The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #4

[twistelette]

EvaH, that must have been a painful moment. It might help to ask yourself how your preference for a classic style has evolved, keeping in mind that having such a preference is in itself legitimate. What is it that you like about the way you look in that style, what do you get out of it? Is it the materials, the cut? (having a preference for sharp cut clothing lends itself to a preference for a classic style, I think, because in pieces like trousers and jackets, it's so obviously all about the cut in a way that, say, a bohemian style skirt isn't) Was it a reaction to the way other people dressed, or told you you should dress? Do you yourself feel you look/come across older than you are - is that a reaction you get from more people than just your fiancée and your family, or just them? Understanding more about what it is you like about the pieces you like, understanding more about why you prefer the style you prefer, will be a better 'place' from which to decide whether you want to change anything about the way you dress, and why.

 

[eizhowa]

EvaH: I think sometimes people don't realize how hurtful their comments can be

I think the whole "investing" in your wardrobe can make your wardrobe seem more mature. Buying something you will outgrow isn't the best idea imo.

I do think it is important to consider what kind of signals you are sending out with your style. If you dress very classic, I think it will benefit you professionally. If you are going into medicine, looking older might be to your advantage. I always feel skeptical when someone who seems to be my age tries to give me medical advice (or to cut my hair). I remember reading "dress for the job you want, not the job you have" somewhere, over and over again. Your area of conflict seems to be your casual wear.

I think that the whole dressing "too old" can be amended with some tweaks. I don't think you should change your style completely to "please your man"... I looked at your Inspiration Board. Charlie Theron does dress slightly on the formal side, but she does combine it with interesting/younger pieces. She seems to be able to mix softer/causal items, such as scarfs, t-shirts and skinny jeans, with harder, more classic items such as blazers, pumps. Perhaps your wardrobe is lacking in the first? I think your pieces probably are fine, but perhaps you could accessorize in a way that "de-ages" your look? I have no idea how you dress. Your pieces can probably be combined in a million ways.

I think I can dress too "matronly" from time to time... I don't tend to show a lot of skin and I am very conservative in my heart (not in my politics. There is a difference...) I prefer my skirts to hit below the knees, I have no low cut tops (not even v-necks), and I prefer flats to heels... My favorite dressy shoes have a 2" heels. I look much older than a lot my peers in mini dresses and platform heels

Not so serious suggestion: Maybe you should wear sweats with a tank top (preferably with a stupid text on it) and pink earrings just to make him miss the mature you? (I am very dramatic sometimes...)

 

[barbaraaa]

Indeed that wasn't so nice, Eva But I agree with eizhowa with dressing for the job you want. I think sharp attire makes anyone look more serious, which is always good for a doctor. Also if you have a dress code for a job now, it's harder to dress down too much, I think.

But, the same way I said that a good pair of trousers, shoes or a blazer can dress up any outfit, I think a good pair of jeans, sneakers or a cardigan can dress the same outfit down. Picture any top with jeans and a blazer vs trousers and a blazer, for example. Add some sneakers or more casual looking shoes to it. If you want to keep the nice shoes, a cardigan instead of the blazer would also dress it down. You can still look classy and have a classic look in these, and all of those more "casual" items can still look dressed up in different combinations

I'm also told I dress older. I guess it's because I favour trousers rather than jeans. That in itself makes a huge difference. I actually wear trousers with sneakers sometimes... which is probably not the best look I also have a sweater, a hand-me-down from my mother, black with a crew neck and batwings. I wore it when I was 19 and I was told it made me look 30.

 

[fashionista-ta]

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?

Any price is too much for shoes that hurt your feet I know exactly what you mean ... sometimes this happens with a heavy sole too, extra pressure on the leather ankle strap. Recommend you keep looking for something that looks great and feels reasonable ... it is definitely out there

You know I will keep you posted on the blouse

 

[twistelette]

Any price is too much for shoes that hurt your feet

oh, definitely! part of me was just thinking/hoping that this would be a 'breaking them in' issue, and if they were a little cheaper, I would probably take the risk on that, since they are so. beautiful. but from what you and eva said, it seems like it's just part of the shoe...

