Planning Future Purchases (“if money were no object…”)
I’ve explored why I want to refine my wardrobe palette; then I went on to share how I developed my color palette. Most recently, I’ve talked about the wardrobe I’ve currently got, and now I want to explore the pieces I need & want to make my wardrobe more cohesive, dynamic, and flexible.
The two sets below are kind of representations of the ways I want my wardrobe to grow: the provide both literal wants and ideas of the types of things I’m looking for. Patterns that incorporate several of the colors on my palette, and that can mix and match easily. Basics with a +1 for detail and interest. Ways to expand upon what I have, and provide pieces that are versatile and functional throughout most, if not all seasons.
♥ Basics in simple colors, but with beautiful details– a white shirt & a classic striped oxford, solid colored skirts with interesting details (the red skirt has a high waist & bow in the back), neutral dresses that can be layered upon easily. Ideally, this list can grow each season: turtleneck sweaters & cardigans for the fall & winter, tanks tops, t-shirts, and skirts to layer year round.
♥ Shoe Expansion: The shoes are more interpretive. Ideally, I’d like a pair or two, in varying styles, of the colors represented in my wardrobe. Right now I’ve got a major crush & case of the wants for a pair of duo/tri-tone flat brogues/oxfords, as well as flats-to-mid-heels in purple, royal blue, and nude/flesh toned– they’re topping my list of “to buys.”
♥ Diversifying & strengthening my patterned pieces. I love Trashy Diva for always making floral patterns that are accessible and easily integrated in to my wardrobe. I love that they have a variety of colors in them, making them stretch across my palette needs. Finding basic pieces in my favorite patterns– black & white striped shirts, striped cardigans and vests. These will add interest to my outfits, while remaining flexible.
♥ Comfort Above all, I want the pieces I buy to make me comfortable. To make me feel hip, stylish, and lovely, while being flexible for my lifestyle.
It’s hard in ways to have limited myself. When I see things like this yellow crochet back shirt (via Alloy), all I can think is “OOHH, PRETTY! I want to wear you with jeans and my grey/yellow flats!”
But then I stop and think: what ELSE would I wear this with? Because while I could wear it with the colors within my palette, I know that I wouldn’t. Wearing yellow with purple, pink, or black isn’t something I would do. I would only wear it with grey or denim.
It makes me seriously reconsider my wants & desires, to know whether or not it’s worth it–spending the money to know that I can’t and won’t wear it often.
Thanks so much for making it this far with me– I’ve appreciated all the comments, support, and suggestions I’ve received with this series! I hope to revisit it throughout the year, as my style evolves, grows, and changes with the purchases I make.
Many of you expressed interest in pursuing this yourself– please do! Please let me know how the process works for you, what you’ve discovered along the way, or any suggestions you may want me to try out. If you ever want help, suggestions, ideas, or someone to bounce ideas off of, please don’t hesitate to email me!
{ 12 trackbacks }
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You are soo collected about this! My wardrobe is a real collection, and I have no idea how I would begin to sort it. Scary!
My palette is “too much black.”
Ashe, I think you should go over to people’s houses and What-Not-to-Wear their palette. You can start with mine.
I’ve started doing this, too and I’ve saved a bunch of money already!! It feels a bit freeing knowing that I’m not as impulsive because I know a potential purchase won’t really fit in past a couple of outfits. +D
Fantastic. You’ve made me really want to do this with my own wardrobe, but I suspect it may end up empty and I have no money to refill it!
I think my first step will be to organise mine so I know what I actually even have that I can wear! Half of it’s too big or too small…
Great job! I’ve been planning to clean out my closet and organize my wardrobe, see what pieces I need to fill in etc.. just like you did. Except I realized I’m only missing one thing, $$$. So sad…
@Lara – That could be fun, though I hate to tell people they can’t wear something! Some people work more colors in to their wardrobe far better than I can…
@Lauren – It was easy for me to begin because I’m been getting rid of a lot of stuff over the past year or so. Selling shoes, donating clothes… it really helps. I tend to put things that don’t fit, or that I need to think about in a suitcase for a while, and let myself see if I’ll forget about it or not…
@WendyB – Mine was/is too! I’m trying to add more color in it!
@Alicia – I’m so, so happy to hear that you’re having success as well! It really is freeing knowing that money isn’t going down the drain & you won’t get as much pleasure from a piece that just doesn’t work…
@Retro Chick – I found a mostly empty wardrobe was a great help– I keep going through and weeding things out of mine, as my weight fluctuates, that really isn’t my style (but I bought for a job interview or something like that).
@Natanya – Cash is definitely the hardest part of me, especially as my closet is actually kind of scarce right now. I totally understand, babe!