The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #3

[barbaraaa]

This was my purchase in January. I didn't have a straight black skirt because most skirts I come across are pencils and those don't suit me at all (in order for the skirt to go past my hips it'll swim on my waist, or it'll fit my waist but not allow me to move - I'm very hourglassy). So I went for a tulip skirt, as those fit me better. It is from a brand whose quality I like and trust, and it was 70% off! (I actually hate the belt and removed it as soon as the package got here)

darlingclothes.com

 

[Juliette]

^The skirt is really nice! I don't suit pencils either, but I haven't had a tulip cut yet, might have to try one. Too bad the skirt isn't on the site anymore... But they have some super cute things on there. What do you plan on wearing it with?

 

[Caramel]

I posted this in the Personal Style thread a couple of days ago, and fashionista-ta suggested this thread to me.

I think I am having a bit of a personal style crisis at the moment. Going through a very difficult situation in life for the past four years that has allowed neither the time nor the money to think about clothes means I now find myself a little lost...starting from scratch more or less, as most of what I have is in need of replacement! A little daunting...

As for my style...I like clean, well tailored, structural items, nothing too flimsy or fussy or flowy. Interesting textures rather than prints (except subtle stripes), colors like white, black, light grey, beige, tan, olive and navy. I have always been drawn to military inspired things, double breasted coats/trench coats, equestrian boots, berets, pilot shirts, etc. Other things: little jackets, shirts with collars that frame the face well, soft sheer or chunky wool knits, worn tan leather, reptile leather, crisp cottons, interesting jewelry.

A challenge for me I feel is how to add interest and avoid looking too plain and boring since I prefer very classic styles. There is also something about how I look that makes me easily look too prim and girly or too old and frumpy. Both of which I want to avoid now that I have just turned 30!

I also place much more emphasis on quality now that I am older (as most people seem to do as they age), and I am trying hard to resist running out to the nearest high street store to replace my wardrobe instantly, and rather want be a little bit more thoughtful about it and invest in some better quality pieces. But it's hard when I have almost nothing to work with!

I really like the concept of the 4-5 piece wardrobe, as I don't care for fast fashion and over-consumerism, and have always preferred a more classic style anyway. So I've gone through my wardrobe and made some lists...

My wardrobe staples that I love and are high quality/doesn't need replacement:

• Brown leather riding boots – I bought these a few years ago second hand (Cole Haan I think) and they have held up amazingly well through several slushy winter seasons. They seem to just get better with age.
• Black leather zip-up boots – knee length, sleek and ladylike
• Black crocodile leather tote bag
• Black double breasted wool coat
• Olive army jacket
• Vintage tan cashmere cardigan with black embroidery
• Black wool skirt
• Beige draped front blouse/jacket/cardigan

Items that I love and wear often but are poor quality/needs replacement:

• Breton cotton tops – still searching for the perfect one
• Vintage white sleeveless cotton eyelet shirt – I absolutely love this, it's the kind of piece that somehow works with everything but it's getting to be quite fragile and I'm afraid of wearing it out completely.
• Black leather ballet flats
• Black flat leather ankle boots
• Trench coat
• White button down shirts – I prefer ones with breast pockets, and ones that are neither too oversized (I'm petite) nor too fitted.
• Beige oversized chunky/cable knit shawl collared cardigan
• Black oversized shawl collared cardigan
• Basic white long sleeved tees – I am super picky about the fit and fabric of t-shirts. They shouldn't be too stretchy/clingy, but I find as soon as they are meant to fit looser they are too big for me in the shoulders and just look sloppy. I also prefer quite a thin material which is better for layering. I sometimes buy men's t-shirts as the fit and fabric tends to be better, but then the neckline is usually higher than I prefer...
• Black shirt dress – I sew dresses so I could technically make this myself, but if I could find the perfect one that would be even better.
• Wellies – it rains 200 days a year where I live, so I really ought to have a selection of nice rubber boots. I currently have two pairs that I don't particularly like.
• Navy blazer – the one that I have will probably last me for one more season so it's not the first thing that needs replacement, but I'm keeping my eyes open for a better one.
• Brown leather bag – something more casual/relaxed than the black croc tote
• White/cream thin cotton or silk blouses in different varieties
• Jeans – I have some that are ok, but don't necessarily love. I got a pair of Levi's I.D dark rinse skinnies as I was excited to find a pair of jeans that fit both my waist and hips (bold curve, obsiously), but I find them to be a little too low rise in the front. I used to love H&M's Squin jeans and have a few of those (very worn out), but now they've changed all their models I can't find any that fit well anymore. Suggestions for brands that have a good fit for pear shapes are very welcome!