 

[Betinapple]

On perfect items: I liked the article you posted Twistelette. Guess everyone has a different definition for "perfect". I do not think an item is imperfect because it will date. Of course, by shopping minimalist style it is clever to buy items that will last more than a season but I do not find stuff imperfect because they might be out of style in 10 or even 5 years. And really, I do not expect my items to last that long, I guess. As we were talking about a couple of pages ago, I would maybe want something different by then anyway. And if i really like something I do not care it other people think it is "so 5 years ago".

@Ta-ta: Oh you know me too well Right now I am having an "I want to take all of my vintage clothes/things I do not wear ATM to the attic - now!-attack Maybe it is not too bad an idea. My clothing racks are working overtime.

Guess I can always ship it off too you or Eizhowa to store - such a nice offer of you gal's


BTW: I love, love, love your new leopard top. Think it will look beautiful with a pencilskirt and your Miu Miu bow heels.

@Eizhowa: if you are a size 3 we could maybe do our own community closet btw, you totally made my day with your comment about Eva offering to donate the cardigan. Sometimes I wish I knew you guys in real life

@Twistelette: I know how tempting it is to purchase something that you want to be perfect, especially since your partner also loves them, but I think shoes should be comfortable when you try them on. In my experience there is no such thing as breaking in a shoe. Have you reached any decission about the ones you purchased from yoox?

@Eva: very generous of you with the cardigan Sure it will make someone very happy.

I think one should dress for one self and not for anyone else. Maybe you should tell your fiancé that you respect his opinion and that of course you like him thinking you look nice but that the most important thing for you is to feel comfortable. That is my belive, anyway.

My boyfriend often jokes and says my style is "grandma-like". I respond by telling him that that is how I roll I like my vintage clothes and as Eizhowa I am very conservative and feel best by wearing something not too revealing. I have accepted and embraced that I must be an old soul And allthough I sometimes think that I might regret covering up as much as I do, when I am thirty and my body not all that .. firm, I do not feel like being uncomfortable for the sake of dressing my age.

Generally it sounds like your boyfriend do not quite understand or support your decission to do 5pfw. Have you talked to him about why you are doing it and what it gives you? Maybe he will understand. Any way I do not think it is his business at all. Pardon my feminism

@Fewormany: I am sick of ironing too! I hate high maintenance clothes but the thought of wearing jersey for the rest of my life makes me sad.

Me: bought my Zarah Voigt earrings yesterday. They are b-e-a-utifull and I love, love, love them. I wore them today with a silk-slip dress, leather jacket and pistol boots (all black).

The earrings were supposed to be my only purchase this month since I actually took a vow of not shopping but right now I am finding it hard to resist temptation, since a bag I have had my eye on for a year just was put up for sale at a crazy low price. And although I find it a bit pathetic that I can not even hold onto my own decissions for a couple of days I think passing on this opportunity and being able to cross the "cognac bag" of my list because of my own principles is a bit stupid.

 

[fashionista-ta]

On perfect items: I liked the article you posted Twistelette. Guess everyone has a different definition for "perfect". I do not think an item is imperfect because it will date. Of course, by shopping minimalist style it is clever to buy items that will last more than a season but I do not find stuff imperfect because they might be out of style in 10 or even 5 years. And really, I do not expect my items to last that long, I guess. As we were talking about a couple of pages ago, I would maybe want something different by then anyway. And if i really like something I do not care it other people think it is "so 5 years ago".

@Ta-ta: Oh you know me too well Right now I am having an "I want to take all of my vintage clothes/things I do not wear ATM to the attic - now!-attack Maybe it is not too bad an idea. My clothing racks are working overtime.

Guess I can always ship it off too you or Eizhowa to store - such a nice offer of you gal's


BTW: I love, love, love your new leopard top. Think it will look beautiful with a pencilskirt and your Miu Miu bow heels.

@Eizhowa: if you are a size 3 we could maybe do our own community closet btw, you totally made my day with your comment about Eva offering to donate the cardigan. Sometimes I wish I knew you guys in real life

@Twistelette: I know how tempting it is to purchase something that you want to be perfect, especially since your partner also loves them, but I think shoes should be comfortable when you try them on. In my experience there is no such thing as breaking in a shoe. Have you reached any decission about the ones you purchased from yoox?

