How To Buy Stuff That Always Looks Good!

[vintage_princess]

Originally posted by dramatique@May 2nd, 2004 - 5:36 pm
Did you post that one up in the vintage clutches? I saw that one. It's cute!

Yes that was the one

 

[As You Like It]

Another thing to consider is what looks right on your body. I have some things that are definitely not in fashion, but they suit my figure so well that I wear the hell out of them anyway, because I feel like a movie star in them.

I have this 1940s-style peasant-blouse with an elastic-smocked waist that I wear like crazy in the summertime. I had it three years before the Peasant Craze of 2002 and I will probably still have it for another couple of years. It fits me very well and it camoflauges my wide shoulders and makes my waist look unfeasibly small.

I still wear wide-leg trousers, though skinny-leg is the in-thing. Why? Because I have very muscular legs from a lifetime of biking and dance, and usually look dumpy in slim-cut pants.

I've almost always blown off the major fads, so I still have some clothes from highschool that can I wear on a regular basis. I have a denim sheath-dress with a notched collar that I have had since my junior-year of HS (1993-1994 school year) that I wear on "denim Friday" at the office quite regularly. I just had a feeling that it was a pretty classic shape and it wasn't one of those tricky-denim finishes, like acid-wash or overdye, so I figured it would wear in well. 10 years later, it is about 3 shades lighter, but none the worse for the wear.

This is me, May of 1995, right after highschool graduation. You can't see, but I was wearing knee-high reddish-brown Bass boots with this dress. The bowler hat was a graduation present from one of my mom's friends I still wear that, too.

 

[whereisthatsusu]

Originally posted by softgrey@May 1st, 2004 - 5:30 pm
that is a common problem...

stop being a victim of all the media hype...advertisers are supposed to get you to want their items...that's what their clients are paying them to do...it is your job...as a consumer...to see beyond the hype and THINK FOR YOURSELF...you are the one with the cash, so you are the one with ALL THE POWER...

also, just because you see a bunch of celebs with stuff, doesn't mean it's cool and you have to have it too...and remember that they are getting it for FREE anyway...so if they get tired of it in a couple of months...it doesn't really matter...not the same when you have to spend hard cash...

the way to get an excellent wardrobe is to buy stuff that you absolutely love and fits you really well...pick your favorite colours...the ones that look best with your hair and skin complexion... and try to stick with those...that way you'll have more mix and match outfits...never buy anything that doesn't go with at least two things you already have in your closet...i have stuff from high school that i still wear...and not because the eighties are back, but because it never went out of style and i still love it...

if you consistently follow this...you'll never have the 'i have nothing to wear' problem...it will be more like ..."which one of my favorite things should i wear today?"...and you'll have a closet full of personal treasures...

great advice softgrey

 

[purplelucrezia]

Originally posted by eloes@May 1st, 2004 - 8:44 pm
Does anyone have any other lists like Sephora's?  Do you have anything to add?  I find it most interesting.

I really like this one, although I actually am missing a huge number of items from the list! http://www.thefairestlady.com/audrey/hipmusts.html
Building up a solid wardrobe is really a lifetime thing though.

 

[whereisthatsusu]

Originally posted by purplelucrezia+May 3rd, 2004 - 1:18 am--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(purplelucrezia @ May 3rd, 2004 - 1:18 am)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-eloes@May 1st, 2004 - 8:44 pm
Does anyone have any other lists like Sephora's?  Do you have anything to add?  I find it most interesting.

I really like this one, although I actually am missing a huge number of items from the list! http://www.thefairestlady.com/audrey/hipmusts.html
Building up a solid wardrobe is really a lifetime thing though.
[/b][/quote]
what are "Sabrina heels"??
i never really paid attention to shoes in that movie...besides the flats that she wore, which wouldn't be called "heels"

 

[purplelucrezia]

Originally posted by whereisthatsusu+May 3rd, 2004 - 1:28 am--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(whereisthatsusu @ May 3rd, 2004 - 1:28 am)</div><div class='quotemain'>

Originally posted by purplelucrezia@May 3rd, 2004 - 1:18 am
<!--QuoteBegin-eloes

@May 1st, 2004 - 8:44 pm
Does anyone have any other lists like Sephora's?  Do you have anything to add?  I find it most interesting.

