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The French Wardrobe Challenge

April 1, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

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I’ve been a little too fast and loose with the debit card lately, so I’m placing one more order to try a navy trench and a couple of white dresses to try (here and here), then I’m kicking off “No Shop April” (I tried to come up with a catchier name, but that’s the best I’ve got).* Thirty days of resisting clothing and ignoring gemstones sounds like an ideal way to get my savings back on track and continue evaluating the missing links in my wardrobe.

*I’m totally breaking this promise if I earn enough money on the blog and eBay to buy this Tory Burch scarf.

THE RULES

  1. Just five standout pieces per season. (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:

  • J.Crew Factory botanical-print shorts

Basics:

  • J.Crew 5” chino shorts in navy
  • J.Crew merino Tippi sweater in heather grey
  • NEW J.Crew fit and flare dress in haven blue: Even though there’s another color option actually labeled navy, haven blue is pretty close to the navy I have in my closet. I was worried that the fabric would be too shiny for day, but it’s very subtle. It looks darling with the Sam Edelman flats I bought a couple of months ago and it has pockets. (I don’t think it’s worth the full price of $200. I paid $150, which still might be high for it. If you can snag it at $100, go for it.) It also attracts pet hair like no other.
  • NEW J.Crew lightweight merino v-neck sweater in grey: I wanted another v-neck sweater and fell for this one. It’s incredibly soft and the slightly oversized fit (I sized up to a medium) is so appealing.
  • NEW Banana Republic “Sloan” pants in turquoise: Okay, so this isn’t an obvious basic (and actually sticks out like a sore thumb on my Pinterest board), but I wear my navy and black pairs to work all of the time. I wanted a bright color to liven up humdrum work days this spring. I also only paid $10 after a discount code and two reward coupons.

Bags:

  • Coach small saffiano leather satchel in black

Accessories:

  • Eddie Borgo iridescent cone earrings (pre-ordered from Modi Operandi)
  • Randolph Engineering rose gold aviators (c/o)
  • Lele Sadoughi lotus bib necklace
  • Vintage ring from Frippery Vintage
  • Coach saffiano leather card case in peach rose
  • NEW Double pearl earrings via eBay
  • NEW Gerard Yosca statement necklace (c/o)
  • NEW Emma McKinstry long pendant necklace (c/o)
  • NEW Meghna Designs druzy ring (c/o)
  • NEW Bauble Bar pearl collar necklace

Shoes:

  • Gap striped flats
  • Anthropologie palm-print flats
  • NEW Tory Burch “Desi” printed pumps: These were a complete impulse purchase and I love everything about the mod, ’60s-style shoe. A low, block heel is practical and navy stripes are versatile in my closet.

Ordered and Returned:

  • J.Crew 5” chino shorts in white: sheer enough to see the pocket lining
  • Gap striped fit and flare dress in navy and white stripe: I wanted to replace a striped dress I got rid of during The Great Closet Cleanout that had seen better days. This dress runs at least a full size too big and the quality of the thin, unlined cotton dress isn’t even worth the $36 I paid. It’s a bummer because the cut of the dress has a lot of potential.
  • J.Crew scallop crepe dress: I tried this on in store and really wanted to love it, but it didn’t flatter my body type. If you have a full bust and slim hips, I urge you to try it on. It really is adorable.

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

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Are you taking part in The French Wardrobe Challenge this season? Let me know by the 15th of the month and I’ll link to your post below.

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You might also enjoy:
Friday Five Under $55
The Coveted
My Favorite Purchases of 2018
The Coveted

Filed Under: Style, The French Wardrobe Challenge Tagged With: the french wardrobe, the french wardrobe spring summer 2014

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. Follow along for personal style, travel, and lifestyle content.

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