The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #1

[Hebden]

Has anyone else started planning for fall/winter? I am really starting to think about it. I want to be even more selective than I've been before, and luckily I've got most basics covered already so the pieces I do buy will be special.

I think that, subconsciously at least, I'm always shopping for fall/winter (but that could just be because I hate hot weather ). I also tend to consider the layering ability of potential summer purchases so that they're actual year-round purchases. So, yes, basically...winter is always on my mind...

 

[fashionista-ta]

Yes, I made a list for fall just yesterday Considering that pre-fall will start shipping in July, it's not so crazy Here's my list ... you'll notice it's very specific There's not much I actually need, just the scarf ...

Proenza Schouler bag?
Scarf for tweed jacket
[Does grey skirt work with jacket?]
L'Wren Scott?
Statement piece
Shoes
Jewelry?
Jeans?
Nice sweater?

 

[The_Ida]

There's a really nice cashmere sweater dress @ NAP... It's a bargain at only €920

net-a-porter.com

Just kidding. I'd love to find something similar, and I'd love it even more if it was cashmere. The only thing I need for fall is knits, and plenty of them.

 

[The_Ida]

Damn. 7 items this season, not counting shoes. Or having to replace basics.

So far I've bought

• Jeans from Tiger of Sweden
• Parka coat from Zara
• Lace blouse from H&M
• Two tops from Zara
• Cardigan from Zara
• Denim shorts from Topshop

And none of it is black

But I still need a pair of shorts to replace the ones I've worn to pieces. I've bought a lot of replacement pieces, so I'm waaay over 7 pieces anyway

EDIT: Forgot about the beige chinos, so make that 8 pieces. The world has come to an end.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Ida, I know you are at that point in your life where you haven't got all the disposable income you would necessarily like yet, and I remember it well I am having relatively few things wear out at this point ... like so far this season, it's tights (to be expected--but I'm getting years out of most pairs, say 2-3--bearing in mind a short winter here), a top, and a pair of shoes. The top I had for around 10 years, and the shoes for, I don't know, 4-5. I'm thinking there may be a quality component to what you're experiencing? It may be that if you were able to take the quality up just one notch ... ? What do you think?



PS Also wondered ... have you noticed a difference in your mood with wearing the lighter colors? I can really tell the difference in my mood based on the colors I'm wearing ...

 

[The_Ida]

^ Ida, I know you are at that point in your life where you haven't got all the disposable income you would necessarily like yet, and I remember it well I am having relatively few things wear out at this point ... like so far this season, it's tights (to be expected--but I'm getting years out of most pairs, say 2-3--bearing in mind a short winter here), a top, and a pair of shoes. The top I had for around 10 years, and the shoes for, I don't know, 4-5. I'm thinking there may be a quality component to what you're experiencing? It may be that if you were able to take the quality up just one notch ... ? What do you think?



PS Also wondered ... have you noticed a difference in your mood with wearing the lighter colors? I can really tell the difference in my mood based on the colors I'm wearing ...

I think it's a matter of thin summer fabrics being worn excessively for years I'm not a summer dresser (until now, apparently) and I just didn't buy new clothes. I've suddenly run out of bottoms, actually. And I don't think that most summer clothes are of very high quality, it's mostly cotton or something sheer.

Tights only last a month for me (depending on material - wool lasts forever though) because my legs are too long and it stretches them. And then they break at the toe. But if I buy them larger, the waist is too wide, and then they're suddenly drop-crotch MC Hammer tights. B)

I actually feel warmer when dressed in black, and I think I've bought a lot of pastels because April and May have been really warm. I feel cooler even though I know that I'm not But there's no change of mood that isn't caused by more light and warmer weather, I think.

On another note, my chinos are kaput. Some of the seams are already beginning to fall apart even though they were over $100 They're going back.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Can you get DKNY or Donna Karan tights in Denmark? It seems like you need higher Lycra content ... I also now wear only tights vs sheer hosiery because I was totally tired of having to toss them all the time. Sometimes you would open the package and there would already be a hole, and then sometimes the SA would look at you like when you brought them back. Two of the best days of my life were when my hairstylist told me I didn't have to have a perm, and when I decided that bare legs would do me just fine in the summertime

 

[The_Ida]

I think I can get DKNY @ Magasin. I really hate having long legs sometimes, it's just not very practical. I also want to get cable knit tights for winter, I've wanted those for a long time.

 

[Hebden]

^ You should definitely check out DKNY (if you can)...I'm 5'11" and they're one of the few brands that are long enough in the leg. Plus the waists aren't huge...so no drop crotch action.

 

[mermaidsandcats]

I wish I could find DKNY tights here. Haven't found a pair of toghts that isn't "drop-crotch MC Hammer tights" on me even in XXL . And I am 5'9" and have a 28-39 hip-to-waist ratio, not very unusual measurments.

For sommer wear, I will try to find some items made of a silk-cotton blend.

 

[Snow-White]

I bought really pieces this summer:

- Bershkta red and black checked shirt
- Orange button down dress by FCUK
- Black wrap dress also by FCUK
- Simple three quarter sleeved beige t shirt by Charlotte Russe?
- Purple cotton scarf with gold checks
- Wooden bangles in earthy shades and another set of bright bangles made of cloth!

