The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #3

[RedandNavy]

Elephant: I'm 5'1'', too... My figure isn't exactly curvy, but I have rather short and a bit heavy legs with a thin upper body. I think if you don't have a model's body you need to be even more careful with trends. You really have to find out what looks good and stick to it.

There are many looks I absolutely love when I see them in magazines or on some tall people. Printed pants for example, nice shorts...... Lovely! However, I feel that whenever I wear something that emphasizes my legs I just don't look my best. I look short and slightly heavy and don't feel fabulous. So no matter how much they advocate printed pants this season, I'm not buying them. I try to stick to the things I always feel comfortable in.

My wardrobe also tends to be a bit boring since I often wear simple dark jeans with a more interesting top or a dress. But that's me. I just try to accept that I'm never going to wear a jumpsuit or sequined shorts and don't try to be super cool anymore. I know I can have a nice wardrobe by buying a few special pieces like silk shirt, nice scarves or a cashmere cardigan and pair them with my simple basics. Plus I've also discovered that it's all about shoes... If you have the right shoes, everything else looks good.

So maybe you've been buying too many things that just don't fit your body well? I still don't think you need to dress black from head to toe to look taller. But try to be honest with yourself...

Tata, Lucy: Thank you for your advice regarding the boots. Hm, who knows, maybe some day. But I don't think they should be my priority right now.

Betinapple: That peplum top is super cute!! You're so pretty and stylish in all your pics, I'm in love

 

[elephant]

^ Oh defiantly, you make a good point about the trends. There's so many where they obviously only apply to a model proportions like chunky knits and loose tops that us petites swim in. Fortunately spring has arrived so the choices are more forgiving.

And on that note, I went through my closet today getting an idea what I like, and what I don't. When I find the time (or motivation), I think I'll make a list pin pointing what I like to see less/more of.

That jacket sounds beautiful too lucy92, can't wait to see it

 

[fashionista-ta]

I feel the same way about printed slacks, RedandNavy. I loved prints when I was younger, and I'd have been in heaven the past few seasons. Now the only prints I buy and wear often are animal prints. I think the issue is that I'm no longer interested in clothes that make that strong a statement.

Also back in the day I bought floral printed sheets. Now all my sheets are solid white, cream, or natural linen. Hmm ... It's kind of like visual noise, prints. I like the peace of solids now I think ...

 

[Melisande]

Sigh...my wardrobe is overflowing with pieces that I like and which suit me and my lifestyle but that I am not in love with (gifts, older stuff that I'm bored with but not bad enough to toss out, etc.)...I need to go on a serious styling brainstorm to find out exactly what I need to add and alter in order to dress with more enthusiasm...where to start, where to start...@_@

 

[Betinapple]

Sigh...my wardrobe is overflowing with pieces that I like and which suit me and my lifestyle but that I am not in love with (gifts, older stuff that I'm bored with but not bad enough to toss out, etc.)...I need to go on a serious styling brainstorm to find out exactly what I need to add and alter in order to dress with more enthusiasm...where to start, where to start...@_@

Maybe you need to find the pieces in your wardrobe that you DO love and start working there - figure out what would go well with it and make it more wearable. Don't toss everything else out neccesarily. Put it somewhere else, and when you're a little further dowwn the road try to look at it again and see if you can use some of it.

 

[Melisande]

Maybe you need to find the pieces in your wardrobe that you DO love and start working there - figure out what would go well with it and make it more wearable. Don't toss everything else out neccesarily. Put it somewhere else, and when you're a little further dowwn the road try to look at it again and see if you can use some of it.

Thanks, VERY good advice!

Yesterday I did a major laundry spree so everything is clean and organized before my eyes.
I'll do what you suggest, hopefully this weekend.
Then maybe even make a list.

