The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #4

[Jinadaze]

to put it in a different way: if you keep searching for, say, the perfect trench, that timeless perfect thing, you will most likely find flaw with every trench that you meet. if you decide that good enough will do, and still set your standards high, you will most likely find a trench that is fantastic. what you say about shoes getting scuffed and clothing showing signs of being worn, is a really interesting point as well. though for me, that is more about being polished than about perfection.

Agree, I use the word 'perfect' quite often when describing material things I love. Could say it became the synonymous for 'fantastic', for what I have a pretty high standards for.

I am kind of obsessed with white these days, but not sure if I will buy anything since I didn't find anything 'perfect' yet. I am looking for a white summer dress for a few seasons now, but didn't came around the one I would be glad to buy. It's even too sheer, short, long, or wrong material (again, who would wear a synthetic dress that is meant to be worn in the high summer? ).
The other thing is I don't really need it, so that may be my main concern.
I also have an occasion in the next couple of weeks for which I was planning to wear a white shirt (under long waistcoat), but am almost sure it will be too warm for it, and I don't have any formal white top with short sleeves or without them. So in case it really will be too warm I will wear another, non-white one (assuming black&white ).
The third thing is I miss my white Adidas hi top sneakers, after 4-5 years they are destroyed.

 

[barbaraaa]

On perfection and wanting clothes to last forever: I don't try to find the *perfect* item. If there is something I don't like about it, I won't buy it - but I won't pass on most things I want/need. I want my clothing to last for a while, but I don't expect it to last forever. Bodies, tastes and circumstances change, accidents happen... and my clothing tends to last for quite a while. I didn't buy a single pair of jeans from 2006 to 2010, and I was wearing the two same pairs from H&M pretty much every day. I still have them, they still fit me, and they're still in good condition - but my body changed and they're not my best fit anymore.

And on a similar note, on perfect wardrobes: A few months ago I (and some of you) wrote here a list of what my "perfect wardrobe" would have. A few months after, I realize that I don't need and probably won't have some of those things, mainly dresses. I like the idea of dresses, I hate the way 90% of them fit me. Height, proportions - they're hard for me. I'll focus on separates from now on
There are also things I felt the need to own that weren't on that original list. To be honest, however, that list wasn't super pondered.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for an answer after a job interview I had on Monday. So I've been online window shopping for some new clothes to vamp up my working wardrobe... Haven't bought anything yet, however. Right now the bag is a priority And still waiting for those shoes to get here. I believe they will come by the end of the week.

 

[twistelette]

exciting about the job interview, barbaraaa! I think it's a great idea to make the bag a priority. oh, and I forgot to say - EvaH, congratulations on your purchases, they all sound so good! and sorry to hear about the top, Ta-Ta, I hope the Lanvin is a better fit...

 

[barbaraaa]

^ I am very excited for it, it would be a really good opportunity for me and my shoes just got here and they fit perfectly! Very comfortable as well.

 

[Betinapple]

On perfection and wanting clothes to last forever: I don't try to find the *perfect* item. If there is something I don't like about it, I won't buy it - but I won't pass on most things I want/need. I want my clothing to last for a while, but I don't expect it to last forever. Bodies, tastes and circumstances change, accidents happen... and my clothing tends to last for quite a while. I didn't buy a single pair of jeans from 2006 to 2010, and I was wearing the two same pairs from H&M pretty much every day. I still have them, they still fit me, and they're still in good condition - but my body changed and they're not my best fit anymore.

And on a similar note, on perfect wardrobes: A few months ago I (and some of you) wrote here a list of what my "perfect wardrobe" would have. A few months after, I realize that I don't need and probably won't have some of those things, mainly dresses. I like the idea of dresses, I hate the way 90% of them fit me. Height, proportions - they're hard for me. I'll focus on separates from now on
There are also things I felt the need to own that weren't on that original list. To be honest, however, that list wasn't super pondered.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for an answer after a job interview I had on Monday. So I've been online window shopping for some new clothes to vamp up my working wardrobe... Haven't bought anything yet, however. Right now the bag is a priority And still waiting for those shoes to get here. I believe they will come by the end of the week.

