BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

August marks the end of The French Wardrobe Challenge Part Duex and it’s painfully obvious that I can’t resist a good sale. Many of my items over the last six months were purchased at a discount—that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it definitely led to more impulsive spending than what I intended when I started this challenge. Some were completely understandable ($200 Ferragamo Varinas for instance), others probably didn’t need to happen (turquoise Banana Republic pants that I still haven’t worn yet).

A few things I learned:

• Having two Pinterest boards for my purchases is crucial. I have a private “Buy” board where I add any item that I’m seriously considering. Think of it as the cooling off period. If I fall out of love with an item on that Pinterest after just a few weeks, it probably wasn’t going to get much love in my closet. I have another board for my actual purchases, which has been a good reminder of what I already own and what gaps I could fill throughout the season.
• Sales will be the death of me. I easily justify an item at a discount, which isn’t a bad thing if I like it before the sale. I just don’t want to fall for an item because of the sale.
• Spring/Summer purchases felt a little scatterbrained, which I suspect is because my style evolved from previous years. I incorporated more dresses and rompers—easy one-piece items for summer—and didn’t gravitate to shorts and tops as often as I did in previous years (aside from the J.Crew shorts I’m crazy about).
• Changing my shopping habits is difficult. I still yearn to buy everything that catches my eye, but that’s not sustainable for my budget or for my closet. I’m growing tired of the clutter and I’m tired of owning things I don’t use and appreciate.

So, will I continue with The French Wardrobe Challenge in fall and winter? Yes, but this time with a budget. I’ll share more details in a couple of weeks.

In the meantime, let me know if you’re taking part in the challenge next season! I’d love to link up.

THE RULES

1. Just five standout pieces per season that update your wardrobe. (There are two “seasons” for this purpose: spring/summer and fall/winter.)
2. Quality over quantity.
3. Basics don’t count.
4. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
5. Socks and underwear don’t count.
6. Shoes do count. (I’m not counting shoes, though.)

MY PROGRESS

Part of my five six seven:

• J.Crew Factory botanical-print shorts
• ASOS midi skirt in sheer check
• Diane von Furstenberg “Kimana” dress in a floral stripe
• Rachel Zoe romper
• Diane von Furstenberg “Oblixe” dress
• NEW J.Crew embroidered shorts: These are just ridiculously cute and I love the elastic waist for the sultry days that are just too darn hot for anything form fitting.
• NEW BB Dakota dress: I’m a sucker for a good sale. As I explained in this post, the dress was just $20 at Shopbop’s Maxwell Street Days festivities. It’s not my favorite item in my wardrobe by any means, but it sure is comfortable. I’ll probably have it hemmed into a top next summer when I grow tired of the shirttail bottom.

Basics:

• J.Crew 5” chino shorts in navy
• J.Crew merino Tippi sweater in heather grey
• J.Crew fit and flare dress in haven blue
• J.Crew lightweight merino v-neck sweater in grey
• Banana Republic “Sloan” pants in turquoise
• Banana Republic trench coat in navy
• Banana Republic eyelet dress in white
• LOFT black dress
• LOFT romper
• Pim + Larkin slip dress
• Old Navy 3.5” shorts in black
• J.Crew linen sweater
• Kohl’s black dress

Bags:

• Coach small saffiano leather satchel in black

Accessories:

• Lele Sadoughi lotus bib necklace
• Vintage ring from Frippery Vintage
• Coach saffiano leather card case in peach rose
• Double pearl earrings via eBay
• Tory Burch floral scarf
• Lulu Frost necklace
• Julie Vos cuff
• NEW Julie Vos ring: This is such a unique take on a cocktail ring with a trio of stones set in a horizontal line. I bought it during the online sample sale for $26.

Shoes:

• Gap striped flats
• Anthropologie palm-print flats
• Tory Burch “Desi” printed pumps
• J.Crew striped loafers
• Tory Burch “Tallulah” sandals
• NEW J.Crew patent pointed toe flats: Definitely my most practical purchase this season. I have a pair from another brand that is nearly identical, but they’re nearly beyond repair. This J.Crew pair is on standby for when the old ones finally bite the dust.
• NEW Ferragamo “Varina” flats: A pair of turquoise Varinas in my size sat fatefully on the shelf of the Shopbop Maxwell Street Days sale. They were just $200, fit like a dream, and, yet, I almost didn’t buy them. I wasn’t sure I could justify the cost before we went to Belgium. Dave could and sent me back to get them an hour later. They were still there, waiting to come home with me.

Items I tried and didn’t love:

• I really wanted a blue dress this summer and this option from J.Crew. The darts made the fabric pucker in a strange place and the top was too billowy for my frame. It fit in my regular size, but I looked huge. I suspect it only looks cute on the model because she has a long torso. 
• Margaret Elizabeth earrings: I bought these in black onyx and moonstone thinking that they would go well with all of my end-of-summer clothes, but they arrived damaged. Even though the brand’s policy is an exchange, they allowed me to return the earrings for a full refund. I’m pretty disappointed in the quality of the particular set (the stones were just glued on). It looks like the pieces with actual bezel settings will hold up longer.
• I spotted this sporty Old Navy skirt in a recent magazine (InStyle, maybe?) and thought it would be a cute alternative to shorts for casual outings. I wanted the white version, but the pockets were visible through the fabric (my pet peeve). The fabric of the black version was softer and I almost opted for that, but really, I didn’t love it enough for the price. I might consider it again when it’s on sale.

Gifted clothing and accessories:

• Randolph Engineering rose gold aviators
• Gerard Yosca statement necklace
• Emma McKinstry long pendant necklace
• Meghna Designs druzy ring
• Golden Thread arrowhead pendant
• Sammy dress double pearl choker
• Lacee Alexandra ring
• Haydren Reis beach bag
• Suzanne Kalan necklace
• Rivet & Sway sunglasses
• Peter Som for Kohl’s dress
• Candie’s sandals
• Apt. 9 crossbody bag
• Apt. 9 sunglasses
• Gerard Yosca sunburst pendant
• Vrai & Oro ring
• Lo & Sons travel bag

If you’re curious about The French Wardrobe Challenge, I encourage you to peruse the archived posts. 

Are you taking part in The French Wardrobe Challenge this season? Let me know and I’ll link to your post below. (It probably goes without saying, but I’d love it if you linked back to my posts too.)