It "should" go without saying that we all have the perfect wardrobe staples, just waiting there as the backbones of our personal style. But so often we will be drawn into yet another trend, and splurge all on a one season wonder, and forget about investing in the pieces, that you will return to time and time again........
"Buy now wear FOREVER".......well almost?
One woman who knows how to make wardrobe essentials work is Phoebe Philo of Celine.
A cluttered wardrobe, makes for a cluttered mind. My advice would be to do a WARDROBE DETOX, and the start of the new season is the perfect time.
Get a freestanding rail ready, and the bin bags too!
The
RULES
1
EDIT YOUR CLOTHES TWICE A YEAR.
Put away past seasons clothes, and be ruthless with the wardrobe monsters! Separate the baddies into charity shop piles, and if it's a designer item try to sell it. The two year rule usually applies, if you haven't worn it by now, you probably never will.
Where to sell? Try........... Vestiairecollective
This Paris based site re-sells luxury fashion brands.
Where to sell? Try........... Vestiairecollective
This Paris based site re-sells luxury fashion brands.
2
BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE
Do you have a wardrobe of party clothes, but now your a full time mum? Yes of course you want to rock the yummy mummy look, but those sequined and lycra little numbers hiding in the dark corners of your cupboard, may have to go!
Elle Macpherson gets it right.......
3
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS
Is there anything in there that you have been waiting to have altered or repaired? If so find a good reasonably priced dressmaker, and get it done now. Sometimes a small alteration such as a hem length can give clothes a whole new life.
4
WHY AM I NOT WEARING IT?
Ask yourself, Is the item too small.......Has the garment hung in your wardrobe for years waiting for you to lose weight? Well its probably time to "man up" and let it go.
5
REPEAT.....
Do the same with shoes, underwear and other accessories.
6
NEARLY THERE
NEARLY THERE
Now, you should be left with the clothes you love, and have a purpose in your wardrobe. Put all similar items hanging or folded together.
7
THE GAPS......
This is where you will be able to see what is missing from your essential wardrobe?
8
BE PREPARED
Make a list of what you are missing? I have a permanent "looking for" list in my phone, at the ready.
9
CLOTHES SHOPPING (At last I hear you say!)
Always try to make considered future purchases. Can I make it work in many different ways, and for different aspects of my lifestyle?
Using wardrobe essential such as plain white tee, a great blazer, Ray-Bans, and a good bag. This look is given the wow factor with Zara shoes........£29.99 in their sale, sadly now last season!
10
READY TO GO
Here to help are the key pieces that will never go out of style, or loose there Street Chic appeal.
The
BUILDING
BLOCKS
Leather biker jacket Mango £119.99
Grey cashmere, the ultimate luxury piece Equipment sweater £325
Suede pumps Saint Laurent £370
Classic sunglasses Ray-Ban Wayfarer £120
Mid rise skinny jean J Brand £205
Tailored black blazer Mango £59.99
Saint Laurent Bag £1180
Silk jersey Tee Cos £39 .....go for a couple of white one's too.
Leopard print pumps Mango £44.99
Silk Shirt Mango £39.99
Add to this list a great coat, ankle boots,
Sophisticated, timeless black coat Joseph £595
.........and just in case you get asked out, or manage a night off from the little darlings!
The ultimate, definitely no carbs now (see last post) little black dress Herve Leger at the Outnet Was £1335 Now £675
BACK TO BLACK.....
Keeping the basic canvas of your essentials black, means seasonal styles, colours, textures and accessories can be added to, without breaking the bank.
However, If black is not your thing, you can always do the wardrobe essentials with either navy,white, or a neutral tone.........good luck!
X X X
Oh gosh, this post was just what I needed. I'm definitely going to sort through my wardrobe over the next few days!
ReplyDeleteTara xo
Ah thanks....hope it helped! xx
DeleteI think I have to read this everytime I want to go shopping! really interesting and needed!
ReplyDeletekisses,
http://simonaroxanahuidiu.blogspot.ro
Hi Simona, so glad you found it useful!! xx
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I like your post and "looks" Very simple and chic.
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog too.... love reading and seeing everyone's views on fashion and life! xx
DeleteGreat, great post. You've inspired me to do a clear out ... and just possibly a little shopping too!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen....The great thing about a clear out is that there is now room for more!! xx
DeleteThis post is spot on! I have started buying basics only at the moment - good essential tees from GAP, the perfect fit grey sweatshirt that can be dressed up a bit or just left casual for the weekend. There are certainly a lot more 'gaps' that I need to fill but it's nice to feel like I'm not just buying clothes randomly but making my wardrobe work. And speaking of altering items, I just got a dress I'd only worn once and didn't like, altered into a skirt and I've worn it loads already. Made all the difference!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, sounds like you have definitely got the basics of a really good wardrobe now.....it does make dressing so much easier, and then you can have some fun adding all the other bits!! xx
DeleteThis is such a great post and one i'll definitely be using to help me and my ridiculously cluttered wardrobe! Thank you also for your lovely comment on my blog. I'm a new follower now! Love your blog x
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you on board.....hope you get your wardrobe sorted out soon! xx
DeleteHi my dear!! Great to see you back and a fabulous post too with plenty of sound tips! Love the investment pieces here too, I just need to add some red or leopard print shoes to my existing pieces I think! Have a great weekend xxx
ReplyDeleteSorry for going awal! But thanks for keeping in touch! xx
DeleteAmazing post! <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.valstyle.com/
Thank you Valentina x
DeleteI am so glad you enjoyed it xx!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much xx
ReplyDelete