Congrats on the interview - I will send you good karma

Funny about the "perfect wardrobe"-list since mine has been really helpful in seeing how far I've gotten and also to stay focused. I do not think I changed it in the mean time. I added a pair of nude flats, but somehow it seems like I do not need them.

Will get back later to answer all of the other posts (yay!) just wanted to say that I recieved the breton sweater that I got from Twistelette. It is perfect and I have been wearing it today, so now I can cross that of my list

 

[Betinapple]

On starting to do the 5pfw: I agree with Ta-ta that patience is a virtue, but I think I really got of on an easier start because I had the basics. I guess patience would have been hard to find if I did not have basic tops, jeans, black shoes, a good bag etc.


Thinking in outfits vs. thinking in items: I too have made a habit of not buying something if I am not sure what to wear it with. I did that before and like Ta-ta I did not have the best experience with doing so. I have been thinking in outfits when purchasing something for a loong time but especially now that I have a few items to purcase each season. I think the old rule of being able to make 3 outfits with a new item is not bad at all. - especially since I personally like to be able to mix and match my wardrobe and get bored with doing the same combinations over and over.

On perfection
I guess I too use the ord "perfect" to describe something that is just the way I wanted it to be. Actually I use it quite a lot and I find that a lot of my items are in fact perfect for me. Like my striped blouse since both the colour, cut and details are just the way I wanted. It may not last forever but it has served me well for the past year and still have plenty of wear in it. And when it starts to look worn that will be due to the fact that it was so perfect I wore it do death. That to me is perfection and I find a great satisfaction in waiting for the excactly right item instead of settling for something less even though it will take a while to get there.


@Twistelette: looking forward to hear what you discover might be your summer neccesities.

@Eva: congrats on your buy! I think it was very wise to get the exact things you wanted now, since you had the funds let us know how they work out.

@Ta-ta: sorry about the blouse - you will have to find another one to go with the skirt and the shoes

@Jina: Although I love my white summer dress I will have to admit that I have not used it as much as i thought it would. These days I am all about black. More practical I guess. Is the sneaker you had still available? I would definetely make them or a substitute top priority since you know you will be wearing them.

 

[eizhowa]

I have noticed you guys sometimes buy several items and then promise not to buy anything for months (~ 1 piece per month). I was just wondering how that actually works in reality?

I am considering getting 3 Iris and Ink silk shirts (Sand, Black, White). I wore something other than a wool sweater for the first time in months today, and I realized I missed my "uniform" (jeans, blazer, wool sweater) after one wear. I actually had to THINK before getting dressed Mentally exhausted now. I was planing to wear the shirts instead of the sweater.

Seriously, having to many different style tops to choose from depresses me. I just want something, one recipe, that will always make me feel comfortable and stylish. I found it this winter, but my summer wardrobe is more unfocused. Having one item in 3 colors sounds fantastic in my mind.

I've also tried to reason that they would be my take on t-shirts and therefore don't count as "an item" (or three)

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Umm, I think they count For me, it works to shop in clumps, but it may not be for everyone. Do you already own one of their shirts? I would just say make sure the shirt is really 'perfect' before springing for three ...

 

[Betinapple]

I have noticed you guys sometimes buy several items and then promise not to buy anything for months (~ 1 piece per month). I was just wondering how that actually works in reality?

I am considering getting 3 Iris and Ink silk shirts (Sand, Black, White). I wore something other than a wool sweater for the first time in months today, and I realized I missed my "uniform" (jeans, blazer, wool sweater) after one wear. I actually had to THINK before getting dressed Mentally exhausted now. I was planing to wear the shirts instead of the sweater.

Seriously, having to many different style tops to choose from depresses me. I just want something, one recipe, that will always make me feel comfortable and stylish. I found it this winter, but my summer wardrobe is more unfocused. Having one item in 3 colors sounds fantastic in my mind.

