The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #8

[fashionista-ta]

^ I remember Glad to hear your wardrobe is working for you


Mine is as well, but I'm mindful that items in heavy rotation will eventually wear out, so I have an eye to the future


The denim trousers I'm currently trying seem to run rather small (or the cut is not intended for my shape, or both). I've ordered another size to try, since they are hard to come by ... also these are currently on sale.


Last weekend I took probably half a dozen pair of shoes to be repaired. I suspect that the navy Lanvin ballets had a flaw, either with the positioning of the internal wedge, or with the leather quality--maybe there was a weak spot. On the L one, almost immediately the leather split, and now it's a sizeable hole. I know this guy is good, but when he said the way to fix it was to patch it, I was skeptical. "Won't that look awful? ... Are you sure?!" He's doing it ... we'll see.


I'm at a point where I feel like I don't really need more shoes. Which is kind of boring in a way, as they're my favorite thing to buy Just looking for a pair with block heels now while they're on-trend as they are so practical for wearing all day at work.

 

[adorefaith]

^this reminds me I need to go and get my favourite pair of chelsea boots repaired for the fall weather... would you believe i have never had a pair of shoes repaired in my life. i'm excited for the idea of extending the life of something i love and not having to give up on them just because they've been worn out... i probably need to apply this to more of my wardrobe.

how often would you guys say you repair rather than replace things due to wear & tear? is it mostly shoes?

 

[Melisande]

Sadly I guess it depends on how much I love the item. If I really love it I will repair it over and over in denial of its shabby state until it fools no-one. If I think I'll be secretly disappointed if it repairs well, then it's time to let it go.

It is mostly shoes, but the other day I sadly tossed out my Docs because the zippers got broken and the soles were worn out and I realized that to get all that repaired would have cost as much as a new pair.

I did send my Frye campus boots once to the "shoe spa" and it came back seriously good as new; that was so worth the $60.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^this reminds me I need to go and get my favourite pair of chelsea boots repaired for the fall weather... would you believe i have never had a pair of shoes repaired in my life. i'm excited for the idea of extending the life of something i love and not having to give up on them just because they've been worn out... i probably need to apply this to more of my wardrobe.

how often would you guys say you repair rather than replace things due to wear & tear? is it mostly shoes?

indeed!


I repair anything that can be repaired, basically, and if you buy good shoes (leather, leather soles, etc.), it's almost unlimited.


I have had an elastic waistband replaced, a skirt lining replaced, torn hems fixed. I've had things taken in and let out at the waist. The shoes I was wearing when I fell down cement stairs and broke my hand, I didn't have much hope for. They're black, and they fixed them.


A hole or a three-corner tear I will often give up on because a repair would be obvious. But that's not really necessary ... a well-executed darn can be quite beautiful. And fabric can be rewoven. It's not cheap, but it can be done even on a complicated plaid suit. I'm looking forward to seeing the patch on my shoes. I would have thought that wouldn't work, but I expect the shoe guy knows a lot better than I do. I hope! I really love those shoes. Basically I just don't give up on something unless I feel I really have to.


I had a gorgeous pearl grey silk/cotton voile Marc Jacobs blouse, and eventually it just disintegrated at the stress points, and then I think it ripped. I was really mourning it, and mentioned it to one of the personal stylists at Nordstrom. I was feeling nostalgic, as it was the first thing I ever bought at that store right after it opened. She looked at me like I was nuts, but personally I think it's her I think you're missing part of the point if a huge number of clothes just kind of float through your life like so many plastic bags, and you never make a connection with them.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Sadly I guess it depends on how much I love the item. If I really love it I will repair it over and over in denial of its shabby state until it fools no-one. If I think I'll be secretly disappointed if it repairs well, then it's time to let it go.

It is mostly shoes, but the other day I sadly tossed out my Docs because the zippers got broken and the soles were worn out and I realized that to get all that repaired would have cost as much as a new pair.

I did send my Frye campus boots once to the "shoe spa" and it came back seriously good as new; that was so worth the $60.

But aren't battle-scarred Docs better than new?

 

[floodette]

Whoa, thanks a lot for remembering me, ta-ta!

I also repair, mend and resole my shoes (and clothes, and bags). Am so in love with Vara patent pumps for that, I got a hands me down from 80s, and with the lining and sole changed, they look almost as good as new. Actually seeing their condition started my craziness to only buy Vara patent, due to the durability hahahaha...

Observed a class today (hiphop) that I will need to take starting next month. Seems like I have things to buy: socks! It's been ages since I use them, and I need them to be worn inside dansneakers. must. find. cute. ones!

