The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #2

[BonjourTristesse]

I want to make this a little more precise...

Shoes

I already own black and beige ballet flats. Bought them last summer and they still look perfect... It was well worth the price ;-)
For shoes I really need:

• black high heels (not too high though as I'm already 174!)
• sandals ( Michael Kors and MJ make beautiful ones)
• wedges. (The high heels & sandals count as basics in my opinion...so it's ok I guess)

Top

• Black leather jacket (every leather jacket I find is far too big and thick...I'm looking for a shorter, well fitted, thin one like the Rick Owens one below - this one is too expensive for me though!If anyone has seen one... please let me know ;-) )
• White and black dresses for summer

Bottom

• black mini skirt
• pants in a bright colour (either orange or blue)

Other

• grey light weight scarf by American Apparel
• Marc Jacobs Bag
• Black bikini (I cannot wait to run around in a bikini nonstop soooon!)

pictures: netaporter

I can officially cross 3 things off my list. The MJ Bag, blue Zara pants (that has gotten soo many compliments so I suppose it was a great buy) and now (after I had given up all hope) I found gorgeous sandals.

I decided to buy these Alexandre Birman ones as they look classic, stylish and are comfortable for this summer. They cost 250 EUR - which is a bit much for my student budget, but I think it is worth it. Shoes really make or break the outfit. They also fit to the rest of my wardrobe very well. I can wear the sandals with white summerdresses, skinny jeans or skirts.

credit: luisa via roma

 

[HiHeels]

BonjourTristesse - the shoes are beautiful. they remind me of a pair i admired but i can't remember the brand now...bottega veneta? anyway, these are lovely. enjoy them. (got your comment re. my blog but i no longer have the private blog going, otherwise you'd definitely get added)

 

[Betinapple]

So. The maxidress needs to be sold. I find it too small, so I'm down to 2 items again. Or, 3 it is, since I bought the cardi-thingy.

 

[BonjourTristesse]

HiHeels - Oh thank you! Yes, I read about your blog in the french style thread and was really eager to see it! A pity it's not there anymore...but oh well - I understand blogging takes up quite alot of time. I love, love, love your new blog though. Its super cute and creative... Its finally a nice blog that is personal and not superficial! :-)

 

[HiHeels]

HiHeels - Oh thank you! Yes, I read about your blog in the french style thread and was really eager to see it! A pity it's not there anymore...but oh well - I understand blogging takes up quite alot of time. I love, love, love your new blog though. Its super cute and creative... Its finally a nice blog that is personal and not superficial! :-)

is a small wardrobe your ideal? i toy with the idea of another project that addresses this. i wonder if the priority for most people is a small but flexible wardrobe (in which case they would want a # of variations), or a concise one (in which case every piece has to be perfect and ideal).

 

[BonjourTristesse]

A small wardrobe definitley is my final goal, yes. I would like to have approx. 34 pieces - nothing more than that. It seems alot but I don't think it is really. I'm also striving for "perfect" pieces - but that's a looong process. To be honest, sometimes I just NEED a black silk tank (for example) so I won't look for 6 months, I won't settle for just any, but as much as I try to find what's perfect for me I have a hard time finding REAL perfection. I suppose it's a mixture though. The end goal is always finding perfect pieces! I'd love for you to start another project... I'm obsessed with the idea of owning pieces I love to wear over and over again... I would say I have now:

2 pants - one in bright blue and one ACNE dark grey jeans that I wear over and over again
2 shorts - one jeans short, one from american apparel which is a little longer
1 skirt - from zara which ends above the knee
4 Tops - 2 tanks, 2 ts
1 cardigan - grey wool
1 knit - from H&M but it still looks flawless

that I wear over and over again... that's far too little! I need more pieces that I find pleasure in after months and months...

 

[HiHeels]

if these are the pieces that you love and wear over and over, how many pieces do you have that are "eh" or so-so, which you wear less? would you consider getting rid of those not-perfect pieces?

 

[fashionista-ta]

A small wardrobe definitley is my final goal, yes. I would like to have approx. 34 pieces - nothing more than that. It seems alot but I don't think it is really. I'm also striving for "perfect" pieces - but that's a looong process. To be honest, sometimes I just NEED a black silk tank (for example) so I won't look for 6 months, I won't settle for just any, but as much as I try to find what's perfect for me I have a hard time finding REAL perfection. I suppose it's a mixture though. The end goal is always finding perfect pieces! I'd love for you to start another project... I'm obsessed with the idea of owning pieces I love to wear over and over again... I would say I have now:

2 pants - one in bright blue and one ACNE dark grey jeans that I wear over and over again
2 shorts - one jeans short, one from american apparel which is a little longer
1 skirt - from zara which ends above the knee
4 Tops - 2 tanks, 2 ts
1 cardigan - grey wool
1 knit - from H&M but it still looks flawless

that I wear over and over again... that's far too little! I need more pieces that I find pleasure in after months and months...

