The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #5

[RedandNavy]

Hi everyone!

I haven't been buying anything lately (last buy were my boots). Plus for once I didn't feel like thinking about what to get next...

However, I have a little success story to tell ink: Remember I was thinking about buying a dress for two weddings I was going to attend in September? The second of these two weddings took place yesterday. I didn't buy a dress or a clutch and I still felt beautiful!! At one wedding I actually was wearing a navy pant suit with my Peter Pilotto blouse... A bit unconventional but it felt great. And at the other wedding I was wearing a dress I bought in 2009, with red and White sailor stripes. Another unconventional choice but it felt totally right. It was a good experience that I have a wardrobe that always has some options for different occassions... And it felt much better than some tacky wedding dress with rhinestones.

 

[twistelette]

a navy suit with your pilotti top sounds so lovely, R&N!
as for me, I plan on going through my fall/winter clothes later today, to see what there and if there's anything that could tie it together more. I already know a good black wool top/sweater would be a welcome addition.
I talked about committing myself to not buying anything new (only second-hand) for a year a while ago. I've been doing that, with the exception of a pair of pyjamas that I got from COS, and a silk dress I got from an independent designer in Berlin.
I'll report back when I have inspected my wardrobe

 

[eizhowa]

Twistelette: I know someone who did that! She said no-one actually noticed... However, when some of her colleagues where discussing the huge amounts of money they spent on clothes and she mentioned that she hadn't bought anything new for a year they went very quiet. That ended that conversation

 

[barbaraaa]

ta-ta, it wasn't me looking for the hunters, as I already have a pair and it's more than enough for the weather here (I remember recommending them all over this thread however!). The purple are indeed a lovely colour. I went for the glossy graphite

And this has indeed been quiet! I guess we've all indeed become good at the no-shopping thing

 

[twistelette]

Twistelette: I know someone who did that! She said no-one actually noticed... However, when some of her colleagues where discussing the huge amounts of money they spent on clothes and she mentioned that she hadn't bought anything new for a year they went very quiet. That ended that conversation

well, buying the silk dress wasn't exactly a money-saving endeavor but yes, I do foresee some saving.
it never crossed my mind that anyone could notice. but the 'project' is, in part, about looking good and dressing well without buying new, yes.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^I know! I've dropped by twice to double check that I didn't actually unsubscribe by mistake... Apparently we have become so good at this that no-body buys anything or has any questions any more

Announcement: Taking new recruits!

Walking shoes: Do you need shoes for walking in nature, or for commuting? I have walked for hours in my Ecco Lilles on pavement, but my feet have never felt tired. All other ballerinas make my feet "tingle" after a while. I would recommend those, but I don't know if they are available to you, or if they still sell them, or if you like ballerina style shoes:/

I know, I was thinking the same thing ... apparently we aren't buying anything, or thinking about buying anything

The ones I tried on yesterday were Ecco Mary Janes. I wasn't crazy about how they lowered my heels ... it feels OK, but when I walk, I could see in the mirror that it changed my gait, and it wasn't pretty I looked like a duck, and while it's great on them, I don't think it's for me

I will likely be walking on pavement. We have paved trails around the river that runs close to where I live, I'm thinking about walking there in the cooler weather.

I am looking at a ballet style by a different manufacturer, have had multiple shoes by this brand in the past ... I think I'm going to order & see how they fit. If that doesn't work, then will shop further in person ...

PS Nice job on the wedding dressing, R&N!

 

[Nymphaea]

Yes, everyone is awake!

I've ordered long black leather gloves and hopefully they arrive this week. I'm very curious about the quality and the fit above the elbow.

And next week I'm going to shop a little bit, I saw black ankle boots from D&G and I want to check them out. Also going to check boots at Gucci.

 

[Jinadaze]

Looks like I'm the black sheep here.
Here is the list for the current season and I undelined the items I have already bought.

- black ankle boots (preferably chelsea boots - replacing them)
- grey V-neck sweater (replacing it)
- Breton stripe sweater (optional)
- tailored woolen trousers (already found a pair, hope to get them in London)
- leather satchel (need an additional one to Alexa)
- formal long-sleeved shirt (not polyester)
- black leather cuff (to replace my worn out Hermès one)
- grey dress, (replacing it, 3/4 or long-sleeved)
- trench coat (replacing the one I had to throw away)

A lot of things considering it's only Sept., but this season I really don't have any problems finding items I love, quite te opposite. I have to control myself actually.
I got some basic black skinnies this week, for a ridiculously discounted price (they were just 8 £), because I had to replace my old pair. And my mum recently ordered a black leather bag from Asos and I liked it so much I bought it from her. And because it was on my list I will look no further, this one is a real bargain. Sometimes Asos is weird, she ordered it for a discounted price (37,5 pounds, which is nothing for a bag like this) and now it's selling for a full price again ...
A lot of replacement purchaces this season anyway, but not because the old pieces were not of a good quality, the thing is that I wore them for years or they don't fit anymore.

