My old wardrobe

Ok, it's not fair to say that I never treated myself before I began this project. About six weeks before kicking off my year of spending, I made a big purchase: a Reiss leather blazer. It was, for me, hideously expensive: about $260. But...that price was 70% of the original price of $860. It's a steal, right? I justified this purchase on the grounds that I needed a fall jacket (it's more of a blazer for indoor wear than a coat, but still...) and that it was the kind of instant upgrade that I've been dreaming of making since I started thinking of this project. Plus...it's so buttery. I love this blazer. I haven't worn it yet, but I can't wait.

These are the designer labels in my closet and how they came to be there. Giorgio Armani suit, 85% off last clearance price (so under $300) and still in my closet though it looks quite out of date (check out the shoulder pads!); vintage Valentino dress, bought at consignment shop; 2014 Pink Tartan blazer, given to friend who gave it to me. 

Here's a bunch of stuff I don't like and don't wear, but which I haven't cleared from my closet. There's a Banana Republic top that I feel guilty about because it was a gift; a yucky pair of summer trousers bought on sale years ago and too big/rumpled, but "hey, I might need them," a skirt that I got from my sister when she was clearing out her closet 10 years ago--naturally I've held on to it because I assume everything she has is designer-awesome; and a DKNY outlet store button-down that has never, ever looked good on me, but is unwrinkled. That seems like reason enough to leave it in my closet.

I found this fantastic dress at Martingale Vintage in Stratford, Ont. over the summer. It fits like a dream and has holster pockets. (I wanted to know more about the style, but if you Google "holster pockets" you just get ads aimed at gun-owners.)