 

[fashionista-ta]

nordstrom

^ I have the memory of an elephant I also remember you have a thing for Varas!


Btw, to clarify what I wrote above, I was thinking of the stylist ... she talked about her clothes like she had a huge number & was always talking about acquiring more. She was flighty & didn't give good advice ...


I chose a pair of denim trousers out of the four total different sizes I tried to keep, and took them to be altered today. The tailor did not have good ideas for fixing the extra fabric in the front, and finally I realized that it needed to be taken into the waistband--but only in the front. So he's going to do that ... I hope by the right amount! It would only have cost me $22 (they're on sale), but I'll get that refunded due to my loyalty points.


I also found some shoes. "Only I would consider these practical," I said to the SA. The ones he was showing me really were practical ... and boring as hell. But I think I will be able to wear these to work--in fact I intend to tomorrow. They are somewhat similar to my red ones.


It's a bit hard to see what the buttons look like in pictures. On the outside are peach stones/crystals that look like really good topaz. Then clear, then grey on the inside/center.


My black wool pants have a slit at the ankle & I hope will show the button--haven't tried them together yet. I'm counting these two items toward next year.

 

[Betinapple]

Thank you for your nice words about my DIY blouse I wish that I had done it sooner - bare shoulders is just not an option a lot of these days. Fall is definetely here.

@Eva: I used to own a cape. I liked the look of it, and it was great for layering over a leather jacket, but it is just not a very practical type of outerwear, especially not for school. I need to be able to carry my bag on my shoulder and not just in my hand or over my arm, since that is too heavy for me, and you really cannot do that, when wearing a cape. Really love your boots!

That shouldn't go unnoticed; you rock!

I really admire you sewing skills and think the shirt is just gorgeous! Looks like you've got some really nice additions to you wardrobe lately.

Well, just checking to see if everyone is awake and alert blue jeans, of course!

Thank you - really, it was a very easy DIY - nothing too crazy.

Re: repairing clothes: I mainly do so with shoes, and I really like the feeling of taking care of my things and keep wearing things that I love, instead of buying new ones. I have mended holes in my sweaters as well, but usually they are too clothes to falling completely apart when they reach that stage, so it is not really something that keeps me from needing to replace them anyway.

@Ta-ta: nice shoes!

 

[adorefaith]

i don't own a lot of clothes and so i feel like the things i own & love seem to wear out rather quickly because of how much use they get... this is the one downside to having a small, focused wardrobe, i think... i notice that the pieces i own that i do wear less always seem to last longer.

those tiny holes that show up on your favourite tshirts drive me crazy! and holes in jeans that i love and wear to death is always sad. but i'm inspired by this whole mending thing... now i just have to find a good tailor & cobbler...

 

[fashionista-ta]

Yes, I think that's true ... and it's probably also why I'm obsessed with quality Some things, even in heavy rotation, last really well. Shoes are pretty easy (and btw, my navy shoes turned out really well--I guess by patch he meant underneath rather than on top?). Usually the things that have worn really well for me have been wool. A tight weave like gabardine or twill is really a good thing ... but I wore my black wool crepe (a looser weave) skirt today and was thinking about how long I've had it. Probably about 15 years or so?

 

[Melisande]

i don't own a lot of clothes and so i feel like the things i own & love seem to wear out rather quickly because of how much use they get... this is the one downside to having a small, focused wardrobe, i think... i notice that the pieces i own that i do wear less always seem to last longer.

Yes, this is true! In my wardrobe experiment now that I'm left with only my favorite pieces, it's all very well and good but I'm already starting to make stains and holes in my favorite, more dressy pieces and this is not good. In my case I'm thinking this where sturdy day-to-day staples might become necessary, like a good pair of jeans and a parka and boots with stack heels and rubber soles or something, as opposed to always wearing a more fragile pieces like a wispy skirt, tailored wool coat and dressier heels like I'm doing now .

Ta-ta: Yes, the heels are fabulous! They certainly would go with everything.
Re. Docs, the crucial parts were broken and in need of repair while the leather was still shiny and new...I'm hearing from everywhere that Docs are not what they used to be...next time I guess I should get the lifetime guarantee ones.

Floodette: The other day I counted three people in my dance class, including me, with red and white striped Raggedy-Ann socks. Yum, Vara patent...

 

[Betinapple]

I generally don't have a problem with things wearing out. The only items I can remember discarding due to wear and tear are sweaters. I do wear them a lot though - last winter I wore my grey or black Benneton pullover pretty much every day. None of my other clothes are worn that frequently, since I have more options in regards of bottoms, shoes, coats etc.