I really like this one, although I actually am missing a huge number of items from the list! http://www.thefairestlady.com/audrey/hipmusts.html
Building up a solid wardrobe is really a lifetime thing though.

what are "Sabrina heels"??
i never really paid attention to shoes in that movie...besides the flats that she wore, which wouldn't be called "heels" [/b][/quote]
I'm not sure actually...
And- it seems that I'm not the only one! http://www.audrey1.com/forum/viewtopic.php...wardrobe+basics

Maybe they mean the ones from when she first came back from Paris.
Or perhaps these, from when she was washing the car?
http://www.audrey1.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7043#7043

 

[FabulousFashion]

Buying stuff from places like Polo Ralph Lauren, and sometimes Tommy Hilfiger, pretty much don't go out of style, at least for a long time. True, they are very preppy, but they don't go out of style, and are great quality and so last long!

 

[faust]

Originally posted by softgrey@May 1st, 2004 - 5:30 pm
that is a common problem...

stop being a victim of all the media hype...advertisers are supposed to get you to want their items...that's what their clients are paying them to do...it is your job...as a consumer...to see beyond the hype and THINK FOR YOURSELF...you are the one with the cash, so you are the one with ALL THE POWER...

also, just because you see a bunch of celebs with stuff, doesn't mean it's cool and you have to have it too...and remember that they are getting it for FREE anyway...so if they get tired of it in a couple of months...it doesn't really matter...not the same when you have to spend hard cash...

the way to get an excellent wardrobe is to buy stuff that you absolutely love and fits you really well...pick your favorite colours...the ones that look best with your hair and skin complexion... and try to stick with those...that way you'll have more mix and match outfits...never buy anything that doesn't go with at least two things you already have in your closet...i have stuff from high school that i still wear...and not because the eighties are back, but because it never went out of style and i still love it...

if you consistently follow this...you'll never have the 'i have nothing to wear' problem...it will be more like ..."which one of my favorite things should i wear today?"...and you'll have a closet full of personal treasures...

Crysalized, print what Sofite said out and frame it over your bed - it should be everyone's dressing/shopping bible.

 

[banana]

Originally posted by tealady@May 2nd, 2004 - 8:26 am
Have a clothing plan! In your purse, you should always have a list of things you are looking for to fill gaps in your wardrobe (white t shirt, black heels to go with pinstripe suit, replace mascara, etc.) and DO NOT BUY ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE PURCHASED WHAT IS ON YOUR LIST. Once your planned wardrobe has no gaps you can follow a fad if you like and your budget allows it. Stick to the plan and the plan will stick to you. You and your closet will be very happy!

I do that. I even take it a bit further and put down how much I can spend on each item and then come up with a budget. It's a good idea for when you don't have a lot of money which is all the time for me. I also have a budget for impulse buys. Like when you see something on sale that you don't really need but will use in the future. Sometimes you can find some really good deals and interesting items so I like to set a bit of money aside for pure bargain hunting. It's really important to include beauty products on your list too because those things add up.

 

[twilight fairy]

thank you everyone!
i'll definitely start making list thingies and get more 'classic' pieces and cheaper alternatives of trends

 

[softgrey]

Originally posted by slinky_vagabond@May 2nd, 2004 - 1:25 pm
If I see an item I love but seems kind of trendy, I don't buy it right away, but I remember where I saw it. If a few days later I'm still thinking "Poop! I should have bought that!" I go back and get it.

It's worked pretty well; I love everything in my closet.

good strategy...

 

[softgrey]

Crysalized, print what Sofite said out and frame it over your bed - it should be everyone's dressing/shopping bible. [/quote]
why faust...you flatter me...high praise coming from a harsh critic such as yourself...merci!./...

and for someone who was wondering about sabrina heels...it's basically the same as kitten heels...basically a baby stiletto heel-usually pointy toe and often sling back-heel 1-11/2 inches high...

audrey was always as tall or taller than her co-stars so she often wore flats or kitten heels...became a trademark style for her...

 

[purplelucrezia]

Originally posted by softgrey@May 3rd, 2004 - 8:31 pm
and for someone who was wondering about sabrina heels...it's basically the same as kitten heels...basically a baby stiletto heel-usually pointy toe and often sling back-heel 1-11/2 inches high...

audrey was always as tall or taller than her co-stars so she often wore flats or kitten heels...became a trademark style for her...

Thanks for clearing that up softgrey.

 

[whereisthatsusu]

Crysalized, print what Sofite said out and frame it over your bed - it should be everyone's dressing/shopping bible.

why faust...you flatter me...high praise coming from a harsh critic such as yourself...merci!./...

and for someone who was wondering about sabrina heels...it's basically the same as kitten heels...basically a baby stiletto heel-usually pointy toe and often sling back-heel 1-11/2 inches high...

audrey was always as tall or taller than her co-stars so she often wore flats or kitten heels...became a trademark style for her... [/quote]
thanks for answering that question

how tall was Audrey anyway?

