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The French Wardrobe: Update

November 8, 2013 by jessica Leave a Comment

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Back in September, I mentioned that I was embarking on the French Wardrobe challenge. You can read more about it here, but it boils down to curating a wardrobe of versatile basics with just five statement pieces each season to keep it fresh. 

THE RULES

  1. Quality over quantity.
  2. Basics don’t count.
  3. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
  4. Socks and underwear don’t count.
  5. Shoes do count.*

*I’m not counting shoes. I don’t buy an excessive amount of them to begin with. 

MY PROGRESS:

  • Part of my Five: Erin Fetherston lipstick-print dress, Anthropologie cat-print dress

  • Basics: Banana Republic black pants, Forever 21 white dress, T by Alexander Wang black skirt

  • Bags: Diane von Furstenberg clutch (majorly on sale plus an additional 25% off brought this down to $55 after shipping)

  • Accessories: Jennifer Meyer for J.Crew bracelet, Kate Spade belt, opal ring at an antique store in Alexandria, Forever 21 ring
  • Shoes: Joie tartan flats, Forever 21 d’orsay flats

WHAT I’VE LEARNED:

  • I have a pretty solid foundation of basics to work with. Although, I would like to add a pair a few more pairs of pants. I love these and would like to purchase them in navy and khaki the next time BR has a 40% off promotion. I’m also on the lookout for a slightly loose cashmere v-neck sweater. I like this J.Crew version in acorn, but it would have to go on sale first. 

  • I probably shouldn’t go to the mall. I only purchased a dress and ring from Forever 21 when I stopped in to check out the d’orsay flats. 

  • It’s becoming apparent that my five will be made up of whimsical prints. 

  • My Pinterest “Style” board has been crucial. It’s easy to see what I’m drawn to when there’s nearly 800 pins to browse. I like full skirts, bright colors, and interesting prints and textures. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: the french wardrobe

Curating the French Wardrobe

September 13, 2013 by jessica Leave a Comment

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One of my 2013 resolutions was to make thoughtful decisions about my wardrobe. I tried to do this with a budget and while I became more aware of my spending habits, I felt a certain amount pressure to get as much as possible for the dollar. I should have been focused on what I really wanted: fewer items that were high quality and ultra versatile.

I started to weed through my closet, axing anything that was unflattering (pencil skirts) or that I just didn’t love anymore. This included a lot of H&M items. I’m not immune to the cheap thrill, but I’m rarely giddy about the purchase once the checkout-counter euphoria wears off. Given that, it can’t be a surprise that my favorite items are the pieces I thought about endlessly and saved up for: Ferragamo flats, a DVF wrap dress, the Hermes bracelet, and even the two items in the photo above. 

This motivated me to look into the French Wardrobe concept. (Yeah, it does sound a little gimmicky.) Basically, you start with a solid foundation of basic clothing and purchase five standout items each season (Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer) to update your wardrobe. Accessories are always fair game, which is dangerous for a jewelry lover like me.

THE RULES

  1. Quality over quantity.
  2. Basics don’t count.
  3. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
  4. Socks and underwear don’t count.
  5. Shoes do count.

THE BASICS

  • T-shirts in black, grey and white (I’m also adding stripes)
  • Tank tops in black, grey and white
  • Blouse in white or cream
  • Black dress
  • Black blazer
  • Black cardigan or sweater
  • Black pants
  • Jeans
  • Black skirt
  • Leather jacket
  • Trench coat
  • Winter coat 
  • Black suit
  • Black pumps
  • Ankle boots
  • Ballet flats
  • Sneakers
  • Watch in gold or silver
  • Black leather bag

Use these as general guidelines to build your foundation wardrobe. Personally, I don’t need a suit and won’t wear a leather jacket. Purchase what works best for you. 

Knowing that you can only purchase five items forces you to be honest about why you’re shopping and what you’re looking for. When we were in D.C., I kept asking myself, “Do I want this to be one of my five?” The answer was always no. (But I do want this Kate Spade coat to be one of my spring five.)

Since we’ve been back, I did make my first purchase for Fall/Winter: a beautiful T by Alexander Wang black skirt. I’m not sure if it should be a basic (it is black, after all) or one of my five (it’s made of neoprene). We’ll wait and see how this is going in a couple of months and then decide! 

Does anyone else want to embark on this challenge with me? I’m planning to recap my progress each month and would love to link up! 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Closet Confessions, the french wardrobe

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Hello!


Jessica Hamm
Hello there! I'm a first-time homeowner updating a 1920s house in Madison, Wisconsin. I have a penchant for travel and a love of costume jewelry.

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Our guest room wasn’t a design priority until la Our guest room wasn’t a design priority until late last year when we finally bought a bed, mattress, and a set of sheets. We used some of our own extra bedding (tucking in the generous overhang of our king blankets under the queen-sized mattress) and old bedside lamps from our bedroom: functional, but not quite the charming space I’d envisioned.
 
That started to change when I purchased the Popcorn Grid Coverlet from Schoolhouse — an item I’d been eyeing for years — plus some graphic floral pillows. Then came a bright blue round cushion and the sweetest Teig lamp, both generously gifted by Schoolhouse, and the room finally started to come together. You can shop my picks here: https://liketk.it/5f322

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Now that I live a few hours south and lilac season wraps up earlier, the blooms actually mark the start of my birthday month.

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Snapshots from the past week: • Spent quality t Snapshots from the past week:

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Find this and the other Schoolhouse items we’re using in the space here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/bedknobsandbaubles/posts/e01ae8c9-38af-11f0-b5c2-0242ac11000b

(The lamp and circle pillow were gifted. I purchased the other items.)

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Stripes, windowpane, floral, and a single polka do Stripes, windowpane, floral, and a single polka dot of bright blue to punctuate our guest room bedding. 

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