skirtcafe.org

Over the past 20 years I’ve slowly and regularly been buying different items from the alternative isle.

During that time I’ve found ‘my style’ that suits my slender physique - but along the way, when buying in the sales, there are many items that can be best described as ‘experimental’ as I investigated what did and didn’t work for me. For example, I bought my first Dress in a size using my best estimate on what would fit me, and at a modest price that satisfied my desire to wear a particular Dress or Skirt.

These days, I have found the staple brands that work really well for me - and I can easily judge and reject those styles that are a no-go. Identifying items that work together as several capsule wardrobe sets is a fun, practical and economical means to build a practical alternative wardrobe.

So, this week, with my Wife assisting, I have emptied my entire alternative wardrobe - and then took a harsh judgement on what is staying and what is to be donated to the local charity shops. It was fun dressing with my Wife’s helpful assistance. She appreciates the items that she likes me to wear, and offered a welcome independent perspective on what doesn’t really work for me. It was hard work mixing and matching the different clothing items.

Some items had simply worn over time, or the colour was no longer pleasing. Either way, I’ve tried on everything, and in consultation with my Wife, only kept those items that still suited me. What remains is still considerable but not overwhelming.

This is not a purging exercise, but simply a pragmatic method on maximising the available free space in my wardrobe. That’s not to say that I won’t be buying anything new, but I will be more selective and discerning on what I buy in future.

Lucky old you, Jamodu.

Co-habiting with MOH, a total non-believer, I tend to get my wardrobe 'audited' by her from time to time when concealment is less than totally successful. I have lost a lot of cherished unbifurcated items that way over the years, alas.


Tom

This is one of those tasks that I keep starting on but never quite get satisfactorily completed. I must have about forty skirts and six dresses. Some of which I have only worn once or twice. That's not to say I never get rid of any, I have pledged myself that anytime any item is added something similar must be removed. That includes skirts dresses and pants.

Kirbstone wrote: ↑Sun Sep 10, 2023 1:12 pm Lucky old you, Jamodu.

Co-habiting with MOH, a total non-believer, I tend to get my wardrobe 'audited' by her from time to time when concealment is less than totally successful. I have lost a lot of cherished unbifurcated items that way over the years, alas.


Tom

It must be difficult when 'audited' in that manner and have to re-establish your 'wardrobe'. It makes me realise I am so lucky to have someone in my life who although reluctant is not enforcing their choices on me.

Barry

I guess I need to audit my wardrobe as there are plenty of clothes I don't wear. Also I don't know how many dresses I have. My typical.clothes I wear are dresses and only occasionally I wear trousers anymore.
Here's a mystery to me - why so few women wear dresses or skirts. They look nice and they are SO comfortable. There are times at church functions I am the only person wearing a dress. Now nobody has made me feel uncomfortable for wearing dresses for which I am grateful.

John

Some Women might be one given Skirt size and a different Top size, which is one reason for not liking/wearing Dresses in one overall size. That is, they just don’t fit them overall.

For those of us that can get away with wearing Dresses, I look on them as being a co-ordinated Skirt and Top - that is often cheaper than buying a separate Top and Skirt (and which is typically lined, thereby mitigating the cost of buying an additional full-length Slip).

Dresses sure simplify the issue of.coordination separate tops and bottoms (skirts and trousers). .And all my shoes (heels and otherwise) are black except for a pair of boat shoes. Black goes with anything. Henry Ford said you have any color with Ford Model T's ( except the early ones) as long as it's black.

John

Not so much an audit here but more like a seasonal stocktake. I have limited storage in my house and conversely almost unlimited storage in the 3 floors of the old Bond Store. Recently at the start of the warmer weather I selected a range of skirts to keep in the house to wear through summer. Some old favourites are chosen again but not as many as one would think because I would have aquired some new skirts and perhaps I am getting more adventurous in colour, length (well shortness), style and material.
I select skirts for 3 categories:
1. Work skirts to do building work, stonework, gardening and a bit of mechanical work.
2. Going out skirts for socialising, meetings and travelling.
3. Relaxing at home skirts, light and flowy for summer or thick and snug for winter. Sometimes even shorter than what I would wear elsewhere.
Probably a baker's dozen skirts in each category. All mini skirts. I have only 3 pants type garments (they come in pairs).

I do have some skirts that I will no longer wear; too big, too small or don't like that much anymore. I have them in a box but I don't like the idea of sending them back to a life of convention and compliance after having set them free. I might set up a rack of mini skirts for sale when I open the front of the Bondstore to public.

I have more skirts than I need although I do enjoy continuing collecting interesting and inspiring examples. More healthy than a drug habit and cheaper than collecting old tractors.

denimini wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 1:09 pm Not so much an audit here but more like a seasonal stocktake. I have limited storage in my house and conversely almost unlimited storage in the 3 floors of the old Bond Store.

I think I may have unknowingly driven past your bond store last week! Pulled up at the riverbank park for a short break. Travelling from the cold and wet down south back home to 40+ and very dry.

Barry

Sound like the culling was needed, yet methodical in your approach. sounds like you have a very helpful and accepting wife.

This winter, I will be auditing my clothing.
Lots of real old stuff that's been in the closet far too long and needs to go.
By spring time there will be a small "Mens Jeans & T-Shirt" section and then the rest of my clothing I normally wear.