@Eva: very generous of you with the cardigan Sure it will make someone very happy.

I think one should dress for one self and not for anyone else. Maybe you should tell your fiancé that you respect his opinion and that of course you like him thinking you look nice but that the most important thing for you is to feel comfortable. That is my belive, anyway.

My boyfriend often jokes and says my style is "grandma-like". I respond by telling him that that is how I roll I like my vintage clothes and as Eizhowa I am very conservative and feel best by wearing something not too revealing. I have accepted and embraced that I must be an old soul And allthough I sometimes think that I might regret covering up as much as I do, when I am thirty and my body not all that .. firm, I do not feel like being uncomfortable for the sake of dressing my age.

Generally it sounds like your boyfriend do not quite understand or support your decission to do 5pfw. Have you talked to him about why you are doing it and what it gives you? Maybe he will understand. Any way I do not think it is his business at all. Pardon my feminism

@Fewormany: I am sick of ironing too! I hate high maintenance clothes but the thought of wearing jersey for the rest of my life makes me sad.

Me: bought my Zarah Voigt earrings yesterday. They are b-e-a-utifull and I love, love, love them. I wore them today with a silk-slip dress, leather jacket and pistol boots (all black).

The earrings were supposed to be my only purchase this month since I actually took a vow of not shopping but right now I am finding it hard to resist temptation, since a bag I have had my eye on for a year just was put up for sale at a crazy low price. And although I find it a bit pathetic that I can not even hold onto my own decissions for a couple of days I think passing on this opportunity and being able to cross the "cognac bag" of my list because of my own principles is a bit stupid.

Oh, I wasn't offering storage space, I was offering you my storage room to clean Trust me, it is a real not an imaginary task

The Miu Mius are a great thought Assuming the blouse works, I will definitely wear that outfit, and think of you.

So glad you love your earrings! and sounds like a good opportunity with the bag.

When I was younger, I often was mistaken for much younger than I was, and it was also preppy time, so everyone (or not just me) was dressing kind of matronly. You can do it when you're young ... when you're a bit older, you may not want to dress that way anymore, or you may want to give it some edge. When you get a bit older, there is no irony You'll see what I mean ... in the meantime, I see no problem. Also, I think there are a number of youthful aspects to the way you dress.

 

[Betinapple]

Oh, I wasn't offering storage space, I was offering you my storage room to clean Trust me, it is a real not an imaginary task

The Miu Mius are a great thought Assuming the blouse works, I will definitely wear that outfit, and think of you.

So glad you love your earrings! and sounds like a good opportunity with the bag.

When I was younger, I often was mistaken for much younger than I was, and it was also preppy time, so everyone (or not just me) was dressing kind of matronly. You can do it when you're young ... when you're a bit older, you may not want to dress that way anymore, or you may want to give it some edge. When you get a bit older, there is no irony You'll see what I mean ... in the meantime, I see no problem. Also, I think there are a number of youthful aspects to the way you dress.

I love organising so it would be a pleasure!

Hope the blouse works out. It is so gorgeous - and remeber to post in the combinations thread if you decide to wear that outfit.

I think I will purchase the bag. Too good to pass. That does mean that I will probably not get a new wallet this month but I guess my old one can be used a bit longer.

I do not think I dress that old neither but often I do dress more formal and convervative than people my age. I always did. When I was 13 my biggest wish for christmas was pinstriped trousers

Glad you find my style somewhat youthful though. And I think you are perfectly right about dressing conservative and how it suits you depending on your age I know many people disaggree but I think somethings needs a certain age to be pulled of. Like my girlier outfit that I feel I have become too old to pull off.

 

[eizhowa]

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

Honestly, people make such a fuss about nothing. Just iron the front and collar and keep your jacket on

My national costume has a white shirt, and I admit that I am a bit lazy when it comes to ironing. I reason that I ironed it last time and that it will do

Organzing: I used to sit in toy stores and tidy when I was younger Too bag you live so far away, Fashionista-ta!

