The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #6

[eizhowa]

I thrifted a Lauren Ralph Lauren tweed blazer, but it is just all over a little big. I still got it because it was a Petite size, and those are so rare to find. I would however prefer a fitted look. I would prefer a US4, but it fits more like a US6/8 as far as I can tell. (And is a US2. Crazy!) I am considering hand washing it in hot water to shrink it. Anyone feel like yelling "No! No! Stop that!" before I start?

If it fails, I could still use it as a rug for my cat. He loves that blazer for some reason. Hopefully whatever he is loving won't dissapear when I wash it

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Yes, I feel like yelling that!!!

I would consider it a boyfriend blazer. And it may be that the day will come when a size 2 petite is not falling off you

 

[two months off]

I finally did it! I took the time, did a mood board, got a palette, chose a few outfits and planned a capsule wardrobe. So that the 4-5 piece per season thing can be a reality for me. I'm so happy! And motivated. I now see replacing/improving pieces as the priority.

I still don't have the whole thing together - I still have about 8 or so pieces to buy, but I'm taking it step by step.

 

[Ganybelle]

I have also just started . I cleared my closet out (loads of ill-fitting clothing, acrylic sweaters, cheap stuff from Zara, H&M and the like, and so on). Beginning about a month or so ago, I have really been focusing on building my wardrobe again (pretty much from scratch unfortunately). I have a list of what I want for the season and I think through every single purchase now, focusing on fit and fabric and overall quality. I pretty much stick with a fairly neutral palette that suits me (luckily I know exactly what colours flatter me the bestkhaki/olive green, bright white, black, grey, and blues of any shade, especially navy.

I think I can keep pretty much all of my shoes and bags as they are all leather and of pretty good quality; although I did get rid of some pretty cheap polyurethane sandals from H&M .

I have never been very trend-driven but I would just shop almost exclusively at high street stores because it was cheaper and I could buy more for the money. I always knew I should be buying quality over quantity but just never quite put it into practice. Then I started researching fabrics and such and just realised it was about time.

I don't really do a capsule wardrobe, at least not now. Currently I am focusing on building my wardrobe and buying the basics and finding the right pieces which takes time. Perhaps in a year or two I will have a pretty solid foundation and then I might add more interesting pieces. I just feel at this point I want to have a solid foundation first and foremost (and I love buying quality neutral basics so it's not much of a problem concerning boredom). I might buy some rings or other jewellery if I feel I need something of that sort in the coming months.

I am thinking about summer right now and I have a very small selection at the moment: a pair of cropped navy trousers and a few tees in white, grey, light blue, and moss green (luckily all the tops go with the one pair of trousers). I also have a pair of tan ballet flats, some tan sandals, and I will be purchasing a pair of black sandals. I think I will also buy another pair of cropped trousers in a brighter blue and maybe some denim shorts if I can find some I like. And I could always use more tees as I wear them with everything it seems, even to sleep in.

Ok, that's it for now, sorry for the novel

 

[Betinapple]

Are there Scandinavian people in the house? Is anyone familiar with the brands Modstrom and Soaked in Luxury?

I am

I think "soaked in luxury" is kind of an odd name for that particular brand, since the quality seems somewhat like H&Ms. Modström is a bit better. Same quality range as Just Female/Second Female, MbyM, etc.

 

[eizhowa]

^ Yes, I feel like yelling that!!!

I would consider it a boyfriend blazer. And it may be that the day will come when a size 2 petite is not falling off you

Sure sure, but I keep thinking, what is the worst thing that could happen? I can repair the lining myself (it is a static acetate and I am all for cutting it out anyway), and as long as it doesn't shrink unevenly, it will still fit... I am not going to tumble dry it or boil it...

Scandinavian brands: Ironically, scandinavian brands are really tough to get a hand of in my town I know we have Acne and HM, but anything else is a rarity.

 

[Trenchcoat]

Sure sure, but I keep thinking, what is the worst thing that could happen? I can repair the lining myself (it is a static acetate and I am all for cutting it out anyway), and as long as it doesn't shrink unevenly, it will still fit... I am not going to tumble dry it or boil it...

Scandinavian brands: Ironically, scandinavian brands are really tough to get a hand of in my town I know we have Acne and HM, but anything else is a rarity.

I love Acne, but HM is crap imo. But brands like Modstrom, Cheap Monday, Mimic Copenhagen, and mbyM are of good quality imo.

I've ordered this sweater from Modstrom. I've bought it for summer and will wear it with grey jeans of black jeans. Needed a popcolor for summer and I thought it would be old pink but this blueisch green is also pretty imo.

