The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #3

[fashionista-ta]

Hey, that's two Ted Baker items on this page (Now the last page ...)

I really like the Karl Lagerfeld dress!! I wonder if it would also work with something underneath (like a t-shirt) for a different look?

As far as French ... I think we also have a French style thread. This thread is just about what we always read in magazines, that French women buy 4-5 (or sometimes it's 2-3) key pieces per season. I started this thread a few years ago to explore whether that was possible in real life. Turns out it is "French" used to be in quotes, but they screwed up searchability, so now they're gone.

 

[Betinapple]

@Strawberries: thx a lot! Actually, I haven't worn it yet since summer has just arrived and I think black tights would ruin it. But I can wait to wear it.

@Ta-ta: Thx It would a real bargain - bought at a thrift store. I think you could might layer something underneath, but I'm more a cardigan kinda gal

 

[twistelette]

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.

Been reading this thread for a while, but this is my first contribution. I have the same cardigan problem: I've come to the point where I have to admit that my favorite cardigan is At The End. It was a navy cotton scoopneck cardigan from Noa Noa. I got it maybe... six years ago? And I've worn it constantly. So no wonder it looks really worn now, but it does, and it's tme to say good-bye.
Luckily, I've found a cardigan that could take it's place, you know, serve the same function - a super-lucky thrift find, a black smooth wool Humanoid cardigan. But I still need a spring/summer-friendly cardigan as well. I found this cardigan on the COS site, but I do want to check it out in person before I get it. They also have it in navy, and I kind of want to get that as well, but I feel the light grey will work better with my summer wardrobe.

I counted all the items I got last year, and it added up to 18 items. Not sure if that was more or less than I was expecting - but I know for sure that I'm going to buy more items than that this year! That's ok though - the point of the 4-5 piece wardrobe philosophy for me is to be mindful about each purchase, not necessarily to not buy more than 4 items a season. Within reason of course - but I don't have that big a wardrobe, and I'm not too worried about the amount of clothes I buy. It will sort itself out. I have, however, bought a lot of items that weren't completely "me" in the past, and that's something I want to change - and that I'm changing.

{pic: cosstores.com}

 

[fashionista-ta]

@Strawberries: thx a lot! Actually, I haven't worn it yet since summer has just arrived and I think black tights would ruin it. But I can wait to wear it.

@Ta-ta: Thx It would a real bargain - bought at a thrift store. I think you could might layer something underneath, but I'm more a cardigan kinda gal

Never hurts to try something new I wear a lot of cardigans too, but layering underneath a halter or sleeveless dress gives it a whole 'nother life as a jumper ...

 

[Betinapple]

@Twistelette: I like your thoughts. I also use the concept to be more aware of what i purchase, not neccesarily to stay within any kind of limit, even thought it helps me

@Ta-ta: your perfectly right, and I will try it, but I'm not really into layering things underneath

 

[cold_sun]

Perhaps anyone else having shoe-suggestions apart from ballerinas?

 

[RedandNavy]

Betinapple: That is a wonderful collection of items! I wanted to give you karma but hey, I've been karma-ing you too much I really like how you always stick to your style.

Summer Shoes: cold_sun, you've been asking about summer shoes. Well, I think that's a very personal thing depending on your style. I love flat summer shoes like ballerinas and loafers (I swear on Tod's). I know some people think loafers look matronly, but I like their look and they are so comfortable. And those Tod's shoes are so well-made, it's a joy. I also have a pair of fun flat sandals (the pair of cherry sandals I bought) and I'm thinking about buying a more simple pair in the sales. I do own a pair of sneakers (the ones I've bought in March) and a pair of brogues (the ones I bought in the winter sale). I do own two pairs of heeled sandals but I don't usually wear them to work, more for my free time. There are so much options with shoes!! Since I've started to invest more in my shoes my whole appearance has gotten much better!

My wardrobe: As I've mentioned I've realized that I cannot longer ignore the hole in my wardrobe. I definitely need cardigans and light-weight knitwear. I've ordered a cardigan now. It's not a super exciting piece, rather simple. But it fulfills all my rules (considering the cut, color, material...) If it fits me (which I have to see when it arrives here) I'm sure it will have a good place in my wardrobe. I still have my eye on two very expensive cardigans with great details but I will just hope they make it to the sales. If not, I'm sure next season will bring something I like, too.

Oh, I have another question about shoes: Do you use soles to protect your shoes from the sweat? What kind of soles? I think I'll need some. My favorite pair of pumps looks a bit... ugly on the inside.

 

[Betinapple]

@RedAndNavy: you are much to kind Thanks for the comment about sticking to my style. I do not always feel that way - so it is nice that other people think so, at least

Looking forward to see what cardigan you bought.

I will try to not buy anything further until the new season, which, for me, starts the 1st of July. However, I've seen both a bag and a dress that I would like. However, they are both quite expensive, so I'll try to see if I can catch both of them on sale. Untill then, I'll try to lay low.

@Cold_sun: I like a lot of different shoes. ATM I primarily use my ballet flats, but also brogues and sandals with or without heels.

 

[RedandNavy]

I'll post the cardigan once it arrives and suits me.

I also feel like I have to make a plan for the rest of the season. It is:

In June I'm going to Berlin and there I want to go on the lookout for a great pair of pants. It can be a pair of wool pants for work or a pair of jeans. I need both and the one that I don't get now I can still get it next season.

In the sales, I will try to pick 2 to 3 additional items that I have admired all season but that didn't make it to my shopping bag yet. I will see what is still available and act accordingly. They are all items I need to replace sooner or later but that are not super urgent. So I think I can just pick the best out of the list in sales and save the rest for next season.

