Four Ways To Wear Episode 14: Teal Shirt

The Candidate: A silk teal shirt

The Goal: A versatile, comfortable piece that will function in a work setting as well as at play.

The Results:

Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Necklace: from a street vendor in Rome
Long sleeve shirt: Energie, gift


Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Long sleeve shirt: Energie, gift
Tights: Hue via The Rack
Skirt: Self-made
Belt: Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Pants: AE via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Belt: Target
Dress: unknown via Goodwill
Shoes: Curfew via Goodwill

The Verdict: I love it! The color and shape work nicely into the rest of my wardrobe, the sleeves add a bit of luxe, and the silk material is divine. I was worried about laundering it--it says Dry Clean Only, which is do-able but not ideal--but after doing some research I think I will be able to handwash it in lukewarm water with baby shampoo and it will be fine. My only concern is how it will wear and if it would be able to travel. However, I scored it for $15 at Plato's Closet and paid for it with a gift card I have been holding for ages, so it was (basically) free! For that, I won't feel too bad using it as a 'test run' everyday wear silk shirt.

This is also replacing two similar shirts that I had previously but in cotton. For some reason, I was under the impression that I wore them frequently, but looking back through my blog I can only find one entry when I wore one of them! You can barely see it, but I wore it when I was showing off the suede Coach bag I won from 365 Fashion Rehab's no-shop challenge. I had two of these shirts--teal, loose-fitting, cotton. I guess they were the type of shirt that I would pull out, think about wearing, and ultimately put them back. I certainly hope that is not the case with this lovely silk shirt!

Do you guys have any tips for silk clothing? Have you handwashed any silk items, and did it turn out well (or not so well)?

Have you ever had any items of clothing that you thought you wore all the time, but it turns out you didn't? (am I the only person this has happened to? See, this is why I like having a blog--it helps support my failing memory!)



Check out my other Four Ways to Wear Episodes!
Episode Thirteen: Orange Tweed Skirt
Episode Twelve: Black Silk Shirt
Episode Eleven: Nude Sweater
Episode Ten: Cognac-Colored Boots
Episode Nine: Watercolor Silk Shirt
Episode Eight: Orchid Silk Dress
Episode Seven: Brown Full Skirt
Episode Six: Black Oxford Flats
Episode Five: Black Poncho and Cream Sweater
Episode Four: Safari Skirt
Episode Three: Red Sweater
Episode Two: Purple Embroidered Shirt
Episode One: Brown Pencil Skirt

Four Ways To Wear Episode 13: Orange Tweed Skirt

Now, don't worry--I haven't breached my 30 for 30 No(shopping)vember! However, in the spirit of working within my wardrobe, I decided to do a bit of sewing to turn a skirt I don't wear very much into one that fits my wardrobe better. This is not one of my thirty items, so you won't see this skirt again on my blog until December, but I decided to do a Four Ways To Wear episode amid my thirty remix challenge! (If I am not making much sense, it is because I am hopped up on strong pain killers--sorry!)

If you want to see the before, I wore it here. I enjoyed the color and the tweedy material, but the length was a bit too long, the lining was coming undone, and it felt a bit boxy to me. So I snipped, pinned, and sewed, and here it is! (If you were wondering, this skirt was the result of the inspiration from Orchid Grey--I love the silhouette of her skirt in that picture!)

The Candidate: An altered orange tweed skirt.

The Goal: A cute, professional skirt that will add a fun color twist to some of my basic outfits.

The Results:


Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Shirt: Loft via Plato's Closet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Boots: Steve Madden
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill


Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Sweater: 22 via The Rack
Long sleeved shirt: Kiabi via France
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Sweater: Goodwill find, altered by me
Shirt: Kiabi via France
Necklace: Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Merona, gift


Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Long sleeved shirt: Kiabi via France
Cowl-necked sweaterdress (worn as shirt): Rhapsody via Ross
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill

The Verdict: I like this silhouette and shape much better than before. I'm still not enamored with the color--is it too much of a blue-hued orange? I think that might be it. However, hopefully I will get more wear out of it this way than I did before (when I wore it once in the past six months!).

