Fall 2020: Rescue and Release (Long)

Fall has arrived on Vancouver Island, right on schedule. As Angie already said, I'm so very grateful for the rain. 

This weekend I did my closet switchover, and not a moment too soon! Now that I live in a more temperate region, I actually keep more of my things in one closet across all seasons, but I do move them around, and wool and cashmere sweaters and coats go away in summer, while lightweight cotton and linen sleeveless items go away for fall/ winter. 

Last fall/ winter I put a number of items into my "to donate" pile -- but I wasn't able to take them until spring -- and then COVID hit and everything closed up, including, in our region, donation boxes/ thrifts. 

It seems I've lost some girth in the last four months, so several of the jeans I bought last autumn in the NAS no longer fit and will go to consignment/ donation now. Thank you and goodbye, Eileen Fisher BFs and Madewell wide legs. (Finds and Pics 1 and 2) You served me well and gave me and Angie some joy! :) 

Typically I'm a person who is glad to edit and quickly say goodbye to items that no longer work, but in view of my sustainability goals, I'm really glad I could dip back into the donate bin -- because despite having to pass a few things on, I've also managed to to rescue several beloved items as well as several still-good "maybes" to try them again. 

My rescues

Denim

  1. 2016 Rag and Bone Dres in burgundy. (Pic 3) Favourite fall jeans ever. Yes, they are a bit low waisted for my current preferences. But oh -- they are so comfortable, the colour makes and outfit, and they flatter me so well (now that they fit again).
  2. 2018 CoH Olivia jeans x 2 — in black (Pic 4) and mid -blue wash. These are now slightly loose (vs. slightly to very snug) and make a comfortable high-waisted slim straight (not calf-hugging skinny) option.

Also KEPT, despite size change: 

2019 BR wide legs, Paige boot cuts (so stretchy it wouldn’t matter). I think the BR jeans still work because they were slightly snug in the rise before — with a bit of girth lost they sit a bit differently and though they are definitely looser they don’t bag in the bum.

Trousers

  1. 2019 BR wide legs — had become snug and felt too short but now that they fit more loosely, they are cropped to a length that works for me — no need to purchase new trousers.
  2. Suit trousers — one pair Elie Tahari straights (2014) in taupe (was snug but now fits and can be called into use as part of my "relaxed suiting" capsule) and one pair Kit and Ace. (2016) This latter pair is still on the “skinny” side for current preferences but the fabric has stretch and they will be comfy WFH pants.

Shirts

  1. J. Crew Collection (2018) — not sure how long this will last — I love the colours but I’m not crazy about silk twill — I perspire in it.
  2. LL Bean Flannel (2013?) — it’s just soooo soft. Have tried to get rid of it multiple times but cant seem to say goodbye. Kind of like PJs for daytime. :) 

In general, I feel my closet is in a good place for fall so I won't need to make many purchases -- and those I do make will primarily be practical footwear and outerwear. Stay tuned for another post on that! Might need your thoughts and advice. 

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23 Comments

  • slim cat replied 4 years ago

    I was doing something similar during coronavirus shutdown - some tops got rescued, some are still sitting in the "not sure" bag. Weight went up and then - down. Pants and jeans went from "too tight" to "just right" and some into "too loose" zone.
    Since my dress code was more relaxed during the summer time ( I went back to work on 6/15/2020 ) I made a point of wearing some of my old things mixed with newer ones. 
    Your wardrobe looks to be in great shape - fav colors, shapes and combinations - all figured out :) . Love pic #3 ( cool shades and jeans ) and #6 ( snake print boots and dark denim ).

  • Jane replied 4 years ago

    How super that you hung on to items and that you can now wear them again.

    You have a super selection of trousers and jeans and lots of possibilities.

  • The Cat replied 4 years ago

    You look gorgeous. My favourites are #2, #4 and #6.

  • lyn67 replied 4 years ago

    Love when this happens-to find old items fit-and are useful- again!  Great trousers and shirts!

  • RobinF replied 4 years ago

    I love it when something I thought was done becomes a favorite again - although it is why I am slow to purge. You have a nice variety of jeans silhouettes.

  • Helena replied 4 years ago

    You look fabulous as always! It always feels so good to rescue something from the donation pile - it somehow feels like a new piece. I love the burgundy jeans and although they are not high-waisted, they don't read as particularly low-waisted either. 

  • Christina F. replied 4 years ago

    You are wise to dip back into this stuff. Sounds like you made some good choices of what to pull back out! I think everyone needs a soft plaid flannel shirt right now (well, maybe not Angie, but the rest of us).

