Any day now the National Guard will deem my closet (and the surrounding floor) a disaster zone. The door doesn’t close anymore and I’ve been doubling and tripling up on my hangers since 2010. Maybe I have a shopping problem, but the bigger issue is that I refuse to part with anything. Who knows when silk cropped pants will be back in style? Or my purple fur-trimmed belly top? What if I finally find an event to wear my knee-high lace up platform boots to?
I started asking around, and it turns out I’m not the only one who can’t clean out my closet properly. A few of Toronto’s fashion elite let it slip the pieces they can’t bring themselves to toss.
Jen McNeely — Editor-in-Chief/Creator of SheDoesTheCity
“Before Queen West’s Carte Blanche closed its doors (RIP), I raided their sale rack. I was easily convinced to purchase a biker jacket cropped above the waistline. It wasn’t cheap, but it has certainly proven it to be a smart investment. Lightweight and fitted, the soft black leather means I can wear it as a jacket or layer as a shirt. It can punk up a cocktail dress or instantly make simple denim cutoffs with a white tee a badass outfit. I’d say it is the sexiest little thing I own; for intimate occasions I occasionally wear it with just lingerie and heels.”
Alannah O’Neill — Associate Editor at Elle Canada
“One of my first designer purchases was a black leather Marc Jacobs Natasha bag. It’s a bit beaten up now but it has sentimental value– I’ve worn it to both New York and London fashion weeks, and to some of my biggest interviews for the magazine. It’s one of the hardest working pieces in my wardrobe.”
Amina Said — PR and Social Media Manager for eLuxe
“Although they’re a recent acquisition, my vintage Levi jeans will live in my closet indefinitely. I hope they never become unwearable because it’s taken me nearly a decade to find the perfect fit in a jean that is complimentary to my body.”
Lance Chung — Associate Online Editor at Sharp Magazine
“My simple navy blue vest (which I am wearing right now) is something I would never part with in my closet. When it comes to men, you can never ever go wrong with the classics. I find that for the male populace, there is a much larger emphasis on style over fashion, and this is one instance. It’s really one of the most versatile pieces that any man can have in his wardrobe, and what man doesn’t love versatility?”
Sharon Ng Hayes — Blogger/Creator of The Backseat Stylers
“My husband (then fiance) and I went on a tour of Europe back in 2007. I returned from that trip with my very first pair of flats and a Gucci guccissima satchel. The bow-embellished flats I adored, and wore until there were holes in the patent leather and the soles were completely worn down. The velvet-trim Gucci bag was a favourite too until I grew out of the monogram-embossed leather. Both the shoes and the handbag are still sitting in my closet though, and will be for a long time to come. I just can’t bear to part with them– they’re the only souvenirs I have from one of the most incredible experiences of my life to date.”
Anita Clarke — Founder/Editor-in-Chief of I Want – I Got
“Choosing one piece of clothing is difficult as there are a few I really treasure. However, the one piece of clothing I will never part with is my Alexander McQueen shawl from his last full collection, Plato’s Atlantic. McQueen is one my all time favourite designers and I was happy to own a little part of him before he died.”
Randi Bergman — Online Editor for Fashion Magazine
“I love a summer wedge like nothing else, specifically the Kork Ease pair I bought years ago. The brand usually makes traditional-looking wedges, but they did this one collection that was a bit more fashion forward, patent, and a higher heel. I somehow scored them for $30 and have been wearing them every summer day since. So much so that they’ve been repaired about once or twice a year. Though I thought I would never part with them, I think it’s going to have to happen at the end of the summer. The straps are pretty much contorted beyond repair.”
Sabrina Maddeaux — Style Editor at Toronto Standard
“The piece of clothing I can’t part with is my Chloe Comme Parris bubble bomber. It goes with pretty much anything, keeps me just the right temperature, and is comfy as all hell– it even has sleeve cuffs with armwarmers. I love the metallic western buckles on the shoulders because they’re edgy without being obnoxious. It’s all about the details.”
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Bianca Teixeira writes about style for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at @BeeLauraTee.
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