The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #2

[fashionista-ta]

michele

Belowen, is your sweater a brand available internationally?

I think this is the raspberry pink (ordered it sight unseen

 

[salomelovesjohn]

^^
I like it, eventually I'm thinking of ordered a black croco or alligator band for one of my watches that currently has a plain black leather band. That color is great though.

Most of my online purchases were duds, but I did go ahead and order more of the Ann Taylor shirt that I liked in different colors. I've noticed that I often buy multiples now when I know something is working.

 

[Belowen]

Belowen, is your sweater a brand available internationally?

Hi ta-ta! Yes, I believe Sambag ships internationally... Thought the cost of the garment plus shipping would probably be more than what you would be able to find the equivelant of in the US...

 

[xing]

^ same. im 5'2 so I have to make sure I dont look stout and avoid pants and flats.

3/4 pants with flats i feel arent that bad.

I'm 5'2 too! I'm terrified of crops of any kind. ankle, 3/4, doesn't matter. Wasn't crops supposed to make your legs look stubbier and everything else on the bottom twice as big?

I love the ankle capris look that audrey hepburn sports a lot so tell me your secret to making them fit!(pretty please...)

 

[scara]

^^
I've noticed that I often buy multiples now when I know something is working.

yeah, i do that too.
what led me to have the same cotton 3/4 sleeve shirts in black, white, blue and brown

how many multiples do you usually buy if you like a piece?

 

[Belowen]

I wanted to ask you guys, in particular ta-ta because I feel like you basically have this 4-5 thing under control at the moment - do you have a set list of pieces in your wardrobe? Have you got this written down anywhere?

 

[audreyhorne]

Got this blouse today to go under my black summer jacket (pic in original thread ) for interviewing ... it was really challenging to find a neckline and color that worked well. This is really pretty ... the color is called Hyacinth.

While there, I noted that probably 75% of everything in the store is very Lanvin-inspired ... some of the more interesting pieces were nearly sold out. It looked really nice this season ...

loooove this!

 

[fashionista-ta]

I'm 5'2 too! I'm terrified of crops of any kind. ankle, 3/4, doesn't matter. Wasn't crops supposed to make your legs look stubbier and everything else on the bottom twice as big?

I love the ankle capris look that audrey hepburn sports a lot so tell me your secret to making them fit!(pretty please...)

That is what some people say ... but as you can see, at least two of us have found it not to be true I'm not sure there's a secret, except that full-length pants with flats are not good on short legs ...

 

[fashionista-ta]

yeah, i do that too.
what led me to have the same cotton 3/4 sleeve shirts in black, white, blue and brown

how many multiples do you usually buy if you like a piece?

Mine have ranged from 2-4, but usually the lower number turns out to be better ... we have a whole thread about multiples around here somewhere (in Personal Style).

Belowen, no, I don't have a master list or anything like that. I do have some notes in the back of my head sometimes. I used to make seasonal lists. Right now I have a couple things in mind for fall ...

I do keep those envelopes of receipts and tags where I write down everything I buy each season, with a running total of how much I've spent. I also keep notes (slightly more sporadic) on the back of things I discard during the season. The more tragic it is, the more likely it is to get written down Great for when you need to return/exchange, or when the cleaners ruins something ...

The true test in my mind is whether there's anything tripping me up day to day when I'm using my wardrobe. If something like that happens, I really pay attention and try to fix it ASAP. I'm not looking for perfection, but a wardrobe that works & that I enjoy wearing ... and that hopefully expresses me.

That last point I think is where I'm a bit weak at the moment ... it's not that recent additions aren't 'me,' but I've been very focused on the practical (as dictated by circumstances), and I would like to splash out a bit more. Hopefully I can get back to that next season ...

 

[xing]

ta-ta, i wear flats almost exclusively flat feet plus hyperextended knees makes anything more than 3 inches a nightmare. I'm trying to make a basic wardrobe too. it's a little harder because I'm going to be staying in NY(not the city, the state) for the next 4 years and I used to live in a tropical country and I'm not sure what I need to keep warm. anyting below 25 degrees c and I'm freezing.

belowen, does the list helps you know what you need and what gaps you have in your wardrobe? if so, i should probably make one too.

 

[Belowen]

Thanks for the feedback Ta-Ta

I have written up my list for Spring/Summer and look forward to putting together my warm weather wardrobe!

 

[Belowen]

belowen, does the list helps you know what you need and what gaps you have in your wardrobe? if so, i should probably make one too.

The main way my list has helped me so far is by stopping me impulse buying! I didn't buy anything this season that I haven't worn to death and will love to wear when a/w rolls around again next year. I also love the feeling of hunting down the perfect piece, and how exciting it is to finally cross something off of my wish list!

 

[fashionista-ta]

ta-ta, i wear flats almost exclusively flat feet plus hyperextended knees makes anything more than 3 inches a nightmare. I'm trying to make a basic wardrobe too. it's a little harder because I'm going to be staying in NY(not the city, the state) for the next 4 years and I used to live in a tropical country and I'm not sure what I need to keep warm. anyting below 25 degrees c and I'm freezing.

belowen, does the list helps you know what you need and what gaps you have in your wardrobe? if so, i should probably make one too.

When I used to live in a climate like that, I wore wool ... so you might look for a relatively heavy wool basic skirt and pants. Sweaters, of course. However, a lot of it really is mental ... you have to block out the cold (just as you can with heat). You will need to have something to go over your ears ... maybe a cute pair of earmuffs. And of course a scarf and nice warm gloves ... a coat as long as possible is a good idea too. Boots ...

