Since the A.P.C. sale

I have seriously curtailed my clothing acquisitions. I placed a big order during the summer sale (I anticipate this sale for months ahead of time), some of which I plan to decide upon and return once they arrive. So now I think I am mostly finished with summer stuff. It never gets that warm here, anyway.

I also have to reserve my funds for other purchases, like camping gear.

college style

been thinking about how i used to dress in college. i was more in tune with my personal style then, and less in style. didn't follow trends.

instead, my small wardrobe--which fit into a cardboard box whenever it was time to move--consisted of:

tee shirts
one pair of jeans
a few skirts
overalls
flower print dress (which I still have)
one pr of oxford shoes with lug soles
one pr of birkenstock


my look, such as it was, was kinda crunchy granola.

at some point, i decided that i liked the "coltish" look and so acquired a few skirts and some chunky shoes (see above) and wore that much of the time.

overalls

i've found the perfect pair. oshkosh b'gosh, kid size 12. it's sturdier than any pair i've ever had, but not stiff. there is a green taping ribbon reinforcing the bottom. the sides are low, with only two buttons (much cuter than any tapered overalls). and the length is perfect! no overall puddle at my feet.

simple

part of my inspiration to go cheap is from noting the style that i admire in the blogosphere.


just a simple vintage nightie worn with a slip. i think the belt pulls the outfit together beautifully.


another example of her repetition of a theme. in the earlier shot, the caramel color of her accessories. here, the ruffles in the top and bottom.


nothing extraordinary in the pieces. since i've noticed how important belts are to finishing an outfit, especially one based around skirts or dresses, i acquired another one today. a large woven leather belt handmade in turkey.


just the sort of simple vintage silk dress that you always hope to find in your thrift store circuits. it's the will o' the wisp of the thrift world: the piece elusive but much sought after, that keeps you going when all you keep finding are duds.

money

i've come to the decision that money isn't that necessary for a good wardrobe, and in fact can be detrimental to personal style.

a little bit of money is good. it's elevated the quality of my clothes, and i'm less likely to see someone walking by in my outfit. i like being able to afford clothes in anthropologie, my favorite clothing store. i couldn't find a similar style in the gap, for example.

but beyond the occasional $50 item, and the quality leather goods like shoes and handbags, i don't see the need to spend a lot for clothing. i've returned to thrifting, and i'm finding again unique pieces that speak more to my personal style.

so my new spending goal? thrift. spend less on stuff. less impulsive buys. really love what i get. and only splurge on a.p.c. basics and (sometimes) the stuff i couldn't find in f21 or other store.

i regret the wastefulness of the past few years, but i guess i was figuring things out. i have a big pile of things to take to the used clothing shops this week.

Apple pendant watch

I originally wanted the cherry version, but this is pretty cute too. A little pop of red, a little dose of metaphor (the teacher's apple), a little bit of time.

Practical gaps in my wardrobe

hoodie
hanes white tees for jogging
fleece zip up
wool underlayer
another pair of hiking socks