After what feels like jammy dress after jammy dress for my workwear, I decided to look at my backward hangers and see what else I have that's still unworn this season.
I have been feeling restless with my wardrobe lately. I know it's time to cull some of my things that have been lingering in my closet, that are infrequently worn and not inspiring me. This cape top is one of those - and we shall end its time with me with a wee Flashback at the end of this post.
Back to the outfit. I am feeling the long, loose, flowy siren call lately. This velvet maxi skirt is cut on the bias and has a wonderful liquid-y swoosh to it. It's silk velvet and is soft as kittens; I petted it all day.
We have long-over-long proportions again here - I would have belted the blouse, but I didn't have a belt that looked right with it.
The two blues together ended up feeling rather "blerg" over the course of the day. This isn't Colour Therapy, and it's not Clothing As Amour.
It's Hiding in My Clothes.
The desire to be covered up and not be seen is a very real one for introverts like me. I know I need to resist this temptation, as it doesn't make me happy or fill my heart with glee when I wear "covered up" clothes.
Vizzini, what do you think?
"I like to lick the skirt."
He does. What a weird cat.
Masked up - even my mask is uninspiring.
"She doesn't even know I'm here."
I only spotted Vizzini in the background after I'd uploaded my pics. He's been hankering for the hallway lately, always trying to get out there.
- Mask - by Mom
The stuff:
I love these shoes - they matched the soft blue of the skirt perfectly.
Blue bling:
Sparkles help. I wish I'd worn bracelets to ward off negative mental vibes.
- Necklace/earrings - Sherman, vintage 60s, thrifted
- Lapis lazuli ring/Fulvia Ring - Wendy Brandes
Someone is not happy about both L and I leaving!
"I demand that you stay home, Woman!"
I was tempted - he looks so cute! Aw, his little white toes...
Farewell Flashback: Navy Blue Lord & Taylor Cape Top
I found this polyester crepe blouse at the Women In Need (WIN) warehouse store on one of my formerly frequent weekend shopping trips here back in March 2018.
It was tagged at $19.95, but that flower punch meant it was half off, so it was only $10.00.
Just seeing that makes me feel relieved. I have a tendency to hang onto things because they're "good", and forget that I paid less than a weekend brunch for it. I liked the intriguing cape styling, and thought it was worth a try.
I wore it right away with my gold leather trousers, aka Space Pants, in March 2018.
While I like this outfit, it's a little plain (I know, gold leather pants - plain!). I let go of those suede pumps soon after this and replaced them with blue Fluevogs.
I wore the top again in October 2018, with one of my many winter miniskirts.
I adore this outfit overall, but you have to admit, the top is just a place-holder. It could be any plain top or sweater.
And you know me, once I find a formula, I repeat it. Do the legs look familiar? This was in November 2019.
The cape-top again just feels a little blah here. I also realized around this time that it's too cold to wear in the winter (it's difficult to wear a coat with it), and it's too visually heavy for spring/summer.
And that brings us to the black hole that was 2020. This is the first time I tucked the shirt in, and there are today's shoes again.
I put these putty-coloured trousers into the giveaway pile a few months ago - they do not give me joy. What possessed me?
And here's the last time I wore this top, this past February 2021.
While I like this outfit overall, it does feel like I'm really trying so very hard to make the top work.
Mathy stuff: Today's outfit marks the 6th wearing of this top, and you know what? For $1.67 per wear, I think I did really well with something that was only going to be an experiment.
Seeing these outfits (and the low, low price I paid) makes it easier to let this top go. I have better tops, both in my closet and in my shopping future. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a good blue or navy top/sweater (gee, do you think I'll find one?).
Onward - tomorrow is another day! I promise to myself to wear something that makes me feel happy and bright.
Morning there Sheila, isn't it funny how sometimes we just have enough of an item of clothing. I love blue and love comfort and your outfit looks lovely but also I see it may-be swamps that bright personality of yours so I can see why you are letting the top go. I do love the last outfit in the flashback though. You will find a better top for you I am sure! I am now imposing a no buy on ebay for a while because I want to really see what I wear. hugs and have a good day Shazxx
ReplyDeleteHi, Shaz! Yeah, I just hit my limit on this top, but you're right, it swamps me both literally and metaphorically. That last outfit is great because of everything except the cape! I know I'll find a better top. Good for you - online is just too easy to accidentally buy something that's not good quality. Take care, my dear!
DeleteTotally agree that the 'Hiding In My Clothes' attitude doesn't bring any joy even if I'm also tempted by it many times (as an introverted!).
ReplyDeleteSorry that you haven't feel like keeping the top, it's a quality piece and I loved it with your Winter miniskirts and cool purple shoes. Probably it's not the most practical top, anyway, and hope you'll find a more fabulous top soon!
Love to know about Vizzini's exotic tastes concerning clothes! ;DD
besos
I didn't feel joyful, I felt sad and mopey, Monica. It's a slippery slope, isn't it?
DeleteIt is a quality piece, and I'll be happy to pass it along to someone else. I like those outfits too, but the best parts are the ones I'm keeping (the minis and the shoes!). It's not practical and I'm done with it.
He's so strange.
I think it's good you experimented even if you didn't end up loving every outfit - and I do like the blues together, and that pretty skirt! :) Definitely better to let it go if you aren't a fan of it on you.
ReplyDeleteExperimentation is the key, Mica! I liked this top for a while, but now I can let it go. I still love the skirt.
