This weekend, my friend Thora hosted a clothing swap. Because I still have insane amounts of laundry to be done, and because I have problems letting go of things–I might NEED them someday!–I did a whirlwind tear through my closet and dresses and got rid of the most obvious. That’s things I don’t really like, things that I bough intending to alter but never have, things that no longer fit, things that I haven’t had occassion to wear for the past two and a half years, and am unlikely to need in at least the upcoming two and a half.

I wound up taking three bags of clothes over. I also came home with one, but at least that’s progress. The new stuff is great–my favorites are a couple of nice, work-wearable skirts (one black and white, one cream with roses and flowers) and shirts. I also got a great long cream skirt for ritual, and an amazing retro 40-ish looking dress. I’m not sure I can pull it off, but I love it. It just needs a few small repairs, and one of the shirts needs a couple of stitches in the deep crossover neckline before I can wear it to work, but it’s great to refresh my wardrobe without spending a lot.

I also got my first Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs order! So yummy. I got a bottle of Under the Harvest Moon and Pumpkin One. Both are delicious; Under the Harvest Moon is very light and fresh, perfect for that transition between summer and fall, where the Pumpkin Patch one is very cozy and comforting. It makes me think of a big cosy sweater,  a cup of tea, and a roaring fire. I LOVE IT. They also threw in some sample imps of Pele, The Deep Ones, Hetairae, and Vechernyaya. I haven’t tried those yet, but I have looked at the descriptions and they all sound yummy. I’m already planning another order of imps to try; there are a few scents that really intriuge me, and I also want to try some of their voodoo oils (especially Has No Hana and Block Buster). This is very quickly becoming an addiction–but at least a good-smelling one.