WIW: To Take Control

As my Grandmother would say (yes…the potato shoe stretching grandmother) "you can't have control unless you take control". So last night, I took control.

Again, thank you to everyone who replied on my Body Hatred thread. You were all so compassionate and wise. Buoyed with that big ol' YLF hug last night, I cleaned out my closet and removed everything that didn't fit and didn't make me feel good when I put it on. All the "rejects" went into the downstairs closet and out of sight. It was AMAZING how less anxious I suddenly felt. That closet will NOT be the boss of me!

What was left were items I truly love and still feel good in. I was quite happy to get dressed this morning.

My outfit started with my NYDJ ponte knit slim fit pants with faux suede front panel. Love the comfort of these and the fit is just spot on. I paired the pants with my asymmetrical mixed media tunic top and then popped on top of that my trusty black leather jacket.

For footwear, I chose my oh so comfy black Chelsea boots (so far, best purchase of the F/W 2014 season for me) and finished off the outfit with my black/white specs and black leather satchel. I feel powerful in this outfit.

What do you think? Would love your comments - and as always, all comments/suggestions are welcome.

Jacket, handbag and top: Danier Leather
Pants: NYDJ
Boots: Clarks

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36 Comments

  • Inge replied 9 years ago

    Brilliant job, Shannon!! (and hope it's OK to say that I adore your Grandmother:-) And wonderful to hear that you feel more in control again. Working with only those items that you love is the way to go forward, yay.

    I love this modern silhouette on you. The asymmetrical top looks great with those pants, and I love the fit of the leather blazer over it all. Sharp and powerful indeed. Your black and white specs go really well with the graphic vibe of this outfit too. And hurrah for comfortable and stylish footwear!

    Excellent outfit. Here's to fabulous you being in charge!

  • replied 9 years ago

    I'm glad you rebounded so quickly.  It is always a good sign when you take control.  Best wishes.  

  • Aubergine replied 9 years ago

    I love how sleek and graphic this looks!

    I didn't have a chance to respond on your other thread, but am so glad to hear you're feeling more confident and in control today. You've always looked great to me!

  • missvee replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous outfit on you. I envy your colouring - you wear black so well. I didn't comment on your other thread, but if no one has mentioned it already I'd suggest you pack away your scale along with the clothing that's not comfy right now. It doesn't really serve any purpose to keep looking at a number that you don't like :-).

  • Windchime replied 9 years ago

    I would never have known this outfit was borne from a wardrobe crisis! I love the tunic top--it's current and dramatic. I hope you feel as good as you look. :)

  • Jenny replied 9 years ago

    Tips on cleaning out the closet?!?

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Yay, Shannon! You go!! Grandma to the rescue and look at how fab she has made you look! (She must be a very modern grannie, LOL.) 

    You are wearing "our" jacket. Just as I predicted, jackets can give you that shot of structure to make you feel fully in control and sharp! Perfect. 

  • dianne replied 9 years ago

    You look terrific Shannon. You have definitely taken control and I am truly impressed!!

  • thimblelina replied 9 years ago

    Yes, impressive! You're a fighter! Brava!!

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    You are my hero! Fantastic take charge attitude leads to fabulous outfit. My only suggestion is figure out a way to take a picture so I can see the detail on those pants!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Way to go Shannon! Love this very 'you' outfit. Elegant, edgy, with structure and a bit of fluidity. Brilliant!

  • Helena replied 9 years ago

    Terrific!!!

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    What a gorgeous outfit! Love that print top especially. I didn't get a chance to comment on your other thread but want toco granulate you for talking charge of your closet and getting what isn't fitting out of there. You look beautiful.

  • Robidi replied 9 years ago

    Good for you...and you look fabulous!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Isn't it nice when something good arises out of the mess and lets you know that you haven't gone completely over the edge?  This good thing being this outfit. You wear black and white like nobody's business.   Everything here looks and fits gorgeously!  I am in leather jacket envy too - wishing I could wear  mine more than 2 months out of the year when they function as outerwear pieces.  Glad to hear the closet clean out went well too - I'm starting this morning as soon as someone leaves for work.  Onward ho!

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Ah Grandmas are so smart :)

    You look fantastic as usual, Shannon. I missed your first thread, I haven't been keeping up too well around here, but will go back. If it's any consolation, you look nothing short of spectacular on your daily WIWs. Sounds like you've taken control - good for you!!! 

  • replied 9 years ago

    You look fantastic Shannon, and I'm so glad that dressing was stress free this morning! I cannot stand to have clothing that's not working in my closet. It taunts me with all these outfit possibilities that aren't really possibilities after all, so OUT it goes! Good for you. I'm so happy to hear those boots are becoming comfy workhorses for you. ;)

  • abc replied 9 years ago

    You look great and I can tell you feel a lot better which is the most important thing.