(source: beslist.nl)

 

[Trenchcoat]

I have also just started . I cleared my closet out (loads of ill-fitting clothing, acrylic sweaters, cheap stuff from Zara, H&M and the like, and so on). Beginning about a month or so ago, I have really been focusing on building my wardrobe again (pretty much from scratch unfortunately). I have a list of what I want for the season and I think through every single purchase now, focusing on fit and fabric and overall quality. I pretty much stick with a fairly neutral palette that suits me (luckily I know exactly what colours flatter me the bestkhaki/olive green, bright white, black, grey, and blues of any shade, especially navy.

This is me! 1/2 y ago. I threw so much away. And started with a new wardrobe. I still need to buy a lot basics but my mindset is better now than before. Olivegreen, black, grey, cream and navy are also my colours!

 

[Trenchcoat]

Can anyone advise me where to buy some viscose simple tee's? Topshop maybe?

 

[fashionista-ta]

I am

I think "soaked in luxury" is kind of an odd name for that particular brand, since the quality seems somewhat like H&Ms. Modström is a bit better. Same quality range as Just Female/Second Female, MbyM, etc.

Maybe they forgot the part where after the soaking, they drained all the luxury off

 

[elle s'ennuie]

Soo, I've been a trench hunt for the past week, at all price points, and haven't found anything that ticks most boxes, let alone all. I think the biggest stumbling block is that camel really won't do... Should be grey or stone, or maybe a pale beige. And ideally I'd need a petite, too.

I'm waiting for my custom bag from etsy to arrive though And I managed to find a replacement for my favourite striped tee that is now sadly too worn out for polite company. I really like striped tees - another common affliction in this thread - but unfortunately most of them do not like me back, as my face/colouring really can't handle there being a great contrast between the two colours, so no navy/cream stripes for me.

pic credit: boden.com

 

[eizhowa]

elle s'ennuie: I pinned this trench to Betinas boards, but maybe it could be something for you then?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/APC-women...=UK_Women_s_Coats_Jackets&hash=item2ecfe3df4d

 

[elle s'ennuie]

eizhowa Thanks! But that one is a little too small for me I usually take size S/UK 10/EUR 36, but I checked APC's size guide, and according to that, UK 10 is even M in their sizing. Of course, different countries' and companies' sizes are all over the place anyway..

 

[Nymphaea]

So, I was kind of in a dress and summer mood, searching for maxi dresses and I spotted some nice clothes from Norma Kamali on Shopbop. Anyone any experience with this designer? I've ordered a dress and a jumpsuit. Curious for the fit and quality. Fabric: slinky jersey. Composition: 95% polyester/5% spandex.
I hope I don't have to return anything because of the duty and taxes hassle.

shopbop

 

[eizhowa]

"Fabric: slinky jersey" - Is that a real fabric? Slinky's are those things you throw down stairs, non? I once ordered (you may remember it) a "silk satin" dress that was not satin made from silk at all, so these mock-fabric names really annoy me

I am not familiar with the designer, sorry. Hopefully they will fit beautifully

 

[Trenchcoat]

I was going through the tumblr of Death By Elocution and I have added a darkgrey and olive green jumper to my wishlist. I really like her style btw. Monday I will buy my basic viscose tees and the rest I will buy in a short time. Im cleaning out my closet now and I finally want to see a real monochrome good basic wardrobe.

I want to wear my grey and black skinny a lot with white/grey/black tee and a neutral coloured blazer/jacket.

 

[Caramel]

I'm feeling really good with the status of my wardrobe at the moment, and noticing that what's felt like a looong process of editing/organizing/planning/making well considered purchases is starting to pay off. I'm wearing most of the pieces I own on a regular basis, it's easier to combine things as most things work well with each other, and any new pieces that I get seem to integrate seamlessly with what I already have. There are still some gaps, and I am not ready to strictly follow the 4-5 piece system quite yet, but I'm definitely getting there. My wardrobe has never been as well-functioning before!

I went back and purchased the Matilda jeans from Gina Tricot and I am very happy with them. My jeans collection is starting to feel complete - with two pairs of black jeans, one pair of grey/black and one pair of medium blue. I'd like a pair of dark blue as well, but I think that's all I need.

I am also, sadly, starting to regret the burgundy cashmere cardigan I got from Uniqlo. I've forced myself to wear it once, but I never reach for it and feel like it sticks out like a sore thumb among the rest of my clothes. It just doesn't feel right, and I wish I had gotten it in green instead of trying to be adventurous with my colours. At least now I feel more certain that I should stick with what I know I like.

