The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #3

[fashionista-ta]

Oh NO! I hate this kind of change, too... It happened to me with my jeans brand. I had two pair of CLOSED jeans that I absolutely loved. When I was in Munich last year (remember?) I was so happy that they had a CLOSED shop, so I went in an bought the exact model again (same style name, same size). I tried them on but somehow, in my enthusiasm, I ignored the fact that they seem to have changed the cut a bit. Back at home when I wore them I noticed that although the same style and size they are definitely NOT exactly the same as the other two. Not my perfect pair anymore... Ugh, I hate buying all kinds of pants, it's always sooo difficult for me.

Regarding coral: I'm not even sure whether the kind of color I'm talking about is actually coral I just call it like that. It's a slightly lighter red with a hint of pink. I have one doubt about my lace dress, still. Its material is 100% nylon. Is that usual for lace? It's a Diane vo Furstenberg so I assume it must be decent quality. But 100% nylon, can that be good?

Betti's bag: Wanna see it! I didn't know Milli Millu (sounds a lot like Miu Miu) but I looked at their page and they have some nice bags at decent prices! Seems like a good choice!

Yeah, that's pretty much what happened to me too. They've been so good for so long that I couldn't believe they were letting me down so badly. I mean really--an unflattering pair of black pants?! That takes effort

Well, coral is the color of coral Which has a whole range to it. I have some that's more orange, and some that's more pink ...

I have my doubts about the nylon too. I think I'd want to see it in person ...

 

[Betinapple]

Here she is, my gorgeous bag

There's seperated rooms for a laptop, papers, cell and all the other things I carry around. Each pocket is marked e.g. "My things", "My laptop". So cute.

 

[floodette]

It's cute!!! Yet looks sturdy.

Would love to see the inside as well, if you don't mind....
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[RedandNavy]

Betinapple: That bag looks very classy and still very practical. Looks like a very good investment, congratulations!

I think I keep my hands off that dress (the coral lace dress) for now. The only place where I can find it in my size is the DvF online shop. I don't really trust all those online shops out there anymore. I want to stick to the few that have been good to me (mostly net-a-porter and maybe I might try slowfetch eh farfetch again). But with all those other stores you never really know whether the return policy really works. And I'm not really ready to take that risk with 100% nylon.

 

[Betinapple]

@Floodette: thanks a lot! And yes, I think it will be able to live through a hard life of carrying all my stuff AND books when I have to carry those again.

It is kind of hard to photograph the inside of a bag, but you can see a picture here http://www.millimillu.com/shoulder-bags/the-copenhagen.html

@RedandNavy: thanks a lot! I think I will be very happy about it. I wore it yesterday and it worked perfectly even with a heavy load.

 

[fashionista-ta]

nordstrom, tedbaker-london

Today I exchanged the black pants for this color (dark orange) in this style (tan) ... much mo bettah ... they have just a little floral chintz on the inside at the ankle, which I think is just about the perfect amount of that trend for me

The SA called them coral, btw ... there is coral this color--this is just about the darkest it gets. They definitely don't go with the red flats I was wearing today ...

 

[Tiger-lily]

Betinapple, nice bag!

Fashionista-ta, those coral pants are cute.

RedandNavy, I don't blame you for being skeptical of the online stores. If possible, I like to try things on or at least see it in person because no amount of pictures usually satisfies me.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Thanks, Tiger-lily Wearing them today, and I'm really pleased with the fit. Looking forward to trying more from this brand ... they have a store here too, which is nice. I've never been in there, so hopefully they carry a good selection of womenswear.

 

[RedandNavy]

Tata: both pants look great! Makes me wanna try something else than dark washed denim again, ugh. I think I might go pants/jeans shopping in May. As you know, I don't like shopping for pants in general. It's just so difficult!! But maybe since the right cardigan and the right dress seem to hide from me, I might just try to invest in pants again. My wardrobe could need it, definitely.

Online shopping: Oh, in general I think online shopping is quite a good thing! For me it is great that I can make wishlists and look at items over weeks and see if I don't get tired of them. I have made very good experiences with net-a-porter and bought some great items there. But I have also realised that when online shopping, it's extremely important that you get a lot of information regarding size/measurements etc and that the company has excellent return policies. Definitely made some bad experiences, too.

 

[RedandNavy]

I actually bought a sunhat today! I was in H&M shopping for the kids and passed by the men's department. There was a straw hat and since I've been looking for one that actually suits me I just tried it on for fun. And I liked it! Maybe I should always shop for hats at the men's department in the future...

Honestly, it doesn't look like it will last for long. But at least I can wear it and see if I feel comfortable with a hat like this.

I'll be kind to me and won't count this as my monthly item for May...

Pic: by H&M Switzerland online store

 

[lucy92]

great buy redandnavy!

i think its smart to buy a cheap sun hat. i remember my partner bought a 400$+ borsolino hat and we were walking around NYC and a huge gust of wind took the hat away. we had to chase it two blocks. it was nerve wracking. another time someone else almost sat on it.

i have a cheap eugenia kim for target straw fedora. but the problem is on the days that its perfect to wear it my partner wants to wear his hat. and we would look a bit silly together - two people wearing hats walking down the street together.