    I loved that top since you first posted it.

    I am in the market for some flat boots and you just reminded me to check out those Clarks.

    Chin up, sweetie!  XOXO

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    Way to go Shannon!  You look great and I imagine you feel so much better too. I need to do a little closet cleaning myself.

  • Debbie replied 9 years ago

    Excellent! Love the way the top looks with the jacket.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Awww shucks - thank you ladies :)

    Inge - of course it's alright to say you adore my Grandmother - she'd be thrilled. One day I'll write a wee bit about her in the Off Topics section because she really was quite a remarkable woman and someone I was extremely close to.

    Jenny - tips for cleaning out the closet: I literally took every item out of the closet and piled it on the bed (much to Dusty Bottom's delight). Then I wiped out the closet. Then began the sorting and trying on. I tried on each item one by one and only put back in the closet items that both physically fit and that I want to wear. Everything else went in the downstairs spare closet. Now no guilt when I look in the closet and see pants that used to fit and no longer do up. It was nothing short of therapeutic.

    Suz - I've come to realize that jackets are like armor to me - I feel stronger and more in control when I'm wearing one.

    Shevia - I've added the pants to my finds section so you can see the detail. Apologies for forgetting that in the first place.

    Lisa - good luck with your closet cleaning morning. I had a glass of wine (or two) while cleaning mine - it helped :)

    Claire - that's the perfect word for it - taunts. Well no more!

    abc - I cannot say enough about these boots.I definitely recommend checking them out.

    Thanks ladies - feeling much more like myself this morning. I don't think I completely have my mojo back but with your support and suggestions, I'm working on it :)

  • Elly replied 9 years ago

    This is a kick-arse look, Shannon! I'm glad to see your smile back. Enjoy the great stuff you have, and don't worry about the other clothes. They will be there when you need 'em. 

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    Awesome! So glad to hear that you could implement that strategy so swiftly and that it's working well for you. I love your outfit, it's a great look. YOU are looking great. :)

  • Alassë replied 9 years ago

    That's wonderful!

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    You look great (as usual)!  I'm glad you've made some changes and are already feeling happier. 

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    *applause*

    WOOOHOOOO. And you bounce back in true Shannon-style. NEVER let your wardrobe boss you around.

    I LOVE the long fringe. Super modern. 

    The only way out, is through - and you happen to look killer doing so. xo

  • deb replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, you look perfect!!

  • shedev replied 9 years ago

    Grandma was a wise woman.

    You look fantastic in this outfit. Love the tunic. And you really do wear black and white like no ones business.

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous!  You have to feel terrific about how you look today, Shannon.  You're outfit is oozing style and ease!

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Isn't it strange how clutter can bring on anxiety? Your exercise has given me an insight into what clutter is - it's not merely extraneous bits and pieces, it's non-functional stuff. Or did everyone know that but me?

    Anyways: I want that top.

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    Ummm, not sure why you're having fits of self-consciousness about your body because you look stunning!  Honestly, if you say you have put on a few I take your word for it but never in my life would I have guessed that from these pictures.  You look great as always.

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 9 years ago

    A very impressive self caring solution and such quick action... Couldn't be more thrilled for you! Love this look! You are a strong woman!

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    Fab outfit, fab grandma & fab you  :) :)

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Fab grandma is right Caro - I swear that most of my valuable life lessons I learned from her :)

    Thank you all for the outfit love and the kind words. I do feel more like me today. And that is in no small part to the boost of confidence you have given me - thank you.

    Rachy - as I'm getting older, I find too much "stuff" just makes me anxious...like I'm now being pressured to do something with it. I think this is what is leading me to a desire for less.

    Angie - only way out is through - must remember that :)

  • replied 9 years ago

    I'm following along with empathy and hope that we both come out the other end in one piece :)

  • Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 9 years ago

    Shannon, I want to give you about a thousand hugs, because once again, you are absolutely an inspiration and a role model :)  

    I am pretty sure that many of us have found ourselves in exactly that same place, and state of mind - surrounded by clothing that no longer fits as it did, and full of negative things that we say to ourselves.   For my part, I have been in that place many, many times.   I cannot tell you how greatly I admire your optimism, your pluck, and your determination to be in control, and not allow negative feelings to continue to overwhelm you!

    Whether you realize it or not, this WIW is really a shining beacon to every one of us who has ever found ourselves (or will find ourselves), in that moment of despair, because you have given us a solid and concrete example of what it means to take control, and to love yourself unconditionally. 

     You are so beautiful and so fierce, and that means so much more than a number on a tag.    Thank you   xoxoxo 

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