The Closet Dregs

I am a pack rat and compulsive shopper who made a new year's resolution to: 1) reincorporate my old clothing into my wardrobe if it's wearable, and 2) not enter any retail or online store with my credit or debit card or cash nearby (most of the time). So far, I have remained committed to #2, I haven't bought a thing from online or a retail store...but #1 still gives me trouble. The thing is, I can still fit all of my clothes from 9th-12th grade. In fact, some are a little big (size 7 or 8) but can be taken in. I know many people who say they wish they had my problem, but because I am a pack rat, it makes it extremely difficult to justify getting rid of these clothes. Well, I abandoned those pieces with "Baby Phat", "Ecko Red", "Rocawear", etc. emblazoned in jewels and such because, well, in Tamia's words, I am just too grown for that. Other than being a mid-priced label ho, I was a nondescript dresser in high school, so it is not as if my jeans, skirts, dresses, and t-shirts are totally out of style. In fact, nothing really has to be out of style, the way I see it; it just needs a little revamping. You know: "We can rebuild it, we have the technology..."

So, in honor of my pack-rat-y-ness, I have decided to pull from the closet dregs and see what I can do with some of the stuff I never wear, including old, old clothes and what-the-hell-was-I-thinking impulse buys. Let's begin with this skirt.

It's from my Tommy Hilfiger phase of 8th grade (yes, my black people, I know, sorry). I would call it A-line to the extreme, the way it flares and folds. AAA-line. It is extremely difficult to pair with anything in my closet but a fitted tee, but I wanted to reach just a little further. Here's what I came up with.

Jacket: 80's leather, thrifted. Shirt: Express, clearance bin. Skirt: Uh, the TH store? I dunno. Tights: Forever 21. Boots: Casadei, bluefly.com clearance.

Whoo, buddy...my legs look minute on camera. I must apologize for poor lighting...and aim...and whatever else sucks about the picture itself. I am no photographer. Nor am I the most photogenic. There is that 80's leather jacket. I tried to subdue the giant arm effect by tucking it back some. I can't say I am crazy about this one, but I will tell you that I was going for that whole biker effect with a touch of femininity. I am wearing silver feather earrings, but they aren't very visible here, although cute in person. Ahhh, it's okay. Whatevs, I am relatively new to the whole self-fashion thing so I am not too upset about it. In retrospect, I would change the shirt, but to what? Dunno. I really just wanted to wear the boots, which I am obsessed with and would wear everyday if my distressed and eventually mangled feet wouldn't bleed all over the Italian leather.

Undershirt: Old Navy? Tunic: Wet Seal, ages ago. Bracelets: Forever 21. Plaid Flats: thrifted


Ok, I must say I like this one better. I didn't go overboard with any colors, which seems to be the bravest way to be fashionable. But, the skirt was so pale, most of my tights and bright shirts made it look incredibly out of place. Those plaid flats are my faves (of the few flats I have), and so I just stuck em on. The cream shirt is so old, the printing on the shirt (with the store purchased, etc) is totally gone. I think it was Old Navy, but who the hell knows? I wear it under stuff only, because for some reason the fabric loosens over the course of the day. The navy tunic is actually old too, but I wear it from time to time, so it doesn't count for the dregs. I think this pairing actually makes it look like it's supposed to be a dress, which is nice. It'd be ok to wear in that transitional time when March is not sure whether to be warm or chilly. Plus the tunic subdues the circular flare of the skirt, which would come in handy for that crazy DC wind so I am not flashing my goods to the general public.