 

[RedandNavy]

Thank you, lucy! Earlier in life I bought lots of cheap things. Then came a time when I realized quality can last so much longer and make you feel better, so I focused on buying quality. But I think in the past year I've started to realize that not everything needs to be quality. I buy my cotton tees from a cheap brand for example and I wouldn't spend big money on a white shirt anymore - it'll stain anyway. And now my cheap sunhat. I had my eyes set on a Eugenia Kim but I think it's okay now that it is a H&M. I'll have fun with it!

(Would it really look that silly if both of you wore a straw hat? I wouldn't mind that much )

 

[Betinapple]

Congrats on finding a great and cheap hat - RedAndNavy. I aggree with you. Not everything has to be qality and therefore expensive. Only things that makes sense. I will never spend tons of money on jeans, since I wear them so little, and can't remember when I last wore out a pair of jeans.

I think I've decided to try not to shop anymore this season. Try. I bought 8 out of the 10 pieces on my musthavelist, and the last two is a maxidress, which I just don't think is for me anymore, and a boucléjacket. And since I haven't found the perfect jacket, I think I'll just try to save my money.

 

[Tinetush]

RedandNavy, I agree with Lucy92, I think it's wise to get a cheap one of these. And H&M does have some great ones in their men's department.
I've bought one from there the last two seasons. I only wear them on festivals though, which means that they are aren't treated very well.

 

[RedandNavy]

I've been wearing my sunhat already today. Felt good. I think it was indeed wise to go with H&M this time. I imagine standing by a lake with a Eugenia Kim sunhat and suddenly the wind blows it into the water... how bad would that feel!

I've been cleaning out my closet today... I sadly parted with two of my very favorite pieces: a blue cotton cable knit sweater and a grey wool cardigan. Both simple but always right and worn soooooooo many times. I nearly cried but when I looked like them I realized they couldn't be saved anymore. They just looked really... worn.

Sorting my things made me realize that I definitely need some things that I didn't really have on my radar. Mostly sweaters and cardigans (well, I knew about the cardigans) and tops for medium temperatures (somewhere between 8 and 18 degrees celsius). I only have very few pieces left for those temperatures (I've been realizing it this spring but somehow always wanted to focus on other things). And the few I have are mostly old and worn and will maybe survive three wears more or so. Well, summer is coming and I hope I won't need them much in the next few weeks but this definitely must be a goal until autumn. I will have to rethink my list...

 

[cold_sun]

Apart from ballet flats, which summery shoes would you recommend ?
I was thinking about classic white Converse Chucks but I can hardly imagine thats what French women are wearing. Are sneakers working at all ?

 

[Betinapple]

Apart from ballet flats, which summery shoes would you recommend ?
I was thinking about classic white Converse Chucks but I can hardly imagine thats what French women are wearing. Are sneakers working at all ?

I love my converse, but I'm not a teensy bit french I'm not a sneakers girl at all, but I think converse all stars works well with a-line skirts, styled the right way.

 

[Betinapple]

Thought I would just sum up what I've bought this season, so far

Ted Baker Dress
InWear Blouse
Acne Pistol Boots

H&M striped peplum top
H&M classic dress
2nd hand leather skirt
Day Birger et Mikkelsen Dress
Weekday Collection Cape

2nd hand rose dress

Milli Millu bag

Karl Lagerfeld for H&M dress

Black jeans

Total: 12 pieces + gifts and accesories.

As I've said before, I will (obviously) not stay within my goal of only 10 pieces, but I feel good anyhow, since I've bought good pieces, most of them very classic and in a quality that will last a long time. Also, I've bought 8 out of 10 of the pieces on my musthavelist. The last two items is a maxidress, which I've decided not to get, and the perfect bouclé jacket, that I just haven't found yet. The only things that I, not regret getting, but could have done without is the peplum and the grey H&M dress. The dress I do however think I will get a lot of use out of the dress when the winter comes. The peplum I've only used once. It is a teensy bit too large at the waist, but my bust is too big for the size smaller. I hope I will use it anyhow, fortunately it was not expensive.

Even though 12 items does not sounds like a lot to me, I feel like I've bought tons of new clothes. Almost to much. ATM I don't feel like buying anything at all, since I'm almost stressed out by having to use what I've already got. So I'll try to lay low. Hopefully I will not buy anything more this season, but if I do, I'll try to save the three last slots for the sales.

I feel very fulfilled, since I think I've got everything that I NEED. What comes next will be icing at the top of the cake.

 

[strawberries]

^^ I love your ted baker dress!

 

[Tiger-lily]

Apart from ballet flats, which summery shoes would you recommend ?
I was thinking about classic white Converse Chucks but I can hardly imagine thats what French women are wearing. Are sneakers working at all ?

I like reading what to wear in Paris on Paris Escapes each season and Chucks are always on the "what to wear..." list.

White sneakers can be seen on the feet of Parisian locals, but they are also a very specific type. The classic Converse All Star®, also known as the Chuck Taylor® is the overwhelming sneaker of choice on French feet. Fortunately, for the fashion forward, they come in a wealth of other colors and styles. So many Parisian feet are covered in blue, brown, plaid, or even hot pink sneakers.

Go for it. If you like them and they're your style why not? Or you can always try a pair of wedge sandals, espadrilles, or flat leather sandals.