my clothes are baggy and many are rather unflattering...
oodles have been donated because I have been stern with myself thinking that IF I keep the bigger clothes, I am giving myself permission to wear them again in the future.
The challenge that I am facing is how to reassemble a new wardrobe on a budget.
I cannot nor do I want to live everyday in my walking attire...
which I hate to admit that I am pretty much doing right now because that is what fits!
I am combing thrift and consignment shops for great basics...
accessories are still my best friends and of those I have quite a variety of scarves and necklaces.
I had to buy some new lingerie ~ thanks to my BFF for noticing and delicately suggesting that as I had lost weight that my bras were not doing their job!
On my current wish list are:
a great fitting pair of black trousers
jeans
cashmere sweater
white tee tops
I am concerned that my winter down coat and jacket may be too large but I may be able to get away with wearing them if they do not look like they swallow me up! If they are too vast I will consign them and find replacements as they keep me warm in the cold snaps that we get here in the winter. I will be walking a lot so I do want to be cozy.
Thinking of dressing on a budget makes one assess what is really important to have in the closet.
I returned to my beloved copy of Parisian Chic to review what Ines de la Fressange suggests and she has great advice.
She refers to her go to basics as "The Magnificent Seven"
A man's blazer
a trench coat
a navy sweater
a tank top
a LBD
jeans
leather jacket
I'll need to find a well fitting dress for evening and I do lean toward black as it goes with everything and always looks appropriate.
I've never felt like a trench coat was "me" but I am reconsidering the idea as a single breasted trench could be very useful here in our rainy Pacific Northwest.
I think I might pass on the man's blazer and the leather jacket but I am in favour of all the rest.
I kept my white shirt...
I pulled it out of the donation bag at the last minute
and I am happy that I did as I plan to use it as a jacket over a tank top.
Diane Keaton's wardrobe in Something's Gotta Give was the reason I changed my mind.
She looked so fabulous in her white shirt and tank with her khaki trousers...
New~to~me jeans
as new condition
but at a fraction of the price!
(pinch me)
Pearls
a silk square scarf
and I can vary the accent pieces to get more mileage out of these jeans...
dress them up with cashmere
or
pop on a white tee and roll them up for a casual vibe.
I have an excuse to shop
Starting fresh
for a functional, minimalist wardrobe is going to be a fun adventure!
What basics would you suggest I include on my wish list?
46 comments:
Tim Gunn suggested 10 essential items
Basic black dress
Day dress
Classic white shirt
Classic blazer
Dress pants
Trench coat
Jeans, a good pair
Skirt
Cashmere sweater
Sweatsuit ALTRRNATIVE - sophisticated! Polished easy to wear
His book is Tim Gunn: Guide to Quality, Taste and Style
I have the Tim Gunn book and his advice is good. I'm with you about dressing well on a budget. I haven't lost the weight yet (hope to do that on WW too). But, I do think about wardrobing intelligently. If you haven't been following the blog titled The Vivienne Files, take a look at it.
As for me, I am forming wardrobe capsules for autumn/winter based on black/gray/white with scarves and other accessories as extras. As for black pants, Eileen Fisher has some that are very good. I have a pair that has been a workhorse in my wardrobe for going on three years now. While her prices are high, the quality is mostly good and the basics are always useful.
These are similar to the Eileen Fisher pants that have been a workhorse for me: http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/collection/ShopByCategory/Pants/Slim_Leg/PRD_SBJH-P0098M/SlimLeg+Pant+in+Heavyweight+Rayon+Knit.jsp?bmLocale=en_US
I think that your short list reflects your lifestyle and taste. You are slim enough that a black pencil skirt with your white top and a cardigan with pearls (of course) and kitten heels would be a nice dinner or going out with
your mother outfit.
You have such a great way of putting clothes together that I am sure you will arrive at an excellent and very elegant new wardrobe.
I simply must reread Parisian Chic as I tend to send too much time in exercise and gardening clothes...neither of which is what you would call fashionable.
I love trench coats but I am far too short to pull one off and it really never gets cold enough here to wear one,but it would be perfect for your climate.
Instead of a leather jacket, how about a nice Ralph Lauren jean jacket ?
I wear a black tank top or merino wool long-sleeved tee all year. It's one of my essential basics. Costco has beautiful merino wool tees right now. They are whisper-thin and wash and dry like a dream.
Congratulations on the WW accomplishment. I am following your example, and finding a difference ounce by ounce.
