The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #2

[advo]

I finally received my items from Topshop and I'm in doubt. I got these pants that fits perfectly

Topshop

But feels slightly itchy. I thought because they were a combi of wool and acrylic they wouldn't irritate, but they do. They are also not even lined, which is really disappointing since I wanted to use them for winter. That is still my plan, and I could wear them with tights underneath, but I just don't feel like I should have to "compromise" since the pants were £42. Not very expensive, but not exactly dirt cheap. I guess, the only upside and what keeps me from immediately returning is that I LOVE the cut and fit on me.

I also received the Topshop flat ankle boots

Topshop

And I'm perhaps not destined for flat ankle boots. They shorten my legs and I'm already a shorty as it is . I just love the style and I really want a pair of flat ankle boots but they refuse to flatter my body.

 

[RedandNavy]

Hey Advo

Hmmmm... my intuition says doubt isn't really a good thing... Personally, if the material of a pair of pants doesn't feel right I wouldn't want to spend a penny on it. They will never be among your favorites and leave you with the feeling that you actually need another pair... no matter whether they look good. My opinion.

The shoes... I am a shorty (a real shorty with 5') and I own a pair of flat ankle boots but they are not the shoes that make me feel hot. There are just occasions when I can really need them well. I guess for us shorties they are not the most flattering shoes but they can be practical. If you really can need some for practical reasons then keep them but if you could just as well go with a heeled pair then maybe send them back. How's the material?

 

[advo]

^RedandNavy, I'm definitely leaning towards returning. While the cut of the pants are really nice, the fabric content (and feel of it) is really disappointing. I would be looking for another "perfect" pair which would make these redundant in the end. I remember when I was looking for a pair of silk harem pants, and kept compromising and in the end, had to buy several pairs.

I'm definitely buying the shoes for a practical reason, in addition to liking the style. The shoes are real leather, quite light and comfortable (so far). For the price £62, I think they are pretty good value. It's not the best leather, but I've seen this shoe style often in quite heavy better leather which was not something I wanted. These fit in terms of lightness.

 

[RedandNavy]

I need your help, experts

I like this MbMJ skirt from last season a lot and I have seen it in my size with a 50% off. I don't have it on my fall last purchase list but I'm thinking about purchasing it for next spring/summer. I love stripes and think the skirt would look great with simple tees in my colors (navy, sky blue, mustard) tucked in. BUT I need some help:

1. Is the style too trendy to be long lasting?
2. Do you think as a petite I should avoid it? I'm pearshaped and maybe stripes in a skirt are too much emphasizing my legs and butt. I also fear it could cut me into halves but I'm not sure. Do you think it's a style that a petite can wear?

Thank you for your help!

Picture from stylebop.com

 

[advo]

RedandNavy, generally I don't think it's a problem to buy ahead as long as it isn't a permanent habit. Kinda like buying on credit Don't do it too often!

But since I'm also petite, I've read quite a bit on style for petites. And the advice regarding horizontal stripes was to go for small stripes if you're a slim petite. Like, you should buy patterns proportionally to your body-width/size. Also, if you want to avoid focus on your legs/butt area, you should go for patterned/printed tops to detract attention from these areas.

 

[Betinapple]

As written earlier on, I've spent to much money on small purchases the past month, but after a conversation with a girlfriend, I feel like my priorities are quite in order yet again, and I feel ready for saving money for the items I really want!

 

[lucy92]

RedandNavy, i dont think you should get it. it looks vaguely clownish. it doesnt look like a classic item. i think you legs would be lost inside it also.

 

[RedandNavy]

Actually I have made my decision just after posting it... I'm not gonna buy it. I have too many doubts about it and it doesn't really fit my vision of style either. Plus I want to focus on my fall / winter items now, I have already a clear idea of my investments and I should not forget about my plans, should I?!

Oh, and it always helps to ask the ultimate question: What will I have to forgo later if I buy this now?

 

[Betinapple]

Actually I have made my decision just after posting it... I'm not gonna buy it. I have too many doubts about it and it doesn't really fit my vision of style either. Plus I want to focus on my fall / winter items now, I have already a clear idea of my investments and I should not forget about my plans, should I?!

Oh, and it always helps to ask the ultimate question: What will I have to forgo later if I buy this now?

I wish I could be this focused! I think what works for me is having an item that I'm saving my money for.

 

[fashionista-ta]

I need your help, experts

I like this MbMJ skirt from last season a lot and I have seen it in my size with a 50% off. I don't have it on my fall last purchase list but I'm thinking about purchasing it for next spring/summer. I love stripes and think the skirt would look great with simple tees in my colors (navy, sky blue, mustard) tucked in. BUT I need some help:

1. Is the style too trendy to be long lasting?
2. Do you think as a petite I should avoid it? I'm pearshaped and maybe stripes in a skirt are too much emphasizing my legs and butt. I also fear it could cut me into halves but I'm not sure. Do you think it's a style that a petite can wear?