I mentioned finding a wool coat that I liked. Still do, but I think I might pass or maybe only buy it if it is marked down a lot. I find that I have less "dressy" days currently, so my down jacket and my parkacoat should be sufficient. Also I've started biking, so my current options are more practical anyway. I wont be able to stay warm in a wool coat for winter, and for the current season I am good with my Noa Noa coat and the Gestuz coat I got last fall. I feel like adding more outerwear would mean that some of what I have would just sit in my wardrobe and not get used, and that is just silly.

In general I am just very happy with my wardrobe ATM. I feel like I have a lot and very versatile pieces; like my leather jacket. A couple of weeks ago I wore it to a concert with jeans, a crop top and boots - a couple of days later I wore it with a LBD for a work thing where I had to dress more professional. I generally have a lot of different activities during a week, and it is nice to see that I always have an appropriate outfit, wether it is for uni, work, lounging, clubbing, dates with my hubby-to-be or parties.

 

[Fewormany]

I don't wear stuff out usually, when they go it's usually because they're stained beyond cleaning or have lost their shape. I get holes fixed in my jeans, that's is why I'm currently wearing a pair of jeans that's 10 years old. And sneakers I generally don't repair, but my dress shoes need some polishing badly..

Like betinapple (I like the introduction of pink in your wardrobe, or at least on your pinterest btw ) I'm still very happy with my wardrobe. The only two things I need are jeans and an cardigan (a draped) one. I already have my eyes on a pair of Nudie Jeans (my go to brand) and COS had some great cardigan options. So far I'm feeling light colors for this winter, the jeans are faded light blue and the cardigan will probably be light grey.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Yes, this is true! In my wardrobe experiment now that I'm left with only my favorite pieces, it's all very well and good but I'm already starting to make stains and holes in my favorite, more dressy pieces and this is not good. In my case I'm thinking this where sturdy day-to-day staples might become necessary, like a good pair of jeans and a parka and boots with stack heels and rubber soles or something, as opposed to always wearing a more fragile pieces like a wispy skirt, tailored wool coat and dressier heels like I'm doing now .

Ta-ta: Yes, the heels are fabulous! They certainly would go with everything.
Re. Docs, the crucial parts were broken and in need of repair while the leather was still shiny and new...I'm hearing from everywhere that Docs are not what they used to be...next time I guess I should get the lifetime guarantee ones.

Floodette: The other day I counted three people in my dance class, including me, with red and white striped Raggedy-Ann socks. Yum, Vara patent...

Thanks--they will definitely go with everything black! I don't have any brown pants, but maybe I will get some. They are 3D velvet ... not sure about how that will last, but it seems to be like upholstery quality fabric. I may take them off when I drive?? The right one anyway. We'll see--I tend to get impatient with pampering my stuff.


Oooh--anyone who says 'lifetime guarantee' is speaking my language. Thos. Moser furniture has it ... I don't have any yet, but I'm hoping to order a lounge chair next year. Fingers crossed for a nice bonus.


Vi-Spring mattresses have a lifetime guarantee, but it's a little hard to understand how this is possible for a mattress?? I'll need to understand more about this when I decide to replace mine.


I think I tell you guys every time I wear something out It happens regularly, but typically after years, sometimes many years, of use. I do buy some fragile things, but I guess I try to keep it balanced. Something that wears out after only a year in heavy rotation I consider a fail. You can't build a wardrobe if your stuff is wearing out every year. I consider even two years in heavy rotation iffy. I am looking for 3-4 years minimum for something other than a white T, and many of my items exceed that, often by a lot. Even most of my white Ts last for at least 2 years.


I would try to keep fragile out of anything in the basics category, and have it be just statement things. Voile is inherently fragile, but I did get quite a lot of use out of that grey blouse. I had it for probably 6 years or so?


I think dressy heels can be workhorses, they just need to be completely maintainable. I remember I bought my Jimmy Choo Glaciers in the fall of 2008, 40% off--a time many people no doubt remember well (major recession). I still have them ... just had them resoled and new tips put on the heels. Those are the shoes I fell in. Still going strong ... they're glazed kid leather. They're a basic shape, but statement shoes are just the same as far as maintainability.

 

[fashionista-ta]

PS fewormany, interested in hearing more about how you have your jeans repaired

 

[Fewormany]

^I've had 2 pairs repaired.

The first one was a dark blue jeans (Nudie) that got wounded after an unfortunate accident on a slippery winters night (and a really great party ). It had a pretty big hole in the knee, but the tailor was able to fix it in a way that you wouldn't notice unless you knew. 3 years later the jeans still have to go, but that's because they've faded too much and there is too much wear and tear around the pockets. One of the reasons I prefer lighter jeans, if they fade after years of wear it's barely noticeable.

