How do you create your dream wardrobe?
Simple.
Only buy pieces you truly love.
That’s what I do. I don’t try to figure out where there are “holes” in my wardrobe (ha ha! as if that were possible!) or otherwise check items off a pre determined list.
I buy what I love.
Often my most worn pieces aren’t what you would consider staples and they won’t be appearing on any “must have” list.
They are totally unique, mostly statement pieces that caught my eye, often while thrifting or vintage shopping. They become building blocks of a one-of-a-kind wardrobe that perfectly defines many of the things I adore; bold colours, rich textures, handmade items, quality vintage pieces. I’ve never once looked in my closet and felt I have nothing to wear. The opposite is true.
This outfit is filled with such pieces. It started with the aubergine leather midi skirt…I mean who buys something like that?
Me.
It has proven to be one of my favourites and a real work horse; comfortable, classy and chic with a twist. It has it all!
The long knit vest is a thrifted item I almost passed on, I’m so happy I gave it a chance. Turns out I discovered at the age of 49 I love long knit vests! How did I manage without them?
The massive belt was a consignment store find, from Italy. It even has a leather pocket on it. When I stumbled upon it I knew I’d never come across another one like it.
The large brim hat was bought in an independent shop in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was a bit of an extravagance but I’m glad I didn’t pass it by (thanks enabler husband!).
My wardrobe is filled with eclectic one-of-a-kind pieces that make me happy.
We don’t always know what will look good on us, but we know what we truly love which is the perfect starting place for building a dream wardrobe.
Does your closet make you happy?
Linking up with Visible Monday I Will Wear What I Like 52 Pick Me Up, Turning Heads Tuesday, Hat Attack
Well said, Suzanne! If you only buy things you love, you will always have something fabulous to wear. I love your one-of-a-kind pieces, like that brilliant belt. Thanks for sharing, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
That’s what I think when I look in my closet—I have so much to wear and so little time!!
I love how pieces have stories attached to them and great remembrances!! It makes getting dressed more enjoyable & almost like going through your scrapbook!!
Just this last year or so, I “discovered” the long vests also—where were they all my life? Don’t you just love them?
And it is good to have an enabler as a friend, realtive and/or husband!!
I just took my mom shopping and got her some great finds—now if I could only get her to purge slightly!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Purging is tough but necessary unless you want to achieve hoarder status. ; P Or you have a very large house.
Long vests and cardigans are the best thing ever! I completely agree with you. If you buy what you love you’ll always be happy with your wardrobe. I’m the opposite of someone who buys practical things…I mean how practical is it to own 5 tulle skirts…lol! What matters is I love them.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Ha! Okay now I don’t feel so bad about my leather skirt obsession : )
Thank you! All I seem to keep hearing is to ‘buy classic pieces’ and fill in the ‘holes’ as you said! For the last little bit I have been trying to buy things only if ‘I love them!’ Although that can be a challenge when you come across something that is such a good deal!
My wardrobe is all neutrals …. black especially but I so enjoy seeing what combinations you put together! You always look gorgeous!
I agree I also often have a hard time when thrifting and I stumble across a brilliant deal. When I retail shop which isn’t often I rarely have that issue. The lower sticker price can lead to much more temptation.
I don’t believe in these check lists, either. I see something I like, I try it on, and if it looks and feels good, I buy it. It’s that simple.
I mean, who has time to write lists of items they need?!? Or make some sort of complicated graphs to identify ‘holes’ in their wardrobe? I often buy something I love and then just build an outfit (or two, or five) around it. And yet I dare say that I’m quite a minimalist and the queen of capsule wardrobes…
By the way, I think this boho look /with long vests etc) is you. It suits your personality, never mind what age you are.
I totally agree with you. I often do the same thing, buy what I love and then create around it.
I’m trying to only buy things that I love and that speak to me. I still have a “list of basics” that I need to add/replace, but even the basics need to be “unique” or “perfect” and not just “good enough.” “Good enough” just doesn’t bring me enough joy!
I love your unique wardrobe! The long vest looks great on you!
Andrea@WellnessNotes
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
It is so hard to not be tempted by something that is simply “good enough”. A perfect item can sometimes be as elusive as my ideal goal weight.
You have so many incredibly beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. No wonder you shine in the things you wear. My problem is my clothes speak to me for, hm, six months or so. Then we break up and I have a hard time letting go of our relationship – we might get back together again!
No holes in my closet, that’s for sure! Hahaha. It’s more like a great abyss, maybe a black hole. Gaaa.
You’ve nailed the wardrobe-shaping experience briliiantly. LOVE your knitted vests. Gerkin? Jerkin? Can’t remember that other funny word.
I also have the same issue. I’ll love something for a while and then like an old boyfriend drop it for a year and then come back to it later and wonder why I ever dropped it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder?
I also think that a changing body has loads to do with what I like in my wardrobe at any given moment. When I’m thinner I’ll wear pants more often. When I’m plump I’ll wear skirts and dresses.
I think you’ve pretty much nailed your buying philosophy with that one comment – buy what you love. It’s the best advice ever. Some women love a cashmere sweater and therefore buy it in every colour. You love unique pieces that you’ll never see on anyone else. We’re all different, but if we all just buy what we love then our closets won’t be jam packed with ok items.
