The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #2

[Betinapple]

^ Different people have different rules, but I would include the items you mention. I mention white Ts because you 'have to' have them, but they don't last long. One way to get more out of them is to use them for layering later on ... goes for all tops, really.

I count all basics as "ok" - and not included in the 4-5 items rule.
This might sound a little complicated but...

plain, loose T-Shirts to layer
black pants
jeans
1,2 cardigans
...


are basics for me. You NEED those. I'm not a fan of having 5 white T-Shirts. So I think having 1,2 pair of jeans, 1 pair of black pants, 1,2 white T-s everyone should own. Therefore I do not include those in the list. If one white T gets a hole I will replace it and still have my 4-5 other things.

My 4-5 pieces are luxurious items that have the extra something, that are not basic at all and will make the outfit stand out. For example a fancy handbag, great jacket, leather skirt...

My 4-5 things are expensive items that I cannot buy every week but I have to save the money for... Those are long lasting pieces. Of course I try to buy long lasting basics as well...but they certainly don't cost as much as my 4-5 things ;-)

Hope this makes sense.

Thx for your answers both of you Makes sense. I'm done buying cheap basic items, since I hate shopping for basics and find it boring, so I want to make my basics last. Not that they're really expensive, but I'm done buying my basics at H&M.

I already have most of those basics that I need; one good pair of jeans (I mostly wear dresses), basic tops, cardigans etc. so I think I'll work with those excluded from the 4-5 items, so I can buy new ones when needed. I find a good black dress for both everyday and party use basic as well, but that, black flats and a nice classic handbag will be included in my 4-5 items. I think I'm just gonna start and then see what happens and then change my rules a bit, if needed.

^^^ I very much agree about the black pants... Why is it so impossible though to find the perfect one!
I'm not good at explaning.. My rule kind of is... everything that I can't normally afford is one of the 4-5 pieces. Not that everything else is a "basic". But you get the idea.
I shop with alot more "awareness" now that I follow the rule. I love it.

What you are describing is what I want. I've always had trouble finding the money for the items a bit more expensive, that I would crave, but since I accidently spent my money at H&M and similar stores I couldnt find the money for it even though I had them. I've experienced that I find much more joy in my expensive items that I really had to save the money for and think a lot about before buying them. And I really would rather want 1 good item each or every 2nd month than 10 items pr. month from H&M.

 

[fashionista-ta]

It's interesting ... everything I've read about recession shopping habits is that the statement pieces, even very expensive ones, are selling. We want something special for our money. I wonder if this is a habit that will stick ...

I have felt annoyed with the amount of magazine coverage I've seen of very cheap items as 'recession chic.' I just feel at a certain price point you really should just keep your money in your pocket. Not only can you be pretty sure there's child labor or highly unfair trade involved, but it is super annoying to have a strap or heel or zipper or seam break when you are out and about ...

 

[Betinapple]

It's interesting ... everything I've read about recession shopping habits is that the statement pieces, even very expensive ones, are selling. We want something special for our money. I wonder if this is a habit that will stick ...

I have felt annoyed with the amount of magazine coverage I've seen of very cheap items as 'recession chic.' I just feel at a certain price point you really should just keep your money in your pocket. Not only can you be pretty sure there's child labor or highly unfair trade involved, but it is super annoying to have a strap or heel or zipper or seam break when you are out and about ...

I aggree. I have a fewer amount of money for shopping now and I want good pieces for that money.

Another thing is that in the world which we live in it seems stupid to buy cheap things and throw them away when they're not good anymore or out of style. I know many stores are focusing on things like organic cotton or reused polyester but what about all the people who buy and buy and throw away constantly? That have to be a big burden for the environment.

 

[ChampagneEtHeels]

Is there already a list up for f/w? I'll be moving to the north of Switzerland for a year (and I'm from a tropical country) so it would be great to know what are the essentials for the upcoming season!

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Your best bet is probably layering ... I'd try to buy pieces I thought I could wear in the future, and then layer 2-3 lightweight tops. You'll need a coat ... maybe you could do a 3/4 quilted down or something like that. How cold does it get where you're going?

Betinapple, I agree completely ... a minimal wardrobe is very green, even if you don't buy organic/recycled pieces (which are great, and becoming a lot more widely available). Buying and purging huge quantities of crummy things ... definitely unhealthy and unfriendly to the environment.

 

[ChampagneEtHeels]

^^
Thanks! From what I've heard, it goes down to -2 C at most. I was thinking the same thing with regards to layering. Then just invest in a good coat/jacket, tights, sweater, scarf and maybe even shoes?

 

[BonjourTristesse]

Yes... I live in Austria - we have exactly the same weather as in Switzerland.
From living in a cold winter country all my life I highly (!) recommend in investing a very good pair of boots or two, as you will get bored with having only 1 pair for so many months (one with low heels, one that you can wear well when it's snowy)
a warm thick wool coat that keeps you warm but also looks nice and classic-> you will wear that coat from October -> March so you better pick something that you'll like for a long time! The coat and the boots should be in investment in my opinion... I bought boots for a little over 200 EUR last November and it was definitley worth it. I have yet to find a good wool coat.
Layering ist great... And I also recommend a thick wool scarf. I missed out this item this year - but will get one for next year!

 

[lucy92]

i am now on the hunt for a maxi dress or maxi-skirt which i think would be great for summer. i dont own either. i think my best bet may be topshop so ive started patrolling ebay.co.uk looking for good options. (topshop here is a no-go as the price is doubled in the US) i saw a few maxis in H&M, but i was underwhelmed and they seemed cheap. the only other caveat is that i may have to shorten the maxi as i am only 5'4 and dont plan on wearing anything taller than 3 inch heels with them.