To me it's not about perfect ... perfect is such a strong word I think my standards are higher than most people's, but there's a 'good enough' point that I think is also a perfectly fine place to be. It can be quite difficult to discern the difference between very good and off the charts great until you actually live with a piece. And then there are the ones (like my dear departed Lanvin bag) that are perfect and yet truly aren't (the hardware that kept falling off). The nature of this world is other than perfect ... why fight it? To me the quest for perfection is too nail-bitingly difficult, and begs the question why?

Reminds me of GPAs in college ... mine was not perfect when I graduated, but one of my roommates was one of the handful in my class who graduated with a 4.0. She was one of the most insecure people I've ever known ...

 

[BonjourTristesse]

HiHeels - Actually I got rid off many many pieces... Now my closet looks quite "empty" which I love. I can see what I own and those are the things I wear frequently. So I'm on my way to achieve my dream wardrobe... I also put my winter clothes to my parent's house so I have my summer wardrobe here now. I plan on donating more clothes that I have in my closest though... To own a T that I wear only 1 every 2 months is not good in my eyes...

TaTa - With "perfect" I rather meant, things that are perfect in MY eyes. For example the Acne jeans may not be perfect objectively...but their fit and colour is perfect for my legs. So I'm looking for find a cardigan that is like made for MY body, etc.
I used to buy many things on an impulse... now I have a list in mind of what I need. I also understand more and more what style suits me and which colours and cuts. :-)

 

[Betinapple]

@BonjourTristesse: sounds very interesting. I thinkk I might want to make a list of what items in my closet i absolutely love and wear over and over again.

 

[scara]

Inspired by BTs post on the "perfect" items there is a question i want to ask?
What do you think of the idea of getting together your favourite pieces (say 30) and wear them for a month and then see, what there is left and then start sorting out what you really need?

i was able to get rid of quite a lot in my closet, but there is still way to much that i can't seem to part with. any advice on that, appart from the above idea?

btw finally i think (!) i'm able to not buy as much as i used to. i try to stick to 5 pieces a season (not fashionwise -naturewise ;-) like spring, summer...)
that worked fine for the first three month of the year. i make a list of things i want to get and consider every buy carefully.

 

[BonjourTristesse]

Funnily enough, Scara, that is exactly what I've been doing the past weeks and will continue to do until May 18th. ( I set this date as the final day)
I have already identified what really IS missing in my wardrobe and what I certainly have enough of/need to get rid off.

In my case what I frequently wear is the following -> see pictures

- Some pieces are exactly the same, others I couldn't find - for example my black leather flats from Italy, I put a picture of Lanvin flats, as they look identical.
- the MJ Bag is actually black
- I also got a beautiful tunic that is light blue with dots from Argentina, but I can't find a picture that remotely looks like mine...so I left it out.
- I already put all my warmer clothes, jackets away so this really reflects my late spring, summer wardrobe!
- Oh... I put the Eiffel Tower there...because of the thread title, and because a certain style of French dressing (I hope it's just a coincidence this sounds like the salad topping) really appeals to me!

source: polyvore, me

What I really found to be missing in my wardrobe is:

- a black evening dress, that is not too dressy and sexy. It should be chic and comfortable and effortless.
- a white summerdress (although I am not too sure, because I can't wear something white longer than a day before spilling something on it ;-) )
- black high heels
- wedges for summer
- a jacket/blazer for summer... I'm thinking Isabel Marant but nothing too big and nothing too statement.
- a flowy skirt

Wow. This post took me a long time.
I just wanted to show that making lists and being attentive of what you're wearing really helped me to identify what I really crave and NEED.
Everytime I used to go shopping I bought another T-Shirt... when that's the LAST thing I need more of. Now I know where to look and what to search for!

 

[HiHeels]

I do believe in finding the perfect things for me. I already own many perfect items. Now it is a matter of getting rid of the less-than-perfect AND trying to only, going forward, buy perfect.
I did a 34 piece experiment a few years ago. It was extremely helpful to me.
I just counted up my wardrobe and it's under 60 items including outerwear, all seasons. It's around half of that number for spring/summer and fall/winter groupings. It seems like quite a bit still, I think, for one wardrobe...

 

[HiHeels]

bonjourtristesse - beautiful color palettes!

 

[Betinapple]

@Scara: I just did a challenge a bit like that this february, called the 30 for 30 challenge (pick 30 items and make 'em into 30 outfits in 30 days). Really shows how few items you really need.