I've wasted so much money on getting rid of clothes when I lose weight, only to gain the weight back after buying smaller sizes. That's not to say that you will gain weight back it's just that I've been on a weight gain/loss rollercoaster for years now and your post just made me think of my wardrobe history. It is hard though to keep the bigger sizes. It's just like you say, when you keep them it's like giving yourself permission to gain the weight back again.
Oh I look forward to seeing what clothes you choose Hostess. As we head into spring summer I am buying a few items, and I will wear and wear them for the next five months. I bought a black light cardigan, a grey and white t-shirt, a pink and a green t-shirt (all from budget shops, coming in under $140 nz). I have spied a black polka dot tshirt I like and a green and a blue cardigan. It sounds like a lot, but I will wear them with pants I already have. A new pair of birkenstocks will do me for footwear. I am also thinking of splurging on a new bag, as I my last one has lasted me for five years, and I am getting a bit worn.
Good luck on your search.
Julie Q
Good on you for slimming down ! A shirt over a tank top has always been my uniform; you could buy a nice chambray shirt, I personally love wearing them over something black !
Yes, that's what I was going to suggest too. I bought a couple when I lost weight. One in a blue and another in a sort of cinnamon brown colour. Jeans style but not denim. Great with black pants, black skirt, white/black tank or even over a summer dress to dress it up. Exciting for you! Well done. You won't need a lot of clothes because you will feel great in whatever you put on with the weight gone. Go for a LBD too - always a classic. Tonkath
Remember that Ines is a very slim woman with no bust! Her choices reflect her body type and taste for "garconne" styles, which may be too mannish for you.
I'd suggest a fitted jacket that's short enough to balance your frame, with a nipped-in waist to show your new figure, to go with both pants and skirt. Someting like Boden's "Beauvoir" jacket: http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Coats-Jackets/Jackets/WE398-PEW/Womens-Pewter-Beauvoir-Blazer.html?NavGroupID=2
I second the Duchesse's suggestion of a fitted jacket which I can imagine would be smashing with your figure.(By the way, Duchesse, I miss your thoughtful blog and look forward to its return.) What a lovely opportunity to fashion a streamlined, stylish wardrobe!
Along with tailored jeans and ankle length pants for everyday, I rely on a bevy of neutral, moderately priced tee's...white, of course, but also a black/grey tweedy material with 3/4 sleeves, a few striped mariniere styles in grey/beige and navy/white, and a few others in taupe or grey. I also threw in an apricot shade for summer which I loved. I dress up my tees with simple jewelry or scarves, if it is not too hot. And ballerina's and good sandals round out ensembles. I will trade up to a few good pairs of boots for fall and winter.
I too am on a budget for the first time in a very long time and I must say that I have enjoyed changing up my wardrobe while keeping it reasonable. And I feel that I look better than I have in years. Now if I could just be as successful at weight loss as you have been
I'd invest in a pair of great quality jeans, from a store where the sales person can really help you get the best fit for your body type - in a nice dark wash that you can dress up or down. And I always both a navy and black v-neck pullover sweater in my wardrobe as well.
Oh, and congratulations on your weight loss. Well done!
I love to hear that your weight loss program has been successful and not too terribly difficult.
I agree with Kathy that owning a great pair of jeans is worth the time and money spent.
My best advice for you is to go immediately to the blog VIVIENNEFILES. You will find everything you need to assemble to perfect wardrobe for you and your lifestyle.
Deb from Vancouver
You have already gotten rid of the unfit clothes?
Were I in your position, I would have had the nice ones tailored; even knitwear can be tailored smaller and everything with a fraction with what you have to spend on new ones. Gosh.
Loosing weight is not impossible, but keeping it at the desired state is difficult, a constant watch-out.
However, I understand, that you wish to reward yourself with new clothes, having been able to loose so much weight : ).
Congratulations on your weight loss. I agree with the recommendation for some great fitting jeans along with some v-necked tee shirts from LL Bean or Lands End. I bought some this past spring for $15 each in a variety of colors. The tee shirts are beautifully made and have a great fit. I pair them with my jeans and some fun casual jackets.
Thank goodness your scarves and your pearls will still fit! LOL
I'm in agreement with Duchesse - Inez's 'must have' items may not necessarily suit your body or life style. Same for Tim Gunn's list for a working woman in New York. Since you're retired now, day dresses, pencil skirts and blazers may not get as much use as they would for someone who goes to an office every day.
Jeans are my basics, worn mostly with knit tops for comfort and style. I've purchased two knit blazers this year, one black, one pale blue that are slightly more casual and a lot more comfortable than a tailored jacket. Deja Pesu has a number of nice knit jackets too that would look great with jeans.
