The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #2

[fashionista-ta]

I really wanted those perfect Gap pants to fit me, but wasn't able to make any of them work. I tried on every single style, too I also got my hopes up for that Levi's Curve ID line, only to be disappointed when I tried them on. I guess I'm not in the 95% of women that will fit into/be flattered by the Levi's. Boo.

ta-ta, do you have your pants tailored extensively? I think tailoring may be the way to go, but don't know if the alterations I need are possible or worth the cost.

I wouldn't say extensively ... I have two things done. Have them hemmed higher in front to show off shoe detail. If they don't fit perfectly in back, I have them altered so they do--usually removing some fabric strategically.

You want to be spending enough so it is worth the cost. I ideally want at least several years of wear for my time and trouble (and $$$) finding them & getting the alterations done right. Plus, there's no reason to be wearing unflattering pants, which is bad for morale I just don't see it as optional.

I've said before that I like Jag for jeans--they fit me perfectly. I am not a fan of trendy jeans anyway--most of the time people look like idiots (to me anyway--and more so the older those people are) as the whiskers and distressing come into fashion and quickly go out again. I am the only one allowed to 'destroy' my clothes.

You definitely want a little Lycra IMO. I also used to like Laurel (I think it was--an Escada label that I believe is no more), as well as Escada.

 

[fashionista-ta]

oh, and my zodiac sign is virgo but i dont really see the relevance, haha. thanks for your input though

Black represents water (in feng shui), which I think explains why I as a fire sign feel terrible wearing all black. I also feel 'off' wearing all white/ivory. I feel much better wearing some red/coral/pink. Water/earth (your element) are much more compatible.

 

[ShoestringTravel]

I found a black and white boucle jacket from Black House White Market yesterday. I love it! It has little silver chain trim and small pyramid studs sewn around the edges. I tried attaching a pic to this post, but the attachment manager isn't responding at the moment.....I'll include one later.


^^re: tailoring

I don't mind getting cheaper pants tailored, either. If it's only $10-20 added on to a cheap pair, that still isn't too bad. Especially if it makes them look like they were made for you!

 

[Street_a_Licious]

Black represents water (in feng shui), which I think explains why I as a fire sign feel terrible wearing all black. I also feel 'off' wearing all white/ivory. I feel much better wearing some red/coral/pink. Water/earth (your element) are much more compatible.

oh? is that so?

must explain my dislike towards black all over... i, too, feel weird in all black. or black anything. but i do like blue/navy... what's that?

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ All very dark colors are the same.

White/metallics--metal
Earth tones---earth
Light and leafy greens/blues--wood
Reds/pinks/corals--fire

(Chinese astrology has 5 elements, whereas Western astrology has 4. I am fire in both--and I don't think anyone who knows me would deny it )

For every element, there's one that feeds it and one that destroys it.

 

[Street_a_Licious]

alright! so it's Earth and Wood. had that feeling

as a guy i like the occasional red, never too much...

 

[aldn]

I like navy - the same kind of sober mood you get from black, goes with anything, suits most occasions, but not too austere. Very hard to find nice things in navy though, or even the right shade of navy.

Grey is beautiful too, and there are so many hues to choose from; taupe is also excellent, still very neutral but interesting to the eye.

Yes! It's so hard to find the right shade of navy! OMG! I thought I was crazy. And then the pieces never match up. =(

 

[aldn]

wow, i haven't posted here in ages, just reading. i'm currently going through a somewhat wardrobe-change, making it simpler. focusing on expensive basics and good fabrics, primarily getting rick owens, ann d, damir doma - trying to keep it all-black, with some grey and white. i recently read some articles and books on zen-buddhism, which basically means that everything has to be esthetically beautiful yet practical / functional.. now, my question is, is it a good idea to invest in black items or should i opt for some color too? out of experience, i know i tend to grow tired of colors, but all-black might be a bit boring (..or depressing).

I like the idea of more expensive things in black. When/how are going to grow tired or not need a black jacket? bag? shoes? When you get bored you can go thrift or buy some fast fashion pieces to update your look.

 

[floodette]

Black represents water (in feng shui), which I think explains why I as a fire sign feel terrible wearing all black. I also feel 'off' wearing all white/ivory. I feel much better wearing some red/coral/pink. Water/earth (your element) are much more compatible.

I am a virgo, so what is my sign, ta-ta? In chinese I am a (truly) fire snake. However I feel best in black, navy and yep, red. In fact black and red is 'the' combination for me. It's interesting to know that black is water sign.
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[fashionista-ta]

^ Virgo is an earth sign. I believe I am a fire Sheep in Chinese astrology ... Everything goes better with a little red, or as I wore today, a little russet.

 

[Fewormany]

I guess I'm doomed being a double fire sign (western and chinese) that doesn't like red .

