The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #5

[eizhowa]

^I think that dress is to memorable to be your little black dress, so it would probably just be another black dress, if that makes any sense. In my mind, a little black dress should be something so non-descript that no one will bother to really look at, but at the same time will makes you look beautiful. Your assymetrical dress will definitly be noticed
I do know that feeling of need, though

 

[EvaH]

[URL=http://imgbox.com/aczMUhf7]

Ooops ! Credit for the previous post is Theoutnet


I understand what you mean and I now see why I was struggling so much to find the perfect LBD. At first I would love some of the ones I would see and then, I would find them too "plain". But now that you gave me your description of LBD I come to realize that they actually should be plain
I bought what I thought to be [URL="https://www.theoutnet.com/product/317104"]a LBD from the Outnet some month ago, it is perfect for an office work and to get a drink with friends but it does not work so well for a fancy restaurant or a party. And at the same time it does not really work either with converse (but it works very well with my lanvin flat and I loved playing with accessories/belts etc ) I haven't tried it with boots but I think it would be okay with really opaque tights and ankle boots!

Alteration[b/]: I have been eyeing this dress for more than 6 months now. I first saw the kaki green version (sold out) and never found it again anywhere. Now it has re-surfaced on the outnet but I missed my size. For those who sew/often alter their clothes, do you find this style would be easily altered? (it is again one size too big) It looks easier to do than for the previous dress I considered.. I might not have to do it since they recommend to take the next size up for those quite busty but..
Credit: the outnet

 

[RedandNavy]

Thank you for the nice words on the parka! I've been wearing it ever since it arrived on Friday and so far it feels awesome! Sporty and still chic, exactly what I wanted. Looking forward to wearing it again tomorrow

It feels great that now I have two of the items I really needed, the flat boots and the parka. It's so nice to think that I can shop for more "fun" pieces again after having covered the basics!

Now as for an LBD I've recently spoted one for myself Maybe it will be my November purchase...?? I do agree a LBD should rather avoid embellishment or fancyful details. The dresses you have posted are fine - but not as a classic LBD... But who says you need a classic LBD if you don't feel attracted to them?

 

[Nymphaea]

I understand what you mean and I now see why I was struggling so much to find the perfect LBD. At first I would love some of the ones I would see and then, I would find them too "plain". But now that you gave me your description of LBD I come to realize that they actually should be plain
I bought what I thought to be a LBD from the Outnet some month ago, it is perfect for an office work and to get a drink with friends but it does not work so well for a fancy restaurant or a party. And at the same time it does not really work either with converse (but it works very well with my lanvin flat and I loved playing with accessories/belts etc ) I haven't tried it with boots but I think it would be okay with really opaque tights and ankle boots!

Alteration[b/]: I have been eyeing this dress for more than 6 months now. I first saw the kaki green version (sold out) and never found it again anywhere. Now it has re-surfaced on the outnet but I missed my size. For those who sew/often alter their clothes, do you find this style would be easily altered? (it is again one size too big) It looks easier to do than for the previous dress I considered.. I might not have to do it since they recommend to take the next size up for those quite busty but..

I agree with eizhowa and RedandNavy concerning the LBD. Imo it should be very simple and straightforward so you can up/downscale it with the accessories for work or a chic diner.

For altering that dress. It depends on which part needs to be altered. Waist and below is easy, just take in the side seams and/or darts, but from the waist up it's more difficult because of the buttons, the epaulettes and other details. If you've had a very bland dress without adornments it would be easy and cheap, but I think this dress is a lot more difficult, but it depends on which part needs to be altered. But do you want all the hassle? That's the big question. Do you need/crave that dress or can you look further.

 

[Trenchcoat]

I think that I'm going to add these four basics to my wardrobe


H&M

ZARA


ZARA


H&M

I really want to invest in better quality of tees. But even more expensive tees have bad quality.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ I've been pleased with the T I got from Elie Tahari. Have also gotten good ones from Talbot's before.

As far as alterations, I don't attempt to alter something that's not my size unless I already own it. I use them generally to make things that are my size fit better.

 

[Trenchcoat]

I always buy cheaper t's because I know that they won't last long. I wear them a lot and wash them a lot too. I believe Hennes has got fine T's.

I love the brands Maje and Sandro. I'm going to wait for the sale in december because I want to buy a Sandro jacket. I love French brands!!

 

[Betinapple]

@Trenchcoat: Welcome! So nice with new people in here. Unfortunately I can't see your newest pictures.

@Eva: welcome back how are you doing? I aggree with the others - I do not think the dress is plain enough to serve as THE little black dress. Also, I would not buy anything that had to be taken in from the beginning - seems like a hassle

@Me: I bought a coat. The Fjällräven coat that I have been babbling about. I chose the navy one since I felt like doing something different this year and my last two parkas have been green. Really happy about it.

