The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #5

[adorefaith]

i settled on a pair of jeans today! finally. i narrowed it down to two pairs, 'the rocket' by citizens and a skinny pair of Levi's. the citizens were three times the price of the Levi's. ultimately i couldn't justify paying $250 and i don't know if there was much difference, quality wise.. they definitely looked very similar. i'm really happy with the Levi's... i would never have considered them, but a friend with great style bought a pair and mentioned he had seen a women's version, so i checked them out and am very glad i did. they have a really nice deep colour and grain, no visible branding and are the perfect length. happy.

plus i saved money so now i can keep searching for my dream bag!

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ yay, good for you! A bargain is always nice. Don't think I've ever spent more than $100 on a pair of jeans ... but I have on a t-shirt

 

[adorefaith]

thanks ta-ta! congrats to you on your purchase as well.

the last pair of denim i bought were Nudies about 3 years ago... i think i paid about $250. i absolutely loved them, though.. i felt more excited about them than i did about these citizens. and i wore them to death. still do wear them, actually, even though they're faded, ripped and stretched now. it's kinda part of the appeal!

 

[Betinapple]

Nice to see that there's activity in this thread

@Eizhowa: honestly, I think your mother should butt out it is your money. I used to lie about prices/hide things from my mum when I lived at her place, but when I moved out I started telling her the truth (a bit hard not to when you have a blog..). In the beginning she found me a bit insane but she adores my Mulberry bag and want one herself some day (actually part of it was a gift from her and my stepdad, even though they in no way understood the need to have such an expensive bag). Also she has begun to praise my economic skills and the fact that I really get my moneys worth from the things I buy.

Point being: If you want the Balenciaga boots and can afford them (maybe be pushing other less important purchases a little further into the future or selling some of the things you were talking about), I think you should buy them. At least don't settle for anything less than perfect.

@Ta-ta: Nice shoes - look very comfy

@Adorefaith: congrats on finding the perfect pair of jeans - can be such a long proces. I think jeans are very durable even when bought cheap, so I would never buy expensive jeans.

----

Still in limbo regarding the wintercoat situation - it is my priority for this month since it is the only thing on my list that I NEED. I think I have decided on the Fjällräven coat, but I have to check wether it is long enough to go with my dresses and decide wether I want the navy or the green one. I am finding this to be very difficult.

 

[Nymphaea]

I agree with Betinapple about the Balenciaga boots. Is it possible to try them on? Sometimes I really like a pair of boots or a coat, but when I try it on it isn't exactly the same as on the pic and after that my head is clean and I can look futher without thinking about those perfect boots or coat. But the other side of the story is of course you'll fall even more in love with them.....difficult!

 

[Caramel]

Feeling quite frustrated at the moment as I am rebuilding my wardrobe from rather bare bones, not having been able to shop or update much for the past four years. I want to make planned, well considered choices in my shopping and invest in good quality and only items that I absolutely love, and yet... now that I have the opportunity I can't help but feel a little rushed, in that I want to look better and feel better now! And there are also certain items that I need to keep warm and dry before the coming season that I can't wait around too long for. So there have been more impulse buys lately than I care to admit :/

I am very much inspired by you 4-5 piece wardrobe ladies, though it seems I have a bit of way to go myself.

 

[eizhowa]

^Oh, yay, new recruit! Have you made a list of the things you need this season?

Boots: I have never seen Balenciaga boots sold in my town. Frankly, if they were only £413, like in the UK store, I'd probably get them. However, paying £200 ekstra to importing the boot. ouch. And if it doesn't fit, I'll have to pay £200 more to exchange it and then I'd have to make a case to try and get my other money back from customs Maybe in 2015, when I might attend the january sales...

 

[barbaraaa]

^ Well, there's an excuse to go to London...

 

[Nymphaea]

Boots: I have never seen Balenciaga boots sold in my town. Frankly, if they were only £413, like in the UK store, I'd probably get them. However, paying £200 ekstra to importing the boot. ouch. And if it doesn't fit, I'll have to pay £200 more to exchange it and then I'd have to make a case to try and get my other money back from customs Maybe in 2015, when I might attend the january sales...