I've also tried to reason that they would be my take on t-shirts and therefore don't count as "an item" (or three)

You have noone to hold you accountabel except from yourself

My experience is that I can have a shopping haul and they buy nothing/less for months. I bought quite a bit in November and December but only a silk slip in January. But that could easily have been spoiled had I come across something perfect (now that we are on that topic )

But generally, when I have added a lot of things to my wardrobe over a short period I feel like taking a break to enjoy those things and consider my next move. Like right now - I find just the thought of adding more clothes to my wardrobe exhausting since I feel like I have too much clothes ATM.

Hope you can use this to make a decission. Let us know what you decide

 

[eizhowa]

Sometimes I feel like you guys answer before I post the question. You are so quick I was considering just ordering and returning them/reselling if they were a bad fit. I'll think about it over the weekend I think I will also try to compare the measurements to my existing shirts.

 

[Jinadaze]

@Jina:[/B] Although I love my white summer dress I will have to admit that I have not used it as much as i thought it would. These days I am all about black. More practical I guess. Is the sneaker you had still available? I would definetely make them or a substitute top priority since you know you will be wearing them.

First of all - fingers crossed for a positive answer for the job where you were interviewed.

About sneakers, I believe they are not available in this particular colour anymore, it's an old combinations. I love it though, the base is white, the stripes and other details gold, with a touch of black.
I took them out from the closet this afternoon and a miracle happened, I brushed them with a coarse brush and some aggressive liquid soap, so they are like new again. I sure need to replace laces, but beside that there really isn't anything wrong with them. I tried to clean them before, but on a different way I guess, so all the stains remained there. They are a little worn, but not anything terrible.
My boyfriend told me a little story earlier today about them. When we started going out in 2010, we went for a trip to the woods one day, we walked a lot, for hours. I had those sneakers on that day and they got dirty from all the soil and mud, sure you can imagine. So he, the poor man, was afraid I will gonna dump him because he took me on this trip that was his idea and got my footwear dirty.

Eizhowa, I would get one shirt of that brand/kind first and if satisfied, get another two. I think there isn't anything wrong with buying multiples, as long as you love this item. Personally after I complete my shopping list (may it be one or more things on it) I don't feel the need for shopping in the near future, simply because I don't need anything.

 

[fashionista-ta]

First of all - fingers crossed for a positive answer for the job where you were interviewed.

About sneakers, I believe they are not available in this particular colour anymore, it's an old combinations. I love it though, the base is white, the stripes and other details gold, with a touch of black.
I took them out from the closet this afternoon and a miracle happened, I brushed them with a coarse brush and some aggressive liquid soap, so they are like new again. I sure need to replace laces, but beside that there really isn't anything wrong with them. I tried to clean them before, but on a different way I guess, so all the stains remained there. They are a little worn, but not anything terrible.
My boyfriend told me a little story earlier today about them. When we started going out in 2010, we went for a trip to the woods one day, we walked a lot, for hours. I had those sneakers on that day and they got dirty from all the soil and mud, sure you can imagine. So he, the poor man, was afraid I will gonna dump him because he took me on this trip that was his idea and got my footwear dirty.

Eizhowa, I would get one shirt of that brand/kind first and if satisfied, get another two. I think there isn't anything wrong with buying multiples, as long as you love this item. Personally after I complete my shopping list (may it be one or more things on it) I don't feel the need for shopping in the near future, simply because I don't need anything.

Yay for miracles!! And cute story

There are two keys to not buying stuff all the time ... 1) being picky 2) not shopping all the time

 

[fashionista-ta]

exciting about the job interview, barbaraaa! I think it's a great idea to make the bag a priority. oh, and I forgot to say - EvaH, congratulations on your purchases, they all sound so good! and sorry to hear about the top, Ta-Ta, I hope the Lanvin is a better fit...

