Alternative Apparel Organic Cotton boxy shirt | size medium
Raquel Allegra double layered skirt | size 2, made in the US, sold out, lighter gray on sale at La Garconne
No6 Clog wedges | several years old, new style (size up 1/2 size)
Admonish leather tote | made in the US
Margot Wolf necklace | made in the US
As I embark on the second year of my “minimal closet” journey, I have two distinct goals for my wardrobe:
- As I need to replace or buy new things, I will try my hardest to find organic cotton alternatives
- As I find myself wanting to add a new piece, or a new color, I will make every effort to first use what I have before buying something new
There are more, goals, but the first one is my priority, the second is my biggest challenge to overcome.
And here they both are, in one outfit!
I didn’t actually get this Alternative Apparel shirt to replace anything, I did it to test out organic cotton t-shirts (more on that later, I promise!), but it turns out it’s a much better alternative to the white Skargorn shirt I’ve had for a few years. That shirt has been on the chopping block for a while, and since I didn’t wear it all summer, I’m ready to let go of it; it was always just a bit big, and the mid-weight material was too structured for my taste.
This Alternative Apparel shirt is a similar style, but thinner, so it drapes better. It has dropped shoulders and a boxy shape, so it hangs nicely, and I appreciate that it’s a little longer in the back. It IS still oversized, to a certain extent, but if I’d sized down to a small, it would fit better – look a little more streamlined. I do like the oversized look to pair with certain things though, like this skirt.
And, since it’s almost fall, and this always happens, I seem to be obsessed with burgundy/bordeaux/wine/whatever. I want a burgundy bag, burgundy shoes…BUT of course, I have burgundy shoes. And I had a beautiful burgundy bag, but sold it. Boy do I regret that…
Anyway, I’m trying to satisfy my need for color – burgundy – by wearing and enjoying what I have. I love my No6 Clog wedges, and they fulfill that need wonderfully. Just a little color, and already in my closet. Win-win.
What are your goals for your wardrobe this fall?
Aww, you had me a clogs! But add to that, the fact that the skirt hits at just the perfect length for showing off the clogs & it’s even better! Nicely done!
P.S. So gonna try to copy this outfit.
Love that look on you! I’ve been enjoying long over skinny on me, but sometimes I worry it’s not doing me any favors and that I should try the inverse (narrower on top and full on the bottom – I have an hourglass shape so it seems that 1950s profile would suit me better) However- since I don’t love that look – c’est la vie. But there’s a reason I don’t wear peasant blouses, at least 😉
I’m excited to wear scarves again! It was cool overnight, I slept with the house open and needed a blanket – and I’m wearing a scarf today for the first time in 3 months….(sure, it’s linen – but even that felt like too much for most of the summer!)
I’m looking at getting something forest green this fall, I think. I don’t love burgundy (or marsala or whatever we’re supposed to call this iteration) but as a preppy child of the 80s, I’ll always love forest green 🙂 But I’ll review my wardrobe first – I know I have a long merino cardigan in olive and that might have to suffice – I don’t think I *need* new clothing….(on the other hand, if I find something at the thrift store……)
My goals are:
1) Having basically a work uniform. I want to have a set of no-brainer outfits that feel professional and comfortable that I can throw on without fuss. Think all black, like black cropped trousers and a black silk shirt, low black pumps. A black dress that I could wear with boots or heels. Maybe I’ll go crazy and get something like red suede ballet flats that go with all the black.
2) Buying things that feel good and are well made. I just bought a Sonia Rykiel light cotton striped sweater on TheRealReal.com, and the fabric is so lovely, and the cut is perfect. It looks great with the above-mentioned black cropped trousers or with a skirt, too.
For me, it’s avoiding getting caught up in all the new cool things that are out, and sticking with what I know works and I like long term. And being realistic that we’ll have nothing resembling fall here until November at least, and not bothering to get heavy wool sweaters. 😉
Three of the four items on my Fall wishlist are burgundy/wine/mulberry colored. I get an itch for it, too, this time of year. (The fourth item is a pair of No. 6 clogs I tried on at Steven Alan, and now that I see yours, I want them even more!) My minimal closet journey has been flawed, but it has sent me in the direction of building better, more thoughtful habits…ones powerful enough to stop me from buying everything on my wishlist. (Hooray!) If I can’t afford the things I really want (are there any Fall sales?), I may settle for a piece of burgundy jewelry or scarf.
