The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #2

[advo]

RedandNavy, I like a lot of Acne's design too but not confident in their quality. However, their knits are very popular and I think in those cases, it's warranted.

Definitely a good idea that you sent the shirt back. Jason Wu is quite expensive - even 60% off - and in particular when it's broken and delicate.

I was going to buy the Louis Vuitton Bleu Nuit Leo stole second hand but it was in a very used condition and I felt not worth the amount of money despite it being my HG scarf. I will continue looking on ebay for my perfect one. The good thing about fashion is that there is ALWAYS going to be something just as good eventually.

 

[RedandNavy]

I'm updating my must-have list:

• 
  A pair of boots, knee high, to wear with dresses. I'm thinking of chocolate brown rather than black.

• A pair of shoes that can be worn when it rains and that should be neutral enough to go with many styles and to be worn both at my professional and my private environment. Flat or with a slight heel, preferably chocolate or navy or maybe a camel tone.
  
  
• A coat. I need one sooner or later but so far I'm not really sure I'll find one this season. Everything seems to be oversized in one way or another, which totally doesn't fit my tiny frame.
  
  
• Jeans and formal wear pants. I need at least a pair of classic dark blue jeans and a pair of blue, grey or navy wool pants.
  
  
• Two tops for transseasonal dressing. I own some good wool sweaters but lack tops for temperatures from 10 to 15 degrees. One should be a cardigan.
  
  
• A dress with long sleeves for transseasonal dressing. I could also use one with short sleeves but unless I see a really gorgeous design that can wait.
  
  
• A cool necklace. I have the urge to buy a cool necklace this season to update my wardrobe. My wool and cashmere sweaters long to see something else than pearls

• 
  Tees or bodies to wear under cardigans and v-necks

I also think that the season is full of gorgeous bags, I might want to add one to my still rather small collection if a good design becomes available during sales. Not my highest priority this season though.

Plus I've seen a belt that I want. Again, not really a must-have but it would suit beautifully into my wardrobe and have another updating effect that I could need.

Soooo... I know I won't be able to buy everything on the list but maybe 4 to 5 pieces? I haven't been shopping in two months now and I realize I've become a lot pickier. I guess that's a good thing. B)

Highest priorities are the boots and the pants. Not my favorite things to shop but I totally need those.

 

[advo]

The 4-5 things - do people include staples?

 

[RedandNavy]

The 4-5 things - do people include staples?

Depending what you see as staples. I won't count ordinary tees for layering and not sure whether I'd count blue jeans. Everything else in my list counts.

 

[Nemova]

I need some advice from my fellow tFSers. What is your go to brand when it comes to blazers? I have my eyes on a couple of jackets from Calvin Klein and See by Chloé but I'm worried about the cut and fit. I'm looking for something more on the boyfriend-sized side, with a little bit more room for my (considerably broad) shoulders and long arms. Any suggestions?

 

[fashionista-ta]

I need some advice from my fellow tFSers. What is your go to brand when it comes to blazers? I have my eyes on a couple of jackets from Calvin Klein and See by Chloé but I'm worried about the cut and fit. I'm looking for something more on the boyfriend-sized side, with a little bit more room for my (considerably broad) shoulders and long arms. Any suggestions?

I don't really wear blazers any more, but the best jacket I ever had was Michael Kors.

advo, I include staples, except for white tees. What, after all, could be more key than black pants, or a black cardigan?

RedandNavy, I know what you mean ... often those important, must-have items aren't that much fun to shop for. I try to do half and half, so I nail the basics, and still have some fun ...

 

[advo]

^Ahh, good idea about splitting it half/half. I think, I'll do that too. Yesterday, I worked through my closet to find my key pieces/staples, and I think it was really helpful for me so I could prioritise my 4-5 pieces for this season.

Nemova, I don't know about brands for long arms, but I think Zara makes really nice blazers for their prices.

 

[Betinapple]

@Advo: I love the bordeaux Acne Sweater!

I do not count staples as basic tops, but I do count the LBD, black flats etc. I've made some exceptions in the beginning though, were I didn't count replacement pieces.

