The 4-5 piece French wardrobe

[maiden voyage]

...this is still one of my favorite threads on tFS

I've always been drawn to the 'less is more' idea especially with clothes -
i think it's so much fun to have a few things that you can put together in a lot of different ways... (rather than just a 'uniform')
- and to have things you love so much you wear them out!

this year i've been even more pared down in my shopping - i'm really happy with the result!

- but one thing i've noticed is that i've been buying more black than usual - is that a common side effect?
(i've noticed a lot of black on this thread, really amazing stuff too! i.e. balenciaga skirt, chloe riding jacket, helmut lang pants !)
in my case, it seems black is begetting more black

so, for instance, i have this very lovely pair of perfectly slouchy black pants. black pants always seem like the most versatile thing ever... but i am trying to get out of a rut of wearing them with mostly black/white and grey... i can't tell if it's working to wear them with brown shoes, for instance. i vaguely remember some old rules like "no black + brown, black + blue is for bruises" that are probably influencing me. i really like the sound of salome's combination of navy/black/grey, which does not sound bruise-like, but very clean and sophisticated.

in any case, a limited wardrobe means having clothes that can mix together... i'm curious how other people are working with that. for instance, it sounds like misstarshine, you are sticking with a really simple, classic color palette, but ta-ta, you are wearing more colors, less black than before. hmmm... all food for thought.

(photo:apc.fr)

[HiHeels]

Originally Posted by maiden voyage

in any case, a limited wardrobe means having clothes that can mix together... i'm curious how other people are working with that. for instance, it sounds like misstarshine, you are sticking with a really simple, classic color palette, but ta-ta, you are wearing more colors, less black than before. hmmm... all food for thought.

(photo:apc.fr)

i'm super tired and mega woozy from benadryl, but i will attempt to respond quickly - i am less hung up on things mixing/being compatible, and more interested in just loving individual outfits. so i don't try to put a shirt with every bottom i own, i just make sure i love it with one bottom, and wear that, and am okay with wearing it again the following week. i am making sure to understand and be okay with repeating. i've had to get over why i would care about wearing an outfit again 6 days or 4 days after wearing it once (washing whatever needs to be washed - i have the machine and the time/inclination, so it's no big deal). i won't appear in a weekly tabloid, caught re-wearing. and besides, how exactly is it a fashion crime? i'm usually impressed when i see a celebrity reusing a dress they've already been photographed in. what could be more wasteful than if they wear something once and then stash it. use is good, use is the very reason we're supposed to buy clothes, choose the ones we do, right? because we intend to use them.
hope that made sense, i am sooooo out of it.

[katebug]

Hi-Heels, that made perfect sense! I think that being able to re-wear a few classic pieces is very under-rated.



So here is a picture of all the clothes I am getting rid of! I'm so proud of myself for finally have the courage to get rid of some lovely clothes that realistically I wont ever wear. It's a mixture between some being too small (there's a gorgeous electric blue dress that I havent been able to fit in since I was 13, but it's a stunning dress), kooky pieces that I picked up in sales and then realised that they dont go with anything, and just worn out pieces that are falling apart and look sloppy.



In total I'm getting rid of...
2 pairs of trousers
2 shorts
4 jackets
2 jumpers
16 tops
3 shirts
2 cardigans
2 skirts
3 dresses
6 pairs of shoes

I hope to get rid of a few more bits when I'm able to afford to replace them, like my cropped black pants.
Some bits will go on ebay, some to charity shops and a few bits just had to be put in the bin
Still, it's such a nice feeling! I feel refreshed and like the pressure has been taken off to try and wear these pieces that, quite frankly, just dont work. I've just got a job, so I'm really excited about going out when I get paid and buying some good quality, basic bits.

[HiHeels]

^^ that is terrific. my friend always says, when she can't afford to buy something she wants, she sometimes gets rid of something (unwanted) instead and it makes her feel equally satisfied, because it does make a difference.

congratulations on your job. go real real slow when you get that paycheck! i have found that despite best intentions, when i started over, i walked in to many of the same shopping patterns/mistakes that had led to the accumulation of the first (or second, or third) round of "out" pile donations. even with a blog to supposedly keep my on my toes, old habits die hard.

[fashionista-ta]

As far as black and color ... even if you love color, black everything is still useful ... I just try to wear it with a shot of color. For example, one day this week I wore my new black pants, black SS scoop neck, ivory cardigan, red w/ ivory piping patent shoes & watch, and green apple pendant watch (I don't use it as a watch--too obvious )

I usually have a color theme for each season. This season it's russet ... I've also recently had a red/green/yellow theme that the accessories mentioned above were from. I've also got lavenders, purples, eggplants, greys, silver. And a coral theme ... few others ...

