The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #6

[Jinadaze]

Jindaze: Where are the black pants from? Been looking for something similar too

I found them discounted big-time on a local website, selling things from the past seasons. Since the material is good and the price was ridiculously low I had to get them, even though I don't usually buy at Zara. They are a real bargain and I love the fit and detailing, but I am sure they have something similar in stores from the recent collection.

Jinadaze: Hopefully your Iris and Ink silk shirt will be just as soft as mine I really like the look of that Ferragamo bracelet! I am slightly enamoured with the brand due to its connections with Audrey Hepburn

I recieved my N. Peal cashmere sweater today and I am very pleased with it! It was descibed at "loose fitting" on the outnet, so I sized down as much as I could - with success! The fabric is much thicker than the Iris and Ink one I bought. When I pulled my previous out of the box, I could see my floow through the sweater... That should have been my first clue This one is almost opaque

I do to! Regarding the bracelet - well looks like it's not mean to be, I realised the black one is not listed on the website anymore, but couldn't recall if the 'anhracite' shade was actually black (I know it means a very dark grey shade, but this colour is not pictured anymore so I couldn't tell). Anyway, this is what they responded today, so I will pass on it.

The ANTHRACITE version of the item is a dark petrol blue hue.

We are making sure the photos of the item get uploaded soon.

There is no way I could wear a coloured leather bracelet on a daily basis, I would go nuts. I would not settle on anything but black, since I am obsessed with the black leather + gold hardware combination.
I almost made a final decision to get a cuff from Jaeger London as planned before, but will have to get it shipped to my friends adress in Austria.
It is a little cheaper and I actually like the design even more than of SF one.
It's pinned from a while ago.

So glad your sweater is satisfying!

I wanted to ask your opinion on these leather boots. I really want some riding boots and I saw these from Lauren. They are on sale now but there is no Ralph Lauren store in my hood so I still have some doubts. What do you think:

I normally don't like (or wear) tall boots but I would immediately wear those.

I don't really wear any jewelry but I can imagine how a great necklace/bracelet/ring can bring some things to life.

Having everything right might feel a bit boring especially when you're used to look for things to improve your wardrobe.
Maybe it will pass without buying something.

I agree, and you can always buy some nice lingerie. Beautiful lingerie always cheers me up.

 

[Betinapple]

@Fewormany: I do have a great ring on my wishlist for christmas, perhaps that could shake things up a little. Generally I am a bit difficult about jewelry though since I have a few things that I always were (because I prefer real gold, silver etc. and always wear the jewelry I have that I have gotten from the people close to me, like the ring my boyfriend gave me and my mothers wedding ring from her marriage with my father).

I think it will pass at some point, even without buying something, and this is not the perfect mood to go shopping anyhow in my opinion

@Elle's enuine: that is a great idea, thank you! Actually I used to do that all the time.

@Ta-ta: funny how you all are thinking about emerald green - is it good with my complexion or something? A scarf might be a good idea.

@Twistelette: I also more clothes around fro my wardrobe to the attic because I hate having clothes in my actual wardrobe that I do not wear currently because I have to sort through all of that before I find something I actually want to wear, when getting dressed.

@Eizhowa: maybe you are right - I seem to be very bothered by the darkness but this year haven't been so bad I think.

Congrats on getting your bag - I love the colour!

I can understand why you really want the porsellis, but I would not be inclined to pay that much money for balletflats neither. Not really sure what advice to give you as I understand how you want them badly, but I probably would not do it.

However I do not understand how you can have your entire wardrobe planned around them? Maybe you could mix something up so that is not the case?

@Thesiren: I have been really happy about my Benneton sweater. In Denmark it costs around a third of your budget I am wearing mine for the second winter now.

@Jina: I have plenty lingerie. Sure it would cheer my boyfriend up though

Since you were such a great help regarding the "bored"-issue, I thought I might as well ask your opinion on this matter as well.