 

[lucy92]

Maybe you need to find the pieces in your wardrobe that you DO love and start working there - figure out what would go well with it and make it more wearable. Don't toss everything else out neccesarily. Put it somewhere else, and when you're a little further dowwn the road try to look at it again and see if you can use some of it.

i did exactly this recently. my closet and drawers were overstuffed. so i simply placed all the excess in storage containers away so i can't see it. now i can focus on wearing out the stuff i do have (stuff that may only have 5 or 6 wears left). and i can actually move stuff around on the racks in my closet!

 

[fashionista-ta]

Sigh...my wardrobe is overflowing with pieces that I like and which suit me and my lifestyle but that I am not in love with (gifts, older stuff that I'm bored with but not bad enough to toss out, etc.)...I need to go on a serious styling brainstorm to find out exactly what I need to add and alter in order to dress with more enthusiasm...where to start, where to start...@_@

For me, a new and wonderful accessory or two is the answer in a case like that ...

 

[Melisande]

For me, a new and wonderful accessory or two is the answer in a case like that ...

eXACTly!!!

I've been feeling a few positively rambunctious accessories coming on, I guess I just have to stare my wardrobe down and see exactly what those would be. It's like finishing a painting only much more forgiving, very exciting when one thinks of it that way

For example I recently was gifted a pair of thigh-high emerald suede boots (with gold leather lining!) which are beyond delicious but very little goes with it except all-black. I need stuff to tie it in, maybe a similar colored necklace or earrings or scarf or tee maybe...without wanting to be too matchy-matchy...

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Oh my ... those do sound delicious!! I clearly need a better class of friends

Maybe a teeny touch of tomato red, or yellow, would work along with the black ... perhaps a print scarf to tie in your hair that picks up the emerald, and maybe has some other colors too ...

My brother is getting married Labor Day weekend (which will still be quite warm), and I'm thinking Lanvin ... time to start saving my pennies

 

[Melisande]

^ Oh my ... those do sound delicious!! I clearly need a better class of friends

Maybe a teeny touch of tomato red, or yellow, would work along with the black ... perhaps a print scarf to tie in your hair that picks up the emerald, and maybe has some other colors too ...

My brother is getting married Labor Day weekend (which will still be quite warm), and I'm thinking Lanvin ... time to start saving my pennies

Oooh, yellow sounds lovely!! Maybe yellow tights, even.
I have been wearing the boots with a tomato-red huge cocktail ring, but I wore the ring with everything and got bored of it already... I've been needing a nice red necklace for a while, it may be about time.

Congratulations to your brother! And for your hopefully upcoming Lanvin! Can't wait to see what you choose...

 

[RedandNavy]

April is approaching! Oh, spring is so wonderful!

But I do have a problem with my April item...

Last year, I bought my first ever Burberry Trench and it's great. So versatile! Great for casual, great for work, great for everything. However, I did notice there are few things that I'd like to have different in my next trench. Like it should be single, not double breasted (better for my frame). The length should be a bit different and I'd also go with a different fabric. Now I accidently saw a trench that is all that! Wonderful, as if I'd have designed it. (it's a Burberry, too). It's price is okay and it would suit my budget. It's not a cut that returns season after season so I'm afraid if I don't buy it now I won't find another one as flattering later.

What should I do? Buy it? But I do own a Trench already? Should I grap it because it's so perfect or should I put my money somewhere else? I still need a cardigan but still don't see one that convinces me 100%. (Well, I see one, but for the price of 800 Euro which is just really above my pain limit for a cardigan).

An alternative would be a sun hat, which I've wanted for two seasons now but I always wait with buying it since it doesn't feel like an absolute must have. Or I go to a big department store and finally try to find the perfect pump....

I need advice!

 

[lucy92]

April is approaching! Oh, spring is so wonderful!

But I do have a problem with my April item...

Last year, I bought my first ever Burberry Trench and it's great. So versatile! Great for casual, great for work, great for everything. However, I did notice there are few things that I'd like to have different in my next trench. Like it should be single, not double breasted (better for my frame). The length should be a bit different and I'd also go with a different fabric. Now I accidently saw a trench that is all that! Wonderful, as if I'd have designed it. (it's a Burberry, too). It's price is okay and it would suit my budget. It's not a cut that returns season after season so I'm afraid if I don't buy it now I won't find another one as flattering later.

