Unplanned and impulsive shopping has been one of my pitfalls. As a result, I have a huge pile of clothes that I haven’t used in months, some, even years. A few months ago, I started sorting out my wardrobe and decided to put some of it for sale, but somehow, it never materialized.
A few weeks ago, a company invited me for a job interview. As a result, I was frantic. Frantic because I have no idea what to wear. I’m not a sucker for corporate or smart casual ensembles. So yeah, you could say that I panicked. Mentally, I rummaged through my closet. I know I have a couple of once-used pieces that’s hidden in that huge pile of clothes that I rarely wear which, I think, can pull a decent outfit for a meeting with a potential employer.
So while I was mixing and matching and playing dress-up, I found, not one, but five pieces in my supposedly “for sale” pile that I used in a couple of job appointments and casual weekends with family and friends. These inspired me to do OOTD (outfit of the day) photos, hence this post.
White Knitted Batwing Top from Mango
TOP: Mango BOTTOM: Red Logo SHOES: Sam Edelman
I got this from one of Mango’s sale in Greenbelt. I was enticed because it’s on the 50% off rack. Buying it for 900 bucks was a real bargain, or so I thought, because I only wore this three times. But I’m glad that I kept this piece because I realized that it looks really good if it’s paired with the right bottom with the right cut and with the right accessories. It’s white. It’s elegant. It’s classy.
Royal Blue High-waisted Skirt from Forever 21
TOP: Ukay-ukay in MRT Ayala Station BOTTOM: Forever 21 SHOES: Payless NECKLACE: Bazaar in Festival Mall
I bought this skirt because of its color. I just fell in love with its blue-ness the first time I saw it. I may not be a sucker for corporate ensemble but I’m a sucker for colors so I decided to sod it and headed straight to the check-out counter. I admired its hue a thousand times but I only wore it twice. Bite me. Then again, I found this handy for my final interview. Paired with a plain white knitted top from a local ukay-ukay and printed flats, this outfit accompanied me to being hired. Not too casual, yet not too formal. Just the right blend that made it comfortable to wear.
White Cropped Top with Cross Print from N.T. Shop (Online Store)
TOP: NT Shop BOTTOM: Forever 21 SHOES: P.O.S.H. ARMBAND: Folded & Hung
What caught my eye was the print. It was able to give that grunge, edgy effect to the piece, that’s why I decided to comment “mine” and buy this top. I used this for about five times then somehow it made its way to my unused pile. Probably because I just didn’t feel it anymore. Somehow, I was surprised that this top meshed well with my new aztec-print leggings. Just like that, it made its way back to the “favorites” pile.
Navy Blue Paisley Sleeveless Top from Forever 21
TOP: Tomato (Cardigan) and Forever 21 BOTTOM: Freeway SHOES: P.O.S.H
This has been one of my favorite tops for a season or two. I don’t know exactly what made me fell out of love with it, but somehow I just stopped using it. Then one Sunday, I was randomly trying out clothes, and I saw this top again. My imagination ran wild and just like that I came up with this outfit. In this case, I can say that love is better the second time around. LOL.
Multi-Colored Striped Scarf from Branded For Less
TOP: Forever 21 BOTTOM: Penshoppe SHOES: Cole Vintage SCARF: Branded for Less
Amongst these pieces, this one is the oldest. I had this scarf when I was a senior in college. Through the years, I outgrew this accessory. I was packing for my judging stint in Batangas when I came across this piece again. Then I remembered how it can bring life to a plain shirt and how lightweight it was. True enough, it didn’t lose its magic. It definitely perked my shirt and jeans combo plus it went really good with my oxford shoes.
Fashion experts say that clothes that you haven’t worn for 6 months should be disposed, because most likely, you’ll never use them again. I find this tip to be practical especially if you’re trying to declutter and save up on closet space. But sometimes, it’s good to keep a few pieces handy. I guess the best way we can maximize our wardrobe pieces is by continually discovering new ways to wear them. It may be challenging, but it’s mostly fun.
One thing I’ve learned about this experience is that fashion is truly a form of art. It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, it just has to be a reflection of one’s personality and style.
Of Colors and Words 