Do you alter your clothing at all, or even do any of your own alterations? What do you think about the alterations that I did--successful or meh? Finally, do you agree with me about the color being not quite right, or am I too drugged up on pain meds to accurately judge the skirt? ;)

Four Ways To Wear Episode 12: Black Silk Shirt

Whenever I see something by Banana Republic at the Goodwill, a little bell goes off in my head. On the whole, I love BR items more than is usual for any particular brand. Of course, at the Goodwill I can find a whole variety of non-flattering BR items, but still--every once and again I find something like this. I found this silk/viscose blend shirt and it jumped from the rack into my hand before I had realized what had happened. I tried it on and it was perfection. I tried to rationalize--Plummy, how many black shirts do you have? Plummy, what about trying other, non-black and non-gray neutrals? But it was all for naught as I decided that this shirt had to belong to meeee! I'm glad I did decide to take it home--it will replace one of my other black shirts, which I rarely wear anymore because it is looking a bit worse for wear. Anyways, enough blabbing, you want the goods! Here is my Four Ways To Wear for this shirt!

The Candidate: A black BR shirt I found at the Goodwill.

The Goal: A long-lasting, high quality black shirt that will be able to skew both casual and professional.

The Results:


Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt: Kiabi shirt from France
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill
Tights: Hue (sadly ripped and rarely worn now)
Boots: Steve Madden


Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt: Kiabi shirt from France
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Scarf: Gift
Tights: Hue (sadly ripped and rarely worn now)
Boots: Steve Madden


Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt: Kiabi shirt from France
Dress worn as Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Hue (sadly ripped and rarely worn now)
Boots: Steve Madden

The Verdict: It's black. It's silk. It's Banana Republic. Of course I am in love!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 11: Nude Sweater

The Candidate: Nudey-peachy-colored J. Crew knit sweater that I found at the Goodwill.

The Goal: A nice, neutral nude sweater that won't make me looked washed out (as most do).

The Results:


Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Camisole: Shimera
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill (yup, this shirt even goes with my new boots!)


Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Camisole: Shimera
Cardigan: Unknown, via Goodwill donation pile
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer
Necklace: Spotted Moth via a giveaway


Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Camisole: Shimera
Scarf: Goodwill donation pile
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


Sweater: H&M via Goodwill
Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer

The Verdict: I love the sweet pale coral color and the scoop neckline. I wish it was a bit longer, but it goes well with my camisole and looks cute with both skirts and jeans. It also isn't so short that the length is a problem. I do think it's funny that even though I am always cold, I gravitate towards sweaters with 3/4 and 1/2 sleeves.

Four Ways To Wear Episode 10: Cognac-Colored Boots

The Candidate: Brown Giusti leather and suede knee-high boots that I found at the Goodwill for $20. Of course, they were a size 5 1/2 (I'm a 7 1/2) but that didn't stop me!

The Goal: A pair of versatile brown boots

The Results:


I went out to dinner last night with family and this is what I wore!
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Sweater dress: Ross


These boots are so high, I feel like they need to be toned down for work--this was my attempt.
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Shirt: Toomi via Goodwill Outlet
Scarf: Self-made


Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Jacket: AE via Plato's Closet


These pants are almost too wide for the boots! I need some ultra skinnies to wear with these boots properly...dare I say it? JEGGINGS?
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Scarf: From a market in the Ukraine
Long-sleeved shirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Sweater: One Clothing via Ross

The Verdict: I was sold from the moment I tried these suckers on and they ACTUALLY FIT MY CALVES. The ONLY pair that has ever done that! Plus, I Googled Giusti and found that apparently they make high quality shoes and their boots retail for between 300-600$. Done and done. The only thing that I don't like about them is that the suede attracts dirt like a magnet! I have tried brushing them and waterproofing them, and we'll see how long they look nice for...However, for how they are right now, I am pleased. Cute with skirts and pants (albeit only super skinny ones), good for work and relaxing, and they are in my color palette! Score!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 9: Watercolor Silk Shirt

Remember that truckload of Martin & Osa clothing I found at the Goodwill? Well, this shirt was also a purchase from said truckload. It's 100% silk, machine washable, 7$ and originally $120. Awesome-sauce, right?

The Candidate: Silk Martin & Osa shirt

The Goal: A fun, summer shirt that I can also layer to get use in the other seasons. Bonus points for work-appropriateness.