@RedAndNavy: Had to give you karma for the comment your hubby made Shame about the sweater - I hate when that happens. Had the same trouble about my rose pants, whichs zipper broke after only a month.

Comments on your musthavelist:

- I think it is a great idea to go with chocolate boots instead of black boots, since chocolate (in my opinion) goes with more colours than black.

- About the practical, neutral rainy-weather shoes; how bout your acne pistols? Can't they do the job?

- I have the same problem as you regarding a coat. I can't find anything that I like, not even in a much widened pricerange. ATM I'm thinking that I'll might just wear my trenchcoat with a big sweater underneath, in case I do not find anything.



I might be very much behind, but I'm not sure what ya'll mean, when you talk about key pieces? Can anyone please explain

 

[aldn]

betin my thrifted items ARE my most used. lol.

 

[Nemova]

ta-ta and advo: thanks for the advice. I saw a nice jacket at Zara yesterday but I figured I should keep looking for a while longer before buying a new blazer.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Betinapple]

betin my thrifted items ARE my most used. lol.

Pretty much the same thing here

So, I've NOT been a good girl the last couple of days. Have bought a gorgeous dress on ASOS and found a striped top at COS today (on my list though).

 

[Tinetush]

Advo, I don't count the basic basics, such as t's, tanks, black ballerinas - which is basically replacements. But I do count the special basics. Say if the t is made out of an interesting fabric, or the ballerinas are slightly pointy etc. You get my drift?
- But I think I'm making up my own rules as I go along. I think the most important aspect for me is that doing it this way make me think more than twice about buying an item, and thus avoiding the big consumption trap.

Anyway, Today I found myself a pair of grey wool cigarette-ish trousers, as expected COS were my savior. It's just the right colour of grey and there are back pockets on them which I prefer.

I also got a nice little black dress from COS, and though I've never been a believer of the LBD I think this one is it. The shape is perfect, not too lose or too tight, the length is just right, it's got thick straps and it has something asymmetrical going on.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Betinapple, as far as key pieces, that's what the 4-5 are, and what we discussed at the very beginning of this thread (the original one). They're not lingerie, pajamas, loungewear, or white Ts for me. This thread started as a discussion of the frequent (at that time anyway) magazine articles talking about how French women buy 4 to 5 key pieces a season, and just keep wearing them. What are those pieces, and how would one make this work?

So a key piece is something that's key or important to either your wardrobe for that season or your wardrobe as a whole. It needs to be something that will have longevity. I try for everything I buy to have longevity (anything else is too wasteful of both resources & my time), but white Ts are the item in my wardrobe that don't seem to want to be long-lived. I'm pretty happy with what I bought last year--2 of 3 are still in rotation (one got demoted to sleepwear).

Make sense?

 

[advo]

Advo, I don't count the basic basics, such as t's, tanks, black ballerinas - which is basically replacements. But I do count the special basics. Say if the t is made out of an interesting fabric, or the ballerinas are slightly pointy etc. You get my drift?
- But I think I'm making up my own rules as I go along. I think the most important aspect for me is that doing it this way make me think more than twice about buying an item, and thus avoiding the big consumption trap.

Anyway, Today I found myself a pair of grey wool cigarette-ish trousers, as expected COS were my savior. It's just the right colour of grey and there are back pockets on them which I prefer.

I also got a nice little black dress from COS, and though I've never been a believer of the LBD I think this one is it. The shape is perfect, not too lose or too tight, the length is just right, it's got thick straps and it has something asymmetrical going on.

Yes, I'm leaving out underwear, socks, and white tees too. Ballerinas I count, because I buy more expensive pairs and I balance the 4-5 plan with a budget as well. So far, it seems to go quite well. I'm within my budget for the 4-5 items, so I have a little left that I can spend on something else. I'm considering a black pair of Acne pumps, a pair of Gardenia pumps or the Acne bordeaux sweater.

fashionilista

debell.dk

Of the 4-5 items this FW season, I have gotten these rainboots that just arrived today. They only cost 200 DKK ($35-40) and are really simple and fit well. I'll use them for rain and winter with thick socks. They are so much cheaper than Hunters and so much prettier than the heavy Hunter boot imo .

alt-til-heste.dk

Another two items, are wool pants and black ankle boots. I ordered those items from Topshop - but won't make the final deciding until I've seen them irl. (That is if Topshop could get a move on and ship already! )

 

[RedandNavy]

Betinapple: My hubby says "anytime" to you He's glad he made your day
You are right, my Acne pistols can be worn in the rain, too. My problem is that I feel like I need a pair of flat shoes for when I have to carry around my kids. I just don't feel secure when I carry them with heels on, at least not on stairs or for longer times. And we walk A LOT. So I'm thinking of a pair of brogues or loafers. I have seen a pair of brogues that I love but they are too expensive right now.

