100% cotton striped top / grey rayon top – made in USA
Tie-dye striped tank top – made in USA / Vintage Sears cable knit sweater
For a while now, I’ve been very interested in the idea of purging and simplifying life and my closet was something I knew I had to work on. After discovering Madelynn Hackwith’s blog posts about the perfect wardrobe, it made me stop thinking about it and start doing something about it.
A few weeks ago, I spent a sunday afternoon trying on (almost) everything in my closet and deciding if I liked it or loved it, wether it fit ok or wether it flattered me. I made piles of good/bad but I admit I wasn’t as critical and ruthless as I could have been. I kept a few things that were more like than love. But… baby steps! Included in the ‘bad’ were some pieces I thought belonged in the shop more than they belonged on my body so one of these days I will have to take some time to photograph and list them on etsy.
On top of cleaning out my closet, I’ve started to approach thrifting with a more critical eye. Sometimes a great price or one of a kind item can cloud my better judgement. I had already decided that even in thrift stores, I would try to purchase items that were well made and avoid anything made in china. I avoid labels like Forever 21 or H&M because even if they cost me 1,99$, they aren’t going to be items that last me years and years.
On top of the country of origin, I am also more critical in the selection of items that come home. Just because something is cheap, silk, sparkly or the coolest thing I ever saw, doesn’t mean I’ll ever wear it. If I can’t see myself wearing the item on a regular basis and I don’t think it is good enough for the shop, I leave it behind. I only buy things I truly LOVE, even if it’s sometimes hard to leave empty handed. I try to stick to solid neutrals and stripes because those are the pieces I am most often drawn to pick out of my closet to wear.
Above are a few items I picked up at the salvation army over the last few weeks. Simple but interesting items I have already worn multiple times.
that striped top is PERFECTION. good finds, em.
Thanks Paige, I have to make an effort to NOT wear it every day! ;) right now its got food on it so I sadly have to wait till it’s washed! ha.