The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #3

[Tinetush]

^I think with the right styling everyone can wear rompers. I've already worn mine on a few occasions this season.

I've gone a bit crazy in COS the last week, but because I'm really feeling like wearing a lot of black and charcoal this summer most of these buys have been in those colours and therefore I defend my splurging by arguing that they function as winter pieces too

One of my purchases is this wool scarf which I've been wanting for months. And a pic of Tilda Swinton made me finally succumb to buying it. I'm also thinking about getting it in black for winter.

I also got these two dresses (in dark charcoal and black).

So that means that my spring/summer wardrobe is pretty much covered. And the only thing I'm now looking for (except for a few replacement pieces) is a khaki coloured shirt that isn't sheer nor in polyester and a pair of neon yellow/lime coloured sandals.

 

[Tinetush]

^ Whoops forgot to credit. Every pic above is taken from cosstores.com.

 

[Betinapple]

So. I think I've found the perfect boucle jacket. It is gorgeous, classic but with a bit of an edge. However, apart from being quite expensive in comparism to what I was thinking of spending on such a piece, it is grey, and even though I'm sure it would look great with all my clothes in black, white, grey and deep and dark colours, I'm not sure how well it will go with pink and yellow. And if it really matters, since I only have 3 pieces left in very bright colours, and is not planning on buying more.

I was planning on getting a black one, but I still haven't seen any that matches the picture I've got in my head.

 

[Tinetush]

^Personally I love grey with yellow. And I do think it looks nice with pink as well. How good it looks might of course depend on the overall look of the different pieces, but in general I really do like those colours together .

 

[twistelette]

^ I was going to say the exact same thing as Tinetush

 

[Betinapple]

Thanks for your input ladies. If actually think you are right. At least regarding yellow wich leaves a maximum of two pieces left, that might not work with the jacket, and that I think I can live with. I really hope it makes it to the sales.

 

[twistelette]

yesterday, I found one of the things on my list while thrifting: a lighter cardigan. yay! it's beautiful, a weighty cotton mossstitch one in taupe, from comptoir des cottoniers, with an a-symmetrical button closure and lovely pleats at the neck and the sleeves. really simple without being too simple, and femine without being prissy. I also found a tunic by paul & joe. the tunic didn't flatter me at all, nor was it my taste exactly, but it's 100% cashmere in a lovely warm light grey colour, and I'm frogging it to knit something else more flattering and more my taste.
I now have three cardigans in my wardrobe: a black wool humanoid one, an almost weightless light grey one, and this new comptoir des cottoniers one. all thrifted, now that I think of it I could do with another lightweight one for summer, but it's not really necessary.

 

[twistelette]

I found a picture of the cardigan online! cute polaroid
picture from modeandthecity.blogspot.com

 

[Betinapple]

I'm considering getting rid of half of my shoes. Or more. I've done some major cleanouts of my closet, but I have kept almost all of my shoes, even though I mainly wear the same 5-10 pairs. I've been thinking if I would regret it, since I really do think shoes make or break an outfit, but what good is it to have 20 pairs of shoes just sitting around?

I love high heels, but I've gotten too lazy to wear uncomfortable shoes, so from now on I'll do my best to only buy heeled shoes that are comfortable, and buy more flats. I love ballet flats, and a pair of glitter ones would be a really nice addition and good for events where I want to wear nice shoes - but do not want sore feet.

I've already started by throwing my worn out black basic ballet flats out. They were not pretty anymore, and because of the thin sole the hurt my feet. Progress aldready

I''m thinking about keeping:

- My acne pistols (black ancle boots)
- Navy cut-out ancle boots
- Black ballet flats
- Nude ballet flats
- Dark green patent brogues
- Black, classic pumps
- Red satin stilettos
- Grey heeled sandals
- Honey colored nubuck sandals
- Flat tan sandals
- Converse hi-tops, stars and stripes
- A pair of fun heels. Black, white and red with stripes and dots.

In all: 12 pairs. It sounds like a lot, actually, and even though my paniccy mind is afraid I will need some of the pairs I'm getting rid of, I can not see when I would ever need it, since I never wear them now that I have them.

The only pair on my doubt list a pair of silver stiletto sandals. Also I'm thinking a pair of nude patent pumps would be a nice addition, when I find the right pair.

Would you be able to do with twelwe pairs of shoes, and would you be able to look good for all occasions with the shoes on my list? What kind of shoes is an essential in your wardrobe?

 

[LoveMyBoots]

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.

ah thanks to betinapple, fashionista-ta, Tinetushm, lucy92, and RedandNavy above for your lovely inputs.