One of the items I have been struggling with is this cape. I love the design but I have no clue as of that to wear it at ATM. It was perfect before with my more vintage-y style but now that my style is more contemporary I just can not make it fit in.

I have worn it primarily with a blouse and a pencilskirt, with a draped skirt a long sleeved t-shirt and ballet flats and with jeans, a blouse and ballet flats, but when I put these outfits on nowadays it just feels wrong. What would you wear it with?

 

[Trenchcoat]

Since you were such a great help regarding the "bored"-issue, I thought I might as well ask your opinion on this matter as well.

One of the items I have been struggling with is this cape. I love the design but I have no clue as of that to wear it at ATM. It was perfect before with my more vintage-y style but now that my style is more contemporary I just can not make it fit in.

I have worn it primarily with a blouse and a pencilskirt, with a draped skirt a long sleeved t-shirt and ballet flats and with jeans, a blouse and ballet flats, but when I put these outfits on nowadays it just feels wrong. What would you wear it with?

I think it's a great cape. I would wear it with a coated/leather jeans. I have a very dark green coated jeans that I would wear this with.

Or I would wear it with a simple black skirt and riding boots. I love the combination of a cape and classic riding boots.

 

[eizhowa]

Betina: I would wear jeans + sweater with it, because I am a jeans + sweater king of girl... I think it would look great with ballet flats + your APC breton + grey jeans. Oh no, now I want a cape

When I said I had built my wardrobe around it I meant my future buys. I still want to add more burgundy pieces to my wardrobe, and I think the shoes would really tie it all together. That way I could still alternate my bag, and add all my other pieces, while still looking pulled together. Black shoes could also work, but that is so much more boring...

I don't know if this makes sense, or is entirely true, but I feel like you, Betina, create a lot of silhoutettes (with your skirts and capes) to define your style, while I primarily depend on colors.

apc/theoutnet/toast/ebay

Emerald green: I think you have a complexion that can pull of many greens, Betina, but I think a deeper/darker green would look better against your face. (They do sell an emerald green Baggu bag in suede that would really pop against an outfit with darker greens in it)

"Law of Jante": I have been thinking about my own style lately, and I have realized that I am very influenced by the scandinatian "Law of Jante"- mentality, which, when relating to fashion, means that you should not try to stand out. Looking too fashionable just feels wrong where I live... Classic, muted styles are much more appropriate. However, I don't really think it is a bad thing, because I am part of the mentality myself. I feel attracted to many statement pieces online, but I know I won't wear them if I buy them... Hopefully I'll be better at fighting the impulses from now on

PS. I don't mean to poke the bear, but does anyone feel like the Mods are a little bit more relaxed when it comes to this thread?

 

[eizhowa]

^Forgot to mention; I will wait until January for the shoes. I do not believe, however, that I would find another pair at the same price point (145 GBP - 190GBP) that I would be nearly as pleased with. So I really want them to NOT sell out...

 

[Trenchcoat]

^Forgot to mention; I will wait until January for the shoes. I do not believe, however, that I would find another pair at the same price point (145 GBP - 190GBP) that I would be nearly as pleased with. So I really want them to NOT sell out...

I love the combinations. And I love the scandinavian style.

Can someone advise me a nice viscose/polyester white blouse. I used to want a silk blouse but since seeing a Alexander McQueen silk blouse which was soo thin and fragile I don't want a silk blouse anymore.

So I'm looking for a polyester/viscose simple but classic one. The Mango blouse which I uploaded here is way too long. Can someone advise me another blouse <60 euros.

 

[RedandNavy]

Eizhowa: I love burgundy, and I love the combinations. I have several burgundy pieces in my wardrobe and love them. Such a rich, earthy color.

Tata: Loved the Sorel boots you pinned!! I went to Nordstrom and actually wanted to order them, but they are no longer available in my size (I think I'd need a 5 or 5.5). What a pity.