The Lanvin, unfortunately, is just a twinkle in my eye Though he does leopard, it's not anything that actually exists right now, to my knowledge. However, I have a strong feeling that something better is going to come along, so keep your eyes peeled for me & don't forget where my recommendations board is

I found a great pair of statement shoes awhile back, but let's face it, I am not exactly hurting for statement shoes I think actual clothes would be more useful. Somehow leopard above the waist seems to work best. The other thing is that while the print is great, it was a bit too brown. I like leopard best when it has some black in it.

So what happened to my Lanvin pencil skirt is that last time it came back from the cleaners, it had about a 3x3 area on the front that looks like an extremely worn Brillo pad. Apparently some idiot scrubbed the hell out of it. It is good fabric, not delicate ... I haven't worn it much, but it has never snagged or anything like that, it's been ... perfect. Wool/polyamide/elastane.

I bypassed the people who work at the front, and went straight to the top ... I called the owner, found out when he would be there, and took it in to talk to him about it. I did my best to explain the importance of this skirt, hopefully I got my point across (and you would have been impressed with my calmness as I did so ) ... I explained that I looked for it for years, which is quite true (it was 2009 I think when I didn't buy a satin version of the skirt, somewhat regretted it, then found this one which is much better last year), got it at Barney's, which is no longer here. And that I wasn't aware of a comparable skirt to replace it with (I think this one sold out, I haven't seen it around ... please let me know if you have). So they are working on it ... he said he was sure they could improve it, but not sure whether they can do so to my satisfaction (makes two of us). So we shall see ... hopefully I will not have to replace it.

 

[twistelette]

ta-ta: what a story! I hope they can do something for you. good for you that you managed to stay so calm!

jinadaze: hurray for the 'new' sneakers!

eizhowa: having a uniform is just so easy... I definitely hear you on that. not that I really have a uniform, I think. but most days, I don't aim to stand out or anything, I just want to look good and feel good in what I wear, and then be able to forget about my clothes I agree with the others - start out with one of those shirts, and see if you like the fit/material/cut of it well enough to have multiples of it. it could also be an idea to get slightly different shirts in different colours? for me, it's a fine line between not having to think to hard about what to wear, and being bored with the same-ness of what I wear.

 

[EvaH]

On perfection and wanting clothes to last forever: I don't try to find the *perfect* item. If there is something I don't like about it, I won't buy it - but I won't pass on most things I want/need. I want my clothing to last for a while, but I don't expect it to last forever. Bodies, tastes and circumstances change, accidents happen...

I definitely agree with this and I try to adopt the same philosophy. Congrats on your ballerina flats, I love them ! They are super cute And great job for finally finding THE bag

EvaH: Wow! Those buys are great! Hope you will LOVE your trench and get a lot of wear out of it!
I actually e-mailed Burberry yesterday asking if they offered removable wool linings (which I consider a must for me). I accidentally emailed the US shop, not the UK one, but I guess if they have them in the UK too. I am considering getting one in January when I go to London I think it is similar to the one Eva pinned, length-wise, but in the color "honey".

Awesome !!! The people at Burberry here were really really nice but I don't know why, I just didn't feel like getting it. Then I had one of the crappiest holiday of my life/fighting with my fiance the whole time that I just decided to indulge and go for it ^^
And to be honest, so far my favorite pieces are my lanvin flat, the trench and the Fendi bag. I love the fendi bag so much that I am considering getting either some other colors or the larger one to use as a week-end bag..

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.
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

You are right. It is not and we just set this straight. I love the way I am dressing atm, I absolutely love all the pieces I got through this process, I love reading all your thoughts and I feel good with what I own and what I want. I did try the mini dress combo (with blazer ) and sandals but it definitely was not me and I wouldn't dress that way in my everyday life.