The Results:


My first thought--easy with jeans.
Shirt: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill (it's like there's a trend somewhere...)
Shoes: Unkown, France


Second thought--the lower part actually has pockets, so it must be a tunic, right? Toss on some leggings, let's see how it looks!
Shirt: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Vest: F21
Leggings: Target
Shoes: Unknown, France


I wanted to try something a bit more relaxed...bring in faded denim!
Shirt: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Pants: AE via Plato's Closet
Sweater: The Limited via Goodwill
Shoes: Unknown, France


Now let's try something more teacher-y.
Shirt: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Sweater: Express via Goodwill Outlet
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Shoes: Unknown, France

The Verdict: It was very close with this one. While I like some of the outfits (mainly the one with jeans), this shirt was just very difficult to style! The colors are close to my main colors, but not spot on--something I would forgive if the silhouette was more versatile, but it's hard. It is slightly too long for pants, too short for leggings, too casual for work and I'm just not feeling it. I really wanted to love this shirt--honestly, $7 for a $120 shirt with the tags attached!!! However, in the end it would just be $7 for a shirt I'm not in love with, which would take up space in my wardrobe and which I would have to lug around with me from move to move. *sob* My overwhelming joy with the purple Martin & Osa dress throws my lackluster reaction to this shirt into sharp relief. There will be other silk shirts, right? So back it goes, and $7 goes back into my wallet for other items that will mesh in my wardrobe even better. So--nope, out it goes. Next!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 8: Orchid Silk Dress

Occasionally, the Goodwill by my house will get in clothing from stores that have recently gone out of business. In the case of yesterday, a shipment of clothing from Martin & Osa. Yes, you read that correctly. I bought two things, one of with was this 100% silk dress, machine washable (huge selling point!), with a drawstring waist, with the tags attached, originally ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS and I got it for FOUR DOLLARS. I was seriously bouncing off the ceiling. Fan-fucking-tastic. I love it!!! I actually saw it in the store before it went out of business, and I liked it, but it was waaaay too expensive for me, even on store closing clearance. And now it's miiiiine, all mine! *cackle*

The Candidate: My super mega-awesome Martin & Osa silk dress

The Goal: A breezy summer dress, but also something I can layer to make it appropriate for more than one season. Also, somehow to make it work-appropriate.

The Results:


Dress: Martin & Osa, via Goodwill!!!!
Necklace: Spotted Moth, giveaway prize
Shoes: Unknown, France


Dress: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill (also a find on the same trip, but I won't do a Four Ways Episode for it--come on, you've seen how often I wear scarves! Do you doubt I will wear it frequently?)
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Unknown, France


This reminds me of what I would wear as a painter...an awesome painter! I also see this as a go-to weekend lounging outfit.
Dress: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Leggings: Target
Boots: Steve Madden


I think this is one of my favorite looks, honestly. Simple, clean, professional and creative. Awesomeness.
Dress (worn as shirt!): Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Skirt: Nordstrom Brand via Goodwill
Necklace: Spotted Moth, free with giveaway
Shoes: Unknown, France

Verdict: Do you have to ask? Yes, yes yes!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 7: Brown Full Skirt

In this episode of Four Ways To Wear, Plummy finds another skirt that looks remarkably like one she already has, gets very excited, and then gets goofy. Intrigued? Read on!

The Candidate: This brown skirt from I.N.C that I found (where else?) at the Goodwill.

The Goal: To make many a work outfit, and to find another versatile skirt that is not my brown pencil skirt (how I love thee! But srsly, I have to branch out. I wear it pretty much every day.)

The Results:


Could it be? So similar to other outfits! Yes, I am already in love.
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's Closet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


This is what you get when Plummy is overtired at the end of a long week...
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Blazer: AE via Plato's Closet
Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


It's the month of Halloween! Give me scary!
Shirt: Gap via Goodwill
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Belt: Unkown via Goodwill
Leggings: Target
Boots: Steve Madden


Finally, something that looks alright with my wool Bebe coat...I was so excited to find it at the Goodwill (brand new for $10!!!) but it's such a tricky little beast to wear. Obviously, I bought it before I started Four Ways To Wear.
Coat: Bebe via Goodwill
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Leggings: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

The Verdict: Since it is indeed practically the same as my brown pencil skirt, except with lovely pleating and a slight sheen to the fabric, it is in! I love that it is another great find for work, I love that it is a fuller skirt, and I love this rich taupey brown color.

Four Ways To Wear Episode 6: Black Oxford Flats

I've already started wearing this particular item day to day. I was confident that it would work flawlessly in my current wardrobe, so my Four Ways To Wear came a bit later...and here it is! Let's see if you can guess what the item is!