@BT: really great idea! I think Ill try doing that!

ATM the things I really NEED is:

- Black suede pumps (can't find the perfect ones, and can wait for fall, since I'll mostly need them then)
- New black/white striped l/s tee. Again, can't find the perfect one
- Good black ballerinas (know what ones, just need the money)
- Good quality black bag (know what one to buy, just need the money, since it is a bit expensive)

 

[ShoestringTravel]

Thanks for sharing, Bonjourtristesse! I like your taste.

 

[booksandliquor]

I can officially cross 3 things off my list. The MJ Bag, blue Zara pants (that has gotten soo many compliments so I suppose it was a great buy) and now (after I had given up all hope) I found gorgeous sandals.

I decided to buy these Alexandre Birman ones as they look classic, stylish and are comfortable for this summer. They cost 250 EUR - which is a bit much for my student budget, but I think it is worth it. Shoes really make or break the outfit. They also fit to the rest of my wardrobe very well. I can wear the sandals with white summerdresses, skinny jeans or skirts.

credit: luisa via roma

WHOAA... These shoes are absolutely fantastic....love the color and gladiator aesthetic.

 

[RedandNavy]

Hi everyone

Can I join you? I'm fairly new the forum, as a poster that is. I have been posting an outfit of mine yesterday in the "what are you wearing today thread", a pink shirt with a black skirt and my beloved pink and white prada flats. Looking at it again, I realize how "un-edgy" I am compared with some others here But I feel that is me! I'm so much more about classy, timeless pieces and I try to achieve a certain lady-like elegance... I'm in my mid-thirties now, I'm a mum of two kids and somehow the edgy and trendy stuff just feels wrong nowadays - even if I try to have a few trendy pieces that suit into my wardrobe.

I buy very little every season but try to spend on some good, lasting pieces. Actually about 70% of my wardrobe is older than 6-7 years... I love having pieces that last. And I'd love if you guys could help me picking the ones that complement my style!

Actually, this season I've bought exactly four pieces so far... As you can see in the picture:
A pair of black pumps
A pair of blood orange wedges
A navy striped tee - have worn such for years and they always feel great
and a honey trench coat that I expect to own until the end of my days

I would love to buy a dress this season, too. I'm thinking of a style that I could wear to many occassions like work, day partys etc. A shirt dress or a wrap dress probably...

I also want a big tote but maybe that has to wait. And my jeans and trousers could use some updates.

I hope I can use this thread to buy the right things

 

[Betinapple]

Hi everyone

Can I join you? I'm fairly new the forum, as a poster that is. I have been posting an outfit of mine yesterday in the "what are you wearing today thread", a pink shirt with a black skirt and my beloved pink and white prada flats. Looking at it again, I realize how "un-edgy" I am compared with some others here But I feel that is me! I'm so much more about classy, timeless pieces and I try to achieve a certain lady-like elegance... I'm in my mid-thirties now, I'm a mum of two kids and somehow the edgy and trendy stuff just feels wrong nowadays - even if I try to have a few trendy pieces that suit into my wardrobe.

I buy very little every season but try to spend on some good, lasting pieces. Actually about 70% of my wardrobe is older than 6-7 years... I love having pieces that last. And I'd love if you guys could help me picking the ones that complement my style!

Actually, this season I've bought exactly four pieces so far... As you can see in the picture:
A pair of black pumps
A pair of blood orange wedges
A navy striped tee - have worn such for years and they always feel great
and a honey trench coat that I expect to own until the end of my days

I would love to buy a dress this season, too. I'm thinking of a style that I could wear to many occassions like work, day partys etc. A shirt dress or a wrap dress probably...

I also want a big tote but maybe that has to wait. And my jeans and trousers could use some updates.

I hope I can use this thread to buy the right things

welcome

where did you buy the pumps and the striped shirt? Really love them. Im looking for an all-round dress too and Im thinking a wrap dress will be good since it is very good for womenly shapes.

 

[RedandNavy]

welcome

where did you buy the pumps and the striped shirt? Really love them. Im looking for an all-round dress too and Im thinking a wrap dress will be good since it is very good for womenly shapes.

Thanks for welcoming me, Betinapple! May I say that I love that perfect white dress that you bought and the maxidress? Both look absolutely adorable on you! I love your style!

The pumps are miu miu and I ordered them online, but they are sold out where I bought them. The shirt is A.p.c. I've recently discovered that brand and I love their clothes. They aren't crazy expensive and yet so stylish in their simplicity... That navy-striped tee is so cool because it's no fuss and simply perfect in my opinion.