The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #4

[fashionista-ta]

I pinned a bunch of recommendations, but this vintage Hermes site won't let me pin ...

http://www.portero.com/index.php/ca...mes-blue-jean-taurillon-clemence-picotin-bag/

http://www.portero.com/index.php/ca...32275/s/hermes-black-clemence-picotin-gm-bag/

 

[eizhowa]

^Have you tried another web browser? I use both Chrome and Firefox so that I can pin from more sites

 

[eizhowa]

Another suggestion; since there are so many recommodation boards now, can we include the name of the person whose board it is in the title? "Recommodations for Barbaraa" or something. Might make it easier to keep them all straight.

Feel free to ignore me

 

[barbaraaa]

Another suggestion; since there are so many recommodation boards now, can we include the name of the person whose board it is in the title? "Recommodations for Barbaraa" or something. Might make it easier to keep them all straight.

Feel free to ignore me

Ah, that's most definitely be easier. Done

I'll get my mother's birthday gift today, it's most likely going to be a white button-up, but I'll keep you posted.

 

[barbaraaa]

Barbara, I totally echo Red sentiment in the sense that you do have really lovely tastes and a great wardrobe - very functional for where you are. Plus you gave me great recommendations with the Zara basics Before you chipped in, I only owned one Zara blazer.

Ah, I thought I had replied to this! How are you getting along with those?

 

[fashionista-ta]

^Have you tried another web browser? I use both Chrome and Firefox so that I can pin from more sites

Firefox is my regular browser (thanks to tFS ...), but I didn't try Chrome. I have limited patience for switching around, I must admit

Have changed my board title.

 

[Fewormany]

I thought it might be a good thing for me to give this shopping approach a try. After cleaning out my closet I'm not really satisfied with what's left in my wardrobe.
Even though I'm the only guy giving this a try (or at least who's posting in this thread) I'll see if I can find a place here to start my wardrobe rebuilding.

I'm not really sure if buying 4-5 pieces is something I could stick to. But cutting back to one item a month and looking for investment pieces sounds very right to me. Hopefully I can get used to spending more on single items instead of spending the same amount on several items...

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ welcome, Fewormany aldn hasn't posted in a bit, but he also follows this thread.

Bear in mind this is 4-5 pieces per season ... one per month comes out to 6, so not much different. Also these are key pieces ... different people count different things. For me, I don't count minor accessories & white Ts, lingerie or loungewear. I try to only buy investment shoes and bags, so those I count.

Recently I was looking back at my records for 2007, when apparently I fell off the wagon What I noticed right away was that my shopping was really sloppy. I bought a lot of duplicates, like a top in several different colors (rarely if ever a good decision). I basically didn't decide on the best.

What I do btw is I keep a big manila envelope for each season. Tags and receipts go inside, and on the outside the date, store, item(s), and cost of each purchase. These go in a document box. It's tax time, so I just bought more boxes--in hot pink to match my office! --and started a new one as my old wardrobe box was too full.

Lately we've started using Pinterest ... it's a good way to work on color schemes and compare options, as well as share ideas.

 

[Betinapple]

So many things to keep track of in this thread. It is great but a tad difficult now that I am down with a cold only a week after I had the flu. Sigh. With that and the cold weather in mind i ordered another sweater. I really like the grey one i bought so I decided to get it in dusty pink as well since it is a colour that really suits me and that I have a lot of other items in. Already ahead on my fall list. Very nice.

I really like the recommandations boards. I have made one as well and invited you all I will start pinning on ya'lls boards later or tomorrow.

@Eizhowa: I think I have a somewhat small wardrobe but yours is tiny compared to mine

@Jina: think the shoes will look gorgeous with both dresses! I would definetely go for the Lanvin x H&M dress since it is dressier than the other one (IMO) and graduation is a time for celebrating! You can always wear it with the organza dress at a less formal event.

I aggree on your thoughts on having a wardrobe that is solid enough that you do not have to invest in new items when an extraordinary event comes up. I never buy clothes for certain events. I do not think I ever have. Not even when I were younger. Way to stressful which can only end up in disaster. At least for me.

I have, however bought formal dresses even though I did not have a particular event in mind. They've seemed to come in handy. This year I am going to no less than 3 weddings and I haven't felt the need to buy a new dress for any of them. Therefore I am also taking a break from buying party dresses.

@Carolinab: welcome back! Seems like a couple of great purchases you are planning to make!

@Fewormany: Welcome! I seem to recall that there is a couple of guys in this thread as well. Over the last couple of pages we have talked about different approaches of the 5pfw. For me it is definetly more a state of mind than a matter of a strict number of items.

 

[pinkpol15h]

I hope someone in this thread can help me with this issue.

