BOXES of new arrivals for slowre 🙂
Doing
Spring cleaning is REAL ya’ll. Â I’ve received so many things on consignment for slowre lately. Â Actually, since I started it about a year ago (March 18 was my first order!), I’ve taken in more than 300 items on consignment! WHOA. Â I’m so grateful for that, and always so excited I get to do what I love every day. Â Thank you to those of you who’ve bought and sold with slowre this past year!
I’ve been adding new arrivals only on Wednesdays, but I’m going to switch it up to twice a week: Tuesday and Friday.  I would seriously urge you to sign up for the newsletter to get a notification when new items are added so you don’t miss out on anything.  I have some great Black Crane, Me & Arrow, and Elizabeth Suzann pieces going up in the next week…
And on March 25-26 I’m popping up at the Boho Market at the Dallas Farmer’s market again (I did it last October as well), so if you’re local, please come and see me!! It was so much fun last time; I get sort of giddy talking to people in person about slowre, and the independent designers I love with people who are interested. Â Is that creepy?
Reading/Watching
Ah, Anthropologie. Â I really don’t shop there anymore, but I do breeze through the store every once in awhile, just to see what there is, but I’m never really tempted to buy anything. Â Many years ago, you may remember, I asked what ONE store you would shop in if you had to choose, and guess what mine was? Yep, Anthropologie. Â So funny how things change! Now, I walk in and might find something interesting, turn it around to look at the other side, and immediately put it back; too much lace or embellishment or just weird (not in a good way) looks going on in there. Â Anyway, it appears I’m not the only one who doesn’t shop at Anthropologie anymore…
I’m slowly watching season 3 of Schitt’s Creek and started on Patriot also, which is SO GOOD; dark and subtly funny.
Shopping
I went back to Eileen Fisher to try on the silk system pants in petite large and ended up leaving with the size medium pants AND the duster/jacket in small (featured both in last Friday’s post).  But I think I’m taking both back…The pants fit really well in the medium, but I like the length better when I roll the waistband one time, but that’s just a temporary fix.  I could get them hemmed, but I’m not sure I love them THAT much.
And the jacket.  I love the jacket, it’s so interesting, and dramatic, and looks great with the silk pants, my Nili Lotan pants, black jeans, my Elizabeth Suzann Cecilia pants, all pants, but I don’t love it with my James Perse dresses or midi skirt; I think the length of the jacket is more appealing with ankle length pants than with midi length skirts/dresses.  Which makes it less versatile than I’d like.  But man, I love it.
I wonder though, if I’d love the Emma kimono by Elizabeth Suzann more? It would be shorter on me, lighter weight, and would work with skirts and dresses better than the longer jacket. Â Who has the emma kimono, and what do you think of it? I’d get it in linen.
I try so hard to only add things that I can wear with pretty much EVERYTHING in my wardrobe, but perhaps that’s too much to ask? And do I really need EVERYTHING to work so hard??
Have a great weekend!!!
I understand what you mean – I have a duster sweater (old, b&w striped from Chicos) and I adore it with skinny pants, esp ankle length (it’s a summer sweater) and I want it to work with skinny skirts/dresses too, but I just don’t like that look on me. For me, I also feel the b&w stripes are too memorable to be worn often, so….I don’t wear it as often as I might want to. On the other hand, I’ve had it 4-5 years with no plans to get rid of it, so I think I’m still doing ok on ROI/CPW 🙂
I always try to incorporate a new item that goes with most of my wardrobe but in reality, only few items do that. It’s more important that whatever I buy I will wear it often rather than the item having to go with everything. I have designated outfits that I wear all the time and I usually don’t mix and match said items with other items. It’s not a rule, it’s just my personal preference. Some items I can tell right away if I will wear it often, others need time and experimentation and some I know I won’t wear it very often but like to have a few around when I’m in the mood. Just yesterday I bought 2 pairs of inexpensive skinny jeans that were super comfortable and looked great on me. I don’t wear skinny jeans often at all but when I feel like wearing a pair, I love them and so glad I have them around. Something like that I can justify adding to my wardrobe. I stay away from items that are more dramatic and ‘dressy’, as I have made this mistake many many times in the past and ended up with a bunch of expensive, barely worn items that were eventually donated.
If you absolutely love it and feel good in it, can make at least 4 or 5 outfits with it and it suits your lifestyle, I’d say it’s a keeper. I’ve also personally stopped worrying so much about the most flattering proportion and will play a bit more now with big on big or match two items now I wouldn’t have in the past. Agreed about Anthro, it’s too fussy for me. It’s disappointing as I always stroll through there as they have a petite dept but yup it has been years since I’ve bought anything.
I love Anthro’s other “stuff” – the homewares etc. – but never paid much attention to their clothes. Too boho for me. I do hope they can figure out a way to survive though.
Grechen, by listing all those pants that look good with that duster, you’ve made a good case for keeping it, in my opinion. And pants that fit really well are keepers in my book too. Is the length the only thing you don’t like? That’s an easy fix. (Though wouldn’t it be great if Eileen Fisher offered free alterations? At least to their rewards members or for full-price items. They finally have free shipping on web orders so I’m sure free alterations is way too much to ask.)
