shop my closet: milly, rodarte, kate spade, alexander mcqueen

This past week we had Fake Spring in Chicago. Fake Spring happens every year in February or March. The weather warms up enough to melt the snow and trick everyone into believing winter is over. It’s not, and winter’s misery returns just as quickly as people got out their summer wardrobe and began behaving strangely (see also: My Boys “Madder of Degrees” Part 2). We’ll get spring at the same time we always do – in May or June.

But it pays to be prepared, does it not? To make room for some new spring duds, I’m cleaning out my closet and taking a few bags to the consignment shop. But I’ve saved the best stuff for you, dear reader!

I’m selling the following items on a first come, first served basis and accept PayPal only. Sales are final, prices are as listed plus the cost of shipping to wherever you are. If you’re interested in buying something, email me at txinthecity@gmail.com.

Brand new with tags: Milly floral camisole top; 100% silk; size 2: yours for $35

This top would probably be the best purchase I have ever made…if I had ever worn it. Marked down to $59.97 from the original price of $230, I got it at Century 21 on a trip to New York City. Truly beautiful and luxe, it runs true to size and is quite revealing with a dramatically low neckline – this is not for bigger-chested gals.

It has a small imperfection: two tiny stain-dots that conveniently hide behind the draping when it is worn. Shown here:

Brand new with tags: Rodarte for Target silky net lace ballerina dress in Coral; size Medium: yours for $35

This dress is from the late-2009 Rodarte collaboration with Target. I wanted a piece of the collection so I snatched it up, but I’ve never found the perfect occasion to wear it and it has hung lonely in my closet for over a year. It is feminine and irreverent and runs true to size.

It also has an imperfection: two small holes in the tulle overlay, wrought by some very naughty kitty claws. They are on the back side of the dress and only obvious to a very discerning eye. In fact, they are so unnoticeable I had to turn the flash on and try very hard to capture them in a photo.

The tag price was $39.99, but the collection sold out quickly in stores. This same dress is still being sold on Ebay for over $50. Fact check me here.

Kate Spade Bisous Lips Noelle blouse; size 4; perfect condition: yours for $30

This top has been worn twice, is dry cleaned and in perfect condition. The print was so subversive I couldn’t pass it up!

Unfortunately, after giving it a good faith effort, I had to admit the Peter Pan collar wasn’t flattering on me. It runs slightly large and may fit sizes 6-8. Darling cut and detailing: flutter sleeves, pleating down the front, and silk-covered button and slit in back. The original price was $195.

Alexander McQueen tattoo print scarf; 3x3 feet; never worn; perfect condition: yours for $40

This is from the early-2009 Alexander McQueen collaboration with Target. Like the Rodarte, I bought this so I could own a McQueen piece but it just isn’t my style. The tags are gone but it has never been worn and has been dry cleaned. 100% perfect condition. I hesitated to list this at first - pieces made before McQueen’s sad death last year are/will be collector’s items. But the tattoo print and black and blue color scheme are too edgy for me, and it could be perfect for someone else who might actually wear and love it. Is that someone you?