Closet Ultimatum Update

You may have noticed that I am totally slacking on my Closet Ultimatum Challenge.  I think the items that I still haven't worn are stuck hanging in the closet for a reason - like I shouldn't be keeping them!  I've also been distracted by all the new things I got in Iowa at the beginning of August. So, here's my list of items and the current status:

1. Gap Pale Yellow Tank top - I'm keeping this, but it's getting demoted to a cami for wearing under other tops.  
2. H&M Floral tank top - going to Goodwill.  
3. LOFT blue sleeveless blouse - still on the fence.  I like it, but I hate to iron it. 
4. Ann Taylor knit top - another tough decision.  I got several positive comments about it, but I just don't think I will wear it very much, and I think it would sell nicely.  
5. Ann Taylor Coral Sweater - keeping it. 
6. Limited Pink and Brown top - selling it.
7. H&M Red T-shirt -keeping it.  I had forgotten that I actually wore this a few times recently (here and here). 
8. Gap Plum sweater - keeping it
9.  DKNY Navy top - selling it
10.  Target Tiger tee - I will keep it for now, and see if I wear it at all.  
11.  Gap dyed tee - I can't sell it, so I'll hold onto it.  I should probably make a rule that if I haven't worn it again in the next few months, I have to give it to Goodwill.  
12. Gap black skirt - selling it
13. Gap black linen skirt (worn here) - selling it
14. BR White skirt  - keeping it for now. 
15. Old Navy white skirt - the zipper is messed up, but still works.  I don't think I can sell it, so it is either Goodwill or keep.  I'm thinking about dying it, but I can't decide what color.  I think a cobalt blue or kelly green would be cool, I'm just not sure I can get the results I want.  
16. Loft graphic skirt  - keeping
17. Gap Purple skirt - keeping, but probably will only wear it with tights
18. Tommy Hilfiger green mini skirt - keeping it, but letting the hem out a bit. 
19. Ann Taylor floral mini - worn here and here.  I'm keeping it, but only to wear with tights. 
20. Loft geometric mini - worn here and here.   I'm keeping it, but only to wear with tights. 

I'm noticing a trend with my skirts being too short.  This is tricky when you are tall, so I probably just need to pay better attention when I am shopping.  Some of these skirts are probably at risk of being taken to the consignment shop just depending on what I decide the day I go.

Overall, I think this was a pretty good little Closet Clean-out challenge.  I'm getting rid of a few things that I have held onto for too long, and I was reminded about some items that have been forgotten in the back of the closet.

I need to finish sorting the rest of my closet - dresses, shoes, long sleeves, pants... the list goes on.  I might do another similar challenge once it gets colder.

How often do you clean out your closet?  Any tips?  

Closet Ultimatum #5 - Take two

This skirt is tricky.  After wearing it here, I still wasn't sure whether I should keep it or sell it.  Then when I was putting together my outfit for EBEW Monochrome, and didn't want to wear mint green shorts to work, I saw this skirt and thought I would give it another go.  I think I like it enough to keep it for now.

Cardigan: Gap
Tank top: Banana Republic
Skirt: Loft
Sandals: Carlos Santana via DSW

Closet Ultimatum #11 - Green Mini and a Sneaky Squirrel

I really love this skirt, but it made the "Closet Ultimatum Challenge" because I haven't worn it at all in the last 3 months, which is the prime time I should be wearing a green nautical-print mini-skirt.  So what's the problem??  I've come to the conclusion that there are 2 problems:

1. I don't really know how to remix it very well.  I've had this skirt for several years (like 7 maybe?), and for most of those years, I've only worn it with a white shirt, and probably only once per summer, because I can't think of anything interesting to wear with it.  I'm also wondering if I can make the jump to fall and winter with tights. 
2. I think it's a little too short.  It has a good 1.5inch of hem, so I'm going to go ahead and let that out, so it's a little longer.   

During our photo-shoot, my  photographer seemed a little distracted, and I realized there was a sneaky squirrel hanging out on the fence behind me.

It's also Tuesday Trifecta time, here are the 2 other times this skirt has shown up on the blog:

Top: Gap
Jacket: Izod
Skirt:  Tommy Hilfiger
Shoes: Gap

Closet Ultimatum #10 - Roar

This shirt takes animal print to a whole new level.  It's a little weird to have a leopard face on your shirt, but I kind of like it.  What do you think?  Should this shirt get to stay in my closet?

In other news, I got to talk on FaceTime with my nieces last night.  It was so much fun to hear about their first day of school.  I asked Delia if she was going to learn cursive this year, because I thought I had learned cursive in 2nd grade.  Then I wondered if they even teach cursive anymore, since everyone uses computers.  Delia said something like "Whoa, I knew you went to school in the olden days, but I can't believe you didn't have computers back then!"  Way to make me feel old!

Top: Target
Cardigan: Marisa Christina
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Gap

Linking up here again today!