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

Thank you for those tips !! I am going to try to find more printed/funky sweater and tops. I do love colours after all so I just need to mix it up a little bit. I think I am going to have to look for cool accessories as well. I don't per say want to dress younger but I really want to start having a bit more fun now that I now what my "basics" are and I have a (very) rough idea of what I like and what I want to look like ^^

EvaH: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

Exactly and Thank you !! Your post really helped and yes I think I am a conservative at heart as well. I will definitely look into this ^^

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)

I don't now what to do with my Athe cashmere sweater. I am scared of bringing it to the dry cleaner or specialist after reading an article in the WSJ from the god of cashmere who actually recommended something similar to what you are doing.. I think I will give it a shot !

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.

You would make a great therapist
It is a reaction I get from my family and close friends mainly. And I am just very attracted to the "timelessness" of such clothing, I love the cut, I find it incredibly flattering. I thrive to be somebody quite attracted to subtle details and although I love colours and I want my wardrobe to be lively, I also want it to be really straight forward/unfluffy/classic and timeless.. I don't think I am the quirky girl at heart.. I am quite serious at times and I really want to express that, while still being colourful. I am not gonna lie, I am completely obsessed with the style of the like of Charlize Theron, Michelle Obama or Kerry Washington. Yet I don't necessarly want to copy cat it. I mostly want to emulate the way they carry themselves in their clothes. Especially Michelle obama circa 2009-2011 and Kerry Washington. Unapologetic, classic but still joyful and cool (in the case of Charlize Theron )
But thank you for your post. It definitely helped to ask myself those questions

 

[twistelette]

You would make a great therapist
It is a reaction I get from my family and close friends mainly. And I am just very attracted to the "timelessness" of such clothing, I love the cut, I find it incredibly flattering. I thrive to be somebody quite attracted to subtle details and although I love colours and I want my wardrobe to be lively, I also want it to be really straight forward/unfluffy/classic and timeless.. I don't think I am the quirky girl at heart.. I am quite serious at times and I really want to express that, while still being colourful. I am not gonna lie, I am completely obsessed with the style of the like of Charlize Theron, Michelle Obama or Kerry Washington. Yet I don't necessarly want to copy cat it. I mostly want to emulate the way they carry themselves in their clothes. Especially Michelle obama circa 2009-2011 and Kerry Washington. Unapologetic, classic but still joyful and cool (in the case of Charlize Theron )
But thank you for your post. It definitely helped to ask myself those questions

why thank you
it sounds like you are finding your style more and more. hurray for that!

 

[EvaH]

Eizhowa, I don't know if you saw my pinterest comment but I was telling you that the burberry store on Bond street does not do trench with removable wool lining. You have to purchase the trench first, then have a wool vest sewed in (additional 350£, can take 3-4 days). Maybe you should try calling the Oxford/Regent street shop before visiting to see if they do it...

 

[eizhowa]

^That is so kind of you

Having a wool lining sewn in would be less than Ideal for me. If I had a removable lining I could probably wear it 10-11 months of the year. I'll probably contact them. Maybe they will offer a removable lining in their fw collection? If not, I could always import one from the US... They offer it in some stores.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ The zip-out is also super-handy for cleaning (i.e., removing before sending to the cleaners). I would hold out for it ... Before the moths got it, there was also a button-on wool piece that went over the collar.

 

[EvaH]

^That is so kind of you

Having a wool lining sewn in would be less than Ideal for me. If I had a removable lining I could probably wear it 10-11 months of the year. I'll probably contact them. Maybe they will offer a removable lining in their fw collection? If not, I could always import one from the US... They offer it in some stores.

If you know which US stores carry it, I would love to know as I am going to NYC for a wedding in the upcoming months. got the black cotton gabardine slim fit (the classic cut looked awful on me) mid-length in black and I am considering the sew in option or the removable wool lining which sounds very useful !

I do have a question tho: how do you store and keep your item away from the moths and other stuff? For example the cashmere item, is there a special way? Do you buy special "bags"? As for cleaning, I now have to clean my sweater and although the dry cleaning sounds appealing it seems like hand wash is best.. How often do you clean your sensitive pieces? (Silk, cashmere etc) I am really interested in the maintenance part of it all..

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