[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?
Great selection of must haves. I really need a new pair of black pumps. And would like a new statement coat in camel or black.
I love your style so I love having a peek in your secret board. I didn’t set a budget this time around but I know I want to keep my spending in check, so thank God for fun money like you said. I am now saving them for a nice coat and new boots as my old Cole Haan’s have known better days. I did a list here but I need to revisit my closet because a few staples don’t fit very well anymore :/. I love that navy a-line skirt but realized I already have one from J.Crew , also love that Ted Baker you got a gorgeous piece indeed. This time around I need to focus less on basics and more on stand out items.
PS: These Cole Haan Booties are a great idea, I have a couple booties from them that are over 4 years old and looking amazing still.
Those Cole Haan booties are an instant classic. I’m craving sleek and classic this fall as well as structured items. I will be purchasing a lot of basics and trying to stay away from trendy items. I just bought a pair of well fitting camel slacks from Loft, Zoe fit is the best, and I can see myself incorporating it a lot in my fall wardrobe. Can’t wait to hear about what you get!
now that my closet is 1/2 the size it used to be im trying realllly hard to shop through the things i already own. that being said i could use a pair of brown booties. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Such a smart change to make! I’m doing something similar this time around and letting myself have 7 stand outs, not counting shoes, and counting more colors in basics (like burgundy and purple, haha)
Hopefully both our new ways work out for us! 😀
I also need to do a new closet cleanout so I know what I need and don’t need….blegh.
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
I’ve got a color palette down that I’m excited about! My must-haves are a new coat (would LOVE a pop of color with it), a fluted skirt (navy would be great but can’t find any long enough for me), black and navy tights as well – again in talls, black and white striped long sleeve shirt, looooong cardigan (to my ankles would be nice) and an investment grey T shirt.
Love your plan of action!! That clutch is STUNNING!!
I love having a list of things I want, especially in the form of a Pinterest board. If things change, then I don’t need to get them, but it allows me to think things over before shopping.
I’ve decided to join you this time around, and while I don’t have as defined a plan, I have thought about what basics I’d like to add/replace, and the budget I’m going to aim for. Of course I am still coveting a pair of shorts at J.Crew factory and I don’t know why they won’t mark them down more! If they do, I’m not counting them…
Chic on the Cheap