What should I do? Buy it? But I do own a Trench already? Should I grap it because it's so perfect or should I put my money somewhere else? I still need a cardigan but still don't see one that convinces me 100%. (Well, I see one, but for the price of 800 Euro which is just really above my pain limit for a cardigan).

An alternative would be a sun hat, which I've wanted for two seasons now but I always wait with buying it since it doesn't feel like an absolute must have. Or I go to a big department store and finally try to find the perfect pump....

I need advice!

i think you should try to sell your burberry coat, you might still get back 75% of its value (a fair price after wearing it for a year) with the money you should put it towards the new trench.

 

[fashionista-ta]

April is approaching! Oh, spring is so wonderful!

But I do have a problem with my April item...

Last year, I bought my first ever Burberry Trench and it's great. So versatile! Great for casual, great for work, great for everything. However, I did notice there are few things that I'd like to have different in my next trench. Like it should be single, not double breasted (better for my frame). The length should be a bit different and I'd also go with a different fabric. Now I accidently saw a trench that is all that! Wonderful, as if I'd have designed it. (it's a Burberry, too). It's price is okay and it would suit my budget. It's not a cut that returns season after season so I'm afraid if I don't buy it now I won't find another one as flattering later.

What should I do? Buy it? But I do own a Trench already? Should I grap it because it's so perfect or should I put my money somewhere else? I still need a cardigan but still don't see one that convinces me 100%. (Well, I see one, but for the price of 800 Euro which is just really above my pain limit for a cardigan).

An alternative would be a sun hat, which I've wanted for two seasons now but I always wait with buying it since it doesn't feel like an absolute must have. Or I go to a big department store and finally try to find the perfect pump....

I need advice!

Usually I save 'lessons learned' for the next purchase--but I still have my original Burberry trench! The leather is getting a bit frayed after all these years ...

I think since it's perfect and you really love it, and there's nothing else you really need right now, you should go ahead and get it.

 

[RedandNavy]

Thank you for your advices, Lucy and Tata! I've decided to wait just a little longer with my decision. Sometimes I have the feeling that an item is an absolute perfect must-have but then after some days it loses it's "I can't live without this"-appeal. So I'll think about it. Actually the trench I have now is a nice one, I don't really want to sell it...

 

[fashionista-ta]

RIP my coral jeans. I haven't replaced my black ones yet, so ... Jeans shopping needs to be high on the agenda. The only thing I've bought is underwear. Which is good too, but it ain't jeans ...

Hmm ... if you still like the trench you have and want to keep it, then maybe you're good and should keep looking for the other things on your list ... I would just look at it in terms of are you going to regret not making this purchase. One thing you can count on, Burberry will continue making trenches

 

[Betinapple]

April is approaching! Oh, spring is so wonderful!

But I do have a problem with my April item...

Last year, I bought my first ever Burberry Trench and it's great. So versatile! Great for casual, great for work, great for everything. However, I did notice there are few things that I'd like to have different in my next trench. Like it should be single, not double breasted (better for my frame). The length should be a bit different and I'd also go with a different fabric. Now I accidently saw a trench that is all that! Wonderful, as if I'd have designed it. (it's a Burberry, too). It's price is okay and it would suit my budget. It's not a cut that returns season after season so I'm afraid if I don't buy it now I won't find another one as flattering later.

What should I do? Buy it? But I do own a Trench already? Should I grap it because it's so perfect or should I put my money somewhere else? I still need a cardigan but still don't see one that convinces me 100%. (Well, I see one, but for the price of 800 Euro which is just really above my pain limit for a cardigan).

An alternative would be a sun hat, which I've wanted for two seasons now but I always wait with buying it since it doesn't feel like an absolute must have. Or I go to a big department store and finally try to find the perfect pump....

I need advice!