 

[xing]

thank you belowen and ta-ta. i'm going to start making a list of what i have and what i'll need.

besides wool, what material is just as warm but less bulky? wool is itchy for me and makes me look stuffed.

 

[quimby]

^ There are different kinds of wool that are thinner and softer.
Like merino wool, cashmere. You could try that.

I'm going to be moving in a few months.
I'll have to really edit my wardrobe down since I'll be moving cross country.
This might be a good time to try streamlining and organizing, with a list, as you say Belowen.

 

[fashionista-ta]

thank you belowen and ta-ta. i'm going to start making a list of what i have and what i'll need.

besides wool, what material is just as warm but less bulky? wool is itchy for me and makes me look stuffed.

There's polyester fleece, but it really never looks the same after you wash it for the first time. Wool is it ... just don't wear it next to your skin (all your skirts and slacks should be lined). I believe what I used to get is wool flannel ... it is slightly thicker than some other fabrics ... but that's part of what makes it warm. In the throes of winter, you'll stop worrying about how you look, I expect Seriously, just get a flattering cut, the fabric is NBD.

Moncler has some very pretty down jackets if you want something short. But IMO a long coat will work with everything, and if you're buying for a completely new climate, you can't have everything at once. That's true for all of us who aren't heiresses

For at home/sleeping in the dead of winter, I still like Duofold long johns from LL Bean Just to explain Duofold--they are cotton next to your skin, and wool on the outside. I have them in a really pretty periwinkle blue. Cotton thermals are good too--Hanna Andersson has some really cute prints.

 

[xing]

ta-ta, yes, that is true. when the cold sets in... i'll poke around for some wooly things that doesnt touch my skin at all

and make a list.

 

[salomelovesjohn]

^^
I used to hate wool because it itched, but I have to say that my J.Crew wool cardigans don't itch at all and tend to hold up better and pill less than my cashmere sweaters. They just look more crisp.

All your wool pants/skirts (ok all pants should be lined). Omg, a little off topic but my husband and I were walking behind a young couple going to a dance/prom and the entire back of her dress was see-through and let's just say she wasn't wearing granny panties. I felt bad for her since surely she had no idea. I think the problem is it looks fine in the dressing room but that does not mean its ok outside in the light.

For cold weather I have a couple of favorite cashmere scarves and hats --- I do prefer those to wool. Henri Bendel actually makes a cute ruffled cashmere scarf every season. I adore it and have it in blk and grey. I wear a cashmere beret alot. And my ear muffs are a necessity because my ears get very cold. Good leather cashmere lined gloves are good too - - never spend a fortune on gloves because at some point you might lose them. For coats just make sure its lined and the more artifical the lining, the less the air/wind seems to come through.

 

[quimby]

When I moved from a warm-weather climate to a cold one, my essentials were a nice pair of long underwear, a down coat, and a good hat. With that ensemble, you can stretch your existing wardrobe a lot and gradually add more appropriate clothes. My sister gave me the very good tip to always keep your trunk warm, and you'll feel fine.

But I agree with FTT, that in very cold weather, no one cares how anyone else looks.

 

[chanelnumber5]

Recently, I have been pretty good at not impulse buying - in fact, I've hardly bought clothes for months. A few weeks ago I purchased a few bikinis/cover up for my holiday (I haven't been abroad during summer for ages, and anyone who lives in England will tell you the need for beachwear is almost non existant here!).

I've taken inspiration from Belowen and decided to create a big list of clothing that I 'need'. It will probably take me at least two years to buy all this as I am a perfectionist and won't buy things unless they fit specifications exactly(this is a huge downfall, as I end up frustrated when I can't buy anything so end up getting something that I don't like at all and it just lingers in my wardrobe. I'm also terrible for 'emotional shopping', but am alot better at not doing this now), plus I am starting university in September so my funds will be very limited from then onwards.

It will probably work out at more that 4/5 a season, but I am still working on the 'foundations'

Dresses
- Grey t-shirt dress
-Dress that is versatile be worn in both day and evening, not black, mid thigh length, not low cut (very vague, I know, but I'm lacking inspiration on the dress front right now!)

Bottoms
- Black mid thigh length skirt, not body con style or too structured
- Flared (structured) just above the knee skirt (I've been looking for one for the best part of a year, no joy, unfortunately)
- Dark blue jeans (If I can ever find a pair I like and that fit properly)
- Black jeans (See above)
- High waisted wide leg dark blue jeans

Tops
- Sleevless floaty(ish) top, poss. pastel coloured. I like this one but I am not keen on the zipper on the back http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=174502&parent_category_rn=42325&productId=1824281&langId=-1
- Draped tunic length top, muted grey-ish colour
- Mid grey long cashmere cardigan (v-neck)
- Black cashmere cardigan (v-neck)
- Oversized chunky knit sweater or cardi (undecided which, if either)
- Plain non ribbed tanks tops, fairly loose fitting

Outerwear
- Blazer
- Just above the knee coat in black/dark blue/dark grey
- Faux fur jacket (poss. a gilet instead)

Shoes
- Black ballet flats
- Black leather heeled pumps (must be v. comfortable)
- Interesting heels (by that I mean a pair that can add life to otherwise unintersting outfits, 'statement' shoes I suppose)
- Flat black ankle boots

Accessories
- Structured leather shoulder bag in black or dark grey
- Winter gloves
- Big scarf
- Oversized black clutch
- Costume jewelry (gold bangles and big cocktail rings)

Before September I really need the coat, shoulder bag, ballet flats and pumps, I think.

I'll also ask on the handbag forum, but can anyone recommend a brand that sells good quality leather bags that are not very expensive (Ideally under £200, which is around $300ish)