 

[purplelucrezia]

Crysalized, print what Sofite said out and frame it over your bed - it should be everyone's dressing/shopping bible.

why faust...you flatter me...high praise coming from a harsh critic such as yourself...merci!./...

and for someone who was wondering about sabrina heels...it's basically the same as kitten heels...basically a baby stiletto heel-usually pointy toe and often sling back-heel 1-11/2 inches high...

audrey was always as tall or taller than her co-stars so she often wore flats or kitten heels...became a trademark style for her...

thanks for answering that question

how tall was Audrey anyway? [/quote]
5'7"

 

[faust]

Crysalized, print what Sofite said out and frame it over your bed - it should be everyone's dressing/shopping bible.

why faust...you flatter me...high praise coming from a harsh critic such as yourself...merci!./...

and for someone who was wondering about sabrina heels...it's basically the same as kitten heels...basically a baby stiletto heel-usually pointy toe and often sling back-heel 1-11/2 inches high...

audrey was always as tall or taller than her co-stars so she often wore flats or kitten heels...became a trademark style for her... [/quote]
my pleasure

 

[helena]

Softgrey - your advice absolutely spot on. The trouble i have is just that I fall in love with far too many things! For instance whilst in london at the weekend I fell in love with two things (each of which was at the top end of my budget) and so I was forced to choose between them - & now typically I can't get the item I had to 'let go' out of my head (the item in question being a beautiful cream coloured textured wool skirt by Marni). Its quite funny isn't it - had I bought the skirt I'd be kicking myself that I didn't buy the other item (a blue jacket by CDG). I find it relatively easy to resist 'it' items ('cos I can buy cheap knock-offs in Topshop if I really like the trend) but difficult to say no to all those more classic items that I'll be able to keep forever. I am just hoping taht i can get the skirt in the sale in July! dream on!!

 

[softgrey]

helena-i know what you mean...sometimes there is too much...but i am very tough with myself...i already have so much stuff...so i really try to be very selective with my new purchases...i wouldn't mind a dries skirt in every colour and fabric he's ever done...but i have one blk wool one which is the most practical ...i got it on sale and i will have it forever...now i can enjoy the skirt guilt free because i know i was not overly extravagant or wasteful...

i was going back and forth earlier this season on a new bag...i couldn't choose only one...i really agonized over this for awhile...but in the end i realized i have about 4 bags in my closet that i still haven't used...not to mention the ones i do use regularly...i've decided my marni tote will be my summer bag and i couldn't be happier...sometimes it's good to mull things over and not be swept up in that 'buyer's high'...it's easy to lose perspective when surrounded by so much luxury in a store...it's a good idea to walk away and see how you feel after the excitement wears off...

if you're still thinking about it...then you may have to go back...but last year i waited until the end of the season and got so many unbelievable deals that i'd have a hard time buying anything at retail right now...if you wait, you might get lucky...who knows...

 

[Meowme]

Trend-proofing

Hi!

I am new to this site--and am totally addicted.

As for shopping for things that have lasting styles......some trends do seem to morph into longevity. . .usually if they aren't too drastic. The trick is figuring out which ones will. When I shop, and if I am struck by a trend, I usually look for something that is a modified toned down version of it--a piece that can work as a transitional piece with other looks.

Also, to trend proff yourself, I usually have one or two style-icons in my head who I am always trying to emulate. I really like everything Audrey Hepburn. . .her style works with my lifestyle--work, etc. I have a friend who adores anything remotely Garbo. So, when we shop, we look for pieces that would fit these style paradigms --this has really trend-proofed my shopping.......for the most part anyway.

M

 

[fashionista-ta]

I like this thread

What I do with my wardrobe is actually the same way I decorate. First I find a key piece, and key my seasonal wardrobe & its color scheme off that. I buy 99% separates, and I focus on building one great outfit that will take me pretty much anywhere I want to go. I buy 2-3 pairs of shoes, a new pair of colored jeans, a new piece of jewelry, a new bag (all this new is new to me, could be antique jewelry or vintage bag), and I'm good to go.

I love all my clothes and far from getting tired of things after a few months, I mourn when I have to let something go. When I buy a key piece, pair of shoes, bag, etc., I'm looking for that love at first sight spark. "That'll do" does not come into play for the important pieces. I also have learned to trust myself--if I have that spark I buy it--and rarely do I ever come across anything better that I could've bought instead. It's worth your time to train your eye ...