I think it is better to buy something that you LOVE but not actually need, than buying e.g. a cardigan that is OK but not something that you're in love with, just because you need a cardigan more. I figure you wont have to run around naked anyway However, I would try to think about if the trench is ALL that, since you seem to be in doubt.

-----

So far I've bought 8 out of 10 items. I will try to stay within my 10 items, but if I have to exeed to 11 or 12 pieces to get something that I really want and need, I will have no problems doing it. I, however, am stubborn, so I'll really try to stay below 15 items, which seems like a lot. I've bought 3 items that I didn't need and was not on my list, so I'll have to try to watch these purchases more closely for the next season. I do love each one of them, so it's okay.

For my to last items I'm contemplating several things. I think I've finally found the perfect right bag. In comparism to how long I've contemplated buying any other bag I've had my eye on, this would almost categorize as a spontanious purchase, but I think this is "the one". Also, I've might found the perfect black jeans, and even though I actually decided not to buy jeans before fall, I think I'll get them, since they're cheap and I would not want them to get away. I've also found the perfect striped tee, but I put it on my wishlist for my upcoming birthday.

 

[floodette]

RedandNavy: how often do you wear your trench? If it's like almost everyday item for you, then maybe buying a second one will prolong the wearability of the first trench as well?

So today I bought 2 things not on my list. I mentioned before that this year I caught the bikram-yoga bug which really helps me to think through everything (incl shopping). I haven't told that I am also dive into scuba-diving (pun intended) and got my PADI certification last month. Diving trip costs quite a lot for me, so the necessity to think through all purchase is more important now, since I prefer to use the fund to go diving.

Anyway. 2 weeks from now I am planning to do another diving trip, ang another in May. As luck would have it, the annual diving exhibition in my country is organized this week, and I just came back with my new BCD (pink!) and custom made wetsuit (purple!). I got nice discounts for both of them.

I don't consider them as part of my 'wardrobe', anyway just wanna share with you all as I am quite excited with my two purchases.
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[RedandNavy]

Thanks again Lucy, Ta-ta, Bettinapple and Floodette for your thoughts! They really helped me.

I wanted to think about it again since sometimes I'm so excited when I see something that I feel the need to immediatly buy it because I don't want it to go away. However, I've noticed it's always good to at least sleep over it and go for a loooong walk and get some fresh air. It helps me to get a feeling whether the item is really all that and whether I shouldn't get something else on the list instead. I much rather find an answer to that on a walk than when I sit in front of my computer browsing shopping sides...

So, I've slept over it. And I went on a five hour walk today!! And I took a decision: I'm gonna get it I actually just ordered it! I like the trench that I own, and I do wear it nearly every day in spring / summer / early autumn. It is serving me extremely well. However, it has some details that made me think that next time I'd buy it just a little bit different. Now the new one has everything I wished for: It's single breasted, it doesn't have a belt yet its cut is female, it's a bit longer and it's a lighter fabric. My double breasted, belted, short, gabardine trench is great but it tends to be a tiny little bit bulky on my petite frame. So I'm gonna have that new trench sent to me and see if it's really as flattering as I think it is. (Besides, it's much cheaper than my original trench. It's from Burberry Brit and not from the main line).

Since the two styles are rather different I think I will have good use of both. Besides, my first one is in "Honey" and that second one is "Khaki Green". I also think a Burberry trench is such a classic that I can easily wear them for several years, so I consider my new one just as much of a long term investment like my old one. Burberry has NEVER let me down with quality, so I'm confident this one will be worth every penny.

 

[RedandNavy]

Floodette: Congrats on your diving purchases! Sounds exciting!! Sports really are a good way to keep one's shopping cravings in check, aren't they?

Ta-ta: Coral jeans? Sounds pretty... What happened to them?? (I'd love to have coral jeans but somehow colorful denim always looks a bit unflattering on my legs...)

Betinapple: Found the perfect bag?? Woohooo... I wanna have that feeling But I do have a great bag on my list that I'd really really love. Not sure if I can say it's THE bag though. Pictures??