I was planning on looking for a new trench coat this spring, but I have started to rethink that. The trench that I have has got a fuller skirt, which is more quirky than classic, and I was planning to look for something more timeless. But the trench is such a thing at the moment, and I worry that I'd feel too much like a caricature in something very classic. I mean, I love the french girl look as much as anyone, but with the ankle jeans/ballet flats/striped shirt/trench coat, it feels a little too predictable, if that makes sense?

 

[Trenchcoat]

I'm feeling really good with the status of my wardrobe at the moment, and noticing that what's felt like a looong process of editing/organizing/planning/making well considered purchases is starting to pay off. I'm wearing most of the pieces I own on a regular basis, it's easier to combine things as most things work well with each other, and any new pieces that I get seem to integrate seamlessly with what I already have. There are still some gaps, and I am not ready to strictly follow the 4-5 piece system quite yet, but I'm definitely getting there. My wardrobe has never been as well-functioning before!

I went back and purchased the Matilda jeans from Gina Tricot and I am very happy with them. My jeans collection is starting to feel complete - with two pairs of black jeans, one pair of grey/black and one pair of medium blue. I'd like a pair of dark blue as well, but I think that's all I need.

I am also, sadly, starting to regret the burgundy cashmere cardigan I got from Uniqlo. I've forced myself to wear it once, but I never reach for it and feel like it sticks out like a sore thumb among the rest of my clothes. It just doesn't feel right, and I wish I had gotten it in green instead of trying to be adventurous with my colours. At least now I feel more certain that I should stick with what I know I like.

I was planning on looking for a new trench coat this spring, but I have started to rethink that. The trench that I have has got a fuller skirt, which is more quirky than classic, and I was planning to look for something more timeless. But the trench is such a thing at the moment, and I worry that I'd feel too much like a caricature in something very classic. I mean, I love the french girl look as much as anyone, but with the ankle jeans/ballet flats/striped shirt/trench coat, it feels a little too predictable, if that makes sense?

I get what you mean about the french girl idea. But still I dont see many people wearing it where I live. It's so nice to hear that you finally have reached your perfect wardrobe. And I also understand the burgundy-sweater-not wearing it. I also want to add colour to my wardrobe. Thats why I've bought a mint jumper. I knew it wasnt in my colour scheme but still I wanted a colour in my wardrobe. But I sent it back. It's just not me. My colours are grey, olive, cream, navy and black. That's it. I guess I will stick to that.

The things that I need now are: white tee, grey blazer, wash jeans, silk off-white blouse.

I will buy the jumpers next season in the colours navy, olivegreen and grey.

 

[Fewormany]

I was planning on looking for a new trench coat this spring, but I have started to rethink that. The trench that I have has got a fuller skirt, which is more quirky than classic, and I was planning to look for something more timeless. But the trench is such a thing at the moment, and I worry that I'd feel too much like a caricature in something very classic. I mean, I love the french girl look as much as anyone, but with the ankle jeans/ballet flats/striped shirt/trench coat, it feels a little too predictable, if that makes sense?

I get what you mean (even though I'm neither french or a girl ). A wardrobe should have a good base, but that's different for everyone. You should wear items that are concidered classic or timeless because you like them, not because you are trying to achieve the perfect wardrobe.
Personally I prefer someone with a distinctive personal style over someone who tries too hard to be 'classic'. Not that the two are mutually exclusive, there are people who look timeless and you can feel that's who they are.
Some people wear timeless clothes, some people are timeless.

 

[Caramel]

I get what you mean (even though I'm neither french or a girl ). A wardrobe should have a good base, but that's different for everyone. You should wear items that are concidered classic or timeless because you like them, not because you are trying to achieve the perfect wardrobe.
Personally I prefer someone with a distinctive personal style over someone who tries too hard to be 'classic'. Not that the two are mutually exclusive, there are people who look timeless and you can feel that's who they are.
Some people wear timeless clothes, some people are timeless.

Yes, I definitely agree with you! I do think it's a recipe for failure to blindly follow any kind of style "rules" without considering how it fits with your personal style.

I really do like the trench coat as a piece though, I've had and worn mine for 6+ years now and it's looking quite rough around the edges. So I need a new spring coat, and the plan was always to replace/upgrade the trench. I wanted one that would last me a long time, both in terms of quality and style. The style of my current one, while I have loved it, I worry that I will outgrow it sooner, so I guess that's what I mean by wanting something more timeless.

But it's such an "it"-piece at the moment that I don't know if I could wear one without feeling just a little bit silly. Perhaps that's silly, if I like it I should wear it, right? Maybe I'm just a bit tired of seeing it everywhere. I don't know. I definitely need to think about it more before spending any money.