Items I don't own but would like to:

• Some basic cashmere sweaters and cardigans
• Some more casual blazers/jakcets/structured cardigans
• Black leather jacket
• Something to add a bit more interest to my colorless, basic wardrobe. I do like to accessorize with scarves and bold jewelry, but it would be nice to have some pieces of clothing also that are not completely basic/minimal.

So this list is obviously more than 4-5 pieces and I can't afford to replace everything at once, but I could use some suggestions as to which pieces to start with, as well as where to find them.

 

[barbaraaa]

^The skirt is really nice! I don't suit pencils either, but I haven't had a tulip cut yet, might have to try one. Too bad the skirt isn't on the site anymore... But they have some super cute things on there. What do you plan on wearing it with?

It sold out very quickly, I was lucky! I've worn it yesterday with back seamed tights and a burgundy sweater. I believe I'll be able to wear it with a lot of different tops, tights, shoes, and in a lot of different settings because it's such a basic.
I find tulip skirts an easier fit for me because I have a narrow waist and wide hips... tulips are more fitted at the waist and widen on the hips, so if you have a similar body they might work for you.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^Yay, that's good to hear! You gave me some great suggestions. But I still think I'll focus on spring - we probably only have a month and a half of winter left, and I can use that time to save up, like you said. I already have some money put on the side, so I think I have enough saved up for two quality items. And I already have a Tumblr, plus about a million folders on my computer that I'll have to organize in order to see what I really need to buy.
Right now I think I need a little black dress. I'm craving one and I know I would wear it a lot - I wear skirts and dresses almost everyday! I already have two great spring jackets, one is a recent buy, a denim jacket from ASOS which is amazing quality, and an olive green parka which I got in last year's sale and absolutely love. I did try on another parka with the trendy leather sleeves, but it didn't suit me and I figured it was for the best.
Do you have any suggestions on what else I should get?

spring sounds like a good idea. what about the things you need for work ... some good comfortable shoes, & a nice skirt or slacks. white tops i think should be fairly inexpensive--i usually get Ts, preferably with some sort of detail, for less than $50. if you can get them in a relaxed fit, that seems to help. i actually have one that will be going into its 3rd season this year, which is practically a miracle

 

[fashionista-ta]

This was my purchase in January. I didn't have a straight black skirt because most skirts I come across are pencils and those don't suit me at all (in order for the skirt to go past my hips it'll swim on my waist, or it'll fit my waist but not allow me to move - I'm very hourglassy). So I went for a tulip skirt, as those fit me better. It is from a brand whose quality I like and trust, and it was 70% off! (I actually hate the belt and removed it as soon as the package got here)


darlingclothes.com

aww, poor belt ... i thought it was cute how exciting to get a great basic piece on sale!

 

[fashionista-ta]

I posted this in the Personal Style thread a couple of days ago, and fashionista-ta suggested this thread to me.



I really like the concept of the 4-5 piece wardrobe, as I don't care for fast fashion and over-consumerism, and have always preferred a more classic style anyway. So I've gone through my wardrobe and made some lists...

My wardrobe staples that I love and are high quality/doesn't need replacement:

• Brown leather riding boots – I bought these a few years ago second hand (Cole Haan I think) and they have held up amazingly well through several slushy winter seasons. They seem to just get better with age.
• Black leather zip-up boots – knee length, sleek and ladylike
• Black crocodile leather tote bag
• Black double breasted wool coat
• Olive army jacket
• Vintage tan cashmere cardigan with black embroidery
• Black wool skirt
• Beige draped front blouse/jacket/cardigan

Items that I love and wear often but are poor quality/needs replacement:

• Breton cotton tops – still searching for the perfect one
• Vintage white sleeveless cotton eyelet shirt – I absolutely love this, it's the kind of piece that somehow works with everything but it's getting to be quite fragile and I'm afraid of wearing it out completely.
• Black leather ballet flats
• Black flat leather ankle boots
• Trench coat
• White button down shirts – I prefer ones with breast pockets, and ones that are neither too oversized (I'm petite) nor too fitted.
• Beige oversized chunky/cable knit shawl collared cardigan
• Black oversized shawl collared cardigan
• Basic white long sleeved tees – I am super picky about the fit and fabric of t-shirts. They shouldn't be too stretchy/clingy, but I find as soon as they are meant to fit looser they are too big for me in the shoulders and just look sloppy. I also prefer quite a thin material which is better for layering. I sometimes buy men's t-shirts as the fit and fabric tends to be better, but then the neckline is usually higher than I prefer...
• Black shirt dress – I sew dresses so I could technically make this myself, but if I could find the perfect one that would be even better.
• Wellies – it rains 200 days a year where I live, so I really ought to have a selection of nice rubber boots. I currently have two pairs that I don't particularly like.
• Navy blazer – the one that I have will probably last me for one more season so it's not the first thing that needs replacement, but I'm keeping my eyes open for a better one.
• Brown leather bag – something more casual/relaxed than the black croc tote
• White/cream thin cotton or silk blouses in different varieties
• Jeans – I have some that are ok, but don't necessarily love. I got a pair of Levi's I.D dark rinse skinnies as I was excited to find a pair of jeans that fit both my waist and hips (bold curve, obsiously), but I find them to be a little too low rise in the front. I used to love H&M's Squin jeans and have a few of those (very worn out), but now they've changed all their models I can't find any that fit well anymore. Suggestions for brands that have a good fit for pear shapes are very welcome!