Hi Grechen-
I agree with Christine and Tania too- If you love it and dont really have anything else like it keep it.
Youre trying to not be so hard on yourself, so Grechen, you work so hard… that’s my two cents. You can send somehing back to EF to be fixed for free- I did with a sweater that had a pull/hole , got a new one. FYI.
Can’t wait to see the ES on Slowre next week , Enjoy the weekend 🙂
The Pure + Good stuff from 2 years ago or so at Anthropologie was great and I wish they had kept it up. It was made in the US, at a reasonable price point, and fit with athleisure trends really well. Now it’s all “imported.” I’ve had enough “imported” Anthropologie stuff fall apart too soon to be wary of that, besides the ethical and environmental issues.
Just had to write to say that I am back as a subscriber after well over a year away from you…just wasn’t loving the black/grey/neutral palette…Fast forward, and the majority of my closet for work and play is exactly in these colors…and mostly solids to boot. Maybe I’m just liking fewer pieces and more simplicity into my life, but natural colors and lovely textures are much more appealing to me now.
Plus, there’s the added benefit that almost every piece goes with every other piece adding to a versatile and coordinated wardrobe.
The majority of my purchases in 2016 and thus far in 2017 have been Eileen Fisher, and now, thanks to you, I have two pieces on order from Elizabeth Suzanne…I just hope I have the sizing right.
I also like her Emma Kimono in linen. If you order, are you leaning toward black or something lighter?
Thanks for all of your insight and lovely writing…cheryl
If you love the duster that much, I definitely think you should hang onto it. You listed off so many things it would work with! I am a lot like you—I want everything to work with everything else. But every once in a while, I fall for something and think I shouldn’t have it because it doesn’t go with everything. I got lace-up flats last fall that I really debated because it only goes with four colors, but then I said “screw it!” and kept them and yeah, I don’t wear them as much as I do other shoes, but I have other pairs of shoes that don’t go with everything else, either… so, oh well! I’m learning to be okay with it. 🙂
I haven’t even made it through your whole post yet, but that Anthropologie article is FASCINATING. I love this kind of stuff, and kind of geek out on it. I always love walking into Anthro (the one here in Portland just expanded and it’s beautiful) but I never look at the clothes – just home items and books. The clothes are just too overwhelming – too many styles, too many price points, and too many frills. I never really pinpointed it until I started reading that article.
I will say, though, that I love their bridal line, BHLDN, and I’ll definitely be checking that out when I start looking for a wedding dress.
No, I don’t think it’s too much to ask that your clothing pieces will work together. (Can’t we all just get along?!?) You spend a lot on your garments, so, to paraphrase “On clothing of which much is spent, much is expected!” I get what you’re saying about the Eileen Fisher duster. I love it, but I don’t think it would be a workhorse piece for me for the reasons you suggested. I have Black Crane’s Square Shirt and I find that I wear it over a lot of things…dresses, tees or tanks & jeans, cropped black pants…It goes with everything. I think the ES kimono could be that star of your closet you’re searching for. And since she’s adjusted sizing, it won’t overwhelm you.
I haven’t shopped at Anthropologie in a long time. I used to be able to find great jeans or even basics by Splendid and Velvet there. And I’d always find good jewelry. The price point sounds like it’s all over the place!
Thanks for the reminder to send you pics of stuff for Slowre! Watching “Fixer-Upper” on HGTV, Bobbi Brown makeup videos on YouTube, and suffering through “Pledge Month” at PBS.
That’s a great idea! It would reward regular, loyal customers.
Why are you so obsessed with what to wear? I just don’t get it. You seem to spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about clothing, purchasing pieces, and then frequently returning them. It must be psychologically exhausting to be you.
Chris, why don’t you go be you and allow others to also. If Grechen does not have your mindset, look elsewhere. Grechen’s followers appreciate the transparency and genuineness that this site offers on a daily basis. {It is not my intention to get anything started here; it ruffles my feathers that we all have choices in this life and don’t need to slam others for theirs.}
Just to be clear – I’m a different Chris than the person who left the uncalled-for comment above.
Grechen – I also had my eye on that EF duster – and was glad you showed it on the blog. While I’m not sure it has to work with everything to keep it, it sounds like the ES jacket (or how about the new Only Child Cardiff coat in denim https://www.onlychildclothing.com/collections/outerwear might also be something to consider? (which you probably already have).