 

[twistelette]

I've been away from this thread so long!
Welcome, Trenchcoat!
That is a great parka, Betina! I really like the navy. It's like one big parka feast in here, with R&N's gorgeous APC parka as well As for a coat to wear with dresses or longer cardigans, I'm with Eizhowa that you need a dress coat, Betina. Maybe it's an idea to look for it vintage? I'm always seeing the most amazing dress coats... since it is not a matter of needing to have it NOW, you can take your time and find the perfect one.
EvaH, about The LBD, I don't think an LBD needs to be plain and undistinctive to function as such, but it can be a fine line between a versatile dress and 'she's wearing That dress again'. I'm saying, if a dress doesn't speak to you, don't get it because you think that must mean it's indistinctive enough to be an LBD. I would hesitate before I bought a dress that I'm pretty sure would need to be altered, but the thing with that dress from the Outnet is that they mention it is cut for women who don't have a lot of bust. If you think that's going to be a problem in the fit, I'd say that this isn't the dress that is cut to make your body look its best.
As for me, I've found out (the hard way) that my flat black boots are no longer rain-resistant. They are really just becoming old, I've had them since 2007, so they have earned their keep. This means I am looking for some new boots. (Still following my no-new-stuff-for-a-year 'project', shoes are not included - as is underwear and socks and that sort of stuff)

 

[EvaH]

But who says you need a classic LBD if you don't feel attracted to them?

Yes, I think I will have to think about that. I really like the one I got and after seeing it on would have really regret not following my gut. I feel like a princess in it this morning and if I had not tried on my wedding dress yesterday, I would have said that I haven't feel that beautiful for a million years. I will probably give it its first outing this week-end, so excited

I absolutely know the feeling of having to look for basics and stepping away from fun pieces. I think that's why I went for those dresses, I was tired of looking for coats/boots/wool trousers

T-shirts: I like Zara over H&M but both do the job. I mostly wear those doing sports tho. Otherwise I mainly like Splendid, James Perse etc but those are a bit too expensive for a t-shirt :/ I never tried Tahari.

Betina, great parka ! Joining the "blue" outerwear wagon as well I am much better, thank you

----
Thanks for your help everyone ! I just received everything. I love the asymmetric black dress and I will definitely wear it. The blue military dress is absolutely gorgeous in real life but is indeed too big (around the waist and a little bit on the side of the bust). However it has come back in my size today so I just purchased it I will tell you tomorrow how it looks and fit

I was able to tick 4 urgent things off my main wishlist

• the coat: I got a 80% virgin wool blue coat by Love moschino
• high heels black boots from Giuseppe Zanotti which I absolutely adore eizohwa I was sceptical because normally I absolutely hate pull on boots. However, no hassle at all putting these on! I also really like the almond toe - not too long and doesn't look weird, the 10cm heels doesn't really feel like 10cm at all. They really are sturdy/steady and the leather seem tick and durable. However, I just ordered the IT 39 as I suspect the IT 40 I own might be too big.. Once I receive the 39 I will be able to comment a bit more on the sizing (bare in mind I don't really have narrow feet so)
• wool blazers: creme & blue (I recently had to discard the white Mango, black Zara and red Mango blazer)
• an evening clutch

My next purchases should be the Gianvito Rossi biker boots and one or two jumper.

Credit: theoutnet & yoox

 

[barbaraaa]

I've been away for a while, but keeping up with the posts

I'm not sure if I had already said this, but the trousers I had ordered arrived and they're really good on me. The other pair I was considering sold out in my size and wasn't that nicely discounted anyway, so ASOS trousers it is!

I'm glad all of you are having luck with your winter outerwear. How is the bidding war going, eizhowa? I was actually going to suggest you look into textured/patterned coats, herringbone, tweed, etc, as they're less unidimensional and that might make the colour search easier.

On the lbd discussion, I mostly agree with this:

EvaH, about The LBD, I don't think an LBD needs to be plain and undistinctive to function as such, but it can be a fine line between a versatile dress and 'she's wearing That dress again'.

I also find it very difficult that one single dress will be versatile enough to actually work for functions from coffee with friends to the office to some sort of ceremony. On the other hand, I find that a lbd should be versatile enough so that one can wear it to several coffees, days at work or formal events and, with the right accessories, it will always look right and not "oh there's that dress again".

 

[EvaH]

I think I am OT here but does anyone know in which section here we can post an advert? I am looking for a London based stylist !