Did some quick browsing, maybe it helps :
I saw your Balenciaga ankle boots at Matches but for a much higher price. They are also at mytheresa for 545 euro, shipping 19 euro, returns free. And here is a seller who sells size 37 second-hand: http://www.vestiairecollective.com/...boots&utm_source=shopStyle(via+Shopping+Flux)
Also saw a high version of the same boot.

 

[eizhowa]

Very sweet of you, but there is still a 200 GBP fee to import those boots. I am not in the EU. The only site that includes taxes, and helps you get them back if you return, is NAP. And of course they don't sell Balenciaga

 

[Nymphaea]

Very sweet of you, but there is still a 200 GBP fee to import those boots. I am not in the EU. The only site that includes taxes, and helps you get them back if you return, is NAP. And of course they don't sell Balenciaga

Oh really?! I now see that it's non-EU, how annoying!
Then I agree with Barbaraa, go on a holiday to a big city. Or family/friends in Sweden/Finland?

 

[Caramel]

^Oh, yay, new recruit! Have you made a list of the things you need this season?

I have made a list of items I need and when I listed up my purchases so far this season I can see that I have managed to stick to it quite well. The problem is that I keep second guessing my choices and think that in some cases I have been too quick to settle for items that are right in theory but that I don't necessarily love.

I bought a pair of ankle boots last month where I think I let practicality rule too much, for example. I have been looking for just the right pair for a really long time (I think I have much the same criteria as you actually - I also prefer men's boots but for size 35 feet that's obviously impossible), and finally found a pair online that I liked the look of and made up my mind to get them. When I tried them on in the store however, something about them didn't feel quite right, but I rationalized that they would be super practical for wet Norwegian winter days (which I am sure they will). I've worn them a few times and they are super comfy, but I just don't love how I look in them. They are to chunky/heavy for what I wanted, my feet look huge in them and they make me feel short and fat. I obviously should have trusted my gut when I tried them on, so I guess this is a lesson. They weren't as expensive as your Balenciaga boots by far, but still not cheap so I am really kicking myself over it.

Another item bought recently is a cardigan from H&M. After analyzing my wardrobe I decided that I needed a long cardigan to get more wear out of my skirts and dresses this fall. I have been looking around at different options but have not yet found anything that I like or that fits me well enough to spend a lot of money on. I ended up getting one from H&M, and I wouldn't say it's a bad purchase as I've already worn it lots both with skirts, dresses and jeans and it has multiplied my possible outfit combinations, but obviously the quality isn't great so I know it won't last me that long. It's exactly this kind of purchases I am trying to steer clear of, so I am still trying to justify it to myself!

 

[misstarshine]

Caramel it takes time to know exactly what you want/like/need. I have been following this method almost since this thread started and only this year did I buy a chunky navy cardigan which I never knew would make my wardrobe work. Its especially hard when you want to give your style a bit of an update and you just arent sure what will work.

I have to disagree with you ladies on expensive jeans. I just bought the perfect jeans from Sass and Bide. They retail $230, lucky for me I bought them on ebay brand new for $90. But as soon as I put them on I remembered why I have generally always bought expensive jeans, they fit so well and make me feel amazing. I have bought cheap jeans and have had one pair for $20 that were pretty good. But these are worth every penny I would pay full price for them. Of course I think Sass and Bide are a brand that also really suits my body type. I have tried on other expensive jeans and they have looked terrible.

 

[Caramel]

Caramel it takes time to know exactly what you want/like/need. I have been following this method almost since this thread started and only this year did I buy a chunky navy cardigan which I never knew would make my wardrobe work. Its especially hard when you want to give your style a bit of an update and you just arent sure what will work.

Yes, it's definitely a challenge! For me I think I need to find the balance of not being too hard on myself while still practicing being more patient and disciplined. This thread is definitely a huge inspiration and motivation!

 

[adorefaith]

I have made a list of items I need and when I listed up my purchases so far this season I can see that I have managed to stick to it quite well. The problem is that I keep second guessing my choices and think that in some cases I have been too quick to settle for items that are right in theory but that I don't necessarily love.