 

[ChampagneEtHeels]

Thank you so much for the help! I'll definitely be doing more layering than anything else since I'll only be there for a year. The philosophy of minimal shopping is very useful for these kinds of situations.

 

[BonjourTristesse]

i am now on the hunt for a maxi dress or maxi-skirt which i think would be great for summer. i dont own either. i think my best bet may be topshop so ive started patrolling ebay.co.uk looking for good options. (topshop here is a no-go as the price is doubled in the US) i saw a few maxis in H&M, but i was underwhelmed and they seemed cheap. the only other caveat is that i may have to shorten the maxi as i am only 5'4 and dont plan on wearing anything taller than 3 inch heels with them.

Have you tried asos.com?

 

[fashionista-ta]

Thank you so much for the help! I'll definitely be doing more layering than anything else since I'll only be there for a year. The philosophy of minimal shopping is very useful for these kinds of situations.

It's amazing how effective layering really is in helping you stay warm.

I agree on the boots, but if it were me, I'd probably do just one pair I live in a warm climate and don't own any boots right now. I really needed them when I took a winter trip into snow. The kind with a rubber sole that looks like a tire are probably really practical ... and Balenciaga had a number of people drooling over that sole a few seasons back.

I wonder if you could buy wool crepe or something like that that you could potentially wear at home, and then maybe something to wear underneath? What about those silk long johns? I have a wool crepe skirt that I don't wear in the heat of summer, but I do wear transitionally. I assume you have some cooler days in a tropical climate?

 

[ChampagneEtHeels]

^^

That's true. I've got some family there who are offering to give me vintage coats, etc so that I can buy clothes that are appropriate in where I really live.

I'm thinking of getting either a black or brown pair of boots. Maybe knee high with a low/mid heel? I just don't want them to get ruined because of the snow.

I'm not really sure, but I will see if I can find some there. We do have some cool days here, but not cool enough that warrants a need for heavy jackets. The most would probably be a cardigan or a hoodie at most.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Oh that's nice--that way you can have a fun selection, and then return them when you leave.

I would think, then, that this strategy should work (layering relatively lightweight pieces). I like to buy cotton or a blend with just a little wool or cashmere, because I am warm-natured & also have sensitive skin--I think those kinds of pieces are going to be most useful to you back at home. You could also try layering shorter sleeves over longer ones--like a bell sleeve to the elbow over a tight-fitting long sleeve.

What about some fun rain boots with leg warmers for when the snow is really deep? I remember I had some that were plastic with a fleece lining that zipped (up the calf) for snow. You could probably buy something like that when you get there ... I have some lighter colored oxfords that are damaged from getting soaked in snow and slush. You could just not wear leather on days like that ...

 

[ChampagneEtHeels]

^
Yup! I'm excited to get my hands on them and maybe even alter a few if i can!

The bell sleeve + long sleeve top is a good idea. I'm looking into getting those oversize sweaters like the ones in Missoni this season except less bulky and in a brighter color rather than pastels. Oh and definitely a trench or leather jacket that has the whole Burberry feel! Aside from that, I haven't really got any idea what else to get. I'll just work with what I've got really.

I've seen a few online that are cute. If I can track it down, I'll most likely post it here. The pints actually remind me of Miu Miu... I agree. Leather just isn't made for cold and wet days. I love to wear heels especially because of my height so I don't know how that will work out, hahaha.
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[fashionista-ta]

^ I have a trench with a zip-out wool lining (Burberry) ... that might be nice and practical.

 

[Betinapple]

So I'm wondering, do you include your accesories in the 4-5 items?

I would always include shoes and bags (since I want to buy quality items) but what about jewelry and belts?

I need a couple of new belts for dresses, for this summer and I'm going to buy them pretty cheap I think. Around 20-40 $ I wouldn't include them I think just as well as I would not include a cheap necklace/bracelet/whatever from H&M. But expensive quality jewelry I would include I think.

I'm really trying to figure this out and edit the rules in a way so they fit me.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Yes, I do it pretty much like that ... inexpensive costume jewelry no, good jewelry yes. Shoes and bags, yes, but possibly not shoes under $100 (which I try not to do except for walking shoes). I don't wear belts ...

I think I used to do a piece of jewelry per season in addition, but I've gotten to the point where I have a nice collection and don't really need anything else ... except of course sometimes you feel like a change

 

[Jutta]

Hi!

For this spring I've already bought black 7/8 trousers and two black v-neck short sleeve linen t-shirts.
I'm still looking for a red blazer and some more t-shirts (white, grey, red, pink or purple, but it seems difficult to find v-necks this spring)
and perhaps new red ballerinas and grey man-ish shoes, too.

Let's see what I find to wear after all this snow... Hopefully spring is soon here!


-Jutta-

Those shoes turned to be lovely white brogues!!! I still have my eyes open for grey ones too...


-Jutta-

 

[Betinapple]

^ Yes, I do it pretty much like that ... inexpensive costume jewelry no, good jewelry yes. Shoes and bags, yes, but possibly not shoes under $100 (which I try not to do except for walking shoes). I don't wear belts ...

I think I used to do a piece of jewelry per season in addition, but I've gotten to the point where I have a nice collection and don't really need anything else ... except of course sometimes you feel like a change

Makes sence. I try not to buy shoes in e.g. pleather and polyester so shoes will always count for me. Just as bag which I also try not to buy too cheap. I rarely buy cheap jewelry, scarves and belts in general so I do not think they need to count. Where as all clothing need to count for me not to accidently buy 5 H&M dresses that I do not love

 

[fashionista-ta]

Just wanted to note that I am really loving my Marni cardigan ... so lightweight & comfortable & a real statement piece. It is raising the bar for all sweaters in my wardrobe