Closet Reality-I'm Too Short For This Dress

So, it's interesting what a photograph actually shows you. (Mirrors lie.)   Like the fact that this dress isn't really doing me any favors...


  At least not at this length.You can't tell, (or maybe you can,) but the dress is pleated, which always adds a little extra at the waist and hips.  And combined with the length it makes me look a little dumpy frumpy...
So the question now is, do I shorten it?  I really do think that losing 3-4 inches might make all the difference but I really don't have the patience to alter pleats right now...Is it even worth the real estate in my closet?

So tell me, alter the dress and keep it or set it free to someone taller than me?

Anyway, I really like the old school Christian Lacroix broach that I'm wearing at my neck.  (Sorry about the poor photo quality!)  I received it a few years ago as a Christmas gift, and I don't wear it often enough!

J.

My Closet Smells Good

Have I ever mentioned my small obsession with perfume?  As a kid, I loved the big fat magazines with all the different scents folded inside, I couldn't wait to try all of them.  I would scour garage sales for the itty bitty little samples that the ladies would sell to you for a dime.   I dreamed of owning a collection of crazy perfume bottles from Avon...


(Photo via )
and I can smell Chanel #5 and Secret deodorant block away (Mom!)  Yeah, I've always been a bit of a junkie.  I don't really have a specific favorite, no "signature scent."  I love them all!  I currently have 6 on rotation, something for my every mood, although I do tend to find and wear an "everyday" scent, which currently happens to be Philosophy Amazing Grace...


 (Photo via)
 It's light and clean and hasn't offended anyone's nose that I know of.
 But I'm getting ready to switch to Florabotanica from Balenciaga,

 

a beautiful, yet somehow edgy floral, the top note being rose, perfect for spring.  It wasn't what I expected and I definitely had to wear it a few times before deciding it was for me. 
A spritz of perfume is my final step to getting dressed every day, (though not the only time I'll use it.)  I spray a small mist into the air and walk through it, so not to be overwhelming and allow all the different notes in the bouquet to open up...A lovely way to head out the door.

What scent will you be wearing this spring?

J.

This Dress Will Never Leave My Closet

There are very few items that I stalk.  This was one of them...


I've had this Zoologist by Charlotte Linton shift for a year or two now, not sure how or why it hasn't made it to the blog until today.
And, I will own it forever. 
J.

Fresh Out Of The Closet - 2b. Rych Dress

I received this 2b. Rych dress for Xmas and yesterday was the first time I wore it...

The pattern is a great addition to my closet but I had a little bit of a struggle styling it.  I must have tried on about 4 belts and who knows how many shoes and necklaces before I settled on this look.


  It's hard to see it from the pictures but the the fabric folds over itself, sort of like a robe.  This almost caused a free show for some diners enjoying their lunch outside yesterday...thinking I might tack that down a little bit...

J.

Making Shapes In My Closet

I've just spent my morning obsessing over the silhouettes of Rick Owens'

 

(photo via)
All of them, not just current seasons.  It made me realize how much I love shapes...sounds elementary, I know, but it co-relates it my background in dance.


(Photo via)
Weirdly enough, I could spend hours contorting my body in the mirror, and studying the movements between each pose...anyway, inspired by Mr. Owens, I pulled out this sweater that I don't think I've worn for at least 2 years...

 
This Twinkle by Wenlan sweater reminds me of a spiderweb with it's loose knit but I also love the shape, with it's big cowl neck and dolman sleeves (although I realize that sometimes the details get lost in the black.  I'm ok with that.)


Worn with JBrand high waisted jeans and Wild Diva boots.

How does fashion influence other areas of your life?
J.

It's Worth The Closet Space - Fei Skirt

Not shopping has forced me to become more creative than ever in my closet.  Like pattern mixing.  For example, take this Fei skirt that I have loved forever...


I first spied it at one of my favorite stores and ended up getting it at a clothing swap.  It's graphic pattern and modern, almost origami like folds give a basic pencil skirt an uplift.  Yet it hangs, hardly worn.  I have had a hard time figuring out what to wear with it besides a black turtle neck, (or tee or tank.)  Maybe it's too unique.  I've tried a variety of colors and shapes in tops but it's been difficult to find something that really suits the feel of the skirt.  Until yesterday...

This silk Lil blouse happens to be a closet fave!  (I have a "thing" for oversized or voluminous tops...I might just be compensating for my own personal lack of volume on top.)  Anyway, this top once again proved to be the magic that this skirt needed.  Which also makes me feel better about keeping the skirt...it was on the possible Goodwill list.

What item in your closet works with everything?
J.

Closet Repurpose

In what I admit was only a half -hearted attempt to organize and clear out some of my jewlery, I came across these elastic band bracelets from who knows when...



and they were immediately pitched into the Goodwill pile.
Few days later I used them as hair "bling"...  


Done.  Easy.  Repurposed.  (And I'll do it again.)

J.