Thank you for your help!

Picture from stylebop.com

I see you've posted a decision, but I like it a lot I would get it myself. To me it comes across more as checks than stripes. I can't predict exactly how it will look on you, but it looks like a flattering style. I also don't find it trendy. As you know, I'm a big believer in having some statement pieces.

As far as season, you may have noticed I spent a big chunk of my fall budget (whatever that may be ) on something sleeveless. I could potentially make it work for fall, but I know I'm not going to go naked--I have things in my closet to wear for sure. So when something perfect came along, I grabbed it with very little hesitation. Now whether this skirt is perfect for you only you can say, but I think it's a great statement piece. And of course it can also be worn transitionally.

 

[RedandNavy]

Ta-ta: You had me thinking again I like the skirt and I think it could be fun, BUT in the end I have a feeling that there are simply pieces I'm more eager to get right now. Plus I think I should focus more on dresses than skirts. I always feel that dresses look best on me but I don't own that many, so enhancing my dresses wardrobe is a main goal. I have a dress in mind that I want and I'm probably buying it soon when I've saved enough to get it. So, who knows, maybe the skirt will make it to my closet later but right now I have a feeling I'm going to focus on other things. THANK YOU!

 

[Betinapple]

Feeling a little better about myself now decided to return a shirt I've bought, and instead I've ordered a parkacoat for winter, which I actually need.

Went for practical, since I'm going to do my teaching training for 3 weeks in the winther, so I wanted something warm and maschinewashable. Still thinks it is nice though, but not what I would normally go for. I have my trenchcoat if I have to look more dressy.

 

[RedandNavy]

I made my first purchase of the season!!

I bought a pair of brown boots, something I absolutely needed to update my fall/winter wardrobe! They are from Tory Burch, as you can see I know, I know, I'm not usually a logo fan but I think that 1) the Tory Burch logo is not that well known here and 2) it fits in nicely with the boot so I actually like it for once. BEAUTIFUL color and very comfy.

picture: net-a-porter

 

[advo]

^They are very nice

 

[aldn]

My new best friends. Dr. Marten Mary Janes. My pic via pose.com I do not really adhere to what we are trying to do here but I feel if I did these would definitely be on the list. They are quite androgynous which is a quality I admire in my accessories and definitely will hold up to my bus and work test. I have not been able to wear another shoe since I got them, especially once I got a cheap bowler hat for my work. I'm still on the look out for one with a wider brim.
Also in the picture are l.l. bean jeans in khaki. I'm not happy with the quality but I love the color and fit so I will be buying again. Can't beat 30 dollars.

 

[aldn]

We don't talk about shades much here. Are they frivolous or do we all need a good pair? I live in L.A. and oddly enough didn't feel confident wearing shades on a regular basis until recently. I have just purchased these Linda Farrow Originals on ebay and I'm quite excited to receive them.

 

[Betinapple]

I made my first purchase of the season!!

I bought a pair of brown boots, something I absolutely needed to update my fall/winter wardrobe! They are from Tory Burch, as you can see I know, I know, I'm not usually a logo fan but I think that 1) the Tory Burch logo is not that well known here and 2) it fits in nicely with the boot so I actually like it for once. BEAUTIFUL color and very comfy.

picture: net-a-porter

I love them! They're very you. And I do not mind the logo.

I'm so bad at this at the moment. I spend and spend, on small purchases. A dress here, a dress there. And the most stupid part about is that it only makes me feel bad. How do I make this stop?

 

[aldn]

betin i know what you mean. i see a plaid oxford that fits in the thrift store. it's mine!

 

[Betinapple]

betin i know what you mean. i see a plaid oxford that fits in the thrift store. it's mine!

I feel ya! I'm already way above the 5 items -.- my shopping libido went crazy.

 

[RedandNavy]

@Betinapple: Thank you for your nice words! About your shopping libido : Do you actually have things you really want to save up for? Do you have something like a list? Maybe that can help. But maybe right now you just need some more shopping around... As long as you're not totally ruining yourself that doesn't seem to be bad to me. I have a feeling that right now it's not too important for you that the things you buy are particularly long lasting and I think that's okay! You are in the beginning of your twenties, right? That's a time when you are supposed to have a bit fun.
However, what has helped me is to have a shopping budget. I'm one of those who love tons of things, I could be shopping all the time I guess. But it helps to have a fixed amount that I spend per month. Like that I feel I am in the driver seat and I don't feel bad when I spend because I know I have it "under control". But everyone has his or her own way...

Shades: I love shades but after losing my expensive Boss shades I think I'll switch to cheap versions in the future. Shades like umbrellas are the kind of things that easily get lost.