Polka Dots Forever

Dress: Forever 21 (about 4-5 years old) (similar here), Belt: Forever 21 (similar here), Shoes: Aldo (similar here), Sunglasses: J. Crew Factory (similar here), Necklace: gift from my grandmother

When I wore this dress to work, I laughingly told my manager that I had considered getting rid of this dress many times. In fact, it's ended up in the "to donate" pile more than once, but something keeps me pulling it back out. She looked shocked and said this dress is probably one of the most classic pieces and perfect for fall. I do not disagree. I tend to be sentimental about some things and clothes can definitely fall into that category. There are times when I find it especially hard to part with a piece because it reminds me of a perfect memory. Nothing special happened in this dress. And (sorry, but it's true) it being a Forever 21 dress, I really didn't expect it to live this long. I take great care of my clothes and that's how they last for so long. I do regular purges of my closet and sometimes I get rid of things because I've had them for too long. That's why this dress keeps going in to the goodbye pile. After hearing her talk about the dress like it was something to be cherished, I will most likely keep a hold of it until it truly falls apart. Sometimes, even when it's a cheap find that was for nothing special, you should hold on to things because they'll never go out of style. So, the next time you're thinking about getting rid of a piece and it's pulling you back in, maybe think twice about why you should or should not purge it. 

Advice to keep your pieces nice:

1. Always wash on the gentle/hand wash cycle or physically hand wash. Always hang/air dry.

2. Stop throwing everything into the laundry because you wore it. Give it a good 2-3 (sometimes) 4 wears before washing. Unless you shower only once a month you aren't that dirty. 

3. Hang or fold everything back into its place once you've worn or washed it. Clothes lying all over the floor are trip hazards and perfect for little dog/cat claws to rip.

4. Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't wear your favorite sweater with the loose knit if you're going to be around things that could snag it easily. 

5. Just have fun and try to not get too attached.