The 4-5 piece French wardrobe

[tourist10]

does anyone here make a list of things you want, but then stalk certain items until they go on sale? I'm thinking this will be my strategy for spring. I'll probably have a list consisting of one pair of shoes and 2 - 3 clothing items. I'll get the shoes at the start of the season, because I've never had much luck when waiting for shoes to go on sale. I might also buy a lower priced clothing item, since these also tend to sell out fast. But for high ticket clothing items, I'm going to try to hold out. And if there are gone, oh well.

[salomelovesjohn]

For spring (although its almost impossible of me to think about spring right now!) I'd love some sandals that are similar to the type Carine R. the editor of French Vogue wears - just not so high-heeled! Something sort of tough and clunky, but sexy looking (if that makes sense...)

Otherwise I'm still looking for more boots, flats, and a new winter coat.

[fashionista-ta]

Originally Posted by tourist10

my husband and I agreed to go a strict budget this coming year, which is new for me. I mean, after taking out the necessary funds for retirement and bills, I've always felt at liberty to spend whatever I had left. Marriage does change things! In any case, I'll only be able to buy a few things next season, possibly only 2 or 3 items, so I'll be referring to this thread a lot.

fashionista-ta - I'm really interested in seeing how you are planning spring. I think I'm a bit like you in that, I have a mostly workable wardrobe, so most purchases are for things I want rather than things I need in my wardrobe (is this correct of you?)

Well, want and need are flexible terms

I have put myself on a strict budget as well, so I have a dollar limit. This past season I'd planned to buy a pair of wide-leg pants, and then my only pair of black pants bit the dust, so it became a pair of wide-leg black pants So I really needed those. The other items were "expansion" items, though I've probably discarded an equal number of things (or more) during the season. (Most recently an Eileen Fisher merino wool shell--I cannot wear wool next to my skin. Mistake from some years ago now weeded out ...)

For spring, I'm not sure if I need a new bag or not ... I need to chat with Nordstrom's about what happened to my bag last year [Michael Kors straw bag with leather handles--one of them split, which I feel was unreasonable wear for one season of careful wear.] I really want a Lanvin blouse, but that would undoubtedly blow my entire budget. I'm hoping I can find some beautiful lantern sleeves for less.

Usually there's something that "speaks" to me, but so far I haven't seen anything I think is TDF. Of course, I haven't been going out & looking for it either since I know my spending will be limited.

I did come across some earrings I absolutely love, but at $8700, they were a bit out of my price range (See my The sky's the limit--what would you get yourself for Christmas thread )

[tourist10]

^ those earrings are gorgeous!! I've never been able to put down any real money on jewelry.

In terms of what speaks to me for spring, it appears to be a dress and a pair of heels from Dries. Which could fit into my spring budget if those are the only things I buy. But unfortunately, my lifestyle is about to change dramatically, as I'm relocating for work to Southern California, to a very casual office environment. To add to this, I will be living so close to work that I can and probably should ride my bike to work. This has significant implications on how I dress. Suddenly a dress and heels aren't a very good investment, are they? So even though I really love those pieces, I'm going to have to cross them off the list.

[fashionista-ta]

^ I don't think I've ever spent more than $1000 on earrings before. I have a nice vintage diamond Deco watch that was a bit pricey ...

Well, since my parents had rather unusual ideas about how I should dress when I was a child, I became used to doing my own thing. I continue to do it no matter how the environment I'm in changes So I would go right ahead & buy that dress & heels But I can understand how someone who didn't have the "advantage" of my upbringing might choose otherwise ...

[HiHeels]

tourist10 - oh i am with fashionista-ta on this one. and besides, southern california really needs an infusion of good style (this coming from a native of l.a.). but, since we're talking about $$ pieces, it would be safe to wait and settle in before spending the $ on something you truly may decide you are simply not comfortable wearing. i do tend to think/hope that my style goes with me, rather than my environment. so if you move, your style goes with you.

as for spending $$ - i do it rarely, and on little, but the things i have spent several thousands of dollars on proved well worth it.

[tourist10]

^ I'd hope that the move wouldn't effect my overall much either ... I think it's more the change in transportation. I think the last thing L.A. needs is another car on the road if it can be avoided! Making heels rather impractical if I'm going to be walking or biking to work. But you are so right, I should wait until I'm settled in before making any purchases.

[HiHeels]

Originally Posted by tourist10

^ I'd hope that the move wouldn't effect my overall much either ... I think it's more the change in transportation. I think the last thing L.A. needs is another car on the road if it can be avoided! Making heels rather impractical if I'm going to be walking or biking to work. But you are so right, I should wait until I'm settled in before making any purchases.

style.com has a video of street style and one woman they interview in paris claims that pedaling in heels is very natural because you only use the ball of your feet anyway. personally, i haven't tested the theory. though i will say that i would rather bike than walk in heels!
you'll definitely be doing yourself (and everyone else) a favor if you skip the car, but it will be a challenge, for sure.

[fashionista-ta]

^ You know, that makes sense--it seems like the heel would hook over the pedal in a practical way. The dress may be a different story But women used to bike in skirts all the time & I'm sure some still do.

Karma for your plan to bike to work, tourist. I know a guy here whose bike shop is specifically geared to bikers who use their bikes for transportation. I'm not even sure where my old bike is ... I wonder if my mother still has it I need a new one in any case ... it would not be tranportation to work tho as my commute is currently ~40 mi each way

[tourist10]

thanks for the encouragement re: biking to work hiheels and fashionista-ta! ok, you have motivated me to try out riding a bike with heels. i'll let you know how that goes. and i definitely still plan on wearing dresses/skirts to work, but that might require a bit of practice as well, esp to make sure nothing gets caught in the chain. i wouldn't risk a $$$ Dries dress!

fashionista-ta - it sounds like you have quite a painful commute! let us know if you decide to get a new bike, it can be such a great hobby.

i think a pair of good, structured flats would serve me really well in So Cal. not the really flimsy lanvin/repetto type, which for me never seem to last more than a year. i feel like i've been searching for something like this forever! it appears the spring list has begun ...

[fashionista-ta]

^ Btw, I find running up the steps in heels works well with the heel over the step, you know what I mean? So seems like the bike would work on the same principle ...

Hollywould makes their ballets with those driving shoe "bumps" on the bottom ... I don't recommend their shoes in general, but this is a great feature--anyone know of other brands that do this? Don't know if you like the look of Tod's driving shoes ...

It also sounds like Dries Ts would work well in your new environment ...

[misstarshine]

Originally Posted by HiHeels

^^ that looks like a great list. what about tops?
jan. vogue (au), page 60, has some cute sandals, at a whole range of price points.

I have spent all winter collecting tops I tend to see holes in my wardrobe generally in one area and then go overboard and forget the rest.

Today i am on my way to getting all the items i need. I bought a pair of black semi gladator style sandals for $50. Although i was willing to pay much much more these were exactly what i wanted and I couldn't find any others like them. I'm really happy about them.

[pucci_mama]

It's just now getting to cold to wear what I really want.. and I find most of my wardrobe don't actually match with other things.. is so frustrating... is just too cold to look chic.

I think I might not have enough basics..

[fashionista-ta]

^ There's nothing like actually wearing it to help you identify the holes in your wardrobe I know what mine are ... black heels that work with tights, and a bag that works with my grey and purple tweed jacket.

[quimby]

^ Agreed. I also need black shoes that I can wear with tights and a skirt. And short skirt without any "bib" part to it--if that makes sense--so that it hangs down from the waistline.

Other holes: tops that aren't 3/4 sleeve or button downs, and a thermal for layering.