I too am wearing my wine colored shoes today. And I am lusting after the upcoming Elizabeth Suzann shoes in a wine color. She will be the death of my bank account.
oh…can’t wait to see the full line of shoes!! do you have an update on your purchases? were you able to go to her open house?? details please!!! 🙂
friends and family sales are coming up…either this month or early october. i always try to wait and sometimes fail because i get too antsy…but i’m making myself wait this year.
oh, i’m loving all the forest green stuff too. i still want to order the everlane sweater in that color, i think it’s so pretty and would go nicely with my lighter hair color (as long as i can keep it that way!!)
can’t wait for scarves. i walked into aritzia over the weekend and their scarves are INSANE. i mean, they’re blankets really, but a nice soft wool. and really beautiful colors. i am tempted!
ah, thank you! let me know how it goes 🙂
I did not make it to the open house. Next time! I emailed you my thoughts so as not to hijack this thread!
Honestly, I’d love to hear your thoughts on your Elizabeth Suzann purchases…and would not see it as hijacking this thread. 😉
grechen, are the clogs comfy? love them but worry about a heel height on clogs that are anything but flat! have no 6 mid heel boots and love them….also, totally random request: i need tops to go over leggings (so butt covering!) and wondering if you could do a post on this? i have a sundry oversized shirt that works for this purpose and which i bought because it was featured on this blog but need more tops with this function. longer drapey cotton tops are what I’m after….thank u!
your wish = my command 🙂
i have a few tops in mind already!!
the clogs are amazingly comfortable – they are the mid-heel, so they’re probably about the same height as yours. i even find higher wood clogs comfortable because they’re wood – i think a stiff sole is most supportive for me…
Currently looking for a tastefully distressed pair of jeans for the pear shape .. we’ll see .. I may get a pair of scissors and tweezers and do it myself 😛
Monica.
Great tee. And my goal for this fall/winter is to spend minimal amounts of money;). Maybe one more pair of boyfriend chinos/denim, and one more long-sleeved striped tee, and one more jacket.
Ooh, just looked at their site – they do have some pretty scarves! I’m supposed to go to China sometime this fall for work – I usually come back with a few scarves if I have a chance to do any shopping 😉
When I first received them I was terrified I’d made yet another terrible internet purchase mistake.
Cecilia Pants
I initially wasn’t sure if they were supposed to zip in the front or back (it’s the back). They’re very high waisted. I’m long-waisted so this should work. But having lived though a decade of low-waisted jeans these were so unfamiliar. The length is good (I’m 5’3″). Since it’s still summer I’ve been rolling them up a bit but can easily roll them down. I’ve worn them with a tank-top and a James Perse button-down. The fabric is nice and stretchy and thick enough.
Marlena Dress
I love the length and the reversible neckline. The volume is taking some getting used to. Some of the ways I worn it:
Belted with the jewel neck in front (looks a bit like a greek goddess dress!)
Belted with a scarf, the v-neck in front with a cami underneath (a small pop of color)
Loose with the jewel neck in front and Birkenstocks, very casual
Loose with the v-neck in front over my bathing suit
My husband isn’t too fond of “the potato sack look” but I think I can sell it!
On my wishlist now is the Eva sweater in Navy and the Jane kimono in Gray. And of course those shoes in wine. But I have to see how much all of that will cost…
Have you tried Groceries Apparel? I bought a recycled cotton cardigan from them and loved it so much, I bought a second in another color a year later. They also do organic cotton, recycled plastic, etc.
In Hawaii, they carry Groceries Apparel at Fighting Eel shops (another great Made in the USA brand, but not organic cotton — worth a look if anyone travels out this way).
Not really lofty goals, but more to-do list items.
1) Cull scarves/wraps (and old sweaters) to the point where I have a mental picture of everything I own and where it is, so nothing gets forgotten about and I don’t waste time and energy rummaging through drawers and boxes trying to find something.
Bonus 1a) Don’t acquire any more scarves/wraps!!!!!
yes!! i actually have a couple styles of their t-shirts i’m getting ready to review in my organic t-shirts post…next week…
SO into her stuff, so I want to hear, please!
I love that idea!
I saw a black maxi by them on Rodale’s website, but didn’t know anything about them so I hesitated. Darn!
Val’s wish list:
Replace cheapo feeling poly/Lycra black maxi with cotton.
Find a [reasonable] hunter/forest green bucket bag (Fashion may have declared them “dead” but screw that!)
Oversized v-neck sweater, preferably cotton, maybe in hunter green or navy
Luggage! (UGH! But we’re going on a cruise that I won…YES! It’s for real!…and we really need it.)
Frank & Eileen merlot/Marsala/wine/burgundy button-down poplin Eileen shirt
And, continue getting rid of stuff I don’t wear.
i came VERY VERY close to getting that frank & eileen top in marsala – i tried it on and loved it, but for now, have decided against it. maybe on sale?
wait, bucket bags are dead? since when? i like them. i’ve resisted getting one because i don’t like the drawstring closure generally, but i like the look of a good bucket bag….
Just an FYI: Frank & Eileen have a $50 off coupon code “WeLoveFall” that also nabs you free shipping. I ended up getting the hunter/forest/whatever green Eileen poplin shirt.