The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #4

[Fewormany]

^I watched the abdication and I kept thinking Easyjet must be popular in the Netherlands right now. Then I kept thinking that was mean and disrespectful of me... I don't know the tradition behind the color

The name of the royal family is ' van Oranje', which translates as ' of Orange'.
So on our national celebrations come with an overdose of the color orange.

I really like orange, but it's difficult to wear without looking like it's Queensday (or as of next year Kingsday) or a supporter of the national soccer team.

 

[barbaraaa]

^ William of Orange, I think (oops, too late)

I think I'm one of the few here who really enjoy black? Wearing a black sweater as I type I too am very pale and I think it looks great on me, but of course it depends on undertones, etc. Grey and black are my neutrals.

Also, I haven't bought anything in April aside from underwear!

 

[Jinadaze]

Hi there, I'm the girl in black, I'm wearing it almost all the time. But that's common in minimalistic style like mine, I would say.
At that point I have to mention that I hate when people are saying one should 'spice up' this boring (excuse me?) monochromatic outfit with a touch of bright colour, I am hearing this all the time, especially when they are giving advices on how to dress for certain occasion.
I just don't feel the need of adding colours to black (and white/neutrals). I am always wearing gold accesories though (matching with my bag's hardware..).
When I am in the mood for colours I add burgundy, blue (electric and navy), bright yellow, mint.. I love those. Nude is beautiful too, but I count it as a neutral of course.

 

[twistelette]

I really like orange, but it's difficult to wear without looking like it's Queensday (or as of next year Kingsday) or a supporter of the national soccer team.

as a fellow Dutch person, I hear you I've been meaning to share this blogpost, about perfection, and what happens when you accept that there is no such thing curious to hear what you think! http://notestoamouse.blogspot.nl/2013/03/on-perfection.html

 

[Betinapple]

@Ta-ta: well, worked like a charm I was thinking if I would wear the shoes again, just this second, and thought how nice they would look with my houndstooth shirt.

I know this sounds odd, but I wish I had items that did not work anymore - cleaning my closet would be so much easier

@Eizhowa: I think that will be my strategy as well. I used to sell stuff every month a couple of years ago and did not care about the bother it was but right now I just think it is a waste of time to try and get a little cash from it.

Really like the trousers!

 

[EvaH]

Twistelette: I absolutely love your article and couldn't agree more with this:

Rather than seeking perfection, I've come to really like the idea of choosing from the "best available." Good enough, just what I need, and I don't need anything more. It's like relying on the largesse of the world to bring around the right thing at the right time.

I realised I really am not that interested in the perfect item. Now that I am a bit more focus I will decide on what I want, what colour and eventually what fabric. If I find something I like, I will pin it without dissecting it too much or wondering if in 20 years it will still appeal to me. I realised that I will change eventually and it does help not feel attached to it or nostalgic.
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[fashionista-ta]

as a fellow Dutch person, I hear you I've been meaning to share this blogpost, about perfection, and what happens when you accept that there is no such thing curious to hear what you think! http://notestoamouse.blogspot.nl/2013/03/on-perfection.html

I'm not so sure that perfection doesn't exist But it is rarely achieved or found, and I think something can be perfect in its imperfection. I agree that good-enough (and I have a pretty high standard for that ) is good enough. Of course, sometimes you think something's perfect, then find it's not (or as in the case of my Lanvin skirt, the cleaners does something to make it not perfect any longer ).

Totally agree that there's no point (unless you're in Asia with unlimited access to fabric & tailors, or you're a designer yourself) in thinking about what's not available rather than what is.

It's true that many things are dateable, but 'twas ever thus ... even antique garments can be dated to usually within 15 years or less. I think that's a reasonable timeframe in which to wear something out. I still think the best approach is to buy something you really love, with the best features you can find/afford, and wear it till it can be worn no more.

I love that you guys have a 'community closet' ... that's really nice.

betina, I suspect you have an urge to clean, but no need to My storage room is available

 

[eizhowa]

I suppose it depends on how you define perfection as well. How it looks and feels on its own, or how it looks on you and make you feel?

I have an emerald green velvet sheath dress from the 60s that make me feel like a million dollars. I guess that is a sort of perfection. I have to strengthen the seams of the dress after every wear, but the dress is worth it. It fits like a glove (when standing...). Also, repairing old, beloved items give me more satisfaction than buying a new item without history.

When something looks too "sleek" or to perfect, I think you will look more high-maintenance than effortless. That's why I think to many designer items in one outfit usually has a bad result

Betina: Anything you don't have room for you can store in my wardrobe if you'd like (what size shoes do you wear?D

 

[twistelette]

just to be clear, this wasn't a blogpost written by me! just from a blog I read regularly... more thoughts later!

 

[EvaH]

I was wondering If someone here wanted the red DvF cashmere cardigan I bought last month. It is a size S, never worn it but removed the tags " . I don't think I can donate it to charity (really not practical) so I am totally willing to give it away to one of you and pay for the shipping fees as well.
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[eizhowa]

That is so generous of you (are you drunk/sure?)! I am sure there is someone on this thread who would love it. Darn, why can't red be one of "my colors"?!

