless, probably for about $25

When you're closet shopping (or deciding what to get rid of), keep these tips in mind:

* Black boots, sweaters, skirts, pants, etc. can be used season after season. (Remember not to let black be the only color in your wardrobe!) If they get worn, pilly, or faded, toss 'em! My method: Check for picks and pills at least once per season.
* Solids and neutrals (black, tan, brown, navy, white) are easily updated, dressed-up, or dressed-down with accessories. My method: Look for accessories in the inexpensive stores, and keep up with sales in the higher-end. Also, just FYI, I find that J C Penney and Kohl's have some wonderful and well-priced accessories.
* Closet shop for accessories too--an old pair of earrings can create a great look with a new-ish sweater and an old-ish neutral skirt!
* Fit: You know that's the most important. If you discover something fits again after not wearing it for a while, great! Wear it tomorrow. If not, toss it. My method: "If this fit me right now, would I wear it this week?" If not, it's gone
* Shoes can sometimes become unfashionable almost without notice. Pay attention to what's in the stores--pointy toes, open toes, round toes? Chunky heels, kitten heels, stilettos? Then re-use shoes year after year until they are out of style or just worn out. My method: If I really love a pair of shoes, I will take them to the shoe place for repairs until they fall apart.

I felt lovely today in my mostly-old-ish clothes! You can duplicate this look on almost any body shape with good results. Go ahead, take a look in your closet. You're going to find something to wear again!

Until next time,
Susan K. Morrow