The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #2

[cheepmunk]

Completely off-topic, but I had no idea that's what bell sleeves did! You know how you're sometimes drawn to things because you think they look good on you, but you have no idea why? I think that's why I love bell sleeves. (Unless they have some other magical power I don't know about, which they very well might.)

Aw, now I feel all warm and fuzzy about TFS. Where else would I have learned that?

On topic: Lately I've been struggling with the flip side of buying high quality stuff that lasts forever. What do you do when you get sick of it and want something new for a while? Do I pack it up for a few months and replace it with something cheap that I know will wear out quickly, or do I buy another high-quality (expensive) piece and rotate them?

I realize that, if this is my biggest problem, I don't really have any problems, but it's been driving me nuts. What do I do?

 

[cambry]

On topic: Lately I've been struggling with the flip side of buying high quality stuff that lasts forever. What do you do when you get sick of it and want something new for a while? Do I pack it up for a few months and replace it with something cheap that I know will wear out quickly, or do I buy another high-quality (expensive) piece and rotate them?

I have the same problem, especially since I'm on the limited budget of a college student. What I've found works for me, and what I think is also in the general spirit of this thread!, is to buy my basics very high quality and get the more flashy stuff that I am likely to grow bored of from the lower-end brands. For me, something like good pair of jeans/trousers that fit my silhouette and can be worn with a variety of tops and shoes is a safe bet to drop dime on, whereas a flouncy printed dress that I will be in love with for a month or so until something else novel comes along is usually not (and this is why Charlotte Russe exists).

 

[fashionista-ta]

Sometimes I'll put things in my back closet for awhile--that's what I'd recommend. But I generally don't get tired of one thing, I get tired of everything, and that's when I buy something new.

PS I also like to get a new makeup look each season--that always helps me feel that something new is going on. New earrings are great too--or a new watchband. Preferably a colorful one!

 

[farou7a]

Every time I revisit this thread I want to go into my closet and get rid of everything! It's become unmanageable to this point... I'm super motivated to go in there and be ruthless...so wish me luck, everyone!

I can relate to ur post!

I now feel like i need a whole new set of clothes

 

[Tinetush]

I’ve been lurking around here for what seem like ages, but i’ve never really been active here as I’ve never been the 4-5 piece french wardrobe kind of girl. I love my H&M. But as of lately I’ve been more and more concerned with quality and I’m thus going to give this a go I doubt I’ll ever be truly converted, but I’m okay with that, I make some great impulsive buys and that kind of shopping most often suits me. This is why I’m going to make my own rules which means that in addition to being aloved to buy replacements, basics etc. I’ll allow myself to do some DIY'ing and indulge in H&M from time to time.

But I have made a list for this spring/summer. I’ll probably add a few things as the season approaches.

*Printed blazer in a light color – Bought a Karen Walker one, which I haven't recieved yet
*Colorful brogues – Bought a blue pair from Asos, which I haven't recieved yet
*Brown loafers
*Balenciaga Giant envelope clutch
*Cream colored drop-waist dress
*1940’s style printed dress
*Silver sequin blazer

[asos]

and some basics that needs replacing

*Black bikini
*Black Loafers
*Black ballarinas
*Black high-waisted jeans, Cheap Monday
*Beige silk slouchy t
*Black leather wallet, I’ve been searching for one for about a year, but can’t seem to find the perfect one. For some reason I’m very picky when it comes to wallets

 

[fashionista-ta]

I bought a couple more pairs of black tights & otherwise am holding off till spring, which should be right around the corner despite the sheets of ice ... pretty blue shoes!!!

 

[two months off]

I can relate to ur post!

I now feel like i need a whole new set of clothes

gosh, yes! haha it's difficult to try and minimize, when in actuality I want to fill it up with new stuff : /

I'm just going to be ruthless this time...I've been going at it for 3 days now and I'm still not done. I get so tired and cranky I just can't finish!

