Last year, I finally worked out two things:
1) I don’t like wearing fitted trench coats, and
2) I don’t like wearing fitted blazers.
The irony was that I owned two gorgeous trench coats and about half a dozen blazers, all of which I decided to cull from my wardrobe. Why hang on to something I know I’ll never wear? So I listed them on eBay, uploaded them to my Big Cartel store and even implored all of my Facebook friends to buy them off me. It was incredibly liberating.
In their place, I found two vintage capes on Etsy that allow me the freedom of movement that I both need and crave in an outer garment. This is one of them. Not only do I love its yellow colour, but it’s incredibly warm and snug and I can throw it over the top of almost anything. Now that’s the type of versatility that I like!
It’s taken me so long to realise that the fewer things I have in my wardrobe, the happier I am. And that the beauty of a piece of clothing has nothing to do with its material, brand, quality, colour or age, but everything to do with how much it is worn and loved.
At the moment, I have a notebook full of ideas for this blog, and I’m ridiculously excited. I can’t wait. I can’t wait! Lots of photos to take, lots of writing to do!
In the meantime, I hope you’re all enjoying a gorgeous weekend. Let me know if you’re doing anything special, okay?
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56 comments
Brilliant – can I adopt this approach too?
By which I mean….choose clothes according to their being worn and loved.
“not if it means looking stupid,’ says Pink Ronnie
That’s right, my dear… :)
Ronnie xo
I totally agree!! I’m trying hard to minimize my wardrobe. Still have to do better job at that.
I bought a large size cap at Kmart this year, I think it’s size 22… but it’s just so warm and makes me feel cozy and comfortable no matter what I wear underneath.
Yours is so beautiful! Love the yellow and red. Makes me think of sun and flowers and gorgeous summer days.
We’re having a slow and quiet weekend this weekend. We have friends for dinner but other than that some quiet time at home.
Hope your weekend is lovely and warm! x
Love all the ceramic work you’re getting up to! Need to see more photos. :)
I didn’t even realise Kmart sold capes – they’re awesome, aren’t they?
Ronnie xo
Unlike you, I’m totally a fitted trench or blazer person. But capes are awesome! They would definitely be more comfy as well. Loving yours, you look so cosy.
I think fitted trench coats are beautiful, just not for me it seems. I think you look so cool in the coats that you’ve been sporting on your blog. :)
Ronnie xo
I feel the same way but I’m ending up with more fitted pieces, like blazers and such. Just pieces that actually fit my body type. I loooove cozy pieces though, just haven’t found the right cape yet ;)
I agree – it can be tricky tracking down the right cape….
Ronnie xo
love you cape and your ability to “edit” your wardrobe; it does feel incredibly liberating when I do it, but inertia sets in all too often…hopefully, your post will inspire me to cull!
Thanks Diana! I have another closet culling post coming up – stay tuned! :)
Ronnie xo
hope you enjoy your weekend.lovely photo as always.
Thank you Katherine…
Ronnie xo
Another inspiration from you, Ronnie. I therefore clean my closet now. :)
P.S. I love that kind of yellow.
LOL, good girl. :)
Ronnie xo
p.s. It’s my favourite yellow too!
I’m sitting here reading this WHILE wearing a big old poncho – you are so right in being about to chuck it on over anything. It’s kind of like wearing a bit snuggly blanket in public, albeit a fashionable one!
“a big snuggly blanket” – I think you’ve summed it up perfectly, Lou!
Thanks for stopping by, can’t wait to explore your blog soon.
Ronnie xo
I’m the same way! I absolutely hate when my clothing is to tight around my shoulders/arms and restricts me. I have the most awesome green coat that’s several numbers too big and very worn, but it’s one of my most loved and used items of clothing.
That’s exactly it Ida! I love the look of fitted/tailored clothing, but I can’t stand how you can’t move your arms around. It’s just not practical when you have little people to chase after.
Ronnie xo
You are rocking the cape. I’ve just decided that I love blazers! They make me feel more grown up when Im teaching uni students! I have such wardrobe issues – I swear I want someone to comealong tell me what to wear and fix my entire wardrobe. *s*
That makes sense to me! Out of interest – what do you teach?
Ronnie xo
Theatre design :)
Wow, what a cape. I LOVE it, looks so great on you too. I have my one trusty leather jacket that sees me through each and every Brisbane winter but I might have to look in to this cape business.
