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Jun 4Liked by Dacy Gillespie

I feel like this is the most basic question, but here goes: how do I find images for my mood board? I feel like the Pinterest algorithm is so strong that it only shows me stuff that looks exactly like what I’ve already pinned. I want to see stuff that’s outside my comfort zone, so I can figure out if I like it! But I never even get to see that stuff.

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Not basic at all! If you’re new to Pinterest, get started by searching. Use the descriptive words you used in your questionnaire about your ideal style and then add the word "style" (ex: “elegant style”, “comfy style”, “bohemian style”). If you can't think of anything at all to search, just go to https://www.pinterest.com/discover/, then click on “Women's Fashion”. After you pin a couple of images, Pinterest will start suggesting things for you. You can also go to my Pinterest account and see if anything resonates there. Here are a few boards to start with:

https://www.pinterest.com/dacyg/defining-your-style/style-examples/

https://www.pinterest.com/dacyg/style-icons/

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Jun 4Liked by Dacy Gillespie

LOL, I'm so happy you asked this question because I was thinking the same thing! I actually ended up looking at Dacy's examples and also following her on Pinterest which I also think will be really helpful!

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Jun 5Liked by Dacy Gillespie

Following your gut is so key! I feel like secondhand shopping really helps me with this, since I look at items at the rack one at a time and have to quickly think Y/N.

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totally

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I am finally starting to let go of what’s supposed to be “flattering” on my body— and it is really a lot of fun. Whenever I wear one of my giant dresses, I feel like I’m giving the finger to the male gaze.

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I'm coming closer to finding my personal style. While most of my wardrobe is comprised of classic, conservative, "investment" pieces, there are a few jewels that punch it up. Yesterday I wore a damned near neon orange, linen shirt that trails nearly to my knees. I wore it with tailored, white, Bermuda shorts over a white, razor back T and a pair of pointed mules. Dare I say I loved the look. So perfect that I went to the grocery store just for the hell of it. The cashier, no more than 20 years old, remarked shyly, "I love the way you dress. You always look so nice when you come here." Ha! Made me smile. I pulled it off. Neon orange is my favorite color of the week. Now to rearrange my closet to get those jewels easily in view. Fashion is fun, particularly when I allow myself to be just a touch outrageous.

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I love that you are in your two pair of glasses phase in your life, me too!

Per your advice I have started shopping on Poshmark and in thrift stores. In fact if you "like" items on Poshmark you can use it as a vision board focusing in on styles that catch your eye. The hard part is not buying the items right away after the seller offers you a "deal." This is where my OMG I'm getting a deal on this item over rules my common sense. It does take a bit of practice and restraint to use it in this way.

I do have a question: do you have any suggestions on selling your clothes that no longer fit? I have listed on Poshmark with no takers. I tried selling to the local thrift store and they did not buy even one item. I'm almost to the point where I will just donate the items but I want them to have a second life and not end up in a landfill. Thx

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yes, it's sad, but that just speaks to the absolute excess of clothes in the world - no one wants them! my only other suggestion is your local buy nothing group. Set yourself a deadline and whatever remains goes to the thrift store. You've done your due diligence.

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Thank you for the suggestion of the buy nothing group. It's amazing that people are willing to drive kinda far for free stuff.

On the other hand can we talk about how thrift stores are a ruse? My clothing that I would like to thrift is gently used and decent brands, Madewell, Sanctuary, Free People, Tahari. I tried 2 other thrift stores and they did not want anything. Some other women were in there with brand new items, in online shipping bag things, tags on selling that stuff to the "thrift store!" What the heck?! My attempt at sustainibility has been thwarted! I'm so naive that I truly thought a thrift store would be for used clothing!

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Technically, that's a resale store, not a thrift store. A thrift store is a place where everything is donated. Sorry, it just clouds the discussion! That's annoying tho, I hadn't heard of that. Maybe they missed their return window??

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I’m almost ready to let this go… So one of the places I went is called Buffalo exchange and it advertises itself as a place that buys, sells and trade’s used clothes . A woman had bags of new clothes she was selling to the place. Anyway, I did find a J.Jill linen shirt dress in a petite medium for $25 so I really can’t complain to much.

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Jun 5Liked by Dacy Gillespie

If you live close to a zero waste store, see if they’re hosting a clothing swap any time soon.

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Thank you Dacy! And I re read the columns linked. Realized re reading helps me remember so much of what you’ve suggested.

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I'm the same way!

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Glasses. I was a three eyewear person for years. And then...progressives with transition lens. Distance, reading, computer, and sunglasses in one.

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you solved it!

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