4 to 5 pieces: Actually, it feels kind of nice that I haven't been shopping yet. I only bought the sweater that I sent back, so I have my shopping still ahead of me. I have chosen 5 pieces that I want this season but right now I don't know what to buy first. I think I wanna wait a little longer to be able to spend when I REALLY know what I absolutely can't live without.

Color scheme: I've really been working on my color scheme lately and I think I have found a way to include my favorite colors and yet stay within a family where I can easily combine. My chosen colors are all strong, warm colors - you could talk about jewel or spices colors, and I love to support them with chocolate, camel, navy and a warm shade of grey. I know those jewel colors are kind of trendy right now and that can be a danger, but then again, I have bought those colors over the years when I saw a nice piece and I'm pretty sure they come back and can also be styled in a trendy way. Maybe there will be seasons when I buy more neutral support pieces. But I am now no longer shopping for black. I used to think it was the most versatile but actually my black cardigans and pants don't look that good with my warm and strong colored tops. And no more pastels for me, they didn't bring me anywhere. I'm thinking about a drastic wardrobe clean out soon so I can really focus on my key looks.

 

[Betinapple]

@Advo: nice stuff. I would go with what you need the most. The Gardenia boots would be the most wearable pair of the shoes for me though. Could you please send me the link to the rubberboots? Could use a pair as well.

@RedAndNavy: I feel you! I wouldnt be comfortable carrying around a child, when in heels. I love brogues and think there is many great pairs out there. I have a pair from Custome National which costed about 35 dollars on sale (put down from approx 460 dollars). I love them and the quality is so nice. What I love about brogues in comparism to ballerina flats, is that they usually have a little "heel", which is so much better for my feet.

I think waiting on spending is a great idea - which I could manage to do that

 

[advo]

Betinapple, here's a link to the rubber boots: http://www.alt-til-heste.dk/product.asp?product=1176

Shipping was a little pricy - but you know Postdanmark prices - however, super quick service. Ordered them two days ago, received them today.

Here's blogger Lynn from Dailystylediary wearing the rain boots:

I agree the Gardenias are more wearable, but I'm already getting a pair of flat, ankle boots from Topshop as part of my 4-5 items so if they work out, I do have a pair of very versatile boots.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Ooh, I love the sweater ... does she say where that's from?

My vote is for a pair of pumps with a block heel. I have seen them on to-buy lists in magazine articles ... something that's very 'now.' I have my red patent peep-toes with a block heel from last time they came around ... they are such statement shoes that they stand apart from trends, and I've definitely never stopped wearing them. You just want to make sure that you really love them, so you still want to wear them when the heel trend wanes (if it does anytime soon). It's a very practical heel for walking ... more comfortable than a stiletto, and somehow this heel feels very 'powerful' too, which can never be a bad thing Dries has some beautiful ones this season with a faceted block heel.

 

[Betinapple]

@Advo: thx! I'll definetly think about buying them. I have a pair of practical winter boots, but they're sooooo clumbsy looking. As for the boots/pumps thing, I would go with the pumos then, if the flat boots work out.

 

[advo]

Fashionista-ta, unfortunately she didn't write where the cardigan is from. But she rarely buys anything that is not high street, and the picture was posted a while ago so you probably can't get it anyway, sorry.

I rarely follow trends. The reason why I like them is because they are beautiful and because I have this idea in my head that the block heel is easier to walk it But they are still 10 cm so probably not. Thanks for the advice though!

Betinapple, thanks for the advice! I'm definitely leaning towards the pumps but we'll see when I get the Topshop stuff