There is a difference between a closet full of clothes and a wardrobe. A closet is simply the place where we keep our clothes. The way those clothes work together and the way they make us feel is what constitutes a wardrobe. A wardrobe is something you build, something that is full of timeless pieces which work together, things that will last, things that have memories and happenings attached to them.
Just as I'm always thinking about defining my personal style, I've always thinking of how to build my wardrobe. How to find pieces that will last through several season, withstand trends and even hold up in the wash. I constantly have a list that I keep in my planner, full of items that I'm jonesing for. Some classic pieces, some trendy items and often an item or two that I've spotted in a magazine or on my favorite TV show. When each new month's clothing budget comes around, I look over my list and decide what I'm going to snag that month. Some items stay on the list so long that I end up crossing them off, but I think this is good because it prevents me from buying items that I only wear once or twice.
So, here is the current list I have stuffed in my planner:
Romper
Wellies
(Check! as of today) Swimsuit
Trench
Denim Shorts
Black Skinnies
Leather Bomber Jacket
TOMS
White Slip-On Converse
Hot Pink Heels
Clutch
Tie-Neck Blouse
Red Handbag
Kate Spade Enamel Bangles
Kate Spade Large Faceted Ring
Nude Pump
White Watch
Boyfriend Jeans
Red Heels
Cream Shift Dress
Black Blazer
White Linen Pants
Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans
Black Crops
Brown Plaid/Tweed Trousers
Red Flats
Black Quilted Kate Spade Bag
Red Eyeglasses
Black Button Up
White Button Up
Red Boots
Heeled Boots
Plaid Coat
Regatta Dress by Odille
Fly Grove Dress by Leifsdottir
Night Blooming Dress by Tabitha
This list does not include my current Anthropologie wish list. You can see that here.
As you can see, the list is a combination of specific and general, old and new, trendy and classic. It's not a foolproof way to prevent unworn purchases, but it's worked great for me so far! The list helps me to focus on how well an item will integrate with the rest of my closet, how it fits into my personal style and how long it will last.
What wardrobe building items are on your list? Which trendy items are you pining for?
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7 comments:
Though I am pretty sure it would suck on me, I kind of have my eye out for a romper too. I missed out on the Sine version from last year (because now I think it would be perfect!) and the one's I've been seeing around now are either too risque or kind of stodgy.
Great list though - I find that having them really helps to keep me on track with my purchases. Mostly.
Great post! Really gives us something to think about. Sometimes when I'm in Anthro, I get swept up in the atmosphere and just buy things that really don't constitute wardrobeness, more like spur-of-the-momentness. Thanks for posting this, you've inspired me to make my own list of "wardrobe" items.
Also, I took a look at your wishlist, I wanted to let you know I just got the Blooming Lattice Cardi from an eBay seller for $46. The seller's ID is shoplilywang. Just thought I'd give ya a heads up in case you need one :)
http://irisrapunzel.blogspot.com/
I make myself lists all the time and I never stick to them. I have fashion ADD I think.
http://the-not-so-secret-loves-of-bri.blogspot.com/
What a great list! I have one like this saved on my computer, and it's a great idea to a post. Thanks for the inspiration! If I do post about it, I'll link back to yours :-)
Great post, I completely agree that we should look to building a wardrobe rather than just buying willy-nilly. Right now I am on the look-out for nude pumps, different colored cardigans (navy, orange, and red most notably), white blazer, navy suit, and black pinstripe pants to name a few. I'm replacing old (cheaper) stuff with quality items that fit better.
I made a comprehensive list this year and I've been pretty good about sticking to it. My wardrobe used to be separate between work and play because the corporate world was so strict-now that I'm in a different job I have soooo much more freedom and can wear a lot more fun stuff to the office so my wish list has rapidly grown! I end up adding a lot to it!
I love this idea.
Also: I want some TOMS!
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