Hosts: Melissa Lynn Oddo (deMelis Atelier & Stitched Collective) Matthew Banever (Bards Clothing)

Summary:

In this episode, we are diving deep into the evolution of our wardrobes and the art of curating a personal style. We explored the fascinating transformation of clothing storage—from chests and armoires to our expansive modern walk-in closets. We discussed how clothing used to be mended and cared for in ways that are less common today. With a focus on intentional purchases and wardrobe management, we examined how the way we store and view our clothing has shifted dramatically.

Outfits:

Melissa – 

• sweatshirt @daddydressedme (IG) 
• High Waisted distressed black jeans from Express, second hand from Pennywise
• White Adidas Sambas 

Matt – 

• coat – Bards
• Shirt – Bards
• Khaki pants – Bards

Key Topics Discussed:

Historical Storage: We reminisced about how people once used chests and armoires for clothing storage, a stark contrast to the vast walk-in closets we often have today.

Wardrobe Sustainability: We touched on the concept of buying fewer items to align with sustainability goals, noting the statistic that suggests buying no more than five new pieces a year to minimize environmental impact.

Conscious Buying: Melissa shared her strategy of maintaining a list of needed items and carefully considering each purchase. She also discussed the Vogue statistic that suggests a fulfilling wardrobe only needs 74 pieces.

Clothing Functionality: We discussed the shift in clothing function, from practical, mended work shirts to the more disposable fashion of today. We explored how modern wardrobes often contain items that don’t fit our current lifestyles.

Personal Style: Melissa and Matt shared their favorite wardrobe items—Melissa’s love for shoes and jewelry, and Matt’s passion for outerwear and sport coats. We talked about how personal style and the perception of one’s wardrobe can evolve and how Pinterest boards can aid in refining one’s aesthetic.

Wardrobe Management Tips: We highlighted the importance of periodically reassessing your wardrobe, whether through regular reorganizations or more significant seasonal changes. This helps to ensure your clothes align with your current lifestyle and personal style.

Links:

• DaddyDressedMe – Proud Father Creating Clothes for my Daughter | Fatherhood | Sewing | Daddy-Daughter Love | Positivity
• Express – American fashion retailer
• Pennywise Consignment – Since 1988 we’ve offered designer clothing and accessories for women and men in the latest styles.
• Park Road Shoe Repair – Our Family-Owned business has serviced Manhattan for over 20 years and now we are expanding our services to Hartford, Connecticut. Park Road Shoe Repair was established in 2019 with one mission: to bring a reliable, high quality Shoe Repair Shop to the West Hartford area. 
• Fazio’s Shoe Repair – 216 Market Sq. Newington, CT
• Project 333 – This 3-month wardrobe challenge has been changing closets and lives around the world since 2010
• CT Closets and Garages – We Design Closet Organization Systems that Transform Cluttered Spaces into Organized Havens
• Cadillac Ranch – New England’s Nashville Showcase
• Jos A Banks – a heritage of quality workmanship, an extensive selection of beautifully made, classically styled tailored and casual clothing 
• Nikki Estephan Photography – A neutral loving, fashion forward branding photographer, who loves to hype up & educate other business owners with their brand! 
• Marie Kondo and the KonMari Method – The KonMari Method is a simple but effective tidying method, ensuring you will never again relapse to clutter. It uses a unique selection criterion – choosing what sparks joy! 
• Keep-Tailor-Donate – A Closet Audit is much like a financial audit, you don’t know how much you are spending or saving unless you take a hard look at everything