Style | Cropped Sweater + Merlot Scarf

Fall is my favorite season of the year – the leaves are changing colors, hot apple cider is brewing, apple picking is in full effect and Christmas is right around the corner! (too soon?)

Traditionally, I put all my spring/summer clothes away and then reset for the fall/winter when the weather starts to get a bit chilly. Goodbye maxi dresses and shorts – hello cardigans, scarves and hats. Layering is back in and I enjoyed being bundled up.

As I am learning to build out my wardrobe to be functional for all types of New England weather – I question every purchase that I make. Do I see myself wearing this more than once? Do I really LOVE what I am looking at or trying on? Is it worth it? Can I wear this to work and out with friends too? It may sound like I’m thinking about it too hard – but I often purchase clothing that is considered fast fashion rather than investing in something of quality. It’s actually harder than it sounds. So here I am – back on my mission to invest in quality and understand how to make my clothing multi-functional.

As you sort through your clothing for the weather changes – here are some great ideas on what to do with the garments and accessories that you no longer have a want or need for:

A. Co-workers, Friends and Family – You never know who would love your old garments or is admiring your style from afar. Bring the clean and cared for items to work and send out an email to anyone that may be interested. I have found it best to leave it at a “First Come, First Serve” basis so that there is no pressure to take anything from the pile. I have brought many accessories and beauty products to work to share with my other working girls and let them have their pick of the bunch. Anything left over, I actually donate where I can.

B. Donation – Donate to a local business that would be able to sell your items in order to support their cause. Whether it be a Goodwill or Savers or Cradles to Crayons – your donation would be appreciated all around. Make sure you research the types of items that are being accepted at each location since they differ in needs. If you would like – feel free to ask them for a donation slip with the estimation of your donation so that you can apply it to your taxes at the end of the fiscal year. (A small bonus for your contribution.)

C. Sell to Consignment Shops – If you have high end labels or familiar brands in clothing – there are many consignment shops that would look at your clothing, assess the value to their customer and give you money or a gift card in exchange. Second hand stores are becoming more and more popular as a destination to find quality clothing at an affordable price. You may find something new for yourself while donating! Who knows!

I hope that this inspires you to recycle your style -make way for something new and fresh in your wardrobe while giving back. Have a great rest of the week!

|Top: Forever 21 Cropped Top Sweater
|Bottoms: Loft Boyfriend Jeans
|Shoes: French Connection Elvia Pump
|Bag: Coach Patent Leather Wristlet
|Accessories: Banana Republic Scarf, Cole Haan Sunglasses,
Forever 21 Pendant, LIT Boutique Rhinestone Studs