  • catherine replied 4 years ago

    I love them all, as always. But #5 is the casual cool that I find aspirational. You look absolutely lovely.

  • Jenn replied 4 years ago

    What luck that you hadn't dropped these things off yet! This is exactly the reason why I keep a moderate holding zone. I'm usually keen to get rid of pieces I'm done with, but some were beloved for a reason and circumstances change!

    I do love those EF boyfriend jeans, and am sad to see them go. It's good that you got some consultations prizes. :)

    (ETA: so envious of your rain! We were watching a (televised) soccer game in Seattle the other day and its was raining, and I felt such a longing for the Pacific NW. In different circumstances, we'd be planning a trip right now.)

  • Laura replied 4 years ago

    You always looked amazing in those Rag and Bone Dres. They had them at NAS this year, didn't they? I've kept two pairs of lower rise AG Nikkis because they were some of the best jeans I've ever had, and I still feel good wearing them, even with the lower rise.

  • Angie replied 4 years ago

    The joys of the holding zone.....and dare I say lockdown! SO LUCKY! That's shopping your holding zone at its finest, Suz :)

    VERY excited to see the "new" relaxed suit - our Boston adventure!

    Sad to see the NAS jeans go - but they served US well in every way :)

    I think you'll miss your trendy jeans, so keep an eye out for that. We will be wearing them for about 8 months.....!

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 4 years ago

    Shopping your closet at its best! I enjoyed reading this!

  • replied 4 years ago

    It's fun, and encouraging, to pull out things that were once too tight and be able to wear them again :)   I'm with you in footwear and outerwear ......could use both and not sure what I need/want yet.  And regarding jeans - I actually like a lower/mid rise right now . I'm finding a lower/mid rise is refreshing after a few years of looking at everyone's gigantic rises...and the lower waist is more flattering/sexier to my eye. But what I do I know ?  

  • Suz replied 4 years ago

    Thanks, all -- 

    Lisa, I always liked this particular jean for some reason. You know how some just fit really nicely? The comfort factor. But also, the colour is a fun change from blue and works great for me in autumn. 

    Thanks, LBD

    Angie, thanks! I guess I don't have any "trendy" jeans right now, do I? Well, here's my full collection. I do have some more "current" and some more "iconic" (you might say). 

    The CoH slim BF are on the baggy side now but they still work because, well, BF are supposed to be a bit loose. 

    I'm all ears for suggestions of a trend jean I might add! :) 

    Laura, thank you. I didn't notice them at NAS but then I was shopping the Canadian sale which had about 1/8 of what was available in the US. 

    Jenn, that's very true about circumstances. That's partly what is governing my rescues here. The jeans with slim leg openings are useful in rainy weather. I don't want a true calf-hugging skinny any more but a jean with a slimmer bottom simply gets less grubby in the rain. But, um, speaking of rain...I hope you get some soon. Thinking of you there....

    Catherine, thank you! That was a fitting room photo from my fun day of shopping with Angie last year. 

    Christina, right? Cozy flannel FTW. 

    TG, that's what I think, too -- even though the rise is well below my navel they never feel super low. 

    Robyn, it's true -- holding onto stuff for a long time means the wardrobe can't evolve as we might like. But there are some benefits. 

    Lyn, The Cat, Jane, Slim Cat -- thank you! Those shades alas are not mine -- that was a try-on fun pic in Montreal fall of 2017. 

  • Angie replied 4 years ago

    Suz, your wide crops, high rise bootcuts, and relaxed straights are on trend. See how you go with those.

  • kellygirl replied 4 years ago

    You always look so put together, Suz. Inspired by your closet shopping--something I'm playing around with now! You wear denim so well!

  • Inge replied 4 years ago

    How fabulous that you got to "rescue" these, Suz. Every item and outfit are just amazing on you!

  • nemosmom replied 4 years ago

    What luck to be able to pull items from the donation bag!  I am loving your colored denim for fall.  You have inspired me to dust off an old pair from holding and see if I can make them work... ;)

  • Style Fan replied 4 years ago

    Your denim capsule is amazing.  The burgundy Rag and Bone do look great on you.  You are right.  Some jeans just work so well.

  • Jaime replied 4 years ago

    Great saves! I am with Lisa - am a bit over high rises that never fit me well anyway so maybe sour grapes? Anyway, you wear all the rises well. My favorite here is #4 and I love your funky sunglasses in #3.

  • rachylou replied 4 years ago

    Looking good! And talk about SYC :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 4 years ago

    Nice job, Suz! I appreciate seeing some of your process.

  • Cardiff girl replied 4 years ago

    Great that you rethought some of your donations.Wearing what we already have is the most sustainable fashion choice.

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