 

[StellaMare]

I think I will be following the french style 'rules' for spring..
I've decided to try to buy only two items:

a pair of Chanel two-tone flats
a Charles Anastase dress in a light color (I have two now, both black).

I already have everything else, so there's no reason for me not to adhere. I would rather buy a few more records and books next spring.

 

[liny]

^ I like the precision of having a short list like that. My problem is always that I get distracted by trinklets.

All I want in 2011 is a good watch and I've been putting aside money and shopping around for options so I will probably accomplish that.

Also, a small day bag versatile enough to use casually but elegant enough to provide polish. Big bags work better for my lifestyle but when I need a smaller one I find myself without satisfying options.

I hope I can stay focussed on this and not acquire too much of anything else - things I buy in the new year should either be necessities or new discoveries that really, really inspire me. Vague, I know

A slight digression: do you guys prefer to "stockpile" staples when you see them even though you have a perfectly functional item at the moment, in order to have a back-up when that current item falls apart? Or is it more about wearing out what you have and then buying what you need?

Buying more of a well-made t-shirt or maybe ballet flats while they're still available seems like a rational choice. But I also hate the idea of filling up my wardrobe (I'm uncomfortable with hoarding).

 

[missbluejean]

^ If I find something that would really fit my wardrobe then I won't hesitate to buy it but most of the time, I'm the buy-if-needed kind of person. I overuse a set of clothing first before I buy another. I'm thinking I should not apply this to my formal wear though because I've crammed a bunch of times this year trying to find an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

I recently bought a Vanessa Bruno black cotton dress (my last 2010 purchase) just to stock up.

 

[fashionista-ta]

I definitely don't stockpile for my wardrobe, though I do for non-wardrobe staples, especially those difficult to get locally. When something wears out, I see if I can live without it rather than immediately replacing. Unless it's something obvious like white T or black pants, which I know I can't live without. About half the time or more, I don't need that exact item. (I do the same thing with makeup lately.)

 

[floodette]

I stockpile black pants, black tshirts and black tanktops. Oh, I also stockpile undergarments.

Happy New Year, everybody!
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[Belowen]

I am thinking towards autumn/winter (already...) and the items that will need replacing or purchasing for my wardrobe. So far I will be needing:

a new pair of dark denim straight leg jeans
a new winter coat
a watch

 

[ShoestringTravel]

I stockpile white and black t-shirts and merino wool sweaters when I find them with a perfect fit/price intersection (not often but it happens).

I found this sweater recently, and I like the boucle/collarless jacket effect it has. I work in a conservative business casual environment, so I will wear it a lot.

Pic: white house black market

 

[chanelnumber5]

Dresses
- Grey t-shirt dress(I got an adorable dove grey mini dress, with a peter pan collar instead
-Dress that is versatile be worn in both day and evening, not black, mid thigh length, not low cut (very vague, I know, but I'm lacking inspiration on the dress front right now!)

Bottoms
- Black mid thigh length skirt, not body con style or too structured
- Flared (structured) just above the knee skirt (I've been looking for one for the best part of a year, no joy, unfortunately)
- Dark blue jeans (If I can ever find a pair I like and that fit properly)
- Black jeans (See above)
- High waisted wide leg dark blue jeans

Tops
- Sleevless floaty(ish) top, poss. pastel coloured. I like this one but I am not keen on the zipper on the back http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=174502&parent_category_rn=42325&productId=1824281&langId=-1
- Draped tunic length top, muted grey-ish colour
- Mid grey long cashmere cardigan (v-neck)
- Black cashmere cardigan (v-neck)
- Oversized chunky knit sweater or cardi (undecided which, if either)
- Plain non ribbed tanks tops, fairly loose fitting

Outerwear
- Blazer
- Just above the knee coat in black/dark blue/dark grey
- Faux fur jacket (poss. a gilet instead)

Shoes
- Black ballet flats
- Black leather heeled pumps (must be v. comfortable)
- Interesting heels (by that I mean a pair that can add life to otherwise unintersting outfits, 'statement' shoes I suppose)
- Flat black ankle boots

Accessories
- Structured leather shoulder bag in black or dark grey
- Winter gloves
- Big scarf
- Oversized black clutch
- Costume jewelry (gold bangles and big cocktail rings)

I haven't ben on here in a while, so thought I'd update. I've bought all of those in bold, as well as a lovely purple cardigan.

In the near future I'm going to have to go and do some dreaded jean shopping. I need two pairs, one dark blue and one black skinny jeans. I'm not entirely sure where to look (Topshop, inevitably I expect). I've also just broken a black belt, so will be on the look out for a new one, the one I had in mind will probably be easy to find in a vintage store.

If I can find them I also want to get a long-ish chunky jumper in dark blue or cream, but now that stores will be bringing in s/s clothes I doubt I'll have much success.

 

[Mocha_Love]

Thanks for the thread!
For me, I love to keep it minimal with skinny jeans and a tee, but I tend to put alot of effort into the shoes.