Barbara yeah for the trousers

 

[eizhowa]

Eva, An LBD is definitly not for everyone. I like the idea of owning a really small number of items, so having one really versatile dress would be great. That said, I never need to look overly formal. I will be a student for several more years, so mid-thigh length dress will work for both dressy and casual occations for me. I think your activities are more diverse. Seeing as you can afford several black dresses, maybe having one lbd is not neccesary? I really like the neckline/bodice of the one you own, but I see why you struggle to make it casual

I actually found a lbd contender for myself while writing this post... It is short enough to wear with ballet flats during the day, and it could also work with pumps during the night. I like the fact that it has a boat neck, and that if flares out a bit. Means I can eat and drink while wearing it and leave the spanx at home

My only issue is that it a polyester/viscose/spandex blend... Maybe it will be more durable/wash more easily with some synthetic fibres? I am considering getting a washed silk slip lbd for the warmest summer days.

Any input?

French Connection Black Ruth Classic A-line Dress

Lyst

Thanks for the review of the boots, Eva Do you have any experience with Iris and Inks cashmere? I know you've ordered a lot from the outnet, but I don't quite remember what. I am considering getting a burgundy sweater from the brand. I don't have the option to return if it is of poor quality.

theoutnet

Ta-ta: I've always struggled with being sallow, not with having too much redness in my skin. I compared to two chinese girls in my class once. I wasn't as dark, but my hands were just as yellow as theirs. My hands were more yellow than my face though. I look my worst in yellow and navy, and I my skin looks very healthy in bright reds. I really do believe that apple-addiction was largely to blame

Barbaraa: I snipe, so no bidding yet No other bidders yet. The coat is from 2006, I think. Hopefully no one else will be intersted. A girl can dream... I agree that cordinating colors is easier with textured coats. Congrats on the trousers!

 

[twistelette]

Eizhowa - that sweater looks really nice, but I'd hesitate buying anything I couldn't return if it didn't fit.
That dress seems perfect for you! Have you seen it IRL? How did the fabric feel? That would be the most important thing for me...

 

[eizhowa]

Twistelette: It is the quality of the cashmere I am uncertain about. Their silks are very good, as is the stitching. I am easy to fit when it comes to sweaters, so I am not overly worried about that. I could always re-sell it or open a case to get my customs duties back, but it would be a hassle...

We don't have french connection in Norway, and I am not visiting the UK untill next summer The reviews on their site were good, but they only mentionedthe fit. I will stalk ebay first. It is not cheap for a synethic dress.

 

[Trenchcoat]

Thank you! I went to ZARA today to find a coat but I didn't like any of them. The quality wasn't good and the coats were not thick enough. I went to COS and Massimo Dutti and I fell in love with this coat. The composition is 5% CASHMERE 20% POLYAMIDE and 75% WOOL. I want to buy cashmere big scarf too.

Massimo Dutti

 

[Trenchcoat]

Eva,
Thanks for the review of the boots, Eva Do you have any experience with Iris and Inks cashmere? I know you've ordered a lot from the outnet, but I don't quite remember what. I am considering getting a burgundy sweater from the brand. I don't have the option to return if it is of poor quality.


theoutnet

Ta-ta: I've always struggled with being sallow, not with having too much redness in my skin. I compared to two chinese girls in my class once. I wasn't as dark, but my hands were just as yellow as theirs. My hands were more yellow than my face though. I look my worst in yellow and navy, and I my skin looks very healthy in bright reds. I really do believe that apple-addiction was largely to blame

Barbaraa: I snipe, so no bidding yet No other bidders yet. The coat is from 2006, I think. Hopefully no one else will be intersted. A girl can dream... I agree that cordinating colors is easier with textured coats. Congrats on the trousers!

Is the sweater 100 % cashmere?

 

[eizhowa]

^Yes. Iris and Ink is a brand that sell quality basics at the Outnet.

Trenchcoat, If you are looking for a large scarf, the Acne Canada scarves are very big and soft. They are not cashmere, but 100% lambswool. Not too expensive either, and they have several classic colors.

 

[Trenchcoat]

Eizhowa Thanks! I also found this one from COS 100% cashmere. It's 69 euro's and COS sells good quality clothes!

 

[fashionista-ta]

eizhowa, sounds like you're not really comfortable with the synthetic content ...

Just stopped by to mention that my new walking shoes & sports bra have both worked out really well ... both are comfortable. While out walking I have noted a number of other women who are not wearing good sports bras So far I have managed not to stop any of them & warn them of the long term consequences Consider yourselves warned however ...

Today I found out that all telecommuting has been suspended for my group at work, which means that my need for additional trousers is more urgent, and my dry cleaning bill is about to go up. Perhaps January or so will be a convenient time to shop for these ... in terms of pieces, I definitely still have an open slot or two left this season. If I count my walking shoes, I've bought 4 pieces.