I bought a pair of ankle boots last month where I think I let practicality rule too much, for example. I have been looking for just the right pair for a really long time (I think I have much the same criteria as you actually - I also prefer men's boots but for size 35 feet that's obviously impossible), and finally found a pair online that I liked the look of and made up my mind to get them. When I tried them on in the store however, something about them didn't feel quite right, but I rationalized that they would be super practical for wet Norwegian winter days (which I am sure they will). I've worn them a few times and they are super comfy, but I just don't love how I look in them. They are to chunky/heavy for what I wanted, my feet look huge in them and they make me feel short and fat. I obviously should have trusted my gut when I tried them on, so I guess this is a lesson. They weren't as expensive as your Balenciaga boots by far, but still not cheap so I am really kicking myself over it.

Another item bought recently is a cardigan from H&M. After analyzing my wardrobe I decided that I needed a long cardigan to get more wear out of my skirts and dresses this fall. I have been looking around at different options but have not yet found anything that I like or that fits me well enough to spend a lot of money on. I ended up getting one from H&M, and I wouldn't say it's a bad purchase as I've already worn it lots both with skirts, dresses and jeans and it has multiplied my possible outfit combinations,but obviously the quality isn't great so I know it won't last me that long. It's exactly this kind of purchases I am trying to steer clear of, so I am still trying to justify it to myself!

caramel rest assured you are absolutely not the only one feeling these things! the highlighted part of your post is something i still wrestle with. the thing is, even with a very deliberate, curated wardrobe, i believe there are always going to be items that are seasonal/trendy/transitional/basics in some way... things that aren't necessarily investment pieces and aren't intended to be such... and then i think as long as they do exactly what you said (fill a gap in your wardrobe, multiply outfit possibilities, enjoy a lot of wear) then they have a purpose and are justifiable.

or maybe this is just what i tell myself... but seriously, i think the point is just to think and plan more before purchases, and to really find the gaps in your wardrobe and then fill them with intent, rather than just shopping for the sake of it. i still beat myself up for those cheap, lower quality purchases... but i think it's silly, really. there is a place for them. in general, i think i am putting more thought into my purchases and the building of a wardrobe that's consistent and versatile and hopefully (mostly) good quality. i think that's all you can ask of yourself.

 

[Nymphaea]

You were right guys, those D&G boots are not ment to be because they are a bit to wide at the shaft. I can only wear leggings or wide pants and everything in between is a hassle to make it look good and I don't want to be annoyed every time I wear them. Also the left boot seems to be a bit wider, the fit isn't perfect. And I miss the leather scent, for example Prada smells heavenly of leather. I'm going to keep my eyes open for some other black boots.

I agree totally with you adorefaith. The more expensive an item is the more I critize it. I want a good fit, a decent price and good quality (i.e. years of pleasure). Every time again I deliberate over a possible purchase. I purchase from H&M to Prada. At H&M I try to pick the things that are of good quality or the price is very low so I can justify the purchase. But every time it is a bit of a hassle and honestly most purchases are not essential. And also expensive designers don't always have top-notch quality, so you have to be fastidious every time with everything.

 

[fashionista-ta]

I buy items at a variety of price points too. However, there's a point I don't go below, especially for shoes. We have H&M here, but I have never walked through the door Places like Ann Taylor or Talbots, I have things from there that are good quality. Trousers, especially dress ones, I don't buy at a lower price point like that ... I don't think you can get the quality you need at $100 for something lined, it just doesn't happen.

Shoes, at $100 these days you're getting something that basically isn't maintainable. Shoes IMO don't need to be & shouldn't be a throwaway item ... with good maintenance they can last for many years. So I don't even go there now, because I know I'll be unhappy when I get to that point. Athletic shoes, Converse (which I like but don't wear), are obtainable at that price point, but anything with a heel and sole I like to buy at a higher price point. The quality really shows in the construction and comfort too ...

 

[misstarshine]

I agree with you tata other than converse and rubber flip flops I only buy leather shoes because they last. Also they look good with age.

I don't think I've ever spent more than $150 on a pair of shoes but I'm pretty good at finding sales. My latest purchase of biker boots were originally $180 but I waited and got them for $55

 

[misstarshine]

I also expect my shoes to long enough to go in and out of style at least once

 

[starsnosigns]

I bought chanel knock off flats recently. So pretty. I don`t have pictures.