The 4-5 piece French wardrobe

[cosmogrl5]

^ It is absolutely adorable. I love it! It looks so cute on you too.

[Nemova]

Originally Posted by Jungla_Juana

I got it off yoox.com...they had a 15% off flash weekend sale so that was what made me take the plunge

Thanks! I'll keep a close eye on that site from now on.

[quimby]

i found a really nice Balenciaga skirt on yoox once. unfortunately, it was just a tad too tight so i had to return it. but it was so nicely made, with these thoughtful details, just like the one that jungla juana posted. congrats!

[laurette]

What do you think, is this a coat I can wear for years or is it too trendy ?
I want to buy it in black

oslostil

[gruveechik]

IMO it's too trendy... you could get a couple of years wear out of it though.

IMO - A classic-looking coat with princess-cut tailoring would be best and looks just wonderful.

[nogoodforme]

laurette -- it's a lovely coat...part of me thinks it doesn't matter re: trendiness if it's a neutral color, wonderful material and, most importantly, flatters you. i think people of true style keep wearing what they love no matter if it falls in and out of style -- because they look good in it and take pleasure in wearing it.

[HiHeels]

Originally Posted by nogoodforme

laurette -- it's a lovely coat...part of me thinks it doesn't matter re: trendiness if it's a neutral color, wonderful material and, most importantly, flatters you. i think people of true style keep wearing what they love no matter if it falls in and out of style -- because they look good in it and take pleasure in wearing it.

i whole heartedly agree. the trend factor depends a lot on the wearer. it seems like a feminine, practical cut. very nice. i think it would last a long long time.

[Grill]

I have horribly expensive taste and therefore the idea of a 4-5 piece a-season wardrobe suits me fine! I have been lucky enough to live in Paris now for almost 6 years and I think some of the Parisien rules of style have perhaps rubbed off on me!

I am totally happy with the quality versus quantity debate - choosing quality everytime. I have worked out what I wear and therefore need and what I don't wear and therefore don't need.

Typically I wear jeans, and in winter a great knitwear piece - jacket / or coat and in summer jeans and - you guessed it - a crepe top if it's very warm or a cami or cotton vest and a jacket. For special occasions - which sadly are rare - I'll choose a dress.

As for accessories, good quality boots last years with the assistance of a good cobbler. I haven't bought new boots this season as I purchased 3 pairs last winter which are so far doing fine. I have some Pradas and Louis Vuittons that are 5 years old and are due for a happy retirement!

Concerning accessories - they soooo go a long way! - I used to buy LV limited edition bags, - they are great - if they are an evening style bag - an LV limited edition evening bag goes along way. For example, I have a Conte de Fees evening bag from 2002 which I still feel special toting! However, I have been lucky enough to get into Hermes and although expensive with Hermes I feel I am saving dough because every season I these bags still do it for me and work! Because they don't date and because they can be refurbishmed by the store.

So for me a few rules for the upcoming Spring 08 season - no skirts, no pants - waste of money don't fit and I don't wear them! Hopefully - a new birkin 35 cm enough to fit all my cr*p!, a medor clutch (gotta give the Conte de fees a well-deserved break!), a dress (cos I haven't bought a dress since Dec 03!) and it's nice to have something new to wear (just in case!), a diaphanous (sp!) top from Chloe (again for evenings ouT!), some Blahnik camparis and Lanvin ballet flats, a couple of Eres bikinis and 2 silk/cashmere cardigans will do me fine!

I hope this isn't too much - it doesn't feel too much! I am sorry there's no room for trends! anything that I buy HAS to last more than 1 season.

[HiHeels]

GRILL^^^ are the lanvin ballet flats as comfortable as they look?

[Grill]

Originally Posted by HiHeels

GRILL^^^ are the lanvin ballet flats as comfortable as they look?

Hi HiHeels! For me - yes, they are perfect! I love them and find them very comfortable.

However, I know that they don't work for everyone. I wear the elasticated classic ballet flats and they are the only flat/pump that stays on the back of my foot - I have very thin heels most shoes simply fall off. I think some people find that they cut into their feet because the elastic is pretty tight. I love them though and have them in a lot of colours.

If you are interested in getting a pair I would always advise that you try before you buy as there is variation between each individual pair even though they can both be labelled as the same size, this is due to the fact that they are handmade.

Also if you do decide to invest - it is imperative that you get them resoled in breathable rubber so that they can withstand outside wear as the leather soles they are made with are only suitable for wear inside.

[dellinger]

There's a great article in the November issue of US Vogue about wardrobe staples, I'll see if I can scan it later. They also have a section on "Closet Classics" that will allegedly carry one from now until spring, they are:

- Golden Goose oxford shirt
- Mike & Christine hooded leather jacket
- Haverhill bikini
- Repetto ballerina flats
- Free City sweatshirts/sportswear
- James Perse tees
- J Brand jeans

The jeans, tees, flats, oxford shirt, and leather jacket I can see as wardrobe staples, but Free City sweatpants? Please.

[spierce]

I've never even heard of Haverhill

Does anyone know how Petit Bateau holds up? I used to buy Tees at H&M but they shrivelled quite sadly where I put the clothing pegs.

[mundodabolsa]

Originally Posted by purdles

Does anyone know how Petit Bateau holds up? I used to buy Tees at H&M but they shrivelled quite sadly where I put the clothing pegs.

i've been wearing a petit bateau shirt to sleep (meaning it gets washed a lot) for 5 or so years now, it's obviously lost some of it's shape but the fabric looks good as new.

[misstarshine]

Laurette i agree with what other people are saying in that if the coat looks great on you it will last even if its trendy. But if it doesn't look good i think it will date after a year or so.

I went shopping the other day and nearly bought many useless trendy items, once i was even at the cash register, but then i realised that i should save my money for something nice and good quality. I have too many clothes as it is

[juliet3353]

laurette- I worry that the coat carries very h&m attributes--the cutesy buttons, the cinched waist, etc...this may lend itself to trendiness. However, as stated by others here , if you wear it like a classic, then it will be a classic. If you will love it, and know that you will wear it for seasons to come, I say go for it.

I have a haverhill bikini..and I think the fabric is absolutely gorgeous. what the heck are free city sweats?