My list of items that I will watch during sales:

Every day bag
Evening bag
Summer dress
Sweater or cardigan (long-sleeved knitwear for medium temperatures)
Scarf (there are always such great scarves in the sales...)
Brown loafers
Sandals
Neutral brogues (I'm loving my brogues and would love to have another, more neutral pair)

I think the sweater or cardigan is maybe most urgent, so I will try to catch one. Everything else is destiny. I'll try not to go crazy and stick with a max of three items during sales.

 

[twistelette]

RedandNavy: sounds like a good plan! sales can be a little tricky... (you know, the temptation to buy stuff just because it's cheap) but your relaxed attitude sounds like the right stance to have.

cold_sun: I really like Bensimon sneakers. they have good colours, good design, and aren't all that expensive either (at least here in the netherlands, and in belgium - about 40 euros a pair).

 

[RedandNavy]

Thank you! Last sale season it really paid off that I picked a hand full favorite items during the season that I didn't purchase because of their original price or simply because of my one item per month strategy. The items I bought in sale were all carefully selected way before it started.

The things that are on the list for next sale are all items that I already selected. Either I get some of these specific items or I won't get anything. I'm not going to be tempted by reduction. Once it is in you wear it noone will see the bargain it was.

 

[RedandNavy]

Cardigan has finally arrived here! It's totally me. It seems like one of those pieces that make totally sense, even if it's not super exciting. It really fits in, if you know what I mean.

It's from APC. APC has become a great source for good casual classics for me. So: My May item: An APC cardigan in mustard!

pic by net-a-porter.com

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Yay! Glad it worked out well It's so nice to have a go-to label or designer ...

 

[floodette]

Oh, I have another question about shoes: Do you use soles to protect your shoes from the sweat? What kind of soles? I think I'll need some. My favorite pair of pumps looks a bit... ugly on the inside.

Also looking forward to know the answer of this question :-)

Atm I am cleaning my wardrobe. I have sorted my makeup and shoes wardrobe, now slowly and surely move to clothes. I sold quite lotsa shoes, and now giving away lots of clothes. Good thing from this exercise is that I learn what looks good on me.

Some gaps that I need to fill:
-. Wedge flipflop for dive trip
-. Black pumps (carryover from my past list)

That's all I can think of, will update once am done with clothes-culling.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[LoveMyBoots]

Has anyone ever bought two pairs of the same shoes just because she wants it to be a staple despite any unforeseen future wear and tear? I bought a pair of shoes at Urban Outfitters today and I'm worried that the quality won't last me through the season. I love the look and I'm debating whether I should spend some extra money to keep another pair in the closet, just in case. It's so hard to find a good pair of outdoor sandals otherwise. Am I being too neurotic? Has anyone else ever thought to do this?

Here's the link to my purchase: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23746175

 

[Betinapple]

Has anyone ever bought two pairs of the same shoes just because she wants it to be a staple despite any unforeseen future wear and tear? I bought a pair of shoes at Urban Outfitters today and I'm worried that the quality won't last me through the season. I love the look and I'm debating whether I should spend some extra money to keep another pair in the closet, just in case. It's so hard to find a good pair of outdoor sandals otherwise. Am I being too neurotic? Has anyone else ever thought to do this?

Here's the link to my purchase: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23746175

I've thought of doing it with some of my wardrobe staples, like my striped tee e.g., but I've come to the conclusion, that when they wear out, I will probably want something else anyway.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Has anyone ever bought two pairs of the same shoes just because she wants it to be a staple despite any unforeseen future wear and tear? I bought a pair of shoes at Urban Outfitters today and I'm worried that the quality won't last me through the season. I love the look and I'm debating whether I should spend some extra money to keep another pair in the closet, just in case. It's so hard to find a good pair of outdoor sandals otherwise. Am I being too neurotic? Has anyone else ever thought to do this?

Here's the link to my purchase: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23746175

I haven't, but I typically also buy high quality shoes that will be repairable in case of wear. Since I don't buy that many things, I like the variety of needing to bring in new things when something wears out ...

 

[RedandNavy]

I've thought of doing it with some of my wardrobe staples, like my striped tee e.g., but I've come to the conclusion, that when they wear out, I will probably want something else anyway.

I have done it once with a pair of pants, but even then I came to the same conclusion like Betinapple. As much as you might love something now and even if there are moments when saying goodbye to a worn out piece really hurts... it's a good thing that we need to bring new things into our wardrobe from time to time. Besides, I personally don't think that the sandals look like an absolutely timeless style (although they are nice). I probably wouldn't do it.

 

[Tinetush]

Concerning buying two of each; I've done it a few times with very basic items such as jeans and t-shirts, if I happen to find them in the perfect fit, material and colour. But the items really has to be very basic for me to do it.

 

[lucy92]

i have bought back ups of items before...

two were denim pieces (a denim romper and a pair of jeans in a flattering cut).
the jeans were awesome because i wouldnt have to tailor them to be made shorter (i'm petite) the romper i wore once a week during a summer when the average temps were 85+. i was obsessed with it...both rompers are still in great condition.

the original jeans i wore so much that the crotch ripped out and other parts of it became distressed....so i'm thankful for the backup. the original jeans i had mended of course. there's no way i'm going to get rid of them.

and i'm also thankful because of the designer of them is in precarious health and is not active these days.

and its almost time to break out the romper again... even though i might be a tad too old for a romper.

my advice would be to someone that wants a backup is to create an ebay alert for the item. that will help you make up your mind in a few months. if the item is cheap enough it and on clearance, grab it i say.