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Wardrobe change

10/12/2013

10 Comments

 
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Turns out that riding my bike a lot leads me to wearing out my clothes at a quicker rate than before. My usual outfit of jeans and t-shirts is losing it's steam. I'm down to one pair of jeans that hasn't worn through the crotch and knees and most of my t-shirts are black with bicycles on them. It's getting harder and harder for me to find something to wear each morning. Also, jeans and cotton t-shirts just aren't going to cut it as the weather starts to change. However, I'm also steadfast in my decision to stop buying into our disposable clothing culture. I can't justify a cute top that was made by a worker in dismal conditions who can't afford to feed their family. 

So, I'm on the hunt for sturdy, quality clothing that isn't directly linked to deadly factory conditions. Oh right, and it also has to be within our budget. We've been lucky that many of our friends have boys and have been willing to pass along boy stuff for us and we're excited to return the favor and pass down our baby clothing to the next-in-line. However, clothing for me has not been as forthcoming. Now I'm on the lookout for hand-me-downs from strangers ala thrift stores. Truthfully, I suck at thrift shopping. I'm much better at donating things because I love to get rid of anything I can. Thrift stores kind of creep me out and they take so much concentration to look through every rack to find the one gem in between all the velour jumpsuits and scratchy sweaters. However, one of my dear friends built up an entire closetful of adorable and flattering outfits as well as snagging multiple Icebreaker tops. It's time for me to try harder. My Twitter-friends who live in Portland and Seattle rave about the benefits of wool--how it keeps you warm even when it's wet, it's classy, and holds up to the rigors of biking. 

It's time for a change! My dear friend was nice enough to distract my monsters WHILE pulling a few skirts off a rack for me. I ended up with two cute skirts! One is going to be perfect for biking in all weather--quick dry for rain and airy for the summertime. The second skirt was wool and I decided to take the advice of my rainforest-living bike friends. It's a pencil skirt, very classy but "dry clean only." For the first time in my life, I brought something to the dry cleaners (feeling horrible about taking the plastic cover because he didn't want to take it off when I picked it up. I'll know better next time). ALSO for the first time in my life, I had something tailored! They sewed an 8.5" slit up the side of my skirt, just enough to make it bike-able. For less than $20, I now have a lovely, functional skirt. I'm so proud of myself--such adult things to do! 

Most recently, I did buy some rubber boots and wool or wool-like tights. One was from Smartwool and the other two were Muk Luks, they were all on sale from REI. Unfortunately, I worm the Muk Luks today and the pattern was already unravelling. They'll be going back soon. However, overall, I was pretty excited about my new look. 
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10 Comments
Stacy link
10/12/2013 10:15:36 pm

Ditto. I have had people in the hand off to me, such as my mom or a neighbor but I often just go without. I go thrifting once or twice a year and must bring someone bc of the same reasons. My new neighbor has a clothing exchange swap thing and she passed over a couple bags she couldn't use (and I didn't like anything). Oh well.

Links to the wool stuff you did like? I want to find a "wear everyday" legging that can go under anything or stand alone.

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Eunice link
10/13/2013 12:57:00 pm

I've got to second the clothing exchange! If you can get 2-4 ladies together who bring their "back of the closet" clothes, you may find new treasures. When we do it, we usually donate the leftovers to a thrift store. Good luck!

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Elle
10/13/2013 02:54:38 pm

I like the idea of a clothing swap! Sounds like a fun get-together. I'm going to see if I can wrangle one up!

Lamaia
11/12/2013 03:28:36 pm

There's a free children's clothing swap on Nov 16th at Sac State. I've got a PDF flyer, but don't know how to attach it, but here's the registration link which has all the info: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-key-childrens-clothing-toy-swap-tickets-9025311951

Elle
10/13/2013 02:53:51 pm

I'm still working on functional leggings. So far, not much luck. The Muk Luks didn't make it out of the package and my tights from today tore by the end of the day. My friend has some fleece-lined ones that she likes. I'm hoping the Smart Wool ones hold up. Ice Breaker has some of the best wool wear, from what I hear. I tried on a few tops and the fit was a bit on the small side for me. I'll keep you posted.

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David P.
10/13/2013 08:07:33 am

Don't feel obligated to dry clean your wool skirt. Get some Eucalan (or other wool friendly product) and hand wash it. Thankfully REI has a great return policy for the Muk Luks.

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Elle
10/13/2013 02:51:29 pm

Good idea! I wasn't sure what to use and figured for it's first trip home from the thrift store, a complete chemical cleaning was in store. Future cleansing will be done as you recommend. Thanks!

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David P.
10/15/2013 09:15:47 am

You're welcome. I have a couple of merino tops, but living in So. Cal doesn't afford too many opportunities for wearing them. I have though worn them a few times and washed them using Eucalan. Supposedly, the lanolin in Eucalan preserves the wool. Pretty easy to do. Anyway, I'm starting to sound like a commercial. I enjoy reading your blog even though my two kids are way beyond needing me to haul them around on a bike (19 & 22). Using my bike for transportation and utility is pretty new to me, so I enjoy reading about others experiences.

Lamaia
10/14/2013 01:37:28 am

I imagine your friend has great thrift store recommendations. I really value things organization and I like Thrift Town, especially the one on El Camino. Also the huge Eco Thrift Mall just south of Florin on 55th works for me. I think they are both for profit, but I just can't hack the disorganized thrift stores. Also, I know a lot of people like the SPCA thrift store in mid-town. It is great for costumes. However, I'm not very picky about clothes and have never looked for wool.

Reply
Elle
10/15/2013 07:39:35 am

Thanks, Lamaia! I did need suggestions! My friend is from SLC :) Not very helpful around here.

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