 

[lucy92]

earlier there was talk about gap's "perfect pants" line...i have bought 5-6 pairs of the black/gray versions. the trick is to buy them during the 40% off day that happens once a week. luckily they come in petite sizes (aka "ankle" size at the gap)...

this is what i currently need to add to my wardrobe this season

1. blouses (this is a work staple for me) i think i need something reasonably priced maybe with a pussycat bow on it. also i need it to not wrinkle easily. because i'm terrible with irons.

2. brogues. steve madden has some currently on super-sale. i might purchase them for work.

 

[PonyShow]

Hopefully when I stop having kids I can start doing this again.
I started to but then pregnancy really throws a loop in your wardrobe!

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ You can definitely use this approach for maternity ... assume you've seen our maternity thread? I remember before my brother was born (10+ lbs), toward the end my mother had one wrap dress that fit over the ginormous bump, and wore it every day I guess she figured it was easier to run the washing machine than go shopping!

 

[Belowen]

I just had a quick once-over look at my wardrobe as I pulled out some pieces that I might be able to use in the transition stage between Summer and Autumn (though I feel like we're going to have an extended Summer again this year...) and noted down some pieces I need/want for the upcoming A/W season.

> Black Pencil Skirt x 2 (I will need to replace the one I'm wearing currently, and want a spare in my wardrobe so I can rotate the two)
> Dark Denim Jeans (straight leg or boot cut)
> Black Cashmere Tube Scarf
> Black / Grey Cashmere V-Neck Sweaters
> Pea Coat
> Black Wedge Boots (ankle, closed toe)
(maybe) > Cashmere slouch hat/beanie
(maybe) > J Crew Twin Set (in either a dark green or deep red shade)

 

[ShoestringTravel]

A short story: 4 years ago I worked at a law firm before switching careers. For this job, I bought three wool suits that were $400+ a piece, which for me was really expensive. Well, besides wearing them nearly every day at the firm while I worked there, they've also been my go-to interview suits and nice slacks since then, and they've 'saved my butt' a million times when I needed something nice and business-like to wear. The wool has a slight stretch to it, and they've worn like iron, fit me through weight fluctuations, and due to their classic cut still look just as much in style as they did 4 years ago. I've got my money back out of them several times over.

Recently I got a Hugo Boss blazer for my new job. Again, it was soooo expensive, but the color, cut, and fabric instantly dress up a pair of jeans and I know I'll get years of use out of it. Ditto a black crew neck cashmere sweater that fits like a charm. I think there's really something to this way of dressing.

 

[fashionista-ta]

nordstrom

^ I like your story

Seems like I never have enough casual clothes, so got these ...

 

[ShoestringTravel]

^I love how high-wasted those top pants are, and the angled back pockets!

 

[two months off]

^^ oh those pants are lovely! I agree about the pockets, they're cute!

 

[fashionista-ta]

Thanks Btw they are denim trousers, so dark they almost look black. The waistband curves down in the front ...

 

[chanelnumber5]

Ahh, so excited, I actually found jeans I like. I got a pair of asos black skinny jeans and they are so nice. The length is absolutely perfect and because I bought them in a UK 8 so they are not super skinny on me (Skinny jeans are the only kind that suit me, but I hate it when they are cut to be skin tight). I think I'm going to get another pair in dark blue too.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Can't find a picture of it, but got an M Patmos charcoal grey silk/cashmere shell with silk pintuck yoke and trim for layering ...

 

[Tinetush]

I've been good so far I haven't really bought anything so far and I havn't added anything to my list, except for maybe a brown parka-ish jacket for spring.
I did recieve my printed blazer from Karen Walker, post #345, but the fit wasn't right so I'm returning it. But I've seen a printed blazer from COS that might be right. Going to have a closer look at it tomorrow.
The blue brogues are great though, excactly what I wanted.

I really think this concepto r an adaptation of it might be working for me, as long as I'm making room for some occasionally rule breaking.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I think it's good to have a framework that leaves some room for spontaneity ...