[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]S[/dropcap]ix months have passed since I did my last wardrobe planning post. Even though I put a lot of thought into the basics my wardrobe needed, the pieces that caught my attention, and the color scheme I was gaga for, I strayed from my plan almost immediately. I’m not sure why, but I suspect it was because a rigid checklist took a lot of the fun out of shopping, especially when I was trying it in conjunction with The French Wardrobe Challenge.

I’m taking a different approach this season with a seasonal budget of $1,500 and plenty of flexibility to buy more statement pieces than basics, if that’s what my heart desires. However, I’m still incorporating two important principles of The French Wardrobe Challenge: purchase quality over quantity and make sure my wardrobe has a solid foundation of well-made basics. In an effort to keep my purchases somewhat reasonable, I did put together some thoughts on the colors, silhouettes and individual items I’d love to add this season.

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THE BUDGET

I’ve started with a seasonal budget of $1,500. I consider blog revenue and eBay sales to be “fun money” and may add a portion of that additional income to my overall seasonal budget. I’ll record any budget increases or expenditures each month. (There will also be my annual “Tax Refund Splurge,” but I’ll devote a post to that in January.)

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THE COLORS

 

I’m looking forward to a fall color palette of saturated colors like burgundy, navy, and emerald, with a jolt of fuchsia. I hadn’t really considered bright pink to be a fall favorite until I came across this pair of shoes. It’s such a classic pump that the shocking color doesn’t look garish on them. I’d also like a pink coat to combat the dreariest winter days.

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THE SILHOUETTES

I  spent some time looking through my Pinterest boards for fall style inspiration and these four picks sum up the silhouettes I’m looking for rather nicely. They’re all classic shapes and styles, but attention to detail and crisp, refined styling keep them interesting.

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THE WISH LIST 

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I keep a secret Pinterest board of all of my potential purchases. Once I add an item to this board, it sits for a few weeks while I consider whether or not it’s worth it–and many times I fall out of love with the item before I’ve actually taken the plunge. It’s basically a cooling off period. I’ve found that I’m much happier with my new items after I’ve given them plenty of thought. (If you’re curious about any of the items, click away: shoes, top, sunglasses, earrings, skirt, bag, clutch.)

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THE MUST HAVES

And now we’re on to the fun part: the items I’m anxious to check off my must-have list! You can view all of the items I add to my wardrobe over the next six months here.

• black ankle boots (Perhaps this pair from Cole Haan? I like the slightly pointed toe and a heel that’s substantial enough for slippery sidewalks.)
• black opaque tights
• navy opaque tights
• statement coat or cape
• dark floral skirt (Check!)
• chunky knit sweater
• ladylike quilted purse
• gold stud earrings
• navy a-line skirt (Check!)
• oversize cat eye sunglasses
• wallet (mine is on its last legs)

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YOUR TURN

Have you started thinking about your fall wardrobe? What are your must-have items?