I ended up not making a second purchase afterall. It really would not have been worth it, especially since (1) they're from Urban Outfitters and especially since (2) I found no use for the item after packing it with me to South America. (Buenos Aires, though, a very metropolitan city that prides itself on its European influence so no worries about me being slightly delusional about packing and traveling ha .)

I was so motivated at the time (to purchase two of the same item) because it's such a rarity these days for me to find a piece of clothing or footwear that I instantly gravitate towards. In the past, shopping is either a pain or a breeze in that once I lay eyes on something, it's an instant yes or no, I want it or no not at all. But, sadly enough, it appears that it's always the latter reaction nowadays,

This must be my favorite thread in all of tfs because I am sick of accumulating unnecessary items and, more than ever, in slow pursuit of defining my personal style. I'm twenty now and I think getting sick of H&M and UO even though it's what is reasonably priced. Saving up and doing endless amounts of research online is more gratifying now more than ever even though successes are far and between. Next up on my "must find" list is oddly enough is a pair of everyday boots (hmmm.... doc martens or oxford boots)—a true throwback to when I was seventeen and first created my username.

 

[fashionista-ta]

As far as shoe wardrobe, right now the big thing I am missing is I need to replace my black oxford flats I tossed at the end of last season--will need to be either oxfords or Mary Janes.

I have a tower of clear plastic boxes that I keep my shoes in. I typically keep shoes unless they're worn out, and unless I need to make space.

Here's what I have:

• Plaid wedge espadrilles with green alligator trim
• Cream suede with purple platform espadrille sandals
• Black suede with red and natural platform espadrille sandals
• Black ballets (floral trim)
• Red D'orsay ballets--distressed patent
• Red patent Mary Jane block heels (100 mm)
• Russet patent Mary Jane stillettos with topstitching (100 mm)
• Black glazed kidskin 80mm pumps
• Black 100 mm sandals with silver bead on black grosgrain trim
• Brown kitten heel slides with faux coral and diamante ornament
• Silvered black leather slides with ~ 2.5" black lacquer heel
• Silver goatskin sandals with low faceted Lucite heel
• Rose gold goatskin sandals with high faceted leather heel
• Black peau de soie mid-heel slingbacks (these I should probably get rid of)
• Black velvet with mid black lacquer heel--grosgrain lacing and bow
• Black suede stiletto booties with grosgrain bound cutouts and satin bow tie
• Tri-color grey/taupe/cream oxfords with grosgrain laces
• Purple basketweave slingback ballets
• Black 100mm slingbacks with white blanket stitching (don't wear these much)

As you can see, I'm a big believer in statement shoes. Probably most of these have been repaired at least once--some several times. I don't wear the statement heels all the time, but I feel they are well worth having when I want to dress up, even if I don't wear most of them on a daily basis. The ones with the silver beads stop traffic The wedge espadrilles, red block heels, and black pumps I wear frequently to work, along with all the lower heels. The coral slides I have worn to death, and don't plan to give up until I have to.

 

[Betinapple]

@Ta-ta: I think statement shoes are great - I'm just not sure how great they are, just sitting around in my closet. Most of the shoes go well with maybe ONE outfit, maybe two, usually really dressy-dresses, and therefore is only worn a couple of times in a year - now, that is. Before I was better at getting all of my shoes used, but these days I definetely have my favourites.

I think it would be better for me to get rid of the shoes that I'm not using and use the money on some that I will love and wear often, instead, like the glitter flats i metioned. Also I would like a pair of mary-janes with a thick heel, because I'm lazy, but actually would like to wear high heels for some of my everyday outfits. I've also been thinking that I could use a pair of wild-but-still-black shoes. I love my pistols and wear them a lot, so another pair of heeled shoes that are comfortable but also show-stopping would be great for both everyday and partying.

Thx for your input

 

[strawberries]

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of "wild but black" shoes are Alexander McQueen spiked pumps!

 

[Betinapple]

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of "wild but black" shoes are Alexander McQueen spiked pumps!

Thanks for the input. Unfortuately I'm not a spike-kinda-gal I'm thinking something sculptural, since I would like something that is not a stiletto - since I rarely wear those I already do have - but I haven't seen the perfect ones yet.

 

[RedandNavy]

Hey! There isn't much happening on here right now, eh?

I've been saving my June budget for the sales and when the NAP sale finally started I quickly put my hands on two knitted items I've been lusting after for months. I definitely needed some knitwear for typical autumn/spring temperatures. Both items arrived today and fit very well. I'm thrilled! Both have been on my wishlist forever but they were to expensive at their original price.