This is what we got up to this weekend:
http://www.themonsterandme.net/2012/06/24/way-up-high/
x laura
Thanks Laura! I always thought I would be a leather jacket type of gal, but as it turns out, I”m not. Which is a shame, because I love the leather jacket look.
Thx for sharing your weekend!
Ronnie xo
you rocked the cape
Thx, and thx for visiting here.
Ronnie xo
What a beautiful cape! Looks great on you! I am currently reclining in front of my air conditioner in a short-sleeved shirt :) It’s sweltering here!
Must be so weird to see me wearing a cape when you’re up against such heat, Shoko!
Ronnie xo
Oh my gosh! You look fabulous in that! Good for you!
Thx Vicki.
Ronnie xo
Ronnie, that’s a really cute cape and I’m glad that you embrace what works for you
It took me a long time to work it out what I actually like to wear, but I’m glad I have.
Ronnie xo
Super cute. And looks ridiculously cozy. :)
I am excited to hear that YOU are excited about blogging! I love when people are motivated about things — I can’t wait to see what all you come up with. By the way, I love keeping a notebook with me — I have a huge list of blog ideas scribbled down as well. :)
Thanks Latrina, that’s so encouraging! Looking forward to putting my ideas into action. I can’t live without notebooks…
Ronnie xo
I know what you mean, I’m addicted to buying vintage, the quality and uniqueness of old clothing is amazing … I just not so good at the culling aspect, my wardrobe is bursting at the seems! … Know what you mean too about blog ideas, they’re spilling out of my head and I have no time to fulfil them at the moment – grrr!
Hope you had a lovely weekend xxx
I only discovered vintage last year, would you believe. So glad I did. And no worries – I have a closet culling post lined up! :)
Ronnie xo
I wish I had such inspiration for my own wardrobe… and my own blog! I am struggling to keep my head above water right now. Hopefully the trip to NNB2012 will inspire me.
That cape is amazing on you!
NNB2012 sounds awesome. Have you been before? It’s my sister-in-law’s birthday so I can’t actually make it this year, which is a shame since it is in Sydney. Let me know how it goes?
Ronnie xo
I haven’t been before, I’m quite nervous! Sorry that you can’t make it, it would have been awesome to meet you. I would love to go to Problogger too, but I have a family wedding that weekend.
You’re pretty inspirational Ronnie! I think a BIG cull is in order for me too. And boy do I mean BIG. None of this one smal bag off to Vinnies business. Over the past 2 years Iv really started to figure out what I like to buy vs what I like to wear for example, I love to by cute dresses. Do I wear cute dress? rarely. I hate buying jeans. Do I wear jeans? Everyday. Sigh. Right now, for todays outfit choice I have 8 cute dresses and 1 pair of jeans. I need to work on this!
LOL, Brigitta, I can so relate to that. It’s taken me 30 years to work out what I like to wear. Watch out for some closet culling posts soon… :)
Ronnie xo
Love it! Apparently they’re really big now…you must’ve set a trend ;)
I’m still hanging on to my coats and blazers. I still love them. Although there’s plenty of other stuff that I could get rid off, though *sigh*
I’m going to try and get a closet culling challenge happening – maybe you can join along? :)
Ronnie xo
The cape looks really awesome! I recently bought one for myself at the op shop too. Good on you for culling items in your wardrobe that you don’t wear. I do that every year and find it so mentally uplifting to de-clutter!
I agree – it’s so lovely when my wardrobe is filled with items I actually wear.
Ronnie xo
LOVE this cape! I totally agree, I love having fewer pieces in my wardrobe. I have no desire to follow fashion trends as I very often don’t suit them. I love what I love and that’s fine by my :)
“I love what I love and that’s fine by me” – perfectly put, Jo!
Ronnie xo
Your cape looks snuggly and warm. It looks great and I’m glad it makes you happy too!
What an awesome cape! I’ve been looking for a comfy one myself.
Try Etsy – lots of vintage goodies there.
Ronnie xo
Hello, my name is Monika I just came across your blog. What a wonderful cape perfect for this cold weather, I could just walk around in something like that all day!.
Thanks for stopping by here, Monika. It’s lovely to have you!
Ronnie xo
p.s. Yes, it’s been freezing, hasn’t it!?
56 comments