Tags
Accessories, Blouse, Denim, Glitter, H&M, Kriss, OOTD, Pattern Mixing, Plus Size Fashion, Sandals, Scarf, Tank Top, Watch, Zizzi
The past couple of weeks, I’ve been going through boxes of summer wear, and I rediscovered these comfy sandals—I love finding things I’d forgotten about; it’s like a miniature Christmas. Now, since the soles were detaching, my first thought was to toss them out…but on the other hand, they’ve served me well, and did I mention they’re so comfortable?
Visiting the cobbler—yes, we have one of those right down in our local shopping center—I asked if there was anything they could do to return to my shoes a little of their former pep. Turns out, a little leather glue, some strategically placed stitches, a once-over with some transparent care cream, and a little TLC were all they needed. At least, for now…
While it was warmer today than it’s been lately—only snow flurries this afternoon—it was unfortunately still far too cold to wear them out and about. They’ll be snuggled into my carry-on when the weekend arrives, though, which is a place of honor as far as shoes go. They’re officially my “go-to” when we land in warmer weather.
Am I just a pack rat, or are there others out there that have items that, for sentimental or comfort reasons, you simply don’t want to get rid of? How long have you kept them beyond their prime, even to the point they’re falling apart? What are your favorites?
Blouse: Kriss // Tank Top: Zizzi // Jeans: H&M // Sandals: Uncertain // Watch: Glitter // Ring: Glitter // Scarf: Accessories // Earrings: H&M

I played around a little with pattern mixing; still not entirely comfortable with it, but it’s only a scarf, right?


We just found your blog through IFB but we’re so happy to see a blog dedicated to curvier, natural women. You have an easy to read, conversational writing style, too. I have a jacket from 8TH GRADE that I won’t get rid of even though I don’t wear it! Sometimes those are the best items in the closet:)
Hannah at Just Jane Boutique,
http://www.justjaneboutique.com
Hrm, I must be getting senile as I was convinced I’d answered this and, clearly, I haven’t. So sorry about that. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog, Hannah, and I hope your jacket from 8th grade lasts you forever
Sentimentality is a good thing, most of the time.
Cobblers are amazing. Several years ago I went on a hunt for knee-high black leather boots. It took me almost two years to find a pair that fit my calves. And they set me back $250. Well, they held up for three years, and then the heel started wearing down, the sole wore through, my dog ripped a nice chunk of leather out of the top. I was devastated. I didn’t want to go on the hunt again for another pair of boots that I might not love as much. Then my mom (those wise mothers!) recommended I take it to a cobbler. A week later and at a fraction of the cost of pleather knee-high boots, I had them back, good as new!
I, too, am a pack rat. I like to “collect” clothes. My highly inefficient system is to go through clothes every year and get rid of all the ones I haven’t worn in the past year. Except, you know, there are exceptions. Like that silk skirt I got from Express for $20 marked down from $168. Or that shiny pink ruffled skirt that’s super tacky but that I love for whatever reason.
So, no, it’s not just you.
How did they manage to repair the chunk of leather that was missing? Wow, sounds impressive. So glad you were able to get them repaired.
As to the “exceptions”, I like to take my older clothes and make them “in house” wear only, before I finally let go of them. I know that’s really silly, but well, I hoard. Glad I’m not the only one.
I have a t-shirt … from my birthday … in 1999. So many holes. So ratty. So very, very comfortable. I also am loathe to part with any of my favorite boots. I finally threw away my “favorite” ones when the sole wore through and I decided that I was not paying more than I spent on them to get them fixed. I’m still not sure that was the right decision. I had a pair of Born clogs I wore to tatters (the insole was shredded to the point it almost gave me blisters, and it still took me another 6 months to throw them away). I also have a Coach basic bag that’s at least 12 years old that looks brand new still (and if my Kindle fit in it, it’s still the purse I would carry every day).
I think the scarf is awesome, and in the far-away picture, it doesn’t really look like a pattern…it looks like that awesome color-changing fabric. Up close, I like how the browns in the scarf pick up the colors in the shirt.
PS – that color combo looks amazing on you!
Thank you
I’m glad then I’m not the only one that holds onto things for ages. Did you get a new pair of boots or just toss the old ones? The problem I see with buying newer stuff, especially shoes and bras, is that sometimes they change up the style just enough so it no longer fits. I’m tellin’ ya, it’s a conspiracy.
Oh yes, I definitely have some “comfy” clothing items that I just can’t seem to get rid of even though I know I should. I have a ratty old pair of light blue jeans that have holes in places that they shouldn’t, but they fit so comfortably and look so good on me that I just can’t bring myself to get rid of them. I also have a pair of slippers that were on their last leg more than a long time ago, but I manage to keep making enough temporary repairs to them to justify keeping them in one piece.
Let me guess, they no longer make that particular jean type, and if they do it’s not in the right size for you to get a new pair? Typical, find something you love and they cancel it.
You guessed it!!
They did the same thing to me, with the jeans I got a gaping hole in on the knee. Fun, fun.
I am a total pack rat. I keep everything I can. I definitely have a few sentimental pieces of clothing that I have kept past their expiration date, like the pajama pants I wore when I made my now-husband breakfast for the first time while we were dating, or the dress I wore to my dad’s funeral and never wore again.
When we moved into this house, I got rid of a lot of clothes, pajamas, and shoes that I never wear. It was a huge deal for me. I should probably try to clean things out again since it has been about 3 years. lol
It’s nice when you have memories attached to different items, good to hang onto them. I don’t have too many of those, but I still have a hard time throwing them out
Good luck with cleaning out your closet, if it’s anything like mine it’ll be a challenge.
I <3 the pattern mixing, in this case it wasn't over the top at all and totally pulled off. As for the hanging onto things, nope, I clean out my closet twice per year and donate whatever I haven't worn at least once in the last six months.
Glad it wasn’t overdone, it’s new territory and I already commit enough fashion crime
I couldn’t toss anything out after six months, I’d be naked within 2 years!
Depends on the item, I’ve got purses that are now considered “vintage” where I bought them when they were brand new; but I take really, really good care of them so they don’t look too bad (that’s what I tell myself).
Haha, I’m sure they look great, and vintage is supposed to have a little bit of a worn look to it