"The fact is, we none of us enough appreciate the nobleness and sacredness of colour." --John Ruskin

Not the quote I was looking for, but good nonetheless ...

[LaurieAnn]

One closet trick which has helped me is to hang like items together by color (all while short-sleeved tees and tops; all grey slacks, etc.) This way I can look in my closet and very easily see that I don't need to buy one more pair of black pants. If I love the fit and look of all my black pants; I just need to keep wearing them until I've worn them out. Then replace. I've also paid attention to what colors have drawn my interest consistently over the years and have made an effort to shop for those colors. I'm mostly working with orange, mustard, tarragon, khaki, or jewel-tones.

HiHeels; I love what your friend has to say about not being able to buy something and instead getting rid of something unwanted. On the surface that seems counterintuitive, but on further reflection I can see how the satisfaction would be very similar. I'm going to remember this and use it.

I've been looking at the various 2008 resort collections and though I like a lot of what I see I have enough good spring clothing from the last few years. Last year I bought a classic linen/cotton blend safari style skirt suit which will work well again this spring. It can be worn together for meetings or as seperates mixed with other items when the occasion is more casual. I am considering splashing out on a white pant suit though. I've been wanting one for years and have never given in to the urge; so if I find one with a great fit this may be the year.

[baRose]

Originally Posted by salomelovesjohn

Barose, I'm the opposite end of things not fitting from going up rather then down some sizes. Still my plan has been to buy some nice basics, like black slacks, brown slacks, a black skirt...to mix up with my tops that still fit ok. I also try to focus shop, like I'm on the hunt for a bottom and not get caught up in the purse section or some cute tops.

Thats a good idea. Sometimes I go with one thing in mind and leave with something else.

[HiHeels]

Originally Posted by fashionista-ta

As far as black and color ... even if you love color, black everything is still useful ... I just try to wear it with a shot of color. ...

"The fact is, we none of us enough appreciate the nobleness and sacredness of colour." --John Ruskin

i like that quote. and it is an interesting thing, that often black is seen as a background, or a base to start with, and the rest is extra. i don't look at "color" as something to put on over black. i actually see black as one of the colors to choose from. i wear it just as i might wear any other color, head-to-toe, or mixed with other things.

Originally Posted by fashionista-ta

My take on the Vogue article y'all are discussing was that I believed that uniform is pretty much how she dresses. I mean, she's a professional stylist and documenting in Vogue what she wears ... there has to be some truth to it, right?

oh absolutely, "some truth." i take none of it at face value. actually, i usually pick up US vogue only occasionally, and when i do, it's only to look at the pictures. the rest of it , let's just say i'm jaded.

[HiHeels]

Originally Posted by LaurieAnn

HiHeels; I love what your friend has to say about not being able to buy something and instead getting rid of something unwanted. On the surface that seems counterintuitive, but on further reflection I can see how the satisfaction would be very similar. I'm going to remember this and use it.

i have to admit, it wouldn't be my first choice but there is (i grudgingly admit) truth to it.

[jun3machina]

Originally Posted by katebug

The trouble is, unless you are financially able to go out and buy yourself some good staple pieces (how can I have so many clothes and not one decent pair of black trousers or a white shirt?) it's hard to get rid of all the crap stuff. There has to be a transition phase so that you literally aren't left with nothing to wear!

But thanks guys, I find all of your experiences so helpful

i think your totally right...after cleaning out stuff a while back, i feel like in transition. i've bought a few things to fill in holes, and there's a few more things i need to add. but with seeing how my 'new' wardrobe is working with the things i kept, im also thinking im about ready for the second overhaul. now i am really appreciating the things i kept, and the few new things i have bought. I am also thinking i can let go a few more things, that before i thought i needed...

Now, when i go shopping, i do think 'am i really going to wear this? will it work with my handbags and clothes i have already? is it good quality? " before getting it, and really have been putting so many things back out on the shelf i used to just impulse buy! im really proud of myself it's been quite a battle for me to let go of things, take a very objective few on my wardrobe, and be able to say 'no' to things that may catch my eye on the shelf but may not be practical for me.

keeping that in mind, i found the perfect wool coat at the gap the other day and just bought a classic frame croc bag in black.

[Beautiful Stranger]

i'm pretty much wearing the same over and over again too.

Tops: Striped l/s /sweaters(i have 7-8), plaid shirts(5-6), black l/s(4), t-shirt + cardigan. All oversized.

