Near Miss: Laura Leigh Sweater

Despite my large wardrobe, I wouldn’t classify myself as a clothes hoarder. In fact, I regularly cull my collection. In November, I sent two 30 gallon trash bags of clothes, shoes, and handbags to charity. My general strategy is to consider each item, recall the last time I wore it, and send it packing if it’s gone unworn for a year or more.

There are some exceptions. Difficult to style garments, even if recently worn, are ejected after I tire of fighting them. Special occasion or sentimental items don’t have to pass the once-a-year test. And, of course, I have a “hopeful” garment or two. You know…like the jeans that are really cute but one size too small but just might fit again, someday?

Generally, though, I keep a lean, mean closet. This occasionally results in donator’s regret. Sometimes, I can get it back. Usually, it’s gone for good.

Which makes it all the more sweet when a garment that almost made it into the trash bag, turns out to be a closet staple. Since I love an underdog, I’d like to start a new tradition of celebrating the near misses. Let’s start with this olive green, silk blend, faux wrap sweater.

I bought it at the PX in Okinawa, circa 2003. I liked the color, fit, and fiber content, but didn’t wear it much because I found the deep v-neck challenging. (This is before I learned to layer.) Still, it made the move back to the States with me. I tried wearing it a few times, layered, but the front hem wouldn’t lie flat and that drove me bonkers.


Worn twice in the first year of the blog and then abandoned.
I probably kept it around because I didn’t have many sweaters. Moving from Okinawa to Ohio and the USMC to civilian life required a whole new wardrobe. And, it turns out, a whole new attitude. A few years later, I seemed to have both mastered layering and acquired a tolerance for clothing that doesn’t drape with military precision.


After a 2 year break, I began wearing this sweater with increasing frequency. Since "olive is the new black," I find it goes with everything. The silk blend makes it a 3-season layering piece. The wrap is super flattering. And I'll bet you didn't even notice the wonky hem. Each time it comes out to play, I am thankful that I didn’t lose it in a closet purge.