Get Dressed: Vintage Plaid and Leather
I mentioned a few posts ago that my sister has been helping me get dressed lately. And through this whole process I have come to realize three things. 1: Just because a white shirt goes with everything doesn’t mean you should wear it. 2: If I stick with Heidi’s plan I am going to need a cardigan in every color and 3: I have a love affair with buying skirts at thrift stores. 3: part 2: I need to find a new system of hanging these skirts up in my closet, because they are currently taking over my bed and the comfy armchair in the corner because I don’t have enough hangers. It’s truly out of control.
I found this vintage plaid skirt a few months ago and when I bought it I didn’t think I had a single thing in my closet that would go with it. I didn’t even try it on, I just put it in the cart and brought it home. That is actually a standard practice for me buying skirts. Weird, I know. After I held onto this skirt for weeks, not knowing what to do with it, I told Heidi I’d make hot fudge sauce if she would come over and go through my closet. And guess what. I actually had a lot of things to go with it! Who knew? But before I wore it I sent it (and like 8 other skirts that needed a little attention) to my new tailor Lynette. She fixed hem lengths and took in waistlines and made everything much more flattering and up to date. More on that later, but I am so SO glad I just took everything to her. It would have taken me years to get around to altering all of these skirts, and in two days she was finished. And just like that I have a whole new winter wardrobe. Amazing.
A few months ago I spotted this purse at the thrift store. It is vintage Etienne Aigner, all leather and so far one of my favorite thrifted items. It also goes with everything, which I didn’t know when I bought it. I just knew that I loved the color and the woven leather and even though I had already made my purchases for the day I stood in line again to buy it.
Boots have been on my wishlist for years, but I never could buy them until I went shopping with Heidi last week. I have tried buying boots on my own and always had to return them. I don’t even think I’m that picky. Tall, leather, classic…. it shouldn’t have been that hard! And it wasn’t, once I had the right partner in boot crime. See, Heidi has a knack for shopping, and is the best shopping partner in the world. And after spending a few afternoons in my closet she knows everything that I own and can recall at anytime what I have that will go with this or that. And she can rattle off a whole outfit to go with that cardigan in about 4 seconds. I think she might be the 8th wonder of the world. Also this is one area where being a freakishly identical twin totally pays off. I suggest everyone have a shopping buddy who has your same features and is exactly your same size/shape. Because looking at something on a real person that is not yourself makes it a lot easier to decide if you like it or not. It was one of the best afternoons I’ve had in a long time. We should do it again soon.
Outfit Details: Skirt, belt and bag: vintage and thrifted, Boots: Bandolino from DSW, (I still think I need to buy some dark cozy tights to wear with them… yes?) Cardigan: Costco like four years ago, Scarf: purchased in Russia 9 years ago, and this was the first time I’ve ever worn it. Pathetic. Weird puffy hair: c/o wind and wrestling children for a few hours.
Heidi is working on a guest post about this whole “revamp the closet” with some helpful tips and rules and blah blah blah. Because I do not claim to be any sort of expert and I can’t do this without her. I’m working on taking the pictures to illustrate this post. Real before and after shots of outfits from my closet that I put together and outfits from that same closet that she puts together. It’s going to be fun! And in the meantime I am swearing off buying anymore skirts at thrift stores.
pinksuedeshoe 
super cute outfit!
You look fabulous! This reminds me that I seriously need to go through my own closet!
you’re gorgeous!
Send Heidi my way when she’s done with you. 😉
I am so proud! This bring a tiny, well-accessorized tear to my eye!
xox
Pink,
Oh my goodness! What an amazing outfit! You look so beautiful! Love those boots! And a thrifted skirt. Who knew!?! And that purse is absolutely amazing!
I’ve been watching ‘What Not to Wear’ for several years now. I always pay close attention when someone has my body type, so I can learn tips to dress my body in a flattering manner.
Also, cardigans = awesome. I have six or seven, but definitely could use more.
xo -E
OMG – I remember seeing that skirt in, like Seventeen or something when it came out!!! How fabulous it looks on you!!
Love this outfit. You’re so lucky to have a double, and such a helpful one at that! 🙂
PS. Isn’t Lynette awesome? I really like her, and she’s kind of a genius behind the sewing machine.
I have loved everything I have seen you in. That Heidi knows what she is doing. I’m so excited that she is doing a guest post because I could very much use some help over here.
If you send me your sister to teach me to shop and show me how, I’ll send you a monster box of pyrex from that place I sent you the emailed pictures from. Okay?
I love Heidi’s tastes. She needs to start writing some posts on how to shop because I fall into the black top with jeans rut all the time.
you look so good! how lucky you are that you have a twin for this kind of thing. my sister always wants me to dress her, too but it’s hard when we have different coloring, heights and measurements. doesn’t quite work the same as having a clone. : ) can’t wait for the next posts.
I can’t remember when I first found your blog, but I love it! I have identical twin boys who are nine and my favorite thing is when they say, “Put this on so I can see what I look like.”
You look wonderful! I love the outfit, and I love your wind-blown hair. You look awesome. I do think you need some tights. I also think you should get some printed/textured tights. I’d get some, but I’m planning to wear pajamas for the better part of the next few months until someone comes to have an intervention with me.
What’s your address, I’m on my way!
xox
Love the whole look, and need a Heidi of my own. Although I have a feeling she’d inventory my closet and after throwing up in her mouth a bit, recommend trashing most and starting over! I am also trying to put some effort into fashion lately, so Heidi and your collaboration come at the perfect time. I also just bought leader boots from DSW and my best friend coached me through the purchase because yes I need help making fashion decisions!
The boots go perfectly!
You look amazing 🙂 this skirt was made for you! x
I love your classic black cardigan. It’s my favourite style. You look so wonderful in it.