5 GORGEOUS Things In My Closet That I Never Wear—Because I Bought Them For A Life I Don’t Have
Who put me in charge of shopping for me?
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by Carolyn Firestone
Here’s something you may not know about me. I work from home in mismatched daytime pajamas (frequently from bed). And yet, I shop like I’m the powerhouse fashion editor working from the 47th floor in an early 2000s rom-com.
Are we all like this? Buying things we love but do not wear because they are made for a life we do not lead. For parties we’ll never attend. For body types we don’t really have.
Rather than focus on the error of my ways, I’ve decided to reveal not just a selection of things in my closet that I really love and never wear but also the pieces I wear ALL the time instead that give me the same thrill.
You with me?
Good! Let’s do this.
1.These Twinkly High-Heeled Party Shoes
The Issue: The main one is that they kill my poor, old feet. I end the night with blisters and swollen ankles from having tripped off my own skinny heel 14x. They’re also just too overdressed for pretty much everything I get invited to these days. Why are there never any black tie potluck brunches?
The Swap
THESE comfy Mary Janes that match everything are my go-to party shoe. The low, block heel means endless comfort and stability, but they’re sophisticated, so I still feel fancy.
2. These white, lacy Pieces that are Frankly, made for 22-
year-olds
The Issue: Ugh, they’re so beautiful and romantic and detailed, I cannot resist them. I buy and buy lacy things like this and they hang and hang in my closet. The only occasion formal enough for the dress is a wedding and, well, white lace, so no. The top, of course, doesn’t work with any bra. Why do I keep telling myself that one day I’ll do backless? It’s never, ever gonna happen.
The Swap
This one is easy. I pick tops with lace, pointelle, and embroidered details instead of head-to-toe lace. These little frills, even on a tee or sweatshirt, turn boring jeans and dumb pants into carefully orchestrated outfits. Here are just a few I wear almost daily:
3. This Fun Girl, Sheer, Statement Top
The Issue: This top is very pretty on and beautifully made, but I just can’t seem to feel like myself in both sheer and a pattern. Here’s a photo for reference:
* Gifted
I’m never really brave enough to do sheer unless it’s very, very understated or has some clever band that covers all the important stuff. But I do love a sophisticated button-down as a dress-up top. I just go for more foolproof, classic prints and materials.
4. This Pretty But Impractical Label-Forward Bag
The Issue: Can we start with the fact that there’s no strap? None. Who holds a bag this size, stuffed with all their essential garbage, by the handle? What was I thinking? I’m old now. It’s crossbody or die.
The Swap
This is my everyday companion bag that I own in no fewer than 4 variations of colors and weaves. It fits everything, matches everything, and always reliably looks understated and chic. And because I can wear it as a crossbody, it becomes part of my outfit, making any $30 thing I wear look more luxe.
5. This Patterned Wool Blazer
The Issue: A smart, plaid blazer holds a special place in my heart, hence this one costing more than any other coat in my closet, but the reality is I will not choose to subject myself to stiff, structured constriction any day of the week. What I will choose is something spacious and chic like a trench. This trench, specifically…
The Swap
The fit is gloriously soft and spacious with room to layer it over my chunkiest sweaters. And with the lining and detail on the sleeve, I get my plaid fix that makes every look more elevated and French and fashiony, even a plain, white t-shirt and jeans:
Carolyn is the Managing Editor of The Candidly. Her favorite thing to do is to write about her favorite things, especially when they have even the slightest chance of making someone else’s something (mood, relationship, travel plans, or toiletry kit) a little better. You can find more of her articles here.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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