Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A small closet = BIG opportunity!

A recent move and closet down sizing has prompted Patti to reexamine her wardrobe and making the most of what she has.  
Believe it or don't, I have less closet space in our modern condo than in our historical cottage! Ohs noes, I shall have to edit the wardrobe yet some more. And the old one-in, one-out rule will still apply unless I can find a way to freeze-dry my clothing and then just add hot water to revive it! (Remember freeze-dried coffee? So cool at the time).  (source)
While initially, a smaller closet may seem cause for some serious concern; there is a pretty bright silver lining! How much of what we have in our closets are we really over the moon about?  Can we open the door to our wardrobes and smile at what we see there?  And the biggest question:  How much of what's in there do we actually wear?

The reality is that it's better to have 10 things that you LOVE to wear and feel fabulous in than 50 items that are uninspiring.  

So, on that note, when I came across this dress at a recent yard sale, I was all set to list it in my store.  Not believing it would fit, but curious, I tried it on and WOW!  I just love it....the shape, the black & white scheme, the pattern....all of it makes for a piece that makes me smile grin!


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I initially tried it on as a dress and MAN!  was that thing short!  At least for me!  And while my husband does love my legs and loves for me to show them, I just don't think I'd be comfortable risking showing sooooo much more!

Paired here with J Crew leggings and flats, it feels very gamine (something I'm really not!).  

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And shown here with my favorite black leather skirt (thrifted) and suede boots that I got in a recent swap with my daughter, I changed it up a bit by pairing it with a thin leather belt (thrifted).

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For years now, I've been saying that I could make an entire wardrobe out of black and white and still keep it interesting.  Pieces like this make it easy!

And I just can't help but mention that I don't have $5 in this whole outfit! 

 The skirt was thrifted at a church clothing drive that I helped with and I paid $1 for the dress at a yard sale about a month ago.  The details on it are amazing....truly a boutique piece!



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16 comments:

  1. I am so glad you kept this dress, Serene! It is such a great piece to have in your wardrobe...I love it with leggings!! This is a great testimony about trying things on before your toss or sell!

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  2. Super cute dress Sewrene--I love the way your styled it!! It can casual or dressy and for $1--WOW

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  3. Lady you look a million bucks! I love how it suits you with a twist- yet it wasn't bought with your own wardrobe in mind. That's happened to me- happy fashion accidents. The top with the leather skirt is STUNNING AND oh so Elegant Bohmeme! I LOVE the look and how you can rock it gamine and gangyum style. Love you, amiga!

    PS: Georgia O'Keefe wore black and white her whole life. I figure if she can, we can.

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  4. It's an amazing look! And the price is right.

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  5. Love this! found you via that awesome chick Citizen Rosebud!

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  6. Amazing Serene! Gorgeous outfit. I'm downsizing too, and finding gifts from my closet that I didn't know I had.

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  7. Thanks for the mention, dear Serene! I am glad you kept that blouse/tunic - you look lovely in it! xoxox

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  8. Oooh, like it on you soooo much!
    Really cute with leggings and so chic with the skirt & boots! It's a keeper!

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  9. I like it with the leggings, but it is smashing with the leather skirt. The addition of the belt makes it perfection. Love it, Serene.

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  10. I absolutely love it with the skirt and boots.

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  11. Hi Serene! Miss you GF! Love this sequence--and altho b&w wouldnt work for me, One can abreviate the closet thing-and with the color/pattern mixing of recent, it makes us color people able to extend our wardrobe!
    I wont be going south this year--going west instead so will be in touch!

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  12. I was so surprised to see you without a belt in that first picture. That's the gamin look. Liked the top with the skirt and boots too.

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  13. I really love the dress paired with the skirt - it looks really pretty and great fpr many occasoins) Love it!

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  14. YES!!! Show 'em how it's done, my dear!!! You look beautiful AND it's thrifted. Doesn't get better than that.

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  15. Great post! I already know I have an unhealthy attachment to darn near everything in my monstrosity of a closet...you're right that dress should've made ya grin love the black and white pattern of course and the sheer detail just seals the deal;) I'm diggin' both looks!
    www.swoonblog.com

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  16. I love this dress-as-top so much! You're really rocking it!

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! ~Serene