Dressing your age: First day of 9th grade I wore a brown/cream houndstooth suit (trousers and a blazer) and a short sleeve white shirt, all from Zara...

 

[Betinapple]

Honestly, people make such a fuss about nothing. Just iron the front and collar and keep your jacket on

My national costume has a white shirt, and I admit that I am a bit lazy when it comes to ironing. I reason that I ironed it last time and that it will do

Organzing: I used to sit in toy stores and tidy when I was younger Too bag you live so far away, Fashionista-ta!

I often just hang my garnment of choice in the bathroom when I shower, and call it a day things that needs ironing will get cringed so fast when wearing it that I really do not want to bother..

 

[eizhowa]

^I am not unfamiliar with that trick either My bathroom has no ventialtion (except the door and window) so I have my own private steam room whenever I want

 

[Betinapple]

^I am not unfamiliar with that trick either My bathroom has no ventialtion (except the door and window) so I have my own private steam room whenever I want

Maybe I should try showering with the lights (and thereby also the ventilator) off

 

[eizhowa]

Just remember to step out when it becomes difficult to breathe due to air humidity

 

[Betinapple]

Just remember to step out when it becomes difficult to breathe due to air humidity

Noted

 

[Jinadaze]

You're so funny.

Can't respond to all but LOVE the earrings, Betinapple, really lovely! And buying the bag you wanted for that long is a good decision no matter what.

I always get angry when my clothes are not handled well when dried, since usually doing laundry is not my task at home (but not for long anymore!), because everything gets wrinkled in a pile of clothes.

 

[Betinapple]

You're so funny.

Can't respond to all but LOVE the earrings, Betinapple, really lovely! And buying the bag you wanted for that long is a good decision no matter what.

I always get angry when my clothes are not handled well when dried, since usually doing laundry is not my task at home (but not for long anymore!), because everything gets wrinkled in a pile of clothes.

THX! I LOVE them as well. And I think I will purchase the bag. Just waiting to her from the seller about some details.

I had that excact problem when living with my parents. Now I, and I only do my laundry. My boyfriend is banned and whenever I go away for a weekend or on vacation without him he is given strict orders to only do his own if he must.

 

[eizhowa]

Doing your own laundry is very important if you are more fond of your clothes than the people you live with... My family do not understand the importance of handwashing cashmere and wrapping it in a towel to dry it (I use two towels, actually. one below and one on top. Them I stomp the water out. It looks quite silly actually). My family believes in the power of the tumble dryer Maybe I'll be able to afford a dry cleaner like Ta-ta does when I am through with my studies and actually start earning money

I would get the bag too, Betina. I think it being on sale is a sign... As long as you don't settle for a size you will never squeeze into, of course!

 

[Betinapple]

Doing your own laundry is very important if you are more fond of your clothes than the people you live with... My family do not understand the importance of handwashing cashmere and wrapping it in a towel to dry it (I use two towels, actually. one below and one on top. Them I stomp the water out. It looks quite silly actually). My family believes in the power of the tumble dryer Maybe I'll be able to afford a dry cleaner like Ta-ta does when I am through with my studies and actually start earning money

I would get the bag too, Betina. I think it being on sale is a sign... As long as you don't settle for a size you will never squeeze into, of course!

I would love to see that I generally just steam my knitwear or hang them outside to get some air. I also think that the dry cleaners is somewhat expensive for my budget but I have a dress that needs to go. It is velvet and made of viscose and silk and although it has been maschine washed before I do not have the courage after I heard what happened with Twistelettes sweater.

The bag is actually not on sale but I found it in a used but really good condition (nearly ever worn). Unfortunately I thought it had a shoulder strap which I was planning to use, but this is a sligthly different model apperently so now I am not so sue what to do

 

[eizhowa]

I would try to resist the urge to get it If I were you. If you need shoulder strap then then it isn't å bargain any konger...

 

[Betinapple]

I would try to resist the urge to get it If I were you. If you need shoulder strap then then it isn't å bargain any konger...

I do not need it but since I was planning on wearing it with the strap and like that look of it better I think I will pass and keep my vow of not shopping. Heres to hoping I can resist temptation