And by the way, if anyone has reviews of the Only Child Madelyn coat, I would love to hear them – the coat would nicely fill a gap in my fall/winter/early spring wardrobe.
hi chris! i love the only child jackets (in fact i was SERIOUSLY considering the madelyn coat at one point), but the thing i love the MOST about the eileen fisher jacket is that it’s NOT oversized, you know what i mean? I really like that it’s “slimmer” and falls straight down, instead of out and around. I like oversized too…obviously…but i have quite a bit of oversized already, and what was appealing about the EF jacket is that it’s NOT.
andrea from seasons and salt has the madelyn coat: http://www.seasons-and-salt.com/mini-portland-tour-2-0-child/ – it’s lovely on her!
i have the square shirt too (i surreptitiously bought it in grey flannel when it came through slowre…) and love it, and it goes nicely with dresses & skirts, but as i mentioned to chris above, what i like about the EF jacket is that it’s NOT oversized or billowy – something i don’t have much of in my wardrobe lately.
yes, anthro used to carry all sorts of great brands – and basics – and now it’s just a mish mash of weird clothing. i do like to browse their candles and home items, and some of the beauty items, but am never tempted by clothing anymore.
yes, it’s really nice – and it seems to be doing well. perhaps it’s time for anthro to shift to home/apothocary and focus more on BHLDN??
yes. too many frills is right !! i will every once in a while find something that seems “basic” and then turn it around to see the back or whatever and be like “wtf”? why would they put that on there??
yes, thank you kimi – you are correct. i think it does “go” with enough things it’s worth keeping, if i will wear it. it’s such a hard lesson to learn – the idea that EVERYTHING doesn’t have to go with EVERYTHING, right??
welcome back cheryl!!
what elizabeth suzann pieces did you order?? I’d love to hear what you think when you get them!
I am honestly completely torn on what color i would get in the emma kimono. I am drawn to the flax color, but would probably end up with black, just because i KNOW i’d wear that with pretty much everything, and the flax would be more challenging for ME. if i get the georgia dress at any point, i’ll probably get THAT in flax because i have more than enough black dresses!
yes. agree.
enjoy your weekend too 🙂
thanks as always for your feedback, and wise words.
i like the length of it, actually, a lot, but that’s also what doesn’t work so well with my midi skirts & dresses. i could keep it and wear it for a while, and of course if i want to in the future, hem it to a shorter length. We’ll see. i’m still debating LOL
free alterations would be AMAZING. honestly, i’ve not tried anything at EF that fit exactly right just off the rack.
well, you probably know i don’t care TOO much about flattering, in general, but the long jacket with midi skirt i find sort of jarring. unless i’m wearing shoes with some height, which i don’t really do much anymore. so…but the more i wear silhouettes i find uncomfortable at first, the more i start not not give a f…
practice makes perfect 🙂
yes. this is what i’m struggling with now –
absolutely you’re doing fine!!
Thank you, Grechen – the Madelyn coat looks great on Andrea – love it!
Back to you, and then, there are these! Again, probably too oversized and love them all the same:
https://www.horsesatelier.com/products/alchemical-1?variant=29920190224
https://www.horsesatelier.com/products/patch-pocket-jacket-3?variant=29920294928
Hello again Grechen,
I ordered the Clyde Work Pant in black cotton twill in a 10 Tall, and the Harper Tunic in ivory linen in the OS minus (I didn’t want that too oversized, and it seemed like you had lots of hip room left in that size).
I agree with going with black for the Emma Kimono. If you get the Georgia Dress what size will you order?
Sorry for all of the questions LOL…cheryl
oh chris…those are beautiful…i especially love the patch pocket jacket!! i think they did a wool version of that for winter in a pretty pink color.
yes, oversized, but i still love oversized!! just trying to find a little balance maybe??
If i get the georgia dress, i’d get the midi linen version in one size becuase i think i’d prefer the longer length… but i’m sort of torn….
You’re really making me look into the ES Kimono jacket now! 🙂 I like that there’s a cotton twill option too but the linen one has more color options.
As far as Anthorpologie goes…I too LOVED that store in the early 2000’s…most of the stuff I wore came from there. I rarely go in anymore either but I did buy the cutest day planner from Anthro, and I do like their home ware items too. Not into the clothing though.
Ugh, I just don’t have time to read blogs as often as I used to, and as a result by the time I read and comment, everyone has moved out of the discussion! But going to do it anyway, because I definitely used to be an Anthro girl… when I could afford it, which wasn’t often! I think that the reason the bridal line works so well, and the regular lines don’t any more is that peoples day to day lives have gotten continuously more casual. When half of us have jobs that allow us to wear jeans and sneakers to work, showing up in a silk blouse with sleeves so voluminous that you can’t make it practical by putting a sweater on over it isn’t what you want. While on the other hand, feeling special and unique, and paying more, is exactly what you want for a wedding or special event. And I feel like Blhdn’s unique pieces still have more of a slightly vintage vibe, which Anthro used to do more in their main lines as well. They weren’t super hippie boho, that was Free People, but more like cool vintage/thrift shopper/grandma heirloom mixed with jeans.
I think the discussion shouldn’t be EF duster or ES kimono… they are nothing alike and would serve totally different wardrobe needs in my opinion. I think the duster looks great on you, and nothing will go with absolutely everything. And I’m a big fan of ES and layering, but that kimono just doesn’t seem very practical to me. It seems like the shoulders would slip down, and the sleeves would catch on things as you try to do everyday things like walk the dog. So really it’s just a cover-up type of layer. Which is totally cool too, but just different. I’m strongly voting that you buy and wear the duster!
yes, you’re totally right. they’re completely different and serve separate purposes. and i’m concerned about the same things with the emma kimono. it’s nice, and looks “pretty” but not as practical as the EF jacket…