The cardigan is by Nina Ricci, the golden yellow top is YSL.

Pics by Net-a-Porter

 

[Betinapple]

Hey! There isn't much happening on here right now, eh?

I've been saving my June budget for the sales and when the NAP sale finally started I quickly put my hands on two knitted items I've been lusting after for months. I definitely needed some knitwear for typical autumn/spring temperatures. Both items arrived today and fit very well. I'm thrilled! Both have been on my wishlist forever but they were to expensive at their original price.

The cardigan is by Nina Ricci, the golden yellow top is YSL.

Pics by Net-a-Porter

Wow! That sweater is divine. How many items have you bought this season so far?

There is something going on with me - actually I've bought all of the fifteen items that were my new goal AND I've bough item no 16. Not really what I had planned, but the perfect bouclé jacket finally showed, and I did not want to let "imaginary" limitations get in the way of that.

ATM I'm trying to figure out what my goal for the next season should be; 10 or 15 items. I think I'll go with 10 - not that I went all that well this season, but because I've covered all the holes I had in my wardrobe and want to focus my money on other stuff (savings, vacations)

 

[RedandNavy]

Hey Betinapple

My season started in January with the cherry sandals. I think I've bought 8 items since. I might try to get another item in the sales or even two, which would make 9-10 items. That's about 4-5 items a season (if you count spring / summer separately) which is fine.

I don't know about you but personally I think it's easier to shop fewer pieces in autumn / winter. In autumn / winter I need fewer things. With a great sweater, a pair of boots, a pair of trousers, a knit dress and a coat I'm ready for nearly everything. So all I have to do is make sure these things are there, and in good quality so they last long.

Any pics of the boucle jacket?

 

[Betinapple]

Hey Betinapple

My season started in January with the cherry sandals. I think I've bought 8 items since. I might try to get another item in the sales or even two, which would make 9-10 items. That's about 4-5 items a season (if you count spring / summer separately) which is fine.

I don't know about you but personally I think it's easier to shop fewer pieces in autumn / winter. In autumn / winter I need fewer things. With a great sweater, a pair of boots, a pair of trousers, a knit dress and a coat I'm ready for nearly everything. So all I have to do is make sure these things are there, and in good quality so they last long.

Any pics of the boucle jacket?

I think the same thing applies to me, AND, as said before, all the "holes" i had in my wardrobe when I started this season, I've covered now. The only things I kind of need is a nice coat (I have a parka but would like a classic wool coat) and a black bag/clutch for clubbing. Everything else will just be fun. Also, I do not want to speend so much money on clothes this upcoming season, so I'm pretty sure I'll go with 10 again.

Pics coming up as soon as I can get myself together and get up from my oh-so-comfortable seat

 

[Belowen]

My original A/W wishlist was -

Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal To The Metal Natasha Bag in Black
Black Cashmere V-Neck or Scoop Neck Sweater
Black Ballet Flats
Black Wedge Boots (or round toe wedge heels)
Joie Louvre Silk Blouse in Navy
a black or red pea coat
& another pair of dark denim skinny jeans

I think I've done quite well this season, I managed to hold off purchasing anything unnecessary (despite buying more than what was on my original list) and everything that I've bought I've managed to work into my existing wardrobe quite well.

From my original list I purchased the black ballet flats, round toe wedge heels & the dark denim skinny jeans. I didn't purchase the Joie blouse, but found a cheaper alternative at a store near my house that works just as well. I dug out my old H&M trench coat and realised that I didn't really need to purchase a new coat this season, so I'll hold off until next year for that item.

I also didn't bother purchasing a new cashmere sweater because for some reason there are invisible moths in my wardrobe that have eaten holes in all of my cashmere and until I can figure out a solution for this (I've tried everything - any suggestions are welcome!) I'm not going to spend money on cashmere that could be destroyed.

I didn't end up getting the MBMJ bag in black, I ordered it in pink for spring/summer because that was the colour on sale at Netaporter recently. I did end up buying 3 other new handbags, which I can justify because 2 of my old faithful bags recently fell to pieces. And, well I just really wanted a garnet/oxblood coloured bag so when I saw the one I had been lusting after heavily reduced, I bought it.

On top of those items I also purchased a few blouses, sweaters, a scarf & a long sleeve dress that I have gotten a LOT of wear out of. Everything works well and I really feel like I've honed my style down to what I've wanted it to be for years.

I'll start thinking about spring/summer in a month or so, for now I just want to enjoy this cold Winter weather

 

[Betinapple]

RedandNavy: here ya go

@Belowen: sounds like you did a very good joob! How many items did you end up with?