DeleteTell me about it, I've been working 3 days in a row now, and another one tomorrow, and it sure does take getting used to!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about feeling restless with your wardrobe too, but even if I know I need to cull some things - which I regularly do - I'm currently blaming it on the neither here not there Summer we've been having so far, which rules out some of my wardrobe at the moment.
Colour therapy and Clothing as Armour have both been my saviours, and I'm not just talking about the last 15 months or so. I'm quite the introvert too, but wearing colour and pattern always makes me feel better, as they are boosting my confidence.
I understand why you aren't keeping the top, although it's kind of quirky. Perhaps if it had been a different colour? xxx
Oh, that sounds like a lot, Ann! I'm dreading my hours getting increased again, but it will happen! I think it's partly age, and just the fact that our tastes change over time. I think my fall swap-over will result in a lot of things leaving.
DeleteThey really have for me as well - they've been a trick I've been deploying for decades to help me deal with the world. I just didn't have names for them then!
No, I don't think so - it's just not feeling right to me. Time for it to go to a new home!
I think the top is not you at all. It doesn't,, say,, anything. Those shoes however are fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy! I agree. It's a useful colour and an interesting style, but it's not me. Time to say goodbye!
DeleteI am in complete agreement with Polyester Princess regarding the summer weather and wardrobe options. My clothing choices have ranged from sleeveless tops and skirts to pants and four layers of tops!
ReplyDeleteWith the exception of one or two cape outfits, I concur 100% with your decision to let go of the cape…it was interesting, it had its run, and I am positive other interesting tops will fill the void.
Mmm, nodding in agreement and experience around disappearing into clothing as a place to hide. Much prefer color therapy and clothing as armor rather than as cocoon. It is akin to reverse psychology…feel blah, dress like a million bucks and feel better! Feel blah and dress blah, feel even more blah!
Here’s to balanced summer temps, clothing for the sheer joy of it, cats with personality, partners, friends, and whatever else brings on the smiles. :)
Such crazy weather this year, eh, Laurie? We really do have to be prepared for everything!
DeleteYup, it was a worthwhile experiment, but it's time for it to go to a new home. I know one of my friends will love wearing it.
That's an easy trap to fall into, and many people do. You're so right! We are what we wear!
Hear, hear, I'll toast to that!
It might not have been your most inspired outfit, but you certainly look comfy.
ReplyDeletePoor Vizzini. He's not going to know what to do with himself when you go back full time.
It's very jammy-ish, isn't it, Nana? I'm so covered up and swathed in fabric!
DeleteI know, he's going to take revenge on us, I'm sure!
I think you realize this but let me say it anyway. You're a role-model for me. In many ways. One is your exceptional diligence in creating nice outfits and posting them regularly. The clockwork nature of posts like this impresses me -- and inspires me. When I finally get a new playhouse, I plan to build a huge closet, wear nice ensembles often and hyper-charge my blog with them. And, when that happens, I'm going to thank you for showing me how it's possible and fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ally! It's a habit for me now, posting, and I do it for me and for my audience, but mostly me. It helps me sort out my brain, and lets me have a record of my creativity. I love that you're going to treat yourself to a big closet! You can do it, I know it!
DeleteNobody needs to be hiding in their clothes. That top was fun while it lasted and will bring joy to someone else, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteGah! Working two days in a row. Jon and I were talking about the old days when we used to work vinatge fairs every weekend, I don't think either of us can go back to 4am starts any more! xxx
Agreed, Vix. When I figured out that's what I was doing, I wanted to get this top off. I'm glad I gave it a shot, and will happily let it go.
DeleteOh my gosh, that sounds like such a busy schedule now, doesn't it? I don't know how I'm going to adapt to full-time.
Hi, Sheila - I am in love with that top! Thanks for showing your wonderfully creative ways of wearing it. - Angie, www.yourtrueselfblog.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Angie.
DeleteI appreciate your honesty in this post. I like the look as well as the flashbacks, although I full understand your perspective of feeling that it's time to donate when an item is "infrequently worn and not inspiring me". It's got me thinking that I need to make another go at culling my closet.
ReplyDeleteRena
www.finewhateverblog.com
Aw, thanks, Rena. I tend to just ignore my need to clear things out, until I have an outfit that makes me feel less than 100%, so it's a good reminder for me to pay attention to how I feel in my clothes. Just because they worked for one year or a couple of outfits, doesn't mean they are "forever" keepers.
DeleteIt is a really cool top. I like the drama of the cape style. But it also looks rather tedious to style. You definitely made it work in the most fabulous of ways and got your money's worth! I love your velvet maxi skirt and your Star Wars shoes and your gold pants!
ReplyDeleteShelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Yes, tedious is a good word. It's so much navy blue and so tricky to get the rest of the outfit right to go with it. Thank you!
DeleteSwoon!!! I want to clone your first outfit here sooo bad! Bring a cape into just about any ensemble equation and I'm sold in a heartbeat (honestly, I secretly long to don full length 18th and 19th century capes and cloaks as part of my daily attire).
ReplyDeleteAutumn Zenith š§” Witchcrafted Life
I love capes, but this cape-blouse is one I'm done with. I have a couple of big vintage capes I always forget about - I should wear them more!
DeleteSo chic
ReplyDeleteGreetje
Thanks, Greetje!
DeleteI LOVE the cape Sheila...!! <3
ReplyDeleteVero
Thanks, honey! It'll probably look great on you - it's in the giveaway pile.
Delete