The Wardrobe Shake-Up #5

 

I don’t really know how to do casual clothes

                                                          - Oscar de la Renta

Oh I hear you, Oscar. I'm not really a jeans girl but when I do venture out in public wearing them, they’re always paired with heels and a bold lip colour, and in this case, a killer cut-out shirt and a novelty bag! The three year old oversized shirt was a victim of my spending ban. Instead of tossing it aside, I gleefully took the scissors to it and created a brand new top in mere seconds. This super easy DIY doesn’t involve sewing and won’t cost you a cent. Simply cut out the fabric following the seams of the shoulders, button strip and neckline. Denim doesn’t have to be boring, eh?! The peach bag was a birthday present from my lovely friend Fiona last month. I was also lucky enough to receive H&M and Penneys vouchers. Yes, I have new clothes. New! They’ll be featuring in future outfit posts so make sure you stay tuned.

Shirt – DIY

Jeans – ONLY

Bag – Asos (sold out)

Boots – H&M

The Wardrobe Shake-Up #4

While my self-imposed spending ban has been wretched at times, I’ve been really enjoying the challenge of creating new outfits from my existing wardrobe. Clothes I had long forgotten about are now firm favourites, and I’ve given a few pieces a new lease of life by customising them (more on that in my next post). Not only is the ban saving me money but it’s also forced me out of a style rut, my creative juices are flowing! I’ve even found myself planning ‘future’ outfits, like this one. I’ve no idea where I’ll wear this to but I was chuffed when it all came together. I bought the skirt for €6.50 in Oxfam on George’s Street last summer; their vintage section is tiny but delightful. Just look at those pockets! The shoes and necklace were purchased around the same time, and the Bardot crop top was part of my last shopping haul in January.

Skirt – Vintage 1980s from Oxfam Ireland

Crop top – Asos (available here)

Shoes – F&F at Tesco

Necklace – Dunnes Stores

The Wardrobe Shake-Up #3

While shaking up my wardrobe, I discovered a dress that still had the tags on. Now you know why I've had to embark on a clothes and footwear spending ban! In my defence, the only reason I hadn't worn it was because it’s a bit too big for me. As the returns period had well and truly passed, I had a few options – sell it, give it to a charity shop, or keep it. You tend to become very possessive of your current wardrobe while on a spending ban, and I was loathe to part with this lavender blue, mod style shift. You tend to become very inventive too, so I decided to alter it or use a belt to cinch it in. However, I realised pretty quickly that neither would work due to the nature of the fabric, stretch scuba, but then I had a lightbulb moment. Simply popping a jumper on underneath turned a baggy party dress into a snug but sweet daytime look. Eureka! The jumper in question is an oldie but a goodie; an acrylic and wool mix with tiny pearl stars stitched onto it. I purchased the silver T-bars with their wonderful block heels back in November. I adore this outfit and its icy hues; it makes me feel like a 1960s Space Queen.

Dress – Asos (available here)

Jumper – Penneys/Primark

Shoes – New Look

The Wardrobe Shake-Up #2

I’ve been making a mammoth effort to save money lately. Apart from a pair of knee high boots I thrifted for €8 and a reworked top from Nine Crows, I haven’t bought new clothes or shoes since January. This has required iron will and rigid self-discipline. Don’t get me wrong; I haven’t denied myself lipstick or mascara, life is hard enough without the occasional treat, but they’re always from budget brands. A wardrobe shake-up, I featured my first one here, was needed to keep me on the straight and narrow. This involves sorting through all your clothes and removing anything you don’t love. Drop the unloved items to your local charity shop and put the cherished pieces back in your wardrobe - but not in the same place. Yes, shuffle them around! You’ll be amazed at how many new outfits you’ll create by doing this. I unearthed this four year old shirt and paired it with this skirt, one of my last purchases in January, for a 1960s style dolly bird look.

Shirt – Asos

Skirt – Missguided

Cardigan – Schatze Vintage (formerly Shotsy)

Shoes – Asos

Bag – A gift from a friend  

The Wardrobe Shake-Up: What I Wore Saturday Night

Something old,

Nothing new,

Something borrowed,

The rent is due.

Bills, bills, bills. Being an independent lady comes at a price. On Saturday, I stood glumly before my wardrobe looking for something to wear out. Yes, the old adage ‘I've nothing to wear’ did pop into my head! However, as I couldn't afford to buy something new (and I haven't for quite some time) I had to be inventive and give some old pieces of clothing a new lease of life.

If we're honest with ourselves we’ll admit our wardrobes are crammed full of clothes. Long-forgotten, once loved, and even unworn clothes. A wardrobe shake-up, where you create new outfits from clothes you already have, will not only de-clutter your closet but it will save you a packet and help you see your clothes in a new light.  And of course any unwanted items can be given to your local charity shop.

I rediscovered these high waisted bouclé shorts that I bought last spring. I put them with an old jumper, new-ish shoes and borrowed the headscarf from my sister.

Shorts – Asos

Jumper – H&M

Shoes – Asos

Scarf  - Shotsy Vintage