Trenchcoat: No experience with a white polyester blouse. Why not cotton? In my opinion it's much more classy than polyester / viscose. But that depends on the piece, of course.

 

[Betinapple]

@Eizhowa: I probably would prefer a darker green as well. I think emerald green is pretty, but I would not feel comfortable wearing it. I do not like too bright colours for my clothes.

Don't you think that it would look too bulky wearing a sweater underneath it? I will have to try that. That way I could also wear it at this time of year since it is too cold just wearing it with an l/s tee underneath.

I can see how you feel with the shoes but at the same time I do not think that black shoes with burgundy pieces would look wrong at all, but perhaps you are right regarding the colours vs. silhouettes thing. I do hope that they wont sell out before January, since I know how much you want them.

@Trenchcoat: Thank you for the advice. I am sure that the combination of the cape, a skirt and riding boots would look great. Unfortunately I do not own a pair.

I don't think you should write of silk just because you saw one bad silk piece. Like we've talked about before, there are lots of different types of silk. Is InWear available in your country? They have a lot of great blouses/shirts in both silk and vicose for affordable prices.

 

[Trenchcoat]

Eizhowa: I love burgundy, and I love the combinations. I have several burgundy pieces in my wardrobe and love them. Such a rich, earthy color.

Tata: Loved the Sorel boots you pinned!! I went to Nordstrom and actually wanted to order them, but they are no longer available in my size (I think I'd need a 5 or 5.5). What a pity.

Trenchcoat: No experience with a white polyester blouse. Why not cotton? In my opinion it's much more classy than polyester / viscose. But that depends on the piece, of course.

Because I want a loose fitting one.

frenchconnection.com

 

[Trenchcoat]

mango.com

Or maybe this on. I like blouses from Mango and this one isn't as long as the other one I posted.

 

[blackcoffee]

@Trenchcoat: Thank you for the advice. I am sure that the combination of the cape, a skirt and riding boots would look great. Unfortunately I do not own a pair.

maybe you could try your ankle boots with legwarmers with your cape, legwarmers don't sound very stylish i know…
but i own these boots in the picture and they have the same effect - you can pull them up so they look like riding boots or down - but the upper part is made of suede not knitted

danskelectives.de

 

[RedandNavy]

Betinapple: Sometimes things just feel wrong for a certain time - even if you like them. Why don't you store it for a season (if none of the adviceyou are getting here helps)? Maybe if you take it out next year, you might find a way to wear it then. I like blackcoffees picture though!

 

[elle s'ennuie]

I agree, and you can always buy some nice lingerie. Beautiful lingerie always cheers me up.

You were quoting Fewormany before that so for a moment there I thought you were advising him to get beautiful lingerie.

eizhowa, 420 USD is quite a bit to pay for ballet flats indeed. I saw that the APC online store stocks them, would they be available at their stores in London as well? Also, I noticed an Italian ebay store selling some for cheaper prices, anyone know if those are legitimate?

 

[Nymphaea]

I agree with you all above about eizhowa's flats, just wait and see, there is a real chance you're lucky and get them for less.

I've received my wool black trousers from Armani but the fit is too old fashioned for my taste, so they are going back.
Tomorrow the jeans form Acne will arrive, hopefully better than Armani, fingers crossed.

Emerald green is gorgeous!

Betinapple maybe it's now just a short time your not satisfied with your wardrobe and missing something. Probably it will blow over or you find your solution. I agree with RedandNavy. And you should try some combinations from your wardrobe with the cape, I'm sure there is something that works.

Trenchcoat I like the blouse from Mango very much, it's stylish.

Great boots blackcoffee, very versatile.

 

[eizhowa]

You were quoting Fewormany before that so for a moment there I thought you were advising him to get beautiful lingerie.

eizhowa, 420 USD is quite a bit to pay for ballet flats indeed. I saw that the APC online store stocks them, would they be available at their stores in London as well? Also, I noticed an Italian ebay store selling some for cheaper prices, anyone know if those are legitimate?