Items I don't own but would like to:

• Some basic cashmere sweaters and cardigans
• Some more casual blazers/jakcets/structured cardigans
• Black leather jacket
• Something to add a bit more interest to my colorless, basic wardrobe. I do like to accessorize with scarves and bold jewelry, but it would be nice to have some pieces of clothing also that are not completely basic/minimal.

So this list is obviously more than 4-5 pieces and I can't afford to replace everything at once, but I could use some suggestions as to which pieces to start with, as well as where to find them.

you're right, that is a long list

we usually find that what is actually available influences what we buy first, so you might make a list for the whole year to start. below is a suggested list of 10 items--you may want to make it a bit longer as a couple items may be difficult to find. we have a related shopping thread where you can ask for suggestions. awhile back before we had that, we had a discussion of breton tops here, so you might look back for that.

i think you need some morale-boosting items--maybe a great pair of statement shoes and perhaps some nice earrings.

1. White or ivory shirt or blouse
2. Statement shoes
3. Statement sweater--cashmere?
4. White eyelet top
5. Breton top
6. Black ballets
7. Chunky cardigan
8. Jeans
9. Rain boots (so many cute ones)
10. Trench

what do you think?

on the ballets, i recently tried on what felt like every ballet with elastic at the largest mall we have here. i ended up buying lanvin. i prefer the captoes. there's a 10 cm or so built-in heel & lots of padding--very comfortable & completely silent, so excellent if you happen to be a spy the basic ones are not much more than many other labels and less than some. my impression of the quality so far is very good.

my trench is burberry, but i got it before the company's fashion makeover. i suspect that there is better value to be had, but they do have some very cute trenches--r&n bought one recently. so depends what you want.

oh, i believe there are also curvy & pear-shape threads you can look at as well. should all be named 'what to wear ...' from when i organized the forum

 

[Juliette]

It sold out very quickly, I was lucky! I've worn it yesterday with back seamed tights and a burgundy sweater. I believe I'll be able to wear it with a lot of different tops, tights, shoes, and in a lot of different settings because it's such a basic.
I find tulip skirts an easier fit for me because I have a narrow waist and wide hips... tulips are more fitted at the waist and widen on the hips, so if you have a similar body they might work for you.

Yes, it's such a versatile piece! Really a great purchase... And you may be right, though I am more of a pear shape than an hourglass. But my waist is quite small while my hips are wide... I really will have to try that cut! But I liked the belt on your skirt, too!

spring sounds like a good idea. what about the things you need for work ... some good comfortable shoes, & a nice skirt or slacks. white tops i think should be fairly inexpensive--i usually get Ts, preferably with some sort of detail, for less than $50. if you can get them in a relaxed fit, that seems to help. i actually have one that will be going into its 3rd season this year, which is practically a miracle

Thank you for reminding me about my work wardrobe - I prefer to ignore it, haha. But the fact remains that I'll have to get some work appropriate things! I'm SO regretting not getting that skirt at Hallhuber... It was perfect Oh well, I'll find something ever better hopefully! Yes, I should get some relaxed tees, I think they're stylish and comfortable! That's great that you get so much wear out of your things... I usually get tired of them after a year. And I'm such a bad shopper. This is the #1 reason I want to try this whole French thing. I buy soooo many things, and end up wearing like 1/5 of them. It's a bad habit I've inherited from my mother, and I have no idea how to get rid of it...

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ to do this, you really have to buy things you won't tire of. personally, if i buy something that turns out not to be perfect, i generally wear it anyway if i can't return it, and apply the lesson in future ...

are you sure the skirt isn't still there? you could call & have them ship it to you.

 

[Juliette]

^See, I find that so hard. I think it's because my style is still evolving...