I’ve not yet purchased a long vest although you’ve made a very convincing case to consider one. I worry that it may swamp me. Yours however, does seem to give a lovely flow to your outfit, pulls it all together beautifully. I love that skirt with those sexy boots, rawr!
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I also thought my vests would swamp me. Surprising what some heels will do. Also since our spring weather has been a whole lot less spring-like this year and more fall I’m finding that the layer of the vest is perfect for me.
I truly like your way of thinking a whole lot better than what one would normally read in all those magazine articles. And you know me as well, we both think way too much alike. So yes, I do create my dream wardrobe by purchasing items I truly love. My problem, as well yours, is we tend to love so many items, haha. But unique and creative styling is so much more fun to put together.
By the way, I will gladly take your belt anytime you decide its no longer a love item. That is definitely a one of a kind, awesome find!
Oh, and I do remember that hat!
Ha ha! You get me Trina : ) Scary how much we are alike. I agree, I love WAY too many things! I also agree that I like a challenge to put together items others might normally shy away from.
You and I definitely have this in common. Those “wardrobe must have” lists always frustrate me because what they call essential doesn’t seem essential to my lifestyle. Like, how “essential” can something be if I never want to wear it because it’s no fun?
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
I agree! Nothing like some boring basic black slacks to make me go right to sleep! LOL
You look beautiful in that outfit. The colors of the hat, belt, and boots are so warm. I recently discovered long, slim cardigans, love them. Am looking now for a great long vest. That is perfect advice to buy only what you love. Thanks for the reminder that it’s okay to do that. It suits me so much better than “buy what you need, or are missing.”
.
I think if you truly love a piece, it will look good on you. You look 10 feet tall in this outfit – beautiful!
I always love everything you wear because they really are unique pieces. I do try and buy things that I really love rather than because it’s cute or it looks good with the skirt I am buying. I am very slowly getting better at buying only things that I love. I do still slip and relapse and buy things and later think WTF was I think moments.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Yes! Also true for decorating.
People are so scared to offend or break some unstated rule.
Life is too short, just buy stuff you like. It will all go together!
I think you nailed this outfit with the long vest. I love that skirt!
xo Jazzy Jack
Too true! I do find that decorating and what we choose to wear goes hand in hand.
I couldn’t have put it better myself. No holes or gaps in mine, I just throw open the doors and marvel at the madness.
Love those long waistcoats on you. That’s one fine outfit. The leather skirt is gorgeous and the hat proves you’ve got a brilliant husband. xxx
Ha ha! I’ll tell my husband you wrote that ; P
I love your description of your closet!
Yes, Buy What you Love (and what makes you feel good wearing) is the foundation of a closet full of things that you will actually wear. My closet and I are not friends right now because there are too many things that no longer fit my body or my life. I love those longer leather skirts on you – I don’t wear heels so I find that length doesn’t really look good with flats, but they look great with your heeled boots.
I whole heartedly agree with every bit of your post! It is a comfort to me that there are other ladies out there who do not really have “basics”. To me, the more unique the better. The only thing is I have a hubby that says “do you really need that?” Kind of the opposite of an enabler, but oh well. 🙂
Janeane
http://www.designingfrommycloset.wordpress.com
I want all of your skirts. That skirt looks so amazing on you! <3 Rad duster cardigan, too!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Love your leather skirt ! I have not tried the long vest/cardi but like how it looks. I agree, I have slowed down buying recently as I only buy what really catches my eye. I have stopped going to stores that sell mass produced jewelry as I would rather have a vintage or unique necklace or brooch to my collection with some history or story behind it. I say, an item “has to speak to me” I bet that belt is amazing!
Thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
oh yes, I love your attitude!, and I’m also loving your long vest and fabulous skirt, really covetable pieces!!, that hippietastic eclectic style is gorgeous!
I’m always trying to create a more fabulous wardrobe, it’s a work in progress and I would like to stay working in it forever!
besos
Oh yes, my closet makes me very happy. I shop like you do. Never look at holes which there are… in basic stuff. I need that as well, but as they are not unique, I hardly see them when I shop.
You are right about your outfit, it really suits and flatters you. I like everything and love the belt and hat.
Greetje
I do love that skirt on you. But then, you always rock leather skirts! Also, the boots with their contrasting color but same texture as the skirt- looks so, so cool!!!!
It is so interesting to read all the comments about shopping and what works for people. I used to really like the essentials list, especially as I first started to blog. But part of the reason I got into blogging was because I’d transitioned from college (mostly t-shirts and jeans kind of a girl) to needing to be professional but not wanting to look boring. They gave me a place to start, and my style eventually grew beyond them. Well, I still enjoy many of the items on those lists but it is because I want a striped shirt, not because something else told me to purchase one. And I’ll definitely go in with an idea in mind about what I want, but that works because I often shop online and get overwhelmed with selection easily. It is what works for me. But no matter one’s style or style-of-shopping, it seems like it should be a universal rule: you should only fill your closet with what you really, really love and what fits your lifestyle and feels nice to wear.
That’s a seriously awesome vest thingy. For realz.
Another winning look!
Traveling has made me late in commenting! My strategy is the same, Suzanne. I buy what I love and usually at estate sales and thrift or consignment shops. You’re looking fabulous in your treasures. Thank you so much for sharing your floppy brimmed hat with Hat Attack!