The ones on Ebay have been there for months without anyone buying them. I don't know if that means that they are copys or just not as nice. I want a pair in the color Damson, and I have not found them on Pierotucci in this shade. They are sold out on APCs website, but I will of course check their London store when I go there

I actually reacted to the comment about lingerie as well

Betina: Only you will know if it is too bulky In my mind, your APC sweater is not bulky at all. I agree that if you can't find a way to wear it, store it for now.

I really have thought of one million ways to wear those flats. They would also brighten up any all black outfit. Hopefully you are right, Nymphaea

 

[Fewormany]

You were quoting Fewormany before that so for a moment there I thought you were advising him to get beautiful lingerie.

Well, that would shake some thing up but I'm not sure I'm in for that

Regarding the 'Jante law' eizhowa mentioned, in the Netherlands where I live the same mentality is common. I think it has some roots in calvinism. Keeping things simple and sober is key, it seems to be rooted pretty deep in the minds of many.
In Dutch we have a saying that translates as "Just be normal, that's crazy enough'. Even though I'm all for simplicity it shouldn't be or feel restraining.

thesiren: COS has great sweaters and knits in your price range you should check if they have something you like.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Eizhowa: I love burgundy, and I love the combinations. I have several burgundy pieces in my wardrobe and love them. Such a rich, earthy color.

Tata: Loved the Sorel boots you pinned!! I went to Nordstrom and actually wanted to order them, but they are no longer available in my size (I think I'd need a 5 or 5.5). What a pity.

Trenchcoat: No experience with a white polyester blouse. Why not cotton? In my opinion it's much more classy than polyester / viscose. But that depends on the piece, of course.

You may want to check with them to be sure on your size ... in my experience with brick & mortar retailers, the availability info online is not necessarily accurate. I think they err on the safe side, showing things as sold out when they start running low.

Does anyone else have this style? What about the Sorel site?

 

[Trenchcoat]

Well, that would shake some thing up but I'm not sure I'm in for that

Regarding the 'Jante law' eizhowa mentioned, in the Netherlands where I live the same mentality is common. I think it has some roots in calvinism. Keeping things simple and sober is key, it seems to be rooted pretty deep in the minds of many.
In Dutch we have a saying that translates as "Just be normal, that's crazy enough'. Even though I'm all for simplicity it shouldn't be or feel restraining.

thesiren: COS has great sweaters and knits in your price range you should check if they have something you like.

COS indeed does have very good quality sweaters. I think it's a Scandinavian brand.

 

[thesiren]

Can someone tell me where to get COS sweaters shipped to the States? Sounds interesting...

I am pining for a pair of loafers from J.Crew but I think I'll wait until the after-Christmas sales. $400 is a lot, although I realize they're made in Italy blah blah.

Fewormany - I love that saying about being normal. Classic!

For those in the States, Talbots is having 50% off a single item tomorrow (Thanksgiving) and Black Friday. I have a few of their silk utility-style tops (similar to Equipment) and they are stellar quality and have held up very well. I really like their outerwear too and a lot of their styles (particularly online only-styles) have become more modern and hip yet classic at the bones.

 

[Betinapple]

@Blackcoffee: thank you - I might look into that. The cape is very delicate though, and not like the one in the picture you are showing, so I am not sure wether it would look odd worn with "heavy" shoes, which would be the case when adding leggwarmers I think.

- I know, I know - I am difficult

@Red: the thing is that I've already had it stacked away. I bought it in February last year and I've only worn it a couple of times. Perhaps it is time to put it up for sale.

@Nymphaea: I think it will blow over by itself. I do not feel like buying anything anyhow, so it will have to

@Eizhowa: the sweater is not bulky, but since the cape is so thin I am not sure how it will look over a sweater. I will have to try it out.

@Fewormany: well, I am full of great ideas like that