12.05.2011

Just add cat.

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Sometimes I get asked this question: "How do you manage to wear beautiful clothes everyday?" 

 Short answer: I only have beautiful clothes. 

 Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I love every piece of clothing I own, and that makes all the difference in the world. I no longer own anything that doesn't make me feel good.

 I gave away my skinny jeans over a year ago, because as much as I wanted to pull of the look, I never felt good in them as an adult (though lived in them as a teen). Days seemed more mundane, and if I were feeling down, they certainly never lifted my spirits the way other items in my wardrobe do. 

 I'm not trying to put anyone down who wears sweatpants on casual days, if that's what you feel good and comfortable in, by all means, do it! But I just don't feel good unless I really love my clothing aesthetically. My point is that if you have clothing you don't like, getting rid of it will negate any temptation to wear it on those days when it seems like there's no other option. 

 There are lots of casual yet put together looks that cost very little, and in the future I'd like to do posts on outfits that cost under $20, $10, and $5. You don't have to spend an entire paycheck for an outfit! 

 So now I have clothes I love to wear, and it makes me feel good. This outfit is what I wear when it's freezing cold, my hair is greasy, and my legs are less than smooth. And I feel fabulous.
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Reversible 1950's leopard coat-Gift from aunt

1960s sweater-Hand me down from mother

1960s pants-Fab Gabs

1960s knit angora turban-Thrifted

Rachel Antonoff for Bass Kissing Hearts Flats in Plaid-Courtesy of ModCloth 

 Cat-Raffles, borrowed from my brother

28 comments:

Lavender and Twill said...

~ * ♥ * ~

You're so inspirational Solanah! You've done what I'm trying to do ~ only have vintage/vintage styled clothing in my wardrobe so that even when I want to be comfy and slack I can still look fab!

Mind you, I have found that it is taking me a fair while to get to that point. It must have taken ages to gather together your fabulous wardrobe!

xox,
bonita of Depict This!
~ * ♥ * ~

Anabella said...

I'll take your advice. I hate winter because I can't wear dresses and skirts, but now I realize that it's because I don't have nice winter clothes. I always dress in gray, or I wear turtleneck shirts and I don't know why: I HATE turtlenecks!
You're absolutely right. I'll get rid of those clothes that make me look like a modern Jane Eyre.

Emma Litton said...

I love this. I feel the same way. If you only have clothing you love you can always feel amazing even on those days your hair might be less than presentable etc. (which happens quite often to me haha)

xo,
Em

Lucy said...

This outfit is perfection!

Miss Tallulah Porkchop said...

Everything is better when you add a cat!

Dakota said...

You look lovely!! And Raffles does too!

Over the last few years, I have winnowed my wardrobe down so I only own vintage, along with a smattering of thrifted/reproduction garb, right down to my nighties. It's daunting at first, but definitely worth it! Now on my lazy days I'm forced to put some effort into what I wear, which often times picks my mood right up :)

Anonymous said...

I love that this is your "comfy" outfit, and you still manage to look gorgeous in it!

Dus of Cuddly Cacti said...

I just loved your tweet that went with this as well! Def so important to wear what you love, especially when you are feeling down. I keep thinking I need to go through my closet and get rid of the stuff I don't really love so thanks for the reminder! You look amazing in that coat & turban too : )

http://dusanabotswana.com/

Maja said...

you are so right! There is nothing like pulling on the stockings, drawing up the the black cat eye, making the pout red and open the pincurls to make a wet, cold and oh so dark day seem easier to manage!

alittlevintagestory said...

A perfect sentiment. I always feel that little bit better when I glam it up, even a touch of lippy with my favrouite knock-about dress makes me feel much chirper.

Kerry said...

I completely agree Solanah, and am working hard to get my wardrobe to the same point. Regular clean outs and making sure to buy lovely things that aren't just vintage dresses are a big help!

Cigarette pants look fantastic on you, I need to get myself some proper, well-fitted ones so I can finally abandon my cheap high street versions!

Jul said...

You ARE fabulous! I love your fashion philosophy. It's what every woman should do!
I think I'm in love with your loafers and your cat ;)
Life is a romantic poem

Stephanie Lynn said...

I broke the t-shirt habit by getting rid of all but a couple for the gym. Still working on the hoodie thing though....

Isis said...

Hear, hear! I feel better when I feel well-dressed- so why should I dress any other way? It's not hard to pull a dress over your head, well just about as hard as put on any other item of clothes.

art deco dame said...

Love this attire and its so true,life is too short for bad clothes!Even dressed down can still be dressed up.

Leslie Kimel said...

I love this outfit, Solanah. It's so pretty and elegant, but it really does look comfortable. Is that your brother's house in the background? It's beautiful.

Unknown said...

You look adorable :) And I agree 100%, I never wear anything that makes me feel grumpy or blah. I think it's funny when people ask where I'm going "all dressed up" and I get to explain that I'm just headed to the grocery store ;)

Casey Maura said...

Fantastic outfit!!! :D I've found myself wearing my jeans (modern ones) an awful lot lately--it's been easy with all the moving craziness and unpacking. But I'm missing my "pretty" pieces that populate the majority of my wardrobe. It's taken me years, but I feel like 90% of what I own I really, really like. (The remaining 10% is stuff like workout clothes... Boring!) Yes, they're "fancy" by most standards, but it certainly makes me feel loads better on days when I am a bit down. Today I'm wearing a wrap dress I made and it's the first time I've really had a chance to dress up since the move. Do I have anywhere special to go? Nope. But it makes me feel wonderful (and it's comfy to boot)!

Love those pants you're wearing!!! I have been on the hunt for some flattering cigarette pants, but have yet to find the perfect pair... ;)

Nan said...

I totally agree with you and have been doing this very thing myself now that I'm back into sewing for myself. I do not own a single 'sweat pant or top' I just personally can't stand them, as you say I do not feel good in them so why wear them? The more beautiful clothes I make the more I get rid of that I no longer wear. I love your look especially with that beautiful coat!

Kestrel said...

Very cute outfit - casual but glamorous.

Anonymous said...

nicely put! and I completely agree about skinny jeans - I actually gave up jeans almost entirely and people often ask me if I even own any. I do, but I'd much rather wear a dress!

Caitlin Shearer said...

That coat! How scrumptious it is. Your aunt has good taste - what a wonderful gift to receive.

Kailey said...

Yes please to posts about outfits under $20!!

Anonymous said...

I just bought a pair of pajama jeans. Lol!

Mabel
Mabel Time

cara said...

so true! you look lovely!

The Freelancer's FashionBlog said...

Nice! I myself have during the past year more and more fancied a laidback more casual fifties look. I've just had trouble finding nice pants so I've altered modern ones.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

I definitely agree in general, although even when I wear something I love I can still feel less than stellar in it, depending on the day. And while I love cheap outfits... I've really been considering spending a good part of a paycheck on those shoes myself! LOVE!

sparklegem said...

I love the outfit and I really love that brooch on your jacket!