Angie's blog post prompted me to do some thinking about the new year and the closet. I have started watching the Kondo tidying series on Netflix and need to finish my closet edit, especially before even thinking of adding anything but replacements. Of course, jeans need to be replaced for higher rises. I think this is going to involve lots of trying on and alterations.
First up is the mid winter closet. My plan is to experiment with different neutrals together, especially black and navy and browns. I have very limited browns in the closet and need to decide if I will allow more and which ones. Dark chocolate brown used to be a favorite as my eyes are dark brown, but the color is just so-so with my hair and skin. I am leaning more toward toffee and tans, but am not sure what I want. In February I will start wearing my cold spring items ( more color, but midtones and pastels). I think I am well supplied with summer items having moved to an area with less hot weather from one where summer was the dominant season. Now Transitional is dominant.
Your thoughts are always appreciated. Should I think about adding browns? If so, which shades do you think? Any other ideas?
Any ideas about the best brands of jeans to try for an insulin-induced tummy and no hips? I am finding higher rises that fit at the waist are too baggy in the rear and thighs.
Musings and Goals for the new year
20 Comments
-
Suz replied 5 years ago
Joy, I am not too good at advising on jeans brands and hope others chime in here, but I do recall Angie mentioning Wit and Wisdom as being good for an apple tummy. Also, I would gravitate toward brands that have worked for you previously in lower rises for your first try-ons -- they might surprise you and work in the higher rise also.
So...what is your attraction to browns, do you think, considering they are only so-so with your hair and skin now. Are you craving change? Are you wanting something consonant with current trends? I would ask myself questions like that before investing in a new colour. Alternatively, you could try a small brown complement and see how that feels. Maybe composed of accessories, or maybe with a brown top or bottom thrown in.
Wishing you a joyful new year. Ha ha!!
-
Joy replied 5 years ago
Suz, thank you for reading my musings. I will look for Wit and Wisdom jeans.
You ask good questions about browns. I think I get excited about them when Angie has them as part of an outfit formula, as she recently did cognac with white jeans. Browns are softer than black and more unexpected. I do have winter compliments ( booties, belts and sometimes a bag plus a few other odd pieces) and should content myself with them. I also have some summer crops that are brown and a couple summer tops that work with them. When I add a new color, I feel refreshed and excited for the change. I should work harder on neutral outfits and different color combinations with what I have. -
Jenni NZ replied 5 years ago
I guess I would go and look in your favoured thrift stores and see what catches your eye? Build up a new colour complement slowly?
-
JAileen replied 5 years ago
I used to wear a lot of brown, too, before I went grey. Now I do wear a little toffee - boots, sandals and bags. I like it with medium and dark blue. Even though you think brown doesn’t work with your coloring, I bet it does. Otherwise, your eyes wouldn’t work with your hair! I think you can wear brown, maybe just in smaller doses.
-
Helena replied 5 years ago
I like Suz' idea of a brown complement ... Since you have a few pieces, why not add one or two more (a scarf and a top maybe?) And then wear the heck out of it and see how it feels?
-
Helena replied 5 years ago
Oops meant to say, I am totally sucked into Tidying Up too!!
-
Angie replied 5 years ago
A great start to the goal setting process, Joy.
Goal #1: Edit and review your bottoms. See what's left. Plan from there.
Have you tried NYDJ's, and sizing down on Wit & Wisdom Jeans (echoing Suz)?
I like your idea of tans and toffees WITH white and greys that match the beautiful colour of your hair so perfectly.
-
rosee replied 5 years ago
Just a quick comment: what about a sepia brown to add to your mix. It's like a slightly warmed dark taupe. I am not sure of your coloring but it sounds like you have silver hair (hope I am not wrong, if so, please forgive me) and sepia works well with silver tones.
-
Joy replied 5 years ago
You are each so wise. If the right shade of brown comes along, I will add a few pieces. In general warm colors look best on me, but some cool colors work very well too. Rosee, my hair color has gone from taupe/ grey to silver and now seems more white, depending on what I wear with it. I love the idea of sepia brown and silver. I like taupe and silver together.
Yes, Angie, I need to get rid of the low rise jeans, then see what I have. I am bagging up donations today to take this week. I need to ask on the forum about some pairs I am unsure about. Today I am wearing my newest white Paige jeans. They seem better than my white Kut Catherine's but are more of a midrise on me than high rise, which is what they are supposed to be. I have not tried NYDJ for awhile. I will try them. I like that they come in many washes and colors.