(I can feel my willpower working overtime. Turning down Free Stuff?! *resisting*)

 

[eizhowa]

Does giving it to/time-sharing with my bestfriend count? I wear her as an accessory so it would kind of be a part of my wardrobe? I'd be willing to pay for shipping. I feel so mean... Are you sure you wouldn't want it back?

 

[eizhowa]

Just remembered I have a pair of red ballet flats that would look nice with the cardigan.... I'll just pin my hair up. My friend can dream on

(how many posts can you post in a row?)

 

[EvaH]

I sent you a pm !
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[barbaraaa]

That's most definitely a very generous offer, and a beautiful cardigan. I am, however, nowhere near a size S, or I'd be all over it.

 

[fashionista-ta]

neimanmarcus

just to be clear, this wasn't a blogpost written by me! just from a blog I read regularly... more thoughts later!

Well, I wasn't totally sure Sounded very similar to you, but you had managed not to ever mention the toddler the blogger is obsessed with I also wasn't sure you'd be buying clothes for your partner. But then there was the thrifting, the French method, etc. A case of same 'cept different I guess

Decided to order the leopard blouse I've been thinking about, after having to let go of three tops recently ... hopefully it will fit correctly as it wasn't bought for stores, so I haven't been able to try it on yet. This is #6 for spring, and I'm definitely done now, assuming this works ...

Was considering another as well, but this one appears to be much better constructed & sturdier, better fabric, for a bit more $$$, and I like the details better as well ...

Found this comment on the designers amusing ... "This Italian label showcases sophisticated tailoring in anything-but-conservative looks ..."

 

[twistelette]

Well, I wasn't totally sure Sounded very similar to you, but you had managed not to ever mention the toddler the blogger is obsessed with I also wasn't sure you'd be buying clothes for your partner. But then there was the thrifting, the French method, etc. A case of same 'cept different I guess

no toddlers here but I see how you'd get there, thinking it might be me writing - it's a bit of a compliment for me! I like her blog a lot. and I like that top! the placement of the print is very nice, and I like the sleeves. let us know how it works out once it arrives? as for me, I've been hunting for some summer sandals. I found a gorgeous pair of Officine Creative sandals in a store nearby - cognac leather, slight platform (about 4 cm high, nothing too high), but not a heel, just a sort of straight platform, single band across the foot and straps around the ankle. can't find a picture of it anywhere, or else I'd share... anyway, because the soles are not 'bendy', all the weight of the shoe hangs on the anklestraps when you walk, and it's not very comfortable. I've tried them on twice now, willing them to be more comfortable than they are... my partner is also kind of in love with them (or should I say, with me in them ) and keeps coming up with reasons I should get them anyway. but they are a bit too expensive for shoes that hurt my feet... although... I could maybe get another hole punched in the ankel straps, so they will fit tighter on my foot. any of you have any experience with this?

 

[twistelette]

in an attempt to forget about the Officine Creative sandals, I browsed yoox for a while, and ended up ordering two pairs (with the full intention of sending them back should they not fit or be to my liking after all) - they arrived yesterday. I got one pair of Rochas sandals, and they are going straight back. they're a patent leather that creases around the buckle, and makes the sandals look worn straight out of the box. also, they're not that comfy. the other pair is by Studio Pollini, some espadrilles... (these ones: http://www.polyvore.com/studio_pollini_espadrilles/thing?id=76789709) I like them a lot, but I don't *love* them... I'm going to consider them for a few more days...

 

[EvaH]

twistelette: I exactly did what you suggested (adding a hole) but I end up giving them anyway. But I really am not a reference as after 3x times trying if I still don't feel it then I discard. And my fiancé is also being a pain about certain donation/purchases so I definitely understand why the fact that your boyfriend really loves then is making you wonder and try again.

Speaking of significant other, mine admitted that he really did not like my style. For him I dress too matronly/conservatively for my age (hint: he realized that his 36 years old colleague/ Executive director own half of the items in my Pinterest - including the Fendi in 4 colors ) which is, according to him quite sad. He keeps pushing me and pushing me to buy "funkier" clothes and less classic ones. I love classic/clean, my all time style icon is Charlize Theron. I also love Jessica Alba candid style but yes both are over 30 and with children.. Yesterday he joked that our kid will see me wear the same stuff at 10 and 20 .. It stung a little bit :/ And he is giving me hell for that cardigan (the only nice one I own and which is my age according to him)

I don't know if I should care but still.. My mum keeps telling me the same things, same for my sisters and friends.. I carry clothes well, I have a nice body but I just dress too old
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[Fewormany]

EvaH Changing for someone else seems like a bad idea to me. Unless you feel like you're in need of a fresh/new direction yourself. Otherwise you might end up wearing stuff to please others instead of yourself. And that would be a shame .

Tonight I'm going out for dinner and it really bugs me that all formalwear for men needs ironing. I would like to be able to wear a shirt without needing to iron it (and those shirts that claim to be iron-free are lying ).