Old Faithfull

So, recently I was cleaning out my closet.  Every time I decide to go through and pare down the wardrobe (out with the old, in with the new), the above sweater seems to make the cut to stay.

It's a simple, plain black cardigan sweater from Express.  It has no holes.  There is no logical reason to get rid of it.  I would probably have to go spend money on a new solid black cardigan sweater.  What would be the point of that?!

I was thinking back to when I first got this.  Drumroll please....  Sophomore year of high school.  It is from the days of when Express used slashy sizes (remember?!  1/2, 3/4, 5/6, etc.)  I have owned this sweater for...almost half my life.  It's coming up on being with me half my life.  And, as I've already established - there is no end in site for our relationship.  How long will our love last?!

Anyhow.   Does anyone see a reason to give this gem away?  Does anyone else have long-term clothing relationships?  Is it a very basic piece or more of a statement item?!  I used to give away 'statement items' fairly quickly because I felt it was easier to get tired of wearing them or they went out of style quickly.  I don't regret the extra closet space, but there are some quirky items I wish I still had, just for the fun of it (gold leather pants, I am looking in your direction).  

For the First Time EVER....

I have been invited to an ugly sweater Christmas party!

Does anyone know where I  can find a good sweater?

Editor's sidenote:  these parties slowly but surely became THE RAGE.  Faster than ugly sweaters became the rage 15 years ago.  There are more ugly sweater parties than there are ugly sweaters.  I appreciate a good ugly sweater (and a party to accommodate it) as much as the next folk, but why did these become SO POPULAR?   Anyone?  Your thoughts?