Sometimes that’s just how it goes with thrifting: you get blessed with abundance—take it! But I’ve been there with the “ooh it’s a lot” feelings, so I know that for me the only thing that works is just… not going into thrift stores for a while 🥲 love your makes, and in particular probably your easiest one, the striped jorts!
You’re totally right about taking a breather and removing the temptation. Though I am headed to the thrift store today to find some pots for dyeing. Hopefully I’ll be good…
I don't think it's a coincidence that you bought and made more stuff shortly after leaving your job. To me, it feels less like recklessness and more like… a hunger for change? Like a way of making some more space for yourself.
I too have pieces that were favourites last year that I have barely worn this year; some of them I already gave up and regret it. Your retrospectives make me think I need a better way to categorise and document my wardrobe. Not so much for control, but to get better at noticing. When I read these essays, I think, Lan really observes things.
Thanks for this lovely comment! I think I started out with wardrobe documentation and tracking out of an obsession with control and order, but it’s been cool to use this data to reflect on how my wardrobe and dressing preferences have changed. I think we could all benefit from studying ourselves a bit more—not for the sake of improvement and optimization, but to better make sense of our changing circumstances, perspectives, and desires. We are all interesting subjects and the wardrobe provides such rich material (I’ve always thought I should be a wardrobe anthropologist haha).
I love juicy your colour palette is, it's all so vibrant but also unexpected (not just primary colours) and I feel so happy looking at them. That revenge dress fits you so well and it seems very wearable! I always have "dream" things floating around on my list but my favourite purchases are always things I can wear immediately.
The rag weaving workshop is exactly what I need - my husband and I have all these stretched out t-shirts that we don't want to wear anymore but we don't know what to do with them. I've been using them as cleaning cloths but they could be so much cuter and effective if I weave them? Must investigate...
Rag weaving is super fun and doable on a homemade loom! We learned how to cut the fabric to get long continuous strands. I’ve also seen amazing braided rugs from t-shirt scraps.
So many good additions. But I understand how it can feel like a lot. When your body is changing, your wardrobe needs change as well. Combine that with emothional upheaval and good thrift luck - then it's not strange that you bought quite a few things.
I love the fish blouse, definitely worth the wait! Veri is new to me. The bag is very similar to the bestie bag by BF patterns. I think you could actually make the bag of your dreams! Also digging your colorful shorts collection, though I mostly wear one pair of denim cutoffs on repeat.
Yes, I was actually planning to make the Bestie bag but couldn’t find the right fabric and also have a weird fear of sewing zippers. I will learn though!
Great silhouettes and colors! In love with the striped cotton shorts. You bring up a good point of not forgetting old favorites for exciting new additions.
I think there’s real style magic that happens when you bring together shiny new pieces and familiar, well-worn favourites. It feels novel and fresh, yet undeniably you.
You found and made so many treasures! I’m familiar with the urge to buy due to anticipatory austerity, but can’t imagine regretting any of these. And it’s good that you got yourself out of a situation that no longer worked for you. Wishing you all contentment in this chapter of life!
As someone whose wardrobe has a bunch of fantasy life items, I think the JPG dress will delight. Everytime I put my fantasy items on (rare. Twice to thrice a year max), I feel really good. Wishing you a good season of rest and self discovery!
This was a very fun style retrospective and I appreciate how the difficulties of June gave way to the creativity and freedom of July. My life also had a similar difficult June and July is improving arc and it really is reflected in what you wear and has a palpable affect of creativity as well. ❤️ Congratulations on this new season and happy early birthday!
Sometimes that’s just how it goes with thrifting: you get blessed with abundance—take it! But I’ve been there with the “ooh it’s a lot” feelings, so I know that for me the only thing that works is just… not going into thrift stores for a while 🥲 love your makes, and in particular probably your easiest one, the striped jorts!
You’re totally right about taking a breather and removing the temptation. Though I am headed to the thrift store today to find some pots for dyeing. Hopefully I’ll be good…
I don't think it's a coincidence that you bought and made more stuff shortly after leaving your job. To me, it feels less like recklessness and more like… a hunger for change? Like a way of making some more space for yourself.
I too have pieces that were favourites last year that I have barely worn this year; some of them I already gave up and regret it. Your retrospectives make me think I need a better way to categorise and document my wardrobe. Not so much for control, but to get better at noticing. When I read these essays, I think, Lan really observes things.
Thanks for this lovely comment! I think I started out with wardrobe documentation and tracking out of an obsession with control and order, but it’s been cool to use this data to reflect on how my wardrobe and dressing preferences have changed. I think we could all benefit from studying ourselves a bit more—not for the sake of improvement and optimization, but to better make sense of our changing circumstances, perspectives, and desires. We are all interesting subjects and the wardrobe provides such rich material (I’ve always thought I should be a wardrobe anthropologist haha).
I love juicy your colour palette is, it's all so vibrant but also unexpected (not just primary colours) and I feel so happy looking at them. That revenge dress fits you so well and it seems very wearable! I always have "dream" things floating around on my list but my favourite purchases are always things I can wear immediately.
The rag weaving workshop is exactly what I need - my husband and I have all these stretched out t-shirts that we don't want to wear anymore but we don't know what to do with them. I've been using them as cleaning cloths but they could be so much cuter and effective if I weave them? Must investigate...
Rag weaving is super fun and doable on a homemade loom! We learned how to cut the fabric to get long continuous strands. I’ve also seen amazing braided rugs from t-shirt scraps.
So many good additions. But I understand how it can feel like a lot. When your body is changing, your wardrobe needs change as well. Combine that with emothional upheaval and good thrift luck - then it's not strange that you bought quite a few things.
I love the fish blouse, definitely worth the wait! Veri is new to me. The bag is very similar to the bestie bag by BF patterns. I think you could actually make the bag of your dreams! Also digging your colorful shorts collection, though I mostly wear one pair of denim cutoffs on repeat.
Yes, I was actually planning to make the Bestie bag but couldn’t find the right fabric and also have a weird fear of sewing zippers. I will learn though!
I love all the silk and the pillow case skirt! Want to make one to! And the fish pattern boxy top is a true treasure find!
You should totally do it!
Great silhouettes and colors! In love with the striped cotton shorts. You bring up a good point of not forgetting old favorites for exciting new additions.
I think there’s real style magic that happens when you bring together shiny new pieces and familiar, well-worn favourites. It feels novel and fresh, yet undeniably you.
Perfect balance!
You found and made so many treasures! I’m familiar with the urge to buy due to anticipatory austerity, but can’t imagine regretting any of these. And it’s good that you got yourself out of a situation that no longer worked for you. Wishing you all contentment in this chapter of life!
Thank you so much! I am really thrilled with these finds and enjoying them everyday.
The colors!!!!
As someone whose wardrobe has a bunch of fantasy life items, I think the JPG dress will delight. Everytime I put my fantasy items on (rare. Twice to thrice a year max), I feel really good. Wishing you a good season of rest and self discovery!
Thanks, Elaine! Delight is exactly the right word—it’s hard not to smile when I see myself in it.
This is truly eye candy. I love your style, your use of color, your freedom!
Thanks, Danielle! It has been so much fun to get dressed lately!
Gahhhh so many good color combos here!!!! I always love reading your posts.
Thank you so much!!
This was a very fun style retrospective and I appreciate how the difficulties of June gave way to the creativity and freedom of July. My life also had a similar difficult June and July is improving arc and it really is reflected in what you wear and has a palpable affect of creativity as well. ❤️ Congratulations on this new season and happy early birthday!
Thanks, Laura! Glad to hear you’re on the upswing as well.