I'm still in uni right now, and I'm having a difficult time deciding how much I should spend on clothing, and what kind of clothing I want to buy. In addition to not giving the clothing enough love (I find myself wearing black jeggings more often than my beautiful Rag & Bone open knit paperbag shorts since I always oversleep), I'm ALWAYS sitting! In lectures, at the library, on my 2-hr commute to school.. My weight can vary between 15 pounds each year, depending on how busy school gets. Although I'm not overweight, I am in no shape to wear a crop top anytime soon (not that I would ever want to ).

I've purchased classic pieces (like Celine, Gucci, 3.1 PL, Balenciaga) but it's so hard to decide on clothing. I cannot stand poorly tailored items. I've literally stayed in stores like f21 and Zara for hours forcing myself to buy cheaper clothes but when I try them on, I don't feel happy.

My style has been very simple, minimalist, Olsens-esque, but I'm trying to break into more prints, colour and more form-fitting clothing. I've been spending on more looking at Tibi and J.Crew than Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester, basically. But how will I know my taste will change again in a few years? Then all the money I invested into my wardrobe will once again be a waste

Does anyone have any advice on how I should approach this problem? Thank you

 

[fashionista-ta]

betina, feel better soon I have been wondering how you were doing.

pink, as long as you can afford to shop from better lines, then there's no reason not to (and lots of reasons to do it--Zara has had multiple labor-related problems, for example).

Do you feel like your style is fairly stable currently? You say you're trying to break into prints, color, etc. ... what is the motivation for doing that?

Everyone's style evolves, but mine anyway hasn't radically changed. It's not Rick Owens one day, Chanel the next. My approach is that I make a commitment to things I buy, generally for as long as they last.

There was a time when I realized that I had started buying things on auto-pilot, and my clothes were no longer interesting really, so I started making an effort to buy more statement pieces, and make edgier vs safer choices. I have continued this ever since.

When I was in college, my style was more classic. I branched out as I got older. At a certain point, you see real adulthood approaching (most of us do anyway), and start to think, yeah, maybe Marc Jacobs isn't the ticket any longer. Those were probably the two major turning points for me.

For me it's been slow. I don't care much about what's going on in fashion. I've been complimented in the past for being so on-trend, and it was pretty cringeworthy. You have only to look at vintage to get that virtually everything, whether it looked like it at the time or not, is stamped by its date of manufacture in one way or another. If you're buying new things (and probably even if you're not), fashion will be part of your wardrobe. I'm more interested in finding things that fit my personal style.

So my question for you is ... are you feeling outside pressure that's causing you to look at more prints, color, form-fitting, etc.? Is this something you 'should' do, or something you want to do?

I still have some furniture and interior fabrics that I chose when I was much younger. They aren't what I would choose today, but I'm still comfortable with them. Frankly it seems unnatural to me to be repulsed by something I chose in an authentic way at any point in my life.

Anyway, that's how I see it ... perhaps others will chime in as well

I believe we have a thread around here somewhere that talks about how to choose clothing for a fluctuating size. I remember posting about that.

As far as budget, you're in a different situation right now as a student than you will be later. When I was in school, clothes were a major part of my budget because I didn't have that many other expenses.

 

[twistelette]

welcome, pinkpolish and fewormany!

 

[Jinadaze]

^ Too funny, I didn't know that

Isn't it interesting how different our personal styles are, but we both love Lanvin ... Did you watch the latest interview in his interview thread?

I thought the same yesterday. Didn't read it yet, will come back tomorrow.

@Jina: think the shoes will look gorgeous with both dresses! I would definetely go for the Lanvin x H&M dress since it is dressier than the other one (IMO) and graduation is a time for celebrating! You can always wear it with the organza dress at a less formal event.

I will probably do so, because this is actually my favourite dress and I can rarely wear it, because it really is very dressy irl, the picture doesn't do it any justice. I have a red necklace from this collection which I adore too and since I usually find inexpensive statement necklaces
cheap looking I possibly won't buy another one (it was on my shopping list for Spring though).


polyvore


And you get well soon!

I would create a recommendation board for myself too, but when I get those shoes I think I will be satisfied for quite some time.

 

[YoninahAliza]

I'm feeling a bit conflicted at the moment, for my birthday a few weeks ago my parents told me I could pick out a new purse, a pair of sunglasses, or a piece of jewelry which would be a gift from them. The only thing that was on my list was sunglasses but they are something I'm a bit hesitant spending quite a lot of money on. I'm afraid they will break or get lost easily. And I want something that I can cherish for years to come rather then something (like sunnies) that I might only be able to use for 2 or 3 years. However a nice purse or piece of jewelry from my parents is something I'm more okay with. Now of course the problem is that I can't decide what piece to buy. I found a nice Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC black and white striped bag (which I pinned) that I quite like. But to be honest, I think I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the choices therefore I'm a little uneasy about this bag (and the gift as a whole). I really want whatever I choose to fit into my new style rules and be something that has longevity and won't be out of style in a year or two. Any idea for what I should do so I'm not fretting about something like this (which is quite trivial in the grand scheme of things I recognize). Or other places I should look before making my purchase? Thanks.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ What's the budget for the present, your color scheme, type of bag (just shoulder?), how much does it need to hold ... ?