Closet Ultimatum #9 - Coral Sweater

This sweater is a lighter shade of coral, so I have to be careful or it will wash me out.  I really like it with the black shirt underneath.  I think I will keep it.

Besides, this is the sweater I was wearing when I met a president in 2010:

GW! 

I know a lot of people don't like George W. Bush, but no matter what your political views, I think it's still pretty cool to meet a former president.  We were in a line to meet him, and when it was my turn, I said something really clever, like "Hi, I'm Andi!" and he was like "Andi with an I?" and I was so impressed because most people try to spell it "Andy" or they are like "Annie?  Amy?  What?"  GW is smarter than people think!  Then he said something like "it's an honor to meet you!" and I was like "um, that's what I was going to say."  And then my Dad was in line after me, and GW was like "Andi's dad!"  Anyway, it was a funny experience and he seemed like a pretty cool guy.  I should have probably had a better plan of what to say!

Have you ever met anyone famous?  What did you say?


Sweater: Ann Taylor
Button-down: NY&Co
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Seychelles

Closet Ultimatum #8 - Navy Top

Last weekend, John and I ventured to Des Moines, IA with his parents.  The guys went to the Nascar race, and the girls went to the outlet mall!  Everyone wins! 

The above photo was my attempt to merge a new skirt with a shirt from my Closet Ultimatum.  This top is great, except for the fact that the neck is a giant scoop and completely indecent from certain angles.  So, this shirt is going in the sell pile!

Here's what I actually wore to work:

Much better!   And can I just add that this skirt was $8.80!  I love finding good deals.  And I am that girl who will awkwardly tell people how much my clothing costs if they compliment me.  I try not to, but I just can't help it!  Please tell me I'm not the only one!  

Top #1: DKNY
Top#2: Mossimo/Target
Belt: Francesca's
Skirt: Bass
Shoes: Anne Klein

Closet Ultimatum #7 - Blue Top

This top is one of those that ends up in my ironing pile and then I never wear it.  I like it, I just hate ironing.

I think I should either get a maid to iron for me, or consign this shirt.  Which option is more financially responsible?

In other news, my hair looks kind of ombre in these pictures.  I dyed it a darker brown last week, and it looks like the ends really took the dye better than the middle.   Blogger also doesn't think "ombre" is a word.  What's up with that?  Also, whenever I talk about ombre, I think of being hungry in Spanish.  "Tengo hambre" anyone? 

Top: Loft
Skirt: Express
Belt: Old Navy
Shoes: Carlos Santana 

Closet Ultimatum #6 - Plum Sweater

This outfit, featuring Item #6 in the Closet Ultimatum Challenge, has been declared one of John's most favorite outfits.  With that in mind, I think I should keep the sweater!

I bought it at Gap Outlet in Tempe, AZ in February of 2011 when I was visiting a friend.  There's nothing really wrong with it, but it ended up in the back of my closet and I haven't worn it at all this summer, so I added it to the maybe pile.  I guess I should add it to the regular rotation!

You can't really tell from the pictures, but the top is really a dark purple shade.  For some reason, it looks brown in the photos.

I also need to watch some tutorials about putting hair in a bun.  Since my hair is basically velcro unto itself, I just tie it in a knot when I want a bun.  I need something a little more classy looking!  

Top and Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Pearls: gift from a friend (from China)

Closet Ultimatum #5 - Black and White Skirt

Another day, another questionable skirt!  Like the purple skirt, I'm just wary of the length on this skirt since it's of the flowy variety.  When I am standing still, it's fine; but when I am walking, I feel like I am one wind gust away from pulling a Marilyn Monroe.  In the past, I've worn this skirt mostly with brightly colored tops, but I decided to keep it simple today with the black and white.  I think the only other time this skirt has appeared on the blog is one of my least favorite outfits ever.  It was a nice day in March, and I was so excited to start dressing in my summer clothes.  I didn't realize that my skirt and top were washing out my already terrifyingly pale legs.  It was also a pretty bad hair day!

Verdict:  I am on the fence about this skirt.  Maybe I will give it another go before I make my final decision.  Maybe try it with tights in the winter?  What do you think? 

Top: Gap
Skirt: Loft
Belt: Francesca's
Shoes: Seychelles

Closet Ultimatum #4 - Purple Skirt

 

This skirt was part of my Gap shopping spree which led to my shopping ban at the beginning of the year.  I was under the influence of my 4 adorable nieces, so I really can't be held responsible for the decisions I was making that day.  I mean, they really wanted me to buy the purple skirt!  What was I supposed to do?  I wore it 4 times between January and April (here, here, here, and here), but haven't worn it since then, which is why it was included in my ultimatum pile.  This outfit is inspired by Pinterest - Striped top, purple skirt, nude heels.  I just wish I had an elephant necklace.

Verdict:  I think it feels a little too short without tights.  I realize it is longer than some of my other skirts, but the flounciness (you know what I mean?) of the skirt makes it feel shorter than my straight skirts.  I think I will keep it, but save it for fall and winter days when I can wear tights.  What do you think?

