Mushrooms and Fishnets

I’ve been wearing a lot of black lately. Am I mourning my transition into the mid- to late-twenties? the state of the world? tragedies in my personal life? Am I trying to maintain a stereotypical New-Yorker image because I want to play up a part of my identity that I fear I am losing? Am I becoming my mother, who went through an all-black-clothing phase that lasted for at least a decade of my life? 😮

Either way, all-black outfits have begun to feel a lot more natural for me. Besides any psychological purpose that they may serve for me, starting off with a mostly black clothing base allows me to amp up my accessory game. I feel like I have a lot more leeway to play around and showcase unique patterns and shapes in what I wear to accessorize.

This is especially important because I have a huge weakness for unique socks—in the last year of my journey to become a more ethical consumer, my only failing so far has been in the sock department. I had bought a pair of amazing (but not explicitly ethically-sourced. . . ) mushroom-patterned socks a couple of months ago. Not only are they patterned with spore-releasing shrooms, but they also glow under UV light! When I bought them, I was super excited to wear them, but then they sat in my sock drawer for days, then weeks, then months. I kept pulling them out, ready to wear them, then worrying that they would clash too much with the rest of my outfit and putting them away again. I started feeling guilty about having paid for a thing that didn’t quite fit into my shopping ethics and then not using the item at all.

A few weeks ago, as I was assembling an all-black outfit for a dinner with M., I realized that the mushroom socks would add just enough flair to my look to prevent it from being too monotone. The result is the below ensemble:
It’s been a while since I’ve worn an outfit that I would describe as “fun,” and for me, this outfit was fun (M. called it “spunky”). I had a great night out, and I feel a little more confident about wearing my mushroom socks!

But, after having so many mixed feelings about the purchase of these socks, I think I’m ready to reduce my sock habit. I’ve already made so many changes to my other consumption habits; why can’t I change my sock shopping too? Maybe I’ll even stop buying socks I don’t need . . . Sigh. I think it’s time I start decluttering my closet and donating or repurposing items that have been languishing in there for ages.

Outfit details: Silver-chain tassel earrings (DIY), sheer black silk top with balloon sleeves (from Crossroads Trading), silver bralette (made in U.S.A. by Beyond Yoga, but bought “with tags” from Beacon’s Closet), high-waisted black shorts with gold toggle clasp (from Crossroads Trading), gold leather satchel (from Beacon’s Closet), black fishnets, mushroom socks, maroon leather sneaker-mules (from Beacon’s Closet).

❤ S. (a.k.a. AMisplacedPen)

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way to write about any organizations or businesses that I have mentioned. This post expresses my honest opinions.