Am pleased that I did not over spend and bought things that are timeless

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Good for you!

 

[thesiren]

what would you guys suggest as basics for a summer wardrobe?

i am traveling and honestly have no summer clothes with me. mostly dresses that i was able to make work for spring, but now that it's warmer, they just seem to dressy/fussy, even when paired with just lanvin flats and a simple bag. i was thinking of ordering flowy, gauzy tops from ebay to wear with shorts, but that look gets tired fast. any thoughts?

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I posted earlier the silk halter dress I've been wearing as a jumper with black and white tops underneath ... it's been a good go-to outfit. Perhaps you could try something like that ...

 

[fashionista-ta]

nordstrom.com

Got this jacket in black ... I'm bidding on a project that I expect I'll probably get, and if I do, I'll need to be running meetings with several high-level executives ... so I felt I needed a summer jacket, which I don't really have. I just realized this is my second portrait-collar jacket ...

 

[The_Ida]

^That is absolutely beautiful, ta-ta!

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Thank you, Ida

 

[fashionista-ta]

Found some Dries pants on sale at Barney's to go with the jacket. They're getting another size in so I can decide between them. I have a more tailored black pant, and these are more feminine. They look to be the kind of piece you end up wearing to death

They are already starting to get pre-fall in, probably had more Lanvin than anything else. I tried on a skirt and loved how it fit, but there's another one I have my eye on that I want to see first ...

I also looked at bags ... I wasn't crazy about the PS1s in person, but I did see ones I liked from Marc Jacobs and Lanvin. My SA was telling me not to do Lanvin again after all the problems I had last year But it's the best black bag I've seen so far ...

 

[Evy]

I enjoyed this article from bellaonline.com and thought I would share it on this thread:


Build yourself a Lifelong Capsule Wardrobe
Guest Author - Vicky Talbot

Ever had an “I have absolutely nothing to wear moment”? Ever been late for work due to a serious wardrobe malfunction that left your bedroom strewn with clothes? Of course you have, but getting dressed in the morning needn’t be a chore. Clever, stylish ladies (who always turn up on time looking fabulous) all share one fashion secret – they all own a capsule wardrobe. A reliable, classic collection of timeless pieces that can be called on in any fashion emergency, whether you can’t find anything to go with a new skirt or need a neutral accessory to tone down a striking dress, the capsule collection is every troubled fashionista’s friend.

Creating your Capsule Collection

Creating your very own capsule isn’t difficult, in fact you probably already own some key pieces without even realising it. The key to spotting great capsule pieces is finding neutral, timeless clothing that isn’t part of a specific trend. A flattering pair of black tailored trousers gets the thumbs up whilst a pair of low slung, flare jeans should be avoided. Capsule pieces transcend trends and are transferable through the seasons, easily mixed with different types of clothes. Mix your capsule pieces with your on-trend clothing, for example a perfect capsule piece such as a knee-length pencil skirt will look great this season with bright block colour scoop neck tops or a pretty, frill detail shirt, giving you two very different looks using the same basic but timeless skirt.

Rules of the Capsule Wardrobe

When shopping for your capsule wardrobe, look for key neutral colours such as white, black, cream, navy and charcoal grey. It may seem boring when compared with a scarlet shirt or gorgeous purple shoes, but think of this as a style investment – these basics will get you through every possible fashion dilemma.

Avoid on-trend pieces and detailed clothing, capsule garments should be simple, fitted and easily transferable from outfit to outfit, season to season. Make sure all items in your capsule are completely flattering, simple, comfortable and made out of the best quality materials – remember this is a style investment which will take you through the seasons, not throw away trends that you’ll only ever wear a few times. Choose cotton, cashmere, silk and fitting shapes and tailoring that flatter your body in every possible way.

Items in the Capsule Wardrobe

Think of this list as a guide for choosing your capsule wardrobe – you will probably already have some life-saving pieces of your own that get you through a wardrobe malfunction every time, such as that reliable, nude push-up bra, those make-an-outfit kitten heels or an ageless tailored jacket. Have fun finding new additions to your capsule collection and remember to only choose pieces you feel gorgeous in:

- A fitted white shirt
- A chic black, knee-length pencil skirt
- A light-weight, belted mac
- A medium-sized leather handbag & a simple clutch bag for evening dos
- A flattering pair of straight-leg jeans (black or stonewash)
- A comfortable, fitted cardigan
- A beautiful pair of court shoes with a leg lengthening, sturdy heel
- A timeless, unfussy pair of sunglasses
- And last but not least…you guessed it, a wonderful little black dress.

 

[The_Ida]

Have fun finding new additions to your capsule collection and remember to only choose pieces you feel gorgeous in:

- A fitted white shirt
- A chic black, knee-length pencil skirt
- A light-weight, belted mac
- A medium-sized leather handbag & a simple clutch bag for evening dos
- A flattering pair of straight-leg jeans (black or stonewash)
- A comfortable, fitted cardigan
- A beautiful pair of court shoes with a leg lengthening, sturdy heel
- A timeless, unfussy pair of sunglasses
- And last but not least…you guessed it, a wonderful little black dress.

These are things that I would never ever buy or wear. These lists never work out...