The 4-5 piece French wardrobe

[dinosaur]

I finally finished reading the whole thread, thanks everyone for the output, I found them very inspiring, especially in this coming sale season.

While reading this thread, I sorted out my wardrobe, and found that this winter I just need to look for:

very well-cut jackets, leather or wool. (I have wide shoulder but tiny waist, it is hard for me to find a well-fit one. I always want a classic black-white Chanel jacket, but never made up my mind to buy one, because I can't justify the price. I can spend thousands of dollars on bags, but not on clothes )

cashmere sweaters, turtleneck or crawlneck, black and grey.

wool wide leg pants, grey color. (I once saw one pair from Club Manoco I like, but I wanted to wait for it on sale, yes, it was on sale later, but no my size left )

a classic black leather boots. although I have several pairs of boots, I found that I do not have a classic black one. any recommendations?

[fashionista-ta]

^ For the jacket, suggest having it tailored ... looks like a good list

PS More January magazines arrived last night, and I saw a pair of shoes I really like--peep-toe oxfords. No shopping info though, but I think I know where I might be able to find them ...

[tourist10]

Originally Posted by 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 ...

thanks for the rec on the hollywoulds, I will check them out. I'm also thinking I might just bring a spare change of shoes for the office ... it makes me think of 1980's NY I think Dries T's would work really well for me ... well designed items in not too precious fabrics.

btw, I like your idea of the peep toe oxfords. I saw a woman trying on a pair at a store in SF during the start of the fall season. That pair is on their website's opening page image, but I can't seem to find the actual pair on their website ....
http://gimmeshoes.com/index.html

[misstarshine]

Strangely enough my boyfriend had been living the 4-5 piece wardrobe for years. He has one really nice suit and a few really nice shirts, all the very best quality he can afford. Other than that all he ever has really is
-Jeans x 2
-tailored pants x 2
-shorts x1
-white tees
-white singlets
-random tees
-and a couple of jackets and jumpers.

When one of these wears out he buys a replacement. Over the years the styles have changed, but his philosophy is that he would rather have one great piece of clothing than three crappy pieces.

[The_Ida]

I'm getting ready for summer...I have swimwear covered (bought a fab bathing suit that covers my scars), I recently got a lovely blue pleated skirt with pockets (it will be great for summer), I have some very nice black short shorts from this summer, I have some brown gladiator-ish flat sandals from 2006 and some lovely blue ones from this summer...but I need something that isn't blue or black.

I am thinking about finding a nice loose white top (or another colour...not black or blue, light grey perhaps?), some shorts (NOT black or blue) and light blue jeans. The shorts aren't too important, it's going to rain all summer anyway. I also feel the urge to buy a short brocade skirt to match with a plain white tee and the brown gladiator sandals. I could use the skirt for winter with a plain top, plain cardigan, tights and vintage brown boots.

I'm going to buy light blue jeans from Cheap Monday - great fit, and they're cheap too. I can wear them now and for summer (also known as the four rainy months between winter and autumn ).

So I think I can settle for 4 items for summer, ignoring all the vile SS08 trends without going nude.

[Beautiful Stranger]

noo, not S/S. i want it to be fall, all year.

if we really have to discuss it though, i think my wardrobe is pretty complete, though i would like a pair of thin, slim linen pants, black.

[Ianastar]

I agree Beautiful Stranger ...Id love if it was fall all year...like in the 50s to 60s all the time so I could wear light sweaters and jackets, boots, etc.

I hate when it gets into the 80s and 90s.

I think one of the key elements Im missing in my wardrobe is black denim. I only have one pair of gray jeans, and two pairs of blue jeans. I have the hardest time finding jeans/pants that fit me well. (BIG BUTT and I can not lie)

Id also like to add more cardigans, and light scarves. I have several of the big knit ones for winter, but I want some nice light ones.

[nogoodforme]

i think i'm with everyone else -- i wish it was fall all-year round!

i haven't really been thinking about spring/summer yet. i could go for a new pair of sandals, since my old ones are wearing out after a few years' of usage.

my question is, is there anything spring/summer-y that are 'investments'? i always find that the clothing is more 'disposable' in the warmer seasons for me, simply because the fabrics are thinner, wear out faster and just wearing things in the city heat makes them get yuckier faster. since i'm pretty content with my wardrobe, maybe i'll just take my whole budget and invest in a new bag...

[baRose]

I wish it was fall all year long too! This hourglass figure + D cup doesn't look good with most of the popular spring and summer fashions. I have to wear a BRA and tent dresses/tops look horrible. Plus, I like to wear black no matter how hot it is. I think I'm just going to invest in a few cotton, fitted dresses (have them made or make them myself if I cant find any) and some lightweight tops and shoes and leave it at that. I'm with nogoodforme, I think a bag is a great idea.

[Ianastar]

Im still shopping for winter.

Maybe I should be shopping for Spring so Im ahead of the game.

[laika]

Originally Posted by fashionista-ta

PS More January magazines arrived last night, and I saw a pair of shoes I really like--peep-toe oxfords. No shopping info though, but I think I know where I might be able to find them ...

Was it these by Chie Mihara, by chance? I quite like them as well.

{pedshoes.com}

[Beautiful Stranger]

i -always- shop for F/W. wool sweaters, scarves..

luckily i still have 3 months of winter ahead of me. that's why i love Norway. I wanna move to England or Russia though. Cold climate. yum.

[dinosaur]

Originally Posted by fashionista-ta

^ For the jacket, suggest having it tailored ... looks like a good list

Thanks ta-ta , I know I should go find a good talor, but I am just too lazy.

I went to an outlet mall this weekend, ful of people, full of temptation, fortunately, I resisted most of them, just bought a wool jacket in light grey, I am happy that I am still sticking to my plan.

[dinosaur]

Laika, I like the shoes.

[spierce]

Graaarrrrrgh I should have visited this thread before going shopping I was looking for christmas presents and then I bought a skinny jeans just because it was only 15€.
I'm not even sure I should be wearing skinny jeans
So now I need to decide whether to toss them entirely, wear them only in boots or wear them in AND out of boots.
Would anyone mind helping me if I posted a picture?