Fashion

Morphing

August 8, 2011

Remember when I posted about MEAL PLANNING? Yeah, how the whole point is to reuse, reuse, reuse & morph meals into something completely different so that your dollar goes further & your food doesn’t spoil?

You can apply the exact same principle to clothing!!! Whaaaat? Yeah, it’s pretty sweet when you get the hang of it. Kinda like juggling. Bad analogy; I have YET to master this skill.


Anyway.

Where were we? Ah yes, making our clothes morph.

When it comes to wardrobe, for whatever lame reason(s) we have it in our silly heads that our closest HAS to be as big as Oprah’s and filled to the top with designer brands, gorgeous fabrics, and of course, THE LATEST in order to be functional & stylish.

That’s big AND fat AND wrong (just like the dozen cream filled donuts Husby begs me for on a continual basis. oi!). Just saying.

I’m no fashion expert; but I do know a trick or two about exchanging looks. Let me explain…

1) ONE ARTICLE – (whether it be accessory, shoe, or clothing) that you ABSOLUTELY love. Build an entire outfit around it. Don’t get hung up on whether or not your outfit is completely “put together” the first go around. You can always swap out the top, bottoms, whatever until the look is “right”. My heap of clothing will attest, I do swapping best.

2) EXCHANGING – So you have your 1st look, right? What can you take from that outfit to morph into an entirely different look? Make it a challenge… how many exisiting pieces can I change into other looks?

Friday Night Date Look #1 -For example, take my lovely personal styling client Anna (BTW thank you Anna for letting me share your style boards). She asked that I create a date night look (mention – blazer left open & sleeves cuffed). I analyzed her style based on photos & a questionaire & decided I’d build everything around this sequin tank.

If you remember, she asked for ONE look right? Ai yai-yai… I couldn’t help myself. I saw too many possibilities with THAT tank. So I threw in 2 extra looks, free of charge. My way of saying, “Thank you for letting me fulfill the need to exchange less for more!” (or is it the other way around? clueless.)

Saturday in the Park Look #2 – Wait, I was supposed to use the tank!? Oh heaven help me. I’m a failure! Just hold it. I’m getting there, folks. I introduced new sandals & added affordable new accessories (that will be used later). That counts for something.

Saturday in the Park Look #2 (alternate combination) – Ok so not as to confuse you further… see how by just switching out the dress we have a totally different look? Reuse sandals from look #1 and add a fedora. Wowza!

Saturday Dinner Look #3 – Sigh of relief. The blessed tank. I TOLD YOU you’d see her again. And we reused the slub cardi and ALL of the same accessories! What’s up.

Now the fringe slub cardi wasn’t even entirely necessary (the fashion side of me says TOTALLY necessary bc it’s the cutest option)… but the budget conscious side says, “You could’ve totally reused the blazer with either maxi AND again with the sequin tank for dinner.” And she’s right. I could have reused. But we aren’t talking high dollar for ANY of this stuff. ALL of it, minus shoes & jeans are from Forever 21.

Give it a go! Start morphing!

  • CJ JOHSON August 8, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Holy cow! I need you to be my personal shopper! 10 weeks after having my son and I have NO wardrobe to speak of and shopping isn’t just depressing (I’m still not back to my normal size) its overwhelming since I need all new EVERYTHING! I’m going to have to see if I can apply your theory when I hit the stores.

    • missy August 8, 2011 at 6:55 pm

      Oh my word I can TOTALLY relate. I’d have near run-in’s with anxiety attacks shopping after baby. It’s frightening to say the least. I felt out of touch & overwhelmed. If you’d ever like I do personal styling sessions just like today’s post but suited specifically to you. Email me at melissa[at]pinkpistachio[dot]com if you’re interested in rates. xo

  • Courtney August 8, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Love it! This is definitely how I make my closet work, one pair of shoes go with 20 different outfits.

    • missy August 8, 2011 at 6:56 pm

      awe.some! we should do a style challenge with something along those lines. fun? yes?

  • Cherish @ Southern Soul Mates August 8, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Hey There! I just wanted to stop by an thank you form the bottom of my heart for your sweet words you left on my blog 🙂 I’m so glad you came by to visit and I hope you’ll come back real soon-and get you some shrimp when you do lol. You are stunning and have such a beautiful family! Have a blessed day! xoxo

    • missy August 8, 2011 at 6:57 pm

      Aww, you’re a doll. The sweet words were genuine. I appreciate a girl that’s not afraid to be her self. It’s refreshing! xo

  • Anna August 8, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    Eeeks I’m so happy you were able to use these, I love love loved the outfits you suggested for me, and now you are the stylist that keeps on giving because I can steal even more of these lovely outfit options! Thanks so much Missy!

    • missy August 8, 2011 at 6:58 pm

      Thank you again for letting me use them. And yes, the additions? SCORE yet ANOTHER outfit using your goodies! booya! A real treat working with you, Anna! xo

  • Allison J. August 8, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Very cute outfit ideas. I love how you pick a simple color scheme and stick to it. How often do you purge the trendy or out of date items? I don’t spend a lot on clothes either, but what I have piles up pretty quickly and I have a hard time cleaning out.

    • missy August 8, 2011 at 7:00 pm

      Good question… I purge at the start of the new season for the year prior. Let me explain. So for this summer’s clothing I’ll transfer it into the spare closet and save it for an entire year (until summer 2012). If there are pieces that are still current/relevant by then I keep. If not, I toss. Granted staple classic pieces never go out. So these are the ones I splurge on and get high quality & pay more buck for. Hope this helps! xo

  • Makenna August 8, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    these outfits are so perfect! all totally wearble and still trendy at the same time. as a college student with a some-what smaller closet, tips like these will come in handy!

    • missy August 9, 2011 at 12:35 am

      So happy to hear you found the info helpful. I live by this rule & you wouldn’t believe how much more use you can get from individual pieces. It’s frequent that people tell me, “I’ve never seen you in the same outfit! Do you have TONS of clothes?” Nope! The secret is morphing. I can’t wait to hear how you like it! xo

  • Maggie August 8, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    I love the wedges! Where are they from?

    • missy August 9, 2011 at 12:36 am

      Charlotte Russe. And if you buy them you get another pair for $10. Can you say, done deal?

  • LYNN August 9, 2011 at 12:59 am

    Love it! Totally agree with CJ above. My Maternity leave is at it’s end (SOB) 🙁 And I still don’t fit into any pants and the fitted T’s- Ugh, forget it. Empire waists and ruffles are my best friends right about now!! Will totlly think of you while i’m trying to make outfits out of the few items i have that fit!

    • missy August 9, 2011 at 1:18 am

      Ok friends, I’m thinking a postpartum fashion post is in need. All in favor say, “eye, aye, or I” I’ll take any version as a legit vote. Tunics will be your fall best friend. xo

    • CJ JOHSON August 9, 2011 at 2:16 am

      I, aye, AND eye! 🙂

  • Ashley August 9, 2011 at 1:58 am

    Sis! I love this post. It’s super helpful. Analogies, pictures and all…

    • missy August 12, 2011 at 12:38 pm

      And I love YOU, Ash! xo

  • Jenedy August 9, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    I love the idea of morphing when it comes to packing for a trip. We spent 11 weeks in Mexico and I only allowed one suitcase for clothes. Yep, definite morphage going on!

    • missy August 10, 2011 at 1:43 pm

      Oh my word… be prepared to see the same thing DAILY on the cruise. Okay maybe not exactly… you know I couldn’t do that. But definitely all the shoes, pants, and accessories. I hope it doesn’t get old. Ha! I bet you’re a pro morpher by now! xo