Torantogirl, I am getting motivated by "Tidying Up". I will try to get all my brown pieces in Finds and create a capsule. I probably have enough dark brown, but very little cognac or toffee or caramel...good spring neutrals.
JAileen, yes, I need to find my best shade of brown. It will be a goal this year along with finding my best yellow and best green shades. -
Windchime replied 5 years ago
I am sure some of those yummy-sounding earth colors such as toffee, caramel, and cognac, would look amazing with the other colors you wear, Joy. Sepia and silver sound lovely...
Also, I’m admiring your decisiveness in clearing out your low-rise jeans.
-
Jaime replied 5 years ago
I just watched one episode of Tidying Up last night after reading and hearing how mesmerizing it is. I do love the method of being able to see everything. Anyway, I also have a mixed relationship with brown now that my hair is salt and pepper. I find cognac works well, but my skin tone is warmer than yours - definitely worth experimenting.
-
Runcarla replied 5 years ago
How dark a brown are you thinking? Camel/light brown has me intrigued. Plays well with red. I have yet to find the right shade/colour for me in retail.
-
deb replied 5 years ago
I have no suggestions but wish you luck. Thank goodness Angie is here to help us with these issues.
-
Joy replied 5 years ago
Thank you, Windchime, Shevia, Runcarla and Deb. Runcarla, I am thinking lighter browns than I have worn before, although I do like darker browns.
-
Bijou replied 5 years ago
Joy I bought a toffee coloured coat, similar in colour to those recommended by Carla, and find it very versatile. My coat is in Finds. I wear it with all neutrals (black, winter white, dove grey, navy and denim) and also brights and autumn tones. I was getting a bit bored with the usual neutrals and so I have found this colour a refreshing addition.
-
rachylou replied 5 years ago
Oh boy. I have a pair of pants I loved. Black corduroy from a fancy little shop (think $4K Puffies) (ok, yes, corduroy is the only thing I can afford there, lol). But ANYWAYS, winter is really here and I put them on for the first time this year Thursday and... they’re low rise... and boy did that irritate me!
I’m torn now.
-
Jane replied 5 years ago
I love the idea of a brown addition to your wardrobe and will watch with interest. I think a deep, deep chocolate brown as well as a golden tan could look super.
-
Mainelady replied 5 years ago
Joy, your plans for a fresh start and step forward sound excellent! For the tummy area, I have had some good luck with Wit and Wisdom, Talbots (petites) and sometimes NYDJ. I agree that you are likely going to need to try on several pairs.
I think you can wear brown! It’s great that you have some pieces to start with. As my hair has gone from dark to light, I have found that navy and dark brown look better with my hair than the black that I am so fond of. A strategy that I frequently use to soften any harsh contrast, or add warmth, or coolness, is to wear a patterned scarf, topper or statement necklace. As long as I get the colors, or combinations right next to my face, I am generally happy with my outfit. I have a great pair of dark brown pants. That shade might be a bit too strong next to my face, but by going tonal, I find I can still wear a column of color and with the right accessories create a happy outfit. That is the strategy I use, so I can still wear black.
I do think that silvers and bronzes will be fab on you.....that metallic magic looks amazing with light colored hair! -
karen13 replied 5 years ago
I think a trying on session for the right browns is in order! I don't really have any in my closet either, and have been wondering if it is time. You are wise to think about what they can work with that you already own. And what Mainelady said about wearing the more problematic tones away from your face - I need to try this with some colors I love but don't love me.
I too am finding my midrises (which is everything I own!) look a bit off. But high is relative to everyone's individual shape. It seems only fraction of an inch on my short waist between current and Ed Grimley territory.
-
Joy replied 5 years ago
Bijou, that coat is a beautiful color and one that would look amazing on you.
Rachylou, you must show us your fancy black corduroy pants!
Jane, I like the idea of 2 browns. Karen13 is right I really need a try on session to find the right one(s) and what they will replace. Originally greys replaced browns but I like grey too much to give it up. It looks. Ether on me than brown, I think.
Mainelady, I found myself nodding in agreement with what you wrote. Bronze! I had not thought of that for clothing but love bronze jewelery for a more casual look.
Karen, LOL! Yes it is hard to get the rise right.