You've got good taste so I'm sure you'll put together a wonderful new wardrobe.
Dear Hostess,
I have been following your weight loss progress with interest as I too have recently lost about 10kgs (about the same as your loss I think!), I hear you absolutely re the clothes now being too big but I have a very good seamstress who has been able to take in a lot of my existing clothes so have been able to keep quite a lot - some things have been returned to be taken in twice, maybe you could try this idea as well. Love reading your blog as I too retired not that long ago and your writings resonate with me.
Many thanks
Cindy F
This is the fun part, right? And it sounds as if you're taking a pretty organized approach -- it will be fun to follow along.
I'd like to read his book. Will track it down and thank you for mentioning it to me.
I am an avid follower of The Vivienne Files...my wardrobe preferences are black, white and grey with pops of colour using scarves. I love Eileen Fisher's line of clothing. Sadly I have several pieces of hers that are way too big now.
A black skirt is a great idea! Merci
I think that she uses exceptional fabrics...they last for many seasons and her designs are true classics.
I am short too...if I did buy one it would need to be in proportion and the belt would be tied in the back. Not double breasted either!
I have a Blue Willis denim jacket that fits.
I don't need work clothes so it will be much simpler and more minimalist dressing for a retired lifestyle!
Ooh! Thank you!
I think I might need to drive out to Costco!
I hope that I am able to maintain my weight loss...
I plan to keep up with the new eating habits that I have adopted and the walking regime.
It may be a struggle but I have been far too heavy for too long and my doctor felt that I needed to get bak to a healthier weight. When your GP says something it is time to listen and act.
I love your choices and good for you for staying within the budget.
It is so easy to spend more money andso much more difficult to find quality for a reasonable price.
I follow her blog and love it!
You have a great eye Duchesse...
hope that you had a great summer holiday and I have missed your posts.
Chambray has such appeal for me...
I will look for a shirt as you are so right, they are a great basic.
Your wardrobe sounds wonderful. The colours sound like they all work well together and the introduction of apricot to keep it fresh is really quite brilliant.
I know just the shop to go to for a great pair of jeans! Dark wash is always flattering and so versatile.
I do not own any V neck cashmere sweaters so that is on my list too!
What brand of jeans do you prefer?
I have consigned most of the big clothes...donated a bunch of the lesser quality pieces and have kept a few that I am not too sure if I should have altered or not.
I have a small wardrobe and it might be wise to keep it this way and just perk it up with accessories as I am not working anymore so I need fewer things...my life is very simple and we do not go to gala events so I can get away with casual pieces.
I have been on the Lands End site perusing their tees and pants tonight. I'll check out LLBean in the morning...well made basics that look good and last are what I am hoping to find.
I love Susan's style!
I am hoping to get over to Vancouver and look at Eileen Fisher's fall line in the next month.
What brand are your knit jackets?
Hi Cindy,
Congratulations on your weight loss...
I wonder if it is lifestyle changes like retirement that prompt us to re-evaluate ourselves and lose weight or make significant strides in area that we never had the notion to embark on before...
thank you for your comment.
I am trying to be prudent about what I choose to buy as I am loathe to waste money or time on things that will not get worn. Paring down the closet is quite an eye opener...I should have done this years ago! Let the fun begin :-)
I believe this is when a dress, no longer than knee length, and leggings or comfortable tights come into their own Hostess. When one is losing weight or the weight is fluctuating this simple combination with a flattering long cardi or jacket is comfortable and chic.
Great to hear you are powering ahead with WW guidance.
xx
I agree with many of the comments here -- and congrats to you for both the weight loss and thoughtful approach to rebuilding your wardrobe.
To everyone - please be aware ofthe dry high cost of purchasing cheap and try to buy brands not made in sweatshop factories just because they are cheap - some other woman an her sisters and children ar susidizing our cheap wardrobes with their health an often - lives!
Check ou dobbinclothing.com. - well-made-in-America vasics on sale for 40 per cent off until Sunday - they are very helpful with sizing etc a and they have a lovely black pencil skirt that's very inexpensive
I'm retired as well and have been looking at 'Woolovers' for cashmere/merino sweaters and similar in silk/cotton. They wash well in the machine on a delicates wash and come in fitted and regular styles. They are a UK brand but ship abroad (if you are lucky the shipping can be free). Worth a look on-line.
And I highly recommend Uniqlo for basics). Congrats again on your weight progress.
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