This is a professional look with the new item!
Skirt: Zooc via Garage Sale
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Sweater: Express via Goodwill Outlet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


This is a more relaxed, but still professionally-appropriate look.
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Dress: H&M via Plato's Closet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


This is a more fun outfit--I would definitely wear this to the zoo, to the park, or while exploring a new city.
Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


By now I'm sure you've guessed it--my new item is this pair of new shoes! Naturalizer, leather, and for $4 I took them home from the Goodwill over Labor Day weekend. I love how comfy they are, how they are made out of leather, how they go with skirts and pants, and how almost-geeky they are. Perfect for someone new in the teaching field!
Jacket: AE via Plato's Closet
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Four Ways To Wear Episode 5: Black Poncho and Cream Sweater

This episode is a Full Night Event (remember those, back when the CW was the WB?). A twofer, if you don't mind.

Part I: The Case of the Black Lace Poncho

The Candidate: A black lace poncho

The Goal: A new type of layering piece, something fun and unexpected

The Results:


Poncho: Bisoux Bisoux via Goodwill
Shirt: Gap via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Unknown from France


Poncho: Bisoux Bisoux via Goodwill
Dress: Ross
Tights: Hue via Plato's

I'm stopping at two. This poncho does not fit in with my wardrobe (Is it the lace? Is it the fact that it looks cold weather, but is not warm? Is it the unusual shape?) and it was a stretch for me to make these outfits, much less two more.

The Verdict: Thumbs down. Return it!

Part II: The Case of the Wool Cream Sweater

The Candidate: A wool cream sweater, Banana Republic.

The Goal: A light-colored neutral warm sweater.

The Results:


Sweater: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Dress: Ross
Tights: Hue via Plato's
Shoes: Naturalizer


Sweater: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Shirt (you can see the tip of one sleeve, haha): The Loft via Plato's
Tights: Hue via Plato's
Boots: Steve Madden

Aaaand I stopped again at two. This time, it was definitely the result of several extremely unflattering photos--usually I get quite a few not-very-pretty ones, but rarely to this degree! It was the sweater! Added in that it felt a bit too big, loose cut notwithstanding, and the cropped sleeves denied me the warmth I was seeking in a wool sweater...it got cut.

The Verdict: No-go. But a return means more money in my pocket!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 4: Safari Skirt

I found this cute skirt at Plato's Closet (originally from H&M) with the tags still attached! It's definitely not work appropriate, but I liked it enough to want to include it in my casual wardrobe (and prevent me from looking 'office-appropriate' all the time). I put on the skirt and immediately think safari, complete with wanting to wear square scarves around my neck, tweed, a hat and riding boots (obviously have never been on a safari. I've been to the zoo though, that counts, right?). Of course, Mr. P saw it and told me "it looks like you took a trench coat and cut it up to make a skirt." Thanks, Mr. P.

The Candidate: My safari/trench skirt.

The Goal: A cute casual piece that, because it is a neutral that is light colored (i.e. not black, gray or dark brown, my usuals) will coordinate with much of my wardrobe in a new twist.

The Results:


Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden


Sweater: Bogari via Goodwill
Scarf: Unknown, Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden


Sweater: 22 via The Rack
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden


This outfit reminded me most of my safari/outback idea when I saw the skirt.
Blazer: AE via Plato's
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden

AND a bonus outfit! What I wore to birthday dinner tonight (OMG we had authentic italian and I just about imploded it was so amazing...om nom nom)

Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden

The Verdict: Yay! I like it!

However...to come soon, a Four Ways To Wear that might not be as successful...stay tuned!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 3: Red Sweater

The Candidate: Red Sweater by the brand 22 (via the Rack)

The Goal: A comfy layering piece that I can wear both indoors and out

The Results:


Sweater: 22 via The Rack
Shirt: Language Los Angeles via Plato's Closet
Pants: The Merlot via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Merona, gift




Sweater: 22 via The Rack
Scarf: I made it out of a ridiculous poncho-type thing I found in the trash
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Steve Madden


The same as before, just with the jacket done up differently and with a different scarf (this time via a garage sale).


Sweater: 22 via the Rack
Sweater Dress: from Ross
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Steve Madden

The Verdict: Another win! I love this sweater, especially the cozy sleeves!