Rip it. Or ship it.
Rip the band aid off your unworn stuff asap. Or let it go. (Plus a little Tibi bonus.)
special treat for the paid subs — a couple tryons at the end of this post; be sure and scroll down!
One of the best reasons to plan five days of looks around a theme? To force yourself to wear everything in your closet.
This week I did something specifically designed with that in mind. The theme: “Rip it. Or ship it.” Meaning — rip the band-aid off your new/never worn items — or ship them off so that someone else can enjoy them.
It was really freeing.
First, the takeaways:
Break in something new by wearing it for just a short time. This is often all you need break the seal of whatever your hesitation is. I wore my strange paint tube earring just to go shopping with my husband. That was enough to realize it’s not a big deal.
Ground unworn dresses: Open a shirt dress as kind of a duster coat. It’s really the same as a shirt, but it just adds some more layered interest. Put pants under a dress you’re not wearing — sometimes that’s just the added comfort you need.
Take it on vacation: I really don’t believe in buying new clothes for a trip. But if you have something hanging around and you haven’t worn it, sometimes taking it on vacation gets the juices flowing. Pieces like this have become some of my favorites and most used, even when we got home.
Introduce an item you’ve been hesitant to wear by treating it like what you already use. For example, if you have a really embellished T-shirt that you haven’t worn think about the last time you wore a regular T-shirt and just replace it with this version.
When making an outfit with something new, bring in what I call a Security Blanket. The kind of item that is a no-fail for you — and also offers you a sense of comfort.
Forgive yourself … One of the reasons we can’t get rid of something new yet don’t want to wear it is that we realize the purchase was a mistake. That can leave you paralyzed. Forgive yourself and let these items go to someone who will enjoy them. See if there are any takeaways for the next time.
Don’t save your good stuff: I’ve said this in many ways a different times. But I think it’s interesting that it’s often expensive pieces that go unworn. Maybe you’re spending without thinking of the life you actually live. But often it’s too because it’s expensive that you don’t wear it— you’re afraid to ruin it or afraid that once you try it on, you won’t like it and you’ll have made a costly mistake. I felt badly that I hadn’t worn this Pucci skirt I but when I forced myself to wear it, I really really liked it. I could’ve just been enjoying it all along.
MONDAY
“work stuff” — writing in a cafe, researching, etc.
Phoebe Philo cut collar top (occasionally found on TRR) right now, I’m liking this feel and here also
Miu Miu pleated skirt (similar) cute, shorter style in ivory
Tibi PVC peplum belt (I found minis and wrap skirts you can wear in a similar way)
Tibi loafer (more here including mules) secondhand gently worn loafer mule 37
Fendi Peekaboo bag, TRR has a good selection right now … but stick to the Lite versions; mine is heavy!
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
TUESDAY
morning walk
I felt phenomenal in this:
Past season Supreme Poets tee - how about this? So good!
Pucci skirt (past season but a few in this color and this available) … love the look of this under $200 alt
Muun bag - a gift I selected
Tibi Herbert loafers are sold out; this is what I’d buy — they’re based on a men’s loafer, super comfortable, and TTS. You could also do Tibi’s backless croc version, which is great.
travel day: MIA → Boston
T-shirt (boutique of current faves) and love this terry zip up (only size L)
Tibi Calders (when you search ‘Tibi sweatpant’ they have a good selection)
CDG cardigan, secondhand new w. tags and another,w. tags too!) for some reason I’m liking this color block and another rare find, versatile, could wear back to front
broke the seal on this custom Prada long shirt (similar length here I like) a good print and here and I like the idea of wearing this open over jeans and a tank
Tibi Herbert loafers are sold out; this is what I’d buy Tibi’s backless croc version.
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
WEDNESDAY
Seder
Heidi Merrick sweater (this is a good value for a cashmere sweater) and here’s a more casual style
old Tibi skirt, like this secondhand one here and here
Elsa Peretti laquer bangles, secondhand and here (boutique of more goodies to stack!)
Tibi loafers - see above
Lofted Settledness? Eh. I loved this outfit in Maine on a summer night, but I didn’t love it in this context. I felt too full, also.
THURSDAY
Seder 2 - really a dinner at a restaurant
Tibi navy sweater, I like this style also secondhand cash/silk cardi, great deal!
old black Rick Owens knit skirt (ruched style here) and Wendy owns this and likes :)
Calzedonia red tights — I’d bought them and been afraid to try them!
old Tibi shoes (similar but low inventory), I like these (this brand offers a range of heel heights) good shape here too and secondhand 10.5 never worn!!
Lofted Settledness? Yes. The red tights made it come alive.
FRIDAY
travel day, BOS-MIA
Same travel outfit as Tuesday with light blue lettered socks - love these.
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
SATURDAY
morning writing + elliptical
Old Dries x Len Lye sheer skirt (options: XS, S … very cool, not cheap)
Lofted Settledness? Almost. I think the sweatshirt is too matchy with the sneaker.
a walk and shopping w/my hub
Talentless mock neck tee, men’s small
Tibi lace trim skirt (psst season - Poshmark, small) … La Ligne’s version and less but final sale … and Reformation does one
Miu Miu sandals (past season) .. size 6 + 6.5 … good gold … and here … Tibi has the Ali in red and pink
Secondhand Old Celine Trotteur bag
New Balance x Miu Miu sneakers liking these and these (also have linked this pair for you as an alt)
I also wore this Acne earring, which I hadn’t worn before
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
SUNDAY
morning workout + cafe beforehand
Valeria Krasavina skirt DM to order
secondhand men’s Gucci shirt — fun secondhand options here + here + here + here
the belt is a new hand me down from our friend who pitched for Italy in the World Baseball Classic - it was part of his uniform!
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
brunch with the girls
secondhand men’s Victor & Rolf chain link shirt, which I had never worn … it’s the idea of an oversized crazy men’s. shirt.
men’s Margiela shorts — how good are THESE? And another good looking option.
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
psssr… I got advice on how to style this from my lovely Kelly Klein in our session on wearing your statement pieces!
low key dinner date at a southeast Asian pop-up concept
Bottega tuxedo shirt (circa 2019) … great option (use code HEYMRSSOLOMON10 for 10% off)
Celine boyfriend jeans — we love these Pistolas for an alt; Wendy has them
Versace belt … here’s your option for like a tenth of the price
Old Tibi open toe heels (size 41) … ok this is the heel-mule currently on my wish list (they are comfy- tried them… size up 1/2!) … and these are incredible and reasonable, based on a best selling flat
Bottega clutch … secondhand.. new + discounted… this is gorgeous. I like this darker color for <$500; would tuck the chain in.
Olddddd Jil Sander cardigan - newer version has a few left on sale and here’s a good alt option
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
OUTFIT PLANNING
INCYMI watch the most recent here!
This week: Print mixing — by subscriber request.
Next week: Haliburton’s sideline style! Inspired by this story. See? I do care about the basketball.
Let’s get dressed.
p.s. I would so appreciate it so much if you’d like or share this post so others can find me and I can make a living doing what I love. I am grateful!
For access to my weekly finds and cravings, follow HMS here on ShopMy
And for the paid subs, I have a couple Tibi tryons plus my picks from the summer collection … this way →