Thinking about Fall

After scouring a few shops with Cindy yesterday, I really didn't see much worth buying. I did like APC's chain strap bag (still not going to get it), their Sparta sandals (but too expensive for now) and some of their sweaters and cardigans. But little else spoke to me, so I'm sitting tight right now and waiting for more Mayle.

We went to Beacon's Closet and Buffalo Exchange to sell some clothes. I went through my Salvation Army bags and pulled out the unworn items--cardigans and sweaters from Club Monaco, French Connection tops and skirts, Topshop tops that were too small, various H and M items and added a few higher quality items that I wasn't sure I'd be able to sell elsewhere--a Foley top that's too revealing for me, unflattering Rogan jeans, green Sigerson flats (I loved them but they didn't fit so I only wore them once), Jill Stuart shoes that didn't fit either. I was shocked that most were rejected, including a cute pleated black mini skirt that I'd wear if I was 10 lbs thinner. After collecting $45 from Beacons (for the shoes, Foley top, and the Club Monaco sweaters), we went to Buffalo Exchange, where I thought the rest would sell. I only sold an Alice Roi for Uniqlo jumper dress for $4.50. I had never worn it because it attracted Peeps' fine long fur as soon as I brought it into the house. So I donated the rest to the Salvation Army, and decided that selling clothes is a lot of effort for little reward. I asked why some items rejected--some were because of inventory issues (lots of people selling clothes right now and Buffalo Exchange, at least, wasn't really taking skirt), seasonal issues (more conservative than regular stores, fall for them means sleeves, knits and heavier fabrics, not color or design) and style--Buffalo Exchange only wants to the minute stuff, the kinds of things I wouldn't donate and likely wouldn't even buy.

Still, this meant I got a free gourmet ice cream, dinner at Lupe's, a movie and a few groceries in exchange for shoes I that don't fit and clothes I never wore. I'll also get a Salvation Army tax donation for the other garbage bag of new clothes I donated. I think I've given them about $1,000+ worth of clothing so far this month.

Something about seeing how little I got for these clothes made me rethink my ideas about clothing as investment. While I've already said this, it's not an investment just because it's cheap and/or on sale. I saw so many people trying to sell garbage bags full of clothing, most of which was rejected. Then we headed over to Barneys and Intermix's warehouse sales. In both cases, but particularly Intermix, the items were vile and will likely end up being taken to places like Beacon's and rejected. But it didn't stop people from buying them.

So, chastened and missing Mayle all the more, today I went into my closet, put on Kaori for the first time and, despite the heat, teamed it with Olympe (obviously I've had no chance to wear it yet). It looked so great--I think Olympe is definitely better with shorter skirts. While not a pairing for today, it reminded me to think about what I have close to home first. I hate the cliche of shopping your closet, but given the lack of options and the dubious quality of much Fall merchandise, I may do that. If the APC sweaters fit (I have problems with the brand for that reason), they may join my closet, but otherwise it's old Mayle all the way until it gets so cold I wear my stalwart Steven Alan/Earnest Sewn/cashmere sweaters winter uniform.