Jeans: Grey distressed Cheap Mondays (slightly baggy), black Cheap Mondays(slightly baggy), blue april 77's (skintight), black ksubi's (skinny). All tapered + waiting on these by Acne:

ebay

Shoes: Dinsko leopard vans, westwood pirate boots, leather all stars, two pairs of plimsolls, one dirty and old, one newer and cleaner, wine-red allstars + waiting for these, by pierre hardy:

ebay

Bags: One blueberry besace by Balenciaga and one black by Tiger. Both leather.

Acessories: Lots of scarves (15+), alot of bracelets and a few necklaces. Vintage pair of brown leather gloves and a vintage pair of black sunnies (though i kinda want a plain pair of rayban aviatiors)

Jackets: Two; Black zipped wool + green, slightly M65-ish.

i've sold / given away everything i don't wear and really love my wardrobe. It's very grungy, and i like the fact that it's a mix of designer stuff, vintage and high-street. always big tops and skinny jeans..

[misstarshine]

I tend to find when i wear the same sort of thing everyday i start to be much more interested in accessories.

Im about to go on a beach holiday and need to buy:

Swimsuit
Shorts
Thongs
Sandals
New Dress

Thats 5 items

[maiden voyage]

Originally Posted by HiHeels

i like that quote. and it is an interesting thing, that often black is seen as a background, or a base to start with, and the rest is extra. i don't look at "color" as something to put on over black. i actually see black as one of the colors to choose from. i wear it just as i might wear any other color, head-to-toe, or mixed with other things.

well... thanks for all the suggestions...

i like the idea of thinking of black as a color, hiheels...
and ta-ta - after shopping this weekend, i am well on my way to having 'black everything' - i found a black dress, skirt and jacket...!
...and you are right about adding shots of color, it really takes away the intensity of the black.

[jun3machina]

Originally Posted by Beautiful Stranger

i'm pretty much wearing the same over and over again too.

Tops: Striped l/s /sweaters(i have 7-8), plaid shirts(5-6), black l/s(4), t-shirt + cardigan. All oversized.

Jeans: Grey distressed Cheap Mondays (slightly baggy), black Cheap Mondays(slightly baggy), blue april 77's (skintight), black ksubi's (skinny). All tapered + waiting on these by Acne:

ebay

Shoes: Dinsko leopard vans, westwood pirate boots, leather all stars, two pairs of plimsolls, one dirty and old, one newer and cleaner, wine-red allstars + waiting for these, by pierre hardy:

ebay

Bags: One blueberry besace by Balenciaga and one black by Tiger. Both leather.

Acessories: Lots of scarves (15+), alot of bracelets and a few necklaces. Vintage pair of brown leather gloves and a vintage pair of black sunnies (though i kinda want a plain pair of rayban aviatiors)

Jackets: Two; Black zipped wool + green, slightly M65-ish.

i've sold / given away everything i don't wear and really love my wardrobe. It's very grungy, and i like the fact that it's a mix of designer stuff, vintage and high-street. always big tops and skinny jeans..

i love those shoes you bought! scarfs can really make a new outfit too. im really learning about using accessories, after limited my wardrobe. i've been really using a lot of scarfs/hats/etc....and love it. i really want to get a pair of leather lady gloves...i found some moschino ones on ebay i really liked.

i've been picking up a lot of stuff, lil things, on ebay and funny enough, im sorta embracing the 1990's grunge stuff a lil, but mixing it with high end too.

[fashionista-ta]

Ah, black ... one thing I'm reminded of is when my feng shui person told me I needed to paint my black front door red ... I'm a fire person (in both Eastern and Western astrology), and she said that walking through that black door weakened me (black represents water). I knew exactly what she meant, but I had perceived it as calming. In any case, I had my front door painted raspberry & I love it. So, black isn't really "me" and I feel it if I wear unrelieved black and grey.

That said ... black is the only color I know that makes everyone look skinnier. I also remember my mother pointing out to me that any dress that is really great in black is never as good in any other color.

So I find black to be both more and less than any other color ...

But if you look at it from a feng shui perspective, anytime everything is a single color or a single part of the color spectrum, you have imbalance. (One of the things that really bugs me about all-white rooms--which is metal in feng shui.) That may be OK, but you'd want to have a reason for it.

Before I bought my car, when I first saw it in fact, I knew exactly what flowers I'd put in the bud vase (it's a Beetle). The car is pale aqua, and the flowers are orange poppies. Balance of color, balance of energy.