Below is also a striped sweater I didn't post here before.

mango, asos, my pic

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I like that scalloped edge ...

I'm not really seeing anything that's tempting me to shop ... haven't been shopping all that much, but I am reading the big fall fashion magazines.

 

[Betinapple]

Well, I haven't been buying anything since I got my cardigan and haven't really been spending a lot of time thinking about my next purchase neither. The main reason for me being MIA though, is that I had a really bad week. Too much work on top of my studies, and therefore feeling stressed out.

Seems like you all are doing very good though.

@Red: sounds like a couple of really nice wedding-outfits solutions

@Ta-ta: what kind of shoe is it that you are looking for?

@Jina: I do not think purchasing "a lot" of stuff so far this season matters that much, since you got some good things and normally are very picky.

@Nymphaea: where did you get those gloves? I have been looking for something like that.

___________________

I think my October purchase will be a winter coat. Still not sure which one to get, but I think it will be a Fjällräven coat of some sort. Also I really wanted to get that leather skirt, but somehow, a couple of days ago, I was unsure of wether I would wear it.. Right now I think I would wear it a lot, and I am pretty sure it would be a good purchase, but since a winter coat will cost quite a lot I might wait to get the skirt for November.

 

[Nymphaea]

@Betinapple: The gloves are from Dents: http://www.dents.co.uk/products/82/Women's-Long-Leather-Glove.asp
I've been already looking for them for a long time. These ones have a slit at the wrist with 3 buttons and I like that kind of detail. I've seen the same gloves without this detail at Gucci and Lanvin, but they are much more expensive and I don't think they are worth that much more money. But well, I have wait for my final judgement when they arrive.

@Jinadaze: like your purchases, that scalloped edge is a gorgeous detail!

@Red: glad your choices did work out so nicely.

 

[Jinadaze]

Thank you! I was never fond of scalloped edges on clothes, but here it really works. It's a very stiff, heavy bag and it softens it in some way. It goes so great with the new trench which I have been wearing the whole previous week, even though it was kind of too warm for it. I want to take advantage of this weather because it gets cold very quick in the Fall.

Betina, did you found a perfect leather skirt or not yet? I remember posting a wishlist collage and it was there, but I'm not sure it was the one you are lusting over.
Anyway, buying it before the winter coat would be my suggestion, especially as you didn't find the right one yet (the coat, that is) and that might take some time.
Are you wearing skirts and dresses whole winter long? I don't, because I would freeze my a** off at -10/15C, so buying it in the next few weeks or so would give you more opportunities for wearing it this season.

Oh, I received the chelsea's today and am very satisfied. The leather is similar to the one used for a handbag, stiff, but they will soften eventually while wearing. I like them very much and they will fit even with the wool insole I am planning to get.

my pics

 

[Betinapple]

Thank you! I was never fond of scalloped edges on clothes, but here it really works. It's a very stiff, heavy bag and it softens it in some way. It goes so great with the new trench which I have been wearing the whole previous week, even though it was kind of too warm for it. I want to take advantage of this weather because it gets cold very quick in the Fall.

Betina, did you found a perfect leather skirt or not yet? I remember posting a wishlist collage and it was there, but I'm not sure it was the one you are lusting over.
Anyway, buying it before the winter coat would be my suggestion, especially as you didn't find the right one yet (the coat, that is) and that might take some time.
Are you wearing skirts and dresses whole winter long? I don't, because I would freeze my a** off at -10/15C, so buying it in the next few weeks or so would give you more opportunities for wearing it this season.

Oh, I received the chelsea's today and am very satisfied. The leather is similar to the one used for a handbag, stiff, but they will soften eventually while wearing. I like them very much and they will fit even with the wool insole I am planning to get.

my pics

Nice boots - you've really been doing some good purchases lately.

I have found the leather skirt that I want - and I think I might have decided on a coat as well. I wear skirts and dresses all winter with warm tights - keeps me warm better than jeans. I see your point, but I really need the coat - I do not NEED the skirt. Also, buying both would be possible but take a huge part of my savings, and I am not really comfortable with that.

You are right though, I am not head over heels about that jacket - but it suits my needs both in matters of practicality and aesthetics, and I think that is as close as well get. I rarely can get myself worked up over clothes anymore, somehow. The skirt is a "pragmatic" wish as well - I wont mind it selling out, but it would be a nice addition since I am missing a black a-line skirt and leather is a great material. And that is how I feel about most things, these days.

