The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #1

[fashionista-ta]

if it's a disease, what can i do to get ill?

i'll add an amazing silk blouse and a comfy cotton blouse to my list.
or are those basics that don't go on my list?

As far as I'm concerned, basics go on the list I always try to make sure the basics are a bit interesting ...

 

[Paper Doll]

A disease I wouldn't mind

Hah!

 

[salomelovesjohn]

Ok, may have to check out some jackets with shoulder pads after reading this.

Basics have to go on my list since that is probably 80% of what I wear, lol, but I've just worked on adding a few higher quality pieces a season as my 4-5 items. I'm too much of a shopper to cut back everything to that amount.

Just added a pair of Chanel flats, black with tweed, to my purchases for fall. I was looking over my shoes and there are so many pairs I wear only a few times a year, they're still good, but I want to purchase things I use more often in the future. I think these flats will fit the bill.

I'm loving the Tom Binns necklace I got for fall, I've already worn it a couple of times and gotten compliments, even from my mom who usually is not a fan of costume jewelry. So glad that I splurged on the expensive piece that I loved, rather than filling up on the cheaper items that were so-so to me.

 

[ATM1985]

This thread has really put me in a quandry - in a good way! I'd previously gone through a lot of things and made some resolutions to buy higher quality things and less pieces overall, so that everything I own is something I love and it all works together.

The problem? I came into a windfall of $100 to spend at Macy's - and I don't know what to buy! Before, I'd have blown it on as many cheap tops and shoes I could find on the clearance racks that I thought were cute in the moment. Now, I'm trying buy a good investment piece for the Fall - it's hard! I've gone a few times already and nothing is exactly what I wanted, which is such a bummer because I want to spend.

If the rest of you had $100 to blow, what would you buy for your wardrobes? Maybe I'll get some inspiration from your lists.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Have you figured out what the holes in your wardrobe are? Is there anything you always wish you had?

If I had $100 to spend, I might look at basic knit tops, jeans, maybe a sweater. Perhaps a transitional cashmere-blend sweater, with short or 3/4 sleeves? (Not sure what your climate is, but I find these useful in mine ...)

I usually spend more on key pieces, so if I were limited to that amount, I might look at spending it at the makeup counter to put together a new look for my face. I try to do that each season because it makes me feel I have a whole new look ... in fact, it's on my to-do list to shop for a new lipstick for fall--something dark. It will be free though--I have my 6 containers ready to go back to MAC

Shoes/booties might be an option for you ...

 

[The_Ida]

^I agree. Ankle boots or some cashmere would be clever to get.

I just bought some ankle boots for around $100...okay, maybe a bit more, but the dollar is so low compared to the Danish krone atm 2 years ago they would have been $120, let me put it that way

I think they're great for the next couple of months

 

[aldn]

I would go with shoes! = )

 

[Julide]

For me with $100 I would buy some lingerie! (SorryI can't spell) Or maybe a scarf!

 

[ATM1985]

Right now, I don't have a ton of holes - I do know that I would like a trench coat with a zip-out liner, but it's not a necessity - and I've not found one in a color I like, so I'm waiting to see if I can find more of a caramel tone later in the season.

I might take a look at makeup or basic cashmere - it might be fun to splurge on some colors I might not try if I didn't have extra money. And you can never have too much cashmere.

Shoes are my weakness, so I've already taken a look at two separate stores in the area, but there's not anything out right now that's catching my eye. Unfortunately, I live in Ohio, so the selection at Macy's is a bit more limited - the buyers seem to think we'll shy away from anything too trendy and stick to a lot of boring basics.

 

[salomelovesjohn]

Well my splurge basics would be shoes, jackets, hangbags, or jeans. I think a jacket especially is a great piece that can really dress up a look.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I have a bright coral denim jacket that was reasonably priced, and makes a statement ...

 

[Susann]

I bought two simple cardigans today which are sort of basics I always need and then I bought a blouse. I just want a coat for winter.

But what I noticed today when I went shopping was that I felt a big urge to buy things even things I wouldnt need at all, and then I think that I would need those things so badly. But I resisted the urge, luckily. I need to use the things I already got in my closet, cos thats enough, but somehow I cant think out of the box, alsways combine the same items and even though I really got enough clothes I often feel like I would need new things.
You know this feeling? How can I start to learn how to use the things, which are already in my closet?

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I would take a look at what's in your closet, and see what works best with the new things you've just bought. You can put a look together for fall with the new pieces and what you already have. If you have things you never wear but would like to, pull out 2 or 3 of them, and give yourself an assignment to find a way to make them work.

 

[aldn]

yes, i agree with fashionista-ta. hi-heels has/had? (i haven't seen her around in a looong time) a great blog about using items in more than one way. it's great!

 

[Nemova]

I bought two simple cardigans today which are sort of basics I always need and then I bought a blouse. I just want a coat for winter.

But what I noticed today when I went shopping was that I felt a big urge to buy things even things I wouldnt need at all, and then I think that I would need those things so badly. But I resisted the urge, luckily. I need to use the things I already got in my closet, cos thats enough, but somehow I cant think out of the box, alsways combine the same items and even though I really got enough clothes I often feel like I would need new things.
You know this feeling? How can I start to learn how to use the things, which are already in my closet?

There's something that helped me understand my personal style and think of different combinations. I've been playing with key pieces in my wardrobe on Polyvore. It has been working greatly so far - I can think ahead and know what I'm going to wear a week from now. It saves me a lot of time in the morning before going to work.

 

[Susann]

thanks for all your nice answers. I really have to sit down for an hour or so and think of combinations.
I think I'll do that soon

 

[fashionista-ta]

I said goodbye to my Helmut Lang tropical wool black pants last night ... they had an irreparable tear. I went back and looked when I bought them, it was fall 2007, so I've worn them year round ever since. Luckily I just bought another pair of black pants ... don't think I could live without a pair.

 

[Julide]

Fashionista-ta RIPyour HL pants.I always wait too long for thr replacement so I become desperate! I need to think ahead like you. My black cashmere v-neck cardigan is on its last legs and I have yet to find a replacement...

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I wasn't really thinking ahead The black pants I bought I happened to see on sale ... they are pleated and have a narrow ankle, while the Helmut Lang were wide leg, low-waisted, flat front, and had pocket flaps in back (and also on sale at Barneys, I remembered as I looked back at my records). Still, however, I think they'll serve the purpose. The pants that died had started to get a little shiny, but I was in denial about it I was going to have to be forced to get rid of them ... they look rather sad in my wastebasket.

Thanks for your condolences

I am really wanting to spend my money on household things right now, so my wardrobe is kind of in maintenance mode at the moment ... everything else please hold together The clothing budget is unfortunately the obvious place to look for 'extra' funds ...

 

[fashionista-ta]

nordstrom

Got these flannel PJs ... the top fits, but then I haven't washed them yet