The skirt is still there, and I will email them about it. On the other hand, I've been browsing for work items that I can wear in my free time too (inspired by your suggestion ), and I think I've found the perfect sheer white shirt that I've been looking for. And it should be nice quality as well...

theoutnet.com

It's W118 by Walter Baker. I don't know this brand but the shirt looks perfect. Now I just have to figure out if the size small would fit me.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ looks nice!

 

[Betinapple]

@Juliette: If you love the grungier look a pair of Doc Martens would look great with a floral dress and your denim jacket. So cute!

@Barbaraa: Cute skirt! I tend to have problems with pencil skirts as well but managed to find a leather one that fit me perfect at my local 2nd hand shop. Seems like close were made to curvier people in the good ol' days.

 

[Juliette]

^Yes, such a great suggestion - I LOVE that look! Only problem is the only Docs I own are already floral printed, so it might be a bit much... Might have to invest in another pair, which I've wanted to do for ages. I love the ones Jessica Alba wears! Or I could wear mine with a little black dress and my denim jacket

 

[twistelette]

barbaraaa and juliette, both the black skirt and the white shirt look like good, versatile pieces. hurray!

in other hurray-news - I found a replacement for my favorite sweater! it sadly shrunk in the wash this summer (I guess not all cold wool programs are cold exactly, ahem), and I've been on the lookout ever since. and I found it, the exact same sweater, in exactly my size, on eBay. it's the perfect breton stripe wool sweater from A.P.C., exactly the right cut for me.... yay! I didn't think it was going to happen, and I'm so happy I have my favorite sweater back

 

[Betinapple]

@Juliette: if you've already got a pair of docs they might not be the best choice even though I would consider buying a pair of black ones at some point if I were you. The floral ones worn the way you describe sounds super cool!

 

[twistelette]

I think mixing florals can be really great - though it would depend on the Florals In Question instead of getting the black Doc Martens, maybe see if there's another type of cool flat ankle boot in black out there that you like?

 

[Juliette]

Congrats about replacing your sweater, twistelette Isn't it a great feeling when you get an item that just pulls your whole closet together? Do you have any pics of it? I've been looking for the perfect striped sweater myself.

About mixing florals... I personally really like it, if it's done right. But I prefer florals with stripes! Something about that combination just looks really chic to me...

I'm not even sure I'll invest in another pair of ankle boots this season. I have the Docs and some heeled Chelsea boots which I love! Though I would love to get another pair, I'm really trying to limit myself to buy fewer pieces...

 

[twistelette]

When you mentioned thinking about getting a pair of black Docs to act as a sort of counterpoint with floral dresses, I tought that since you already own another pair of Docs, a different type of ankle boot could play the same 'role' in the outfits that you envision. Heeled Chelsea boots also sound like they could play a similar role!

Maybe it will help to think of yourself as someone experimenting with their style & looking for less of a wild experiment and more of a focused development, rather than someone who's a bad shopper. (Or maybe this is too goody-goody - I do know that I get more good things done if I think of myself in positive terms, even if I have to force myself to think that way ) It sounds like you have a pretty good sense of what you like and dislike, so you already have that down. Maybe spend a little time in front of your wardrobe and ask yourself why you like the pieces that you like and why you dislike the pieces that you dislike. Is it the style, the colours, the materials? Is it that you can't make the pieces into outfits? The answers to these questions will give you some direction in what to look for when you're shopping.
To get a more focussed idea of what direction you'd like your wardrobe to go in, it might also help to create a collage of clippings from magazines (like Fashionista-ta already said), or just to save some pics from the internet on your computer. Spend some time there, try to articulate what it is you like about them - and how you'd like to translate those ideas into outfits you'd like to wear yourself.

Man, I should really start taking my own advice
Pictures of the A.P.C. pullover to follow! I've already worn it twice - with my black Hope jeans and a pair of cognac coloured Officine Creative ankle boots, and today over a navy blue shift dress from COS with some wool tights.

 

[barbaraaa]

I'd like some ankle boots too (I can't stand knee-high boots anymore for some reason), but I can't find any I actually like. I used to buy lots of shoes but I limited what I wear to:

- patent black oxford flats
- two pairs of leather flats, one simple, other with a tiny heel with golden beading
- black/blue vans era (which will need to be replaced sometime soon)
- graphite hunter boots

Sometimes I'll wear heels (two black patent leather pumps - one pair are mary janes - and vintage looking brown leather wedges) and some of my cheaper flats, a floral and a red pair which I wear in the summer.

 

[fashionista-ta]

today i bought some more hosiery since i had so few i could wear ... navy, grey, & black knee-hi tights, plus some hose for next year ... some that look like a lace mid-calf sock, and polka dot lace tights so i could get the 2/$25.

have not been impressed with the quality of j crew socks ... one has a hole, the other a bald spot after only several wearings each