Top and Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Necklace: inPink
Bracelet: from Kenya/gift from a friend

Closet Ultimatum #2-3 - White Skirt and Printed Top

This outfit is a 2-for-1 closet ultimatum deal!  I know that 2 wrongs don't make a right, but I was hoping that 2 closet orphans might make an outfit.

Top:  this is from Ann Taylor a few summers ago.  I think I wore it quite a bit that first summer, but it has mostly been forgotten in my closet since then.  I really love the print, but I think the black border on the top just lays funny on me.  I would say I love this shirt, but I'm not "in love" with it.  When I got home from work, I wondered if a different skirt would make a difference, so I grabbed my trusty black pencil skirt.  I don't know.  I'm still not convinced I should keep it  What do you think?

Old Navy Skirt, Loft flats

Skirt:  I got this at the BR outlet in Kansas City in the spring of 2011.  I'd had a white A-line skirt from Gap, that I bought for my high school graduation reception.  That skirt was fantastic, but it was starting to look a little worse for the wear, so I bought this one, and got rid of the old Gap one.  It didn't take long for me to decide this was a mistake.  The Gap skirt was just way more flattering.  I think the gathers on this skirt makes me look bigger and I don't need that at all!  I've actually worn this skirt a few times over the summer, but haven't taken outfit pictures on those days.  Maybe because I don't feel cute in it?  Funnily enough, I actually think it looks pretty good in the pictures.  Naturally, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration and found this picture of Kendi.  So, I pretended it was fall and pulled out my boots and a cable knit sweater, while hoping John wouldn't get home from work while I was in my fall outfit.   It's not quite perfect, but I think there is possibility.

Old Navy sweater, Wanted boots

So, what do you think?  Are either of these keepers, or do they belong in the "sell" pile?

Top: Ann Taylor
Skirt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Born

I'm linking up over here today, as well as the usual places!

Closet Ultimatum #1 - Dyed Shirt

Yesterday, I introduced my "closet ultimatum" challenge idea.  So, here's my first outfit using an item from my summer ultimatum pile. This shirt is from Gap in 2009 - one of the Stella McCartney pieces.  It started out white, with the red chains.  I loved it, and wore it entirely too often. Here's a picture of the original: 

When the shirt got kind of dingy, I decided to try dying it.  I was hoping that the red would stay bright, and just the cotton would take the black dye.  It didn't turn out exactly as I hoped, but I still thought it looked okay.  Then I never wore it again.  Then I made my closet ultimatum pile and here we are.

Verdict:  This is a tough one for me.  I like it, and I think it actually looks pretty cute in this outfit.  I'm just worried I won't wear it very much, if at all.  I'm also wondering if I have some irrational sentimental attachment to it, since I loved it so much in its original form.

So, what do you think?  Keep or donate?  I don't think I should try consigning an item that I dyed!  Any ideas for other fun ways to style it?  I'm wondering if I could dress it up for work with a black pencil skirt and heels. 

Shirt: Gap (dyed by me)
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Target

I'm also guest posting over at Simply Sarah today.  Go check out my tips on remixing a striped top!

Closet Ultimatum

Several weeks ago, I started a closet clean-out.  I now have a pile of things to try consigning, but I didn't really get through my whole closet.  I've been thinking about it for a few weeks now, and I think I'm going to do somewhat of a reverse 30x30.  Basically, I need to assess the things I rarely wear and determine why I never wear them. This lady has limited closet space and there is no room for items that don't play nicely with others!

Here's my plan:

• Finish closet clean out!  Each item goes into one of the following categories:
• Keep:  these are items I wear regularly
• Sell:  these are items that I have no problem getting rid of - they either don't fit, or aren't really my style anymore.
• Donate:  these are items that I think won't sell
• Maybe:  these are the leftovers.  Clothes that I'm not ready to let go of, but maybe I don't wear very often.  These clothes will be added to the closet ultimatum challenge.  
• Refashion:  Things that I want to modify slightly to turn them into keepers.   This should be a very small pile. 
•  The Challenge: 
• Separate "maybe" items into summer and winter.  Anything left in the summer pile is my first challenge.  Depending on how many items there are, I might break it up into a couple groups. 
• Then I will have 1 month to wear each item in the challenge pile.  I think I will try to wear each thing twice, to see if it plays well with other items in my closet.   
• At the end of the month, anything I haven't worn has to go.  
• The things I have worn will be re-assessed and either kept or sold/donated.  I might even ask you all to weigh in on whether the item is a keeper or not.  

I'm starting with tops and skirts.  I have my Summer Challenge pieces selected.

11 tops: 

9 skirts:  

I'm giving myself until the end of August to wear each of these items at least once and make a final decision about whether they get to stay or get pitched.

I will be sorting the rest of my closet, so I may add some dresses, shoes, and purses to the summer challenge, too.  Then once the weather turns cooler (maybe in October), I will start my winter ultimatum challenge.

Should be a fun way to make myself get rid of things!  I'm just hoping I don't hate every outfit I wear for the next month!