PS Just wanted to clarify that by 'real adulthood' in what I wrote above, I meant 40

 

[YoninahAliza]

I'd like to keep it under $200, I could never ask my parents to pay for something that exorbitant. And as for color scheme I'm pretty open about it, though I am partial to brown or black leather, and I think it should be a shoulder bag. I prefer purses with longer straps as well. It doesn't need to be able to hold a ton though if it did that would be great too. It was really sweet of my parents to offer such a gift so I think that's part of where my worry stems from, I don't want to 'waste' it, if you know what I mean.

 

[Betinapple]

@PinkPolish: I think my style started looking like the one I have today about 4-5 years ago when I was 17. That was when I bought my first pair of good leather boots, my first striped blouse and other basic items. Some of them I still have and although my style was different before that I have got a couple of pieces from before then as well. For example I have a black cardigan (from H&M of all places!) that has been with me even longer. It still looks pristine.

My wardrobe has also managed to work for me although I gained around 5-7 kilos and then lost 10. Most of my clothes still fit. Some didn't when I was at my highest weight and I had to get rid of some that was too big around the waist when I lost weight again but most still fit. And still will fit although I will gain a little again. (not sure of this is okay to write according to forum policy?). Some things are better for this than others; cardigans and small jackets for indoor use (I never close mine), dresses and stretchy things in general. Jeans can be an issue, of course.

My point being. If you still are doubting your style I would go for basics and perhaps things that you can wear allthough you've got a yo-yo weight ATM. In that way your style can evolve if neccesary. My style can be both ladylike, casual, scandinavian minimalistic and girly depending on styling. I do not thing you need to change your entire wardrobe to change your looks. Not even if you prefer statement items.

Also, figure out what YOU like. Start making a style scrap book, maybe on pinterest, of things you like, color schemes etc. and see if there is any kind of cohesion between those things.

Hope you can use this

@YoninahAliza: what is your name on pinterest? I know how you feel about splurging on sunglasses. I had the same fear. Untill last year I had only owned H&M sunnies but had an opportunity to get a pair of prada baroques. Somehow I am more careful with them and some of that carefulness have rubbed on to my cheaper sunglasses. Always put them back in the case when you are not wearing them. If you make that a rule you will not forget them anywhere or break them. I do not think you should rule them out if that is what you really want.

 

[Betinapple]

Oh. And thx Ta-ta! Would've giving you karma but I am not allowed to atm

@Jina: : Thx. That necklace is so nice. One of my favourite items from that collection. Feeling content about your wardrobe is such a nice place to be. Actually I am good for now as well but I think it will be nice any way for inspirational use and finding those last things on my list.

 

[eizhowa]

Pink I think that as long as you pick styles and colors that suit you and your natural coloring, you have a greater chance of loving them for a long time (assuming you loved them to begin with). That's my five cent anyway

Have you considered how your wardrobe will be affected by your future career? At uni we have the freedom to wear pretty much anything. If you will be working in a conservative environment later you might want to factor that in.

Also, if you invest in classic handbags and keep them in good shape you could always re-sell in a few years if you get sick of them/outgrow them.

YoninahAliza: I bought a pair of Ray Bans 5 years ago when I was 16 and I still have them. They are as good as new, even if I accidentally sat on them once or twice I am not in the habit of loosing my stuff though. I think sunglasses made with actual glass might me more fragile... and painful to sit on

I also don't think you can go wrong with fine jewelry in gold or silver (depending on what becomes you the mostflower:

You could also ask if you can save the money and combine it with your own to buy something more expensive that you might have been lusting over?

Betinapple: I quite like the idea of a smaller wardrobe Which At the moment is great, because I haven't room for more clothes My wardrobe was smaller last year at this time and I was able to pack my entire summer wardrobe when I went on holiday (without having to pay for overweight). Packing was never easier

 

[Betinapple]

Betinapple: I quite like the idea of a smaller wardrobe Which At the moment is great, because I haven't room for more clothes My wardrobe was smaller last year at this time and I was able to pack my entire summer wardrobe when I went on holiday (without having to pay for overweight). Packing was never easier

I really do as well and I am still contemplating doing a serious clean out and taking what I do not wear to the attic and see how that works out. I love all of my clothes but definetly don't wear all of them. I will not do anything until the 17th where I will pick up the dresser I've ordered for the clothes that does not go on the clothing racks, and a shelf for shoe boxes. I am thinking about getting rid of the boxes though and just keeping the shoes loosely on the shelf so I can se them.

I do not think I have a lot of clothes (two clothing racks shared with my BF. His clothes might take up half a rack, and two drawers for basic tops, jersey skirts, jeans and underwear) but it might be nicer to only have things I actually wear on a regular basis.

Sorry for the me-me-me post, you just got me thinking about my wardrobe solution yet again