The second pair (the 10yo pair, Diesel) got a rip the crotch this year. My tailor fixed it (different tailor and not that subtle, but hey it's not in a place that's out in the open..) and I've been enjoying them ever since. This pair also has some wear and tear around the pockets. My jeans truly show that I always carry my phone (one very slim pair has almost the exact shape in them..) and keys with me.

I prefer my jeans a bit worn and lived in. But only when it shows the character of the owner, not some lame pre ripped slots across the knee. :roll eyes:

Edit: geat shoes btw ta-ta. I like how they have both leopard and crystal without being anywhere near tacky.

 

[Betinapple]

I don't wear stuff out usually, when they go it's usually because they're stained beyond cleaning or have lost their shape. I get holes fixed in my jeans, that's is why I'm currently wearing a pair of jeans that's 10 years old. And sneakers I generally don't repair, but my dress shoes need some polishing badly..

Like betinapple (I like the introduction of pink in your wardrobe, or at least on your pinterest btw ) I'm still very happy with my wardrobe. The only two things I need are jeans and an cardigan (a draped) one. I already have my eyes on a pair of Nudie Jeans (my go to brand) and COS had some great cardigan options. So far I'm feeling light colors for this winter, the jeans are faded light blue and the cardigan will probably be light grey.

How long does your sneakers last? I find that mine wears out really fast. I really don't consider it a good shoes, if you want something that is in mint condition for more than a season.

And thank you - I like the thought of it. Let's see if I end up buying anything pink

Have you had black nudie jeans? I am really tired of my black skinny jeans fading so fast, and I have heard good things about nudie.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^I've had 2 pairs repaired.

The first one was a dark blue jeans (Nudie) that got wounded after an unfortunate accident on a slippery winters night (and a really great party ). It had a pretty big hole in the knee, but the tailor was able to fix it in a way that you wouldn't notice unless you knew. 3 years later the jeans still have to go, but that's because they've faded too much and there is too much wear and tear around the pockets. One of the reasons I prefer lighter jeans, if they fade after years of wear it's barely noticeable.

The second pair (the 10yo pair, Diesel) got a rip the crotch this year. My tailor fixed it (different tailor and not that subtle, but hey it's not in a place that's out in the open..) and I've been enjoying them ever since. This pair also has some wear and tear around the pockets. My jeans truly show that I always carry my phone (one very slim pair has almost the exact shape in them..) and keys with me.

I prefer my jeans a bit worn and lived in. But only when it shows the character of the owner, not some lame pre ripped slots across the knee. :roll eyes:

Edit: geat shoes btw ta-ta. I like how they have both leopard and crystal without being anywhere near tacky.

Thanks, glad you agree with me that they aren't Also plan to be subtle in the styling.


I like the look of worn jeans on other people. My oldest denim trousers do have a bit of stress point wear, and they're not as dark as they were originally. (Originally it was hard to tell they were denim, or so I told myself anyway, since it was against work dress code at the time--now you can definitely tell.) Dry cleaning does mitigate wear, but I also think that serious wear doesn't really work with the type of denim I wear. Also completely agree with you about fake wear--and even worse, fake whiskers! Thank goodness those have gone away. Faux aged denim, especially at work or on people my age, make me want to run screaming. It is probably one of the things that most makes me want to judge


Betina, have you tried re-dyeing your black jeans?

 

[Betinapple]

^I've considered it, but we share our washing machine with the other tenants in our building and it is jeans with quite a lot of stretch, so I am not sure that the colour will be evenly distributed. Fortunately I am mostly wearing my mom jeans and boyfriend jeans these days, and they are (light) blue, so for now I have put off the trouble of finding good jeans or solving the problem in another way

 

[Nymphaea]

Love your off-the-shoulder top you've made Betinapple. Chloe SS16 has included the same.
EvaH your boots and dress are great items. Block heels are one of my favourite, I find them very handy.
Great purchase Melisande, the coat looks really nice, like the colour. And wow at your boots story! In such a short amount of time finding the perfect boots, a stroke of luck is sometimes all it needs.
I try to repair most of my things if possible or go to the specialist. But sometimes I know something can me repaired very nicely, but there isn't a specialist in the very wide area who could do this nicely.
I've also got a cape, but it's not a very versatile piece of clothing I have to say, but it looks very nice.
Gorgeous shoes fashionista-ta, love the jewel button. And I can't agree more with you concerning the quality of clothing, the best of the best please so I can wear it for years.

I have included my Paris trip story as a pic, because that story turned out to be very long.

Celine pic from vogue