Thoughts on building a basic wardrobe ~ OOTD ~ another installment on the wardrobe series.

I've read dozens of books on French Chic and French Dressing and as a result I have learned a lot.
Getting dressed for an occasion used to be such a chore for me...I would be stressed to the max.
I always struggled in this area and wondered how other women managed to look so pulled together and I couldn't help but feel inferior by comparison which honestly is not a great feeling at all.

I remember all too well how I would stand in front of the closet on the afternoon of an event or date and after looking through the garments I'd find myself muttering "I have nothing to wear!"
Then I'd race out in the car to the nearest shop in hopes that I'd find "the perfect solution."
Sadly I'd lay down my cash on a whim and a dream for a garment that promised to be the ticket to being suitably attired.
(I wonder now...could the sales clerks feel my desperation?)

After years of blunders (not to mention the hundreds of dollars) I can now identify some of my mistakes...

I bought garments on a whim, many were sale items and odd in more ways than one.
They were Orphans looking for a new home and I was their new mom!

I'd choose cheery patterns with no thought of what I would wear them with.
I purchased far too many things in a wide array of colours, many of which did not work with any other pieces in my wardrobe. (Quelle suprise!)
I never shopped with a list or bought any of the basics that I "needed"
I let myself fall into the big vortex of the power of persuasion...
the trendy, the now, or what the retailer was trying to get rid of by offering it to a witless shopper such as myself.

In the past few years I've completely reformed.
Thanks to blogs and books and an honest re-evaluation of myself.
It was fun, but it was also hard work.
To cut through the emotional part of shopping and get real.
To really look hard and pay attention.
To come to terms with my budget and lifestyle.

The French Chic approach to having fewer items that revolve around a neutral colour really works.

I chose basic black as the colour which I wear....initially I chose it because it helped camouflage the extra 35 pounds that I was carrying and now I choose it because it simplifies getting dressed and it is the most versatile colour that I can own and accessorize.

Accessories are where I dare to add some fun and personalize my look.
Like candy delights there are many options ~
from pearls to chunky beads, bangles and brooches,
thank goodness for scarves! my beloved scarves  ~ Hermes, vintage and new.
Wearing the same thing many times with different accessories makes it look fresh, never stale.

So picture this scene...

you stand in front of your closet and know that you have to be ready and out the door in half an hour.

You got a text saying "Check this restaurant out (a link attached) we'll be by to pick you up in 30 minutes!"

Are you in a state of panic?

I used to be frantic trying things on and when they didn't work I'd be throwing them on the bed or the floor.

Today I look at my basic blacks and decide what to choose.

Will it be a skirt, a dress, leggings and a tunic top, dark denim jeans or dress pants?

These all hang in my closet and they fit and yes they are all black.

There are black tops, a couple of black sweaters, a black and white print top which all can be mixed and matched.

Most of the shoes I own are black.

The new kids on the block are the Amalfi's and they are sooo comfy.

I LOVE the gross grain bows.

My handbags are all black too...

it might be fun to add a bright colour but in the past when I have done this I grow weary of them.

This may sound very boring but it works for me.

I wore this combo on New Years Eve.

The skirt is a thrift shop find and the lace top was purchased at Winners.

Black and white work well for me.

White shirts, white tank tops pearls and black bottoms are made for each other.

I am remembering my teen years when I was a waitress at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel!

We wore black uniforms and white aprons!

I think we were paid $3.75 hour plus tips.

My tips weighed down the pockets of my uniform and when Mr. HB came to pick me up after work we'd head straight to the Oak Bay Avenue A&W where we'd be served by wait staff at the drive in wearing roller skates!

(Burgers, fries and root beer but I digress!)

For dinner out celebrating my BFF's birthday...

 I opted for a black tunic top by Jones of NY

Legging by C'est Moi

Boots by Hush Puppies

Scarf by Echo

pearls an anniversary gift from Mr. HB 

(3 years ago)

I got dressed lickety split.

Having basics in black really help.

I can be ready in no time.

I had extra time to read my book before the car arrived.

I threw on my Chillax coat, grabbed my Roots cross body bag and I was out the door.

I felt good.

Not overdressed or under dressed.

The Chanel lipstick made it's debut.

(Orchidee)

I am loving the new perfume Mitsouko by Guerlain.

The grey hair is really making a statement.

I feel like I have grown into myself these past few years of exploration.

I had to listen to my head and pay heed to my heart.

Growing older is not as intimidating as I thought it might be...

acceptance and knowing and

understanding one's limitations

coupled with realistic expectations are helping me to realize my next chapter.

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty."

  ~ Henry Ford ~

I have a book where I write down every single wardrobe purchase.

I keep track of what I need and it really helps me from getting distracted or over spending.

I save money every month with a look to the future...

and ponder the possibility of a Chanel hand bag...and yes it would be BLACK!