December has come and that means the annual EGL wardrobe post tradition will soon be here in January. I've learned the stubborn way that I should always start taking pictures in December, so I can have time to edit, but somehow I always end up procrastinating and can never get pictures of all 100% of my wardrobe. Well, hopefully this year I'll learn my lesson (haha, yeah right).
I'm a really messy person, so I end up using my wardrobe post as an inventory sheet. It's an easy way to see everything in one place since my room organization is scattered at the moment. It also let's me see what I actually like wearing and what I should sell. When I was first starting out, I bought anything that was a "good deal" and that led to me having a giant mismatch of all styles. Then as I wore lolita more and more, I started to develop my own style. The process is similar to developing an art style. Sweet and classic lolita are beautiful styles, but they weren't truly me. I learned to stick to my dark visual kei roots and focus on ouji, aristocrat, and gothic lolita.
Eight...nine...ten years? I lose track of when I actually fell down the lolita hole, but now I really have a closet I like. It's pretty to look at, is organized, and easy to make different coordinates. It was definitely a multi-year process, but I thought I would share things I've learned along the way, so maybe you don't have to take as long to reach a cohesive wardrobe! Of course, you don't have to have a cohesive wardrobe. If you like everything, then go for it. A cohesive wardrobe is best for those who want to maximize their clothing combinations and/or save money.
- Write down everything you don't like. This will be your lolita blacklist. There doesn't need to be a scientific explanation for everything, just write it down and stick to it. For example, here is my list that I could think of at the top of my head although I'm sure there's more:
- velvet/velveteen: I live on the coast of Texas where there is winter is practically non-existent. Also, it's too much effort for me to properly take care of it.
- suede, corduroy, etc.: I don't like wearing the plush fabrics. This applies to velveteen, too. I'm ok with them on furniture, but I avoid it on clothing and shoes as much as possible for some reason.
- empire waist dresses: This cut looks best on flatter busts which is something I don't have.
- brand shoes at retail price: I learned not to buy synthetic leather shoes at full brand price. I'm a rough walker and they get damaged way too fast.
- men's size (for most things): Mainly that I can't fill in the shoulders and length.
- multi-color stripes
- peter pan collars: They accentuate my round facial features.
- damaged items with the intention of fixing them: I never actually fix them.
- AatP transparent socks
- tartans and plaids
- gingham
- cherries: I hate cherry everything in all forms and sizes.
- Take inventory. You can do this with a stock photos or your own pictures. It just helps to know what you have. Also if you have anything from the blacklist, it's time to sell it.
- Make wishlist. It will help streamline your purchases.
- Keep it organized.
- Know what you don't wear. I just take note mentally, but many recommend the backwards hanger trick. Excluding collector pieces, say goodbye to things you haven't touched for 2+ years. Your tastes may change at any point in time, so you may want to do this on a regular basis.
- Think about purchases overnight. If it's not on your wishlist, do you really want it? Waiting 24 hours before deciding to buy something really helps stop impulse purchases.
- Get a second opinion. Ask a friend (or not). This is actually a double-edged sword. There's always that one guy that says yes to everything, but on the other hand there will be that guy who says no to everything. Ask multiple friends for safe assurance.
- The KonMari Method. Written by Marie Kondo this book is "a comprehensive, illustrated manual on how to declutter and organize
specific items throughout the house, from kitchen and bathroom items to
work-related papers and hobby collections." While I haven't personally tried the entirety of it myself, I have seen many people highly praise its effectiveness. I did start using her folding methods last month and it definitely optimized my storage area. Rather than sorting things by quantity, it focuses on sorting things by the happiness it gives you.
You may have noticed I've taken down a lot of my past posts, but do not fret. I decided to really reorganize my blog just like I reorganized my closet.