 

[eizhowa]

6 items challenge: I haven't told anyone else what I am doing this month (never came up), so I am going to unload on you guys I am so sick of grey t-shirts by now! I really really really want to put a white one on. So happy I only have 4 days left, and that my entire wardrobe consists of more than 6 items. The not buying anything part is fine, except I really need new jeans. The ones I have been wearing have been worn so much they have stretched out about 2 sizes. I really dislike ill-fitting bottoms, and I don't like washing my jeans this much (it is the only way to shrink them back to their normal size).

I was able to pack for a long weekend away using only my Bal as a carry-on That was great.

Ta-ta: I generally don't like how Ecco shoes are on either. There is something wrong with how they position the heel But my Ecco Lilles are flat, so I tolerate them Is having somewhat of a heel important to you?

 

[fashionista-ta]

nordstrom

Ordered these tonight ... hopefully they will fit! (These are Merrells.)

eizhowa, I definitely want flats ... but I guess I want my foot in its normal position

 

[adorefaith]

Jinadaze the boots are awesome. congrats.

 

[Tinetush]

Eizhova, I've kind of done the 30 pieces but for 7 months while living abroad. It really made me realize of few items I actually need. I forgot about many of the items I had left at home, realizing how little I needed them. I have to admit I did miss some stuff and was happy to mix it up a bit when I was rekindled with the rest of my wardrobe.
The reason why I would upgrade it to 10 is because I really like layering, so I would probably come in short with only 6 items. But maybe I could try and aim for 8 or 9 pieces instead. I'll let you know if I end up doing it.

Jinadaze, Thanks for the cos tip! That's brilliant info..
Oh and I really like those boots of yours. I like that they have a slightly higher heel than the average chelsea boot, makes them a bit different. and it looks like it's gonna be such a good heel height for everyday wear.

Betina, i think you are right in waiting with the coat. As far as i know fjällräven coats are such classics, they won't sell out. So you don't have to rush out and get one.
I compromised with my winter coat for the really cold days as well. I got a North Face Metropolis black knee length down coat last winter because of sheer necessity. When it's so cold that it's the most sensible option I could really care less wether it's the perfect coat. I have never seen a really warm coat that I truly love.. So I'm content.

I've finally been able to make myself a list for autumn and winter:
- skinny high waisted jeans in a dark denim. From Cheap Monday.
- sneakers, I've bought a pair of Nike Air Max in a black, grey and white colour combo. Hopefully they won't be too trendy looking when paired with the rest of my wardrobe. I'll have to play around with them when I receive them.
- another pair of heeled black booties, I still have my eye on the pair I spotted a while ago. But, I've really wanted a pair of Maison Martin Margiela Tabi boots for years now, and might just see if I can find a pair of those somewhere instead.
- simple wool jumper, grey or black, with some kind of texture to it. Why is it that pretty much every knit jumper that catches my fancy has angora in it!? I really can't be bothered with the shedding!
- some minimalistic gold earrings .

 

[eizhowa]

Tinetush: I really feel like I have learnt a lot about how little I need as well.

Everyone: Do any of you know about someone who sells (very) narrow chelsea boots for women? I would also like a less chunky heel, if possible. Heavy shoes just adds to the winter blues. I know balenciaga sells a perfect pair, but I can't justify those prices (400-500 euros) when they could get ruined very quickly by the salt they use on the streets. When you factor in the lack of a chunky heel, the retail + upkeep would be too expensive for me

 

[Betinapple]

@Tine: actually it is the skirt I am planning to wait with. It is a WANT thing, not a NEED thing. But I NEED a wintercoat. The Fjällräven coat is a classic, but they do not keep a big stock, so once the jacket sells out, it will be gone untill next year. I think I have decided to get it, if the lined one is warm enough (they are not in stores yet, so I haven't been able to try it). I really like the look of it and it should be very durable.

BTW I totally aggree with you on angora knit. I simply can't.

@Eizhowa: a lot of danish girl have been happy with with the Horze Jodphurs - they ARE in fact actually meant for the stable, but they look like at classic chelsea boot and the prices are very reasonable. Not sure if they are narrow, though.

Nothing new here. Went browsing with a friend today. She bought a pair of boots. I bought rice crackers There was nothing I really wanted, not even a winter coat that I liked, which I take as a sign that I really want that Fjällräven coat.

 

[eizhowa]

^I did actually consider buying equestrian boots, but they were even broader than my current pair. Might need to go to Italy sometime. I seem to remember that their shoes tended to be narrower then in my country.

I went shopping with a friend, and watched her buy 2 pairs of leather boots. Felt nice to be able to focus on helping her find what she needed, instead of looking for something I needed. Also felt great to not spend anything