Report On Repeats

As you know, around the end of last year i decided to let go of my decades-long remixing compulsion and repeat some of my fave outfits, for heaven's sake!  One quarter of the year later, i have yet to repeat a look verbatim. However, i have reaped many benefits from my 'resolution'.

i was tickled at the way the bottom of the tunic peeked out below the jacket - like a peplum

To help in my repeating efforts i started a 'GRAND SLAM' folder. This includes all outfits i loved unconditionally. I loved the way they looked, i was physically and emotionally comfortable wearing them, they are right in line with my style sense and goals, they're appropriate for the occasion and activity. Surprisingly and very happily i'm at around 30 outfits now, and i need to add a handful (i haven't updated this folder since January).

I heartily recommend starting this kind of folder or list yourself. It's handy for repeating looks of course, but also for getting a visual 'style statement', identifying wardrobe holes and wardrobe workhorses for shopping lists, identifying color and texture holes and workhorses, and getting a feel for how potential wardrobe additions will fit into your existing closet. This type of document is also plain fabulous for cheering yourself up when you're feeling down or like you're in a style rut. How fun to inspire yourself for a change, instead of looking exclusively to others!

the first inspiration look

These two looks were spawned by the GRAND SLAM folder without being strict repeats. I came up with the first look the afternoon before a busy day. I like to lay out my entire look (down to jewelry and undies) the night before to make the morning less hectic. I checked the weather, and since i was feeling kind of scatter-brained i took at look at my GRAND SLAM folder for ideas. As it happened, the first look in the folder was it! Cute, not too dressy, shoes very easy to walk and drive in, and i was really feeling the column of dark color with a light colored contrasting jacket and hat on top.

I pulled the black embroidered tunic out (the only piece which occurs in both inspiration and final looks). I'd worn my black cargo capris recently and was still in the mood for them, and as they also create a dark column with the top they were in. The original look features (!) my Bass oxfords. My Bass Lamont boots are the same leather, last, and heel, plus they look great with the cargo capris. Perfect substitute. My Anne Klein for Vogue Patterns jacket would have worked well, but the jean jacket is just a touch warmer and stretchier. The day was predicted to be a kind of cool, so i chose the denim. I wore i tank under the tunic and wool socks for warmth as well.

re: accessories. Same earrings, same watch, but i'd restrung my pearl necklace and mixed it up so that it's a shorter length but with bigger pearls (i also used bright orange embroidery thread and added a big grey pearl as an accent). In a closet cleanup the beautiful 'snow lion' scarf resurfaced, adding a nice lighter accent to replace the hat (which is a little fussy for driving and wrassling a pooch).

I did not wear this particular iteration out on the public thoroughfares

Really, the importance of color-coordinated layering in our Bay Area climate cannot be overemphasized! The day turned out to be gorgeous and much warmer than predicted. As the day wore on, off came the scarf, the jacket, and finally the tunic. Visitors from out of the area, take my example to heart when packing and dressing for the golden state! I was relieved i wore a modest and snazzy tank under the tunic instead of a ratty old cami. Not that i have any of those.

inspiration look numero two

My second almost-repeat is much closer to it's inspiration, and i wore it 'as is' all day. I was having family and friends over for food, baking, haircuts, gabbing through the afternoon and evening. I wanted something easy to move in, a bit festive, and shoes that i could stand in for a long time. Honestly, the last criteria wasn't a deal-breaker as in my own house i could easily take my shoes off and go barefoot or even change my shoes every hour if i felt like it! But, that was my mood that day and i figured why not indulge your mood in your dress, given all the areas where you cannot indulge.

However. I'd come up with the inspiration look during my  "walking look" project and my favorite part was the way the patterns on the belt and the top worked together. The jeggings just set off the top and belt perfectly, and they are excruciatingly comfortable! I didn't need a jacket indoors (plus you can see the top better without it). So the main thing was what shoes? I'd been thinking about my black lace socks since i'm considering getting a similar pair in navy (the better to highlight the russet tones of my Fossil Savanas), and you know how much i love my rugged contrasted with lace. Done deal!

I really enjoyed this outfit - it was pretty and had just enough detail to feel festive for guests, with all that stretch i was completely physically at ease, little boots were perfect for a "sit up stand down go go go" day. It seems whenever i start some challenge or resolution it turns out differently than i thought, but i can't recommend starting your own "GRAND SLAM" file enough!

Raise your hand if you keep a record of your best looks. If you don't, tell us why not and we'll peer-pressure you into starting!