Style is a funny thing. It’s ever-evolving and sometimes kind of confusing. I’m a person who craves change, but loves traditions. Over the past few years I’ve cleaned out my closet many times, vowing to adopt a simpler approach to fashion. I’ve renounced my hoarder ways. But, if I’m being honest I still struggle with choosing classic pieces and “keepers”. Sometimes the higher prices scare me off, but when I do buy nicer pieces I almost never regret it. Maybe I’m over thinking the whole thing, but it’s been on my mind lately. If you have any tips or experiences for smarter shopping and wardrobe building I’d love to hear them! Elsie
Wishlist Links: 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.
63 Comments
I love the Jonathan Adler Vase et the ex-boyfriend shirt !
Have a nice weekend !
I’m absolutely terrible sorting out my clothes, I force myself to do it a couple of times a year, because I find myself buying things I’ll only wear once and then forget about. I think I’m just not very good at finding those classic pieces.
Also, I love those green boots, they are gorgeous 🙂
I’ve been through the same struggle lately! I can’t seem to buy “essentials” that I could wear in many different outfits. I try so hard but it’s just not happening. I keep saying I’m going to make outfits with my current pieces and get rid of those that aren’t versatile enough and make a list of the pieces I imagined would go well with the outfits I put together. But then I’d have to find the money to buy all that stuff… Why is it so complicated??!!!
For years I was having the exact struggle you describe, trying to shop smarter but never getting there. I really figured out of my dilemma when I challenged myself with a fashion project, http://theproject333.com/.The great thing about this project is that the commitment isn’t big, it’s not about getting rid of your closet, it’s just about hiding most of it for a set time (3 weeks, 3 months, whatever suits you). Probably a horrible idea for someone who, among other things, writes fashion style posts, but you never know 😉
Love the checkered shirt 🙂
Shoes are my cup of tea…^^
XXX
Shoes are my cup of tea…^^
xxx
There is definitely something to be said about investing in the classic pieces. I tend to, then, grab inexpensive super trendy pieces to swap in. I purge my closet often, too! it’s very liberating to clean like that 🙂
I love your round up – that gingham shirt and tiny “i’m the boss” are my favorites!
xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish
Totally in the same boat as you. My mum is always asking why I waste money on a huge amount of cheap often average quality clothes instead of buying less items which are more expensive and better quality. It so hard though! I also struggle to justify the huge prices but then I have no problem spending the same money on five items of cheap clothing.
I totally love all the shoes that you guys post. Especially Number 11 but I have a hard time finding them in size 11. 🙂 Do you know any place that sells them for women with big feet? :p
I own the same Minnetonkas – they are so comfortable!
I have so much clothing! My problem is with not being able to get rid of things no matter how badly it doesn’t fit or how long its been since I’ve worn it because I have “sentimental” attachments to it. Really though I forget about it until I clean out my closet again 🙂 I love all of your picks especially the leopard print purse and the plaid shirt. The I am the Boss necklace is so cute too.
So, I am 20 years old and I have worked at J.crew factory for 2.5 years. Talk about higher priced items! I have struggled to get my wardrobe where I want it to be(still am) and when I was 18 I had no “professional” items and now I have a collection of button downs (which I wanted to have and I can wear to work and off work) And pants that aren’t denim, like our winnie pants and ponte pants. I love the higher priced items I have bought but it took me a long time to realize if I love it and if I will wear it often to buy it.I have also been quite the hoarder and definitely need to clean out my closet.
anyway, I LOVE that madewell buffalo check top. Go for it! 🙂
hunter rainboots are great!! it makes such a difference having dry feet in the rain, it can change your whole day! love them
I love the JA sunglasses case! Cute list! You should try a clothes swap with your lady friends for clearing out your wardrobe on a yearly basis! My girlfriends and I do it, and it is super fun! And you get new things, and give life to your older items!
Happy Saturday : )
Love the green shoes!
Have an amazing weekend everybody:
http://lasagnolove.blogspot.de/2013/10/world-pasta-dayhave-wonderful-weekend.html
Love from Europe,
Bambi
That i am the boss necklace is epic!
http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/birchbox-october-2013.html
Why 2 pairs of ‘wellies’? Just curious. I love that gingham shirt. That price also terrifies me. I’ve been trying to work on that since the new year but still no success.
loving 1 2 and 5!
xx
that marc jacobs watch is AMAZING!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
check out my chloe + isabel giveaway!
I LOVE seeing your wishlists! You gals always find the cutest stuff. I want it all!
I’m a stylist. Or I used to work as one a lot, so I have a lot of clothes. It’s really hard for me to get rid of clothing because I always think — but what if I could use this for a shoot? The truth of the matter is that I haven’t done any styling in almost 3 years and my career is kind of going down a different path — where most of the companies I work for would provide a styling budget anyway. So what I started doing is dividing my closet. Every day I try to wear a new piece. Obviously there are some things I reach for more than others. After I wear it, I move it to the other side of the closet. So I have a ‘worn’ side, and an ‘unworn’ side. And when I get down to those last few ‘unworn’ pieces, I’ll know what I don’t reach for — and what I do. That way even though I have some basics that I spend actual money on, I know where my style is going for those cheaper fashion pieces, too.
I have the Frye boots, get the boots, I assure you there will be zero regret. Treat them well and it’s 20 years of boot wear. Easily.
Hey Elsie,first off I love your blog and obsessed with it! 🙂 Something I always do when deciding on investing on pieces for my wardrobe is I’ll think how much will I wear this? Or can/will I still be able to wear this years down the road? I’m a poor college student so I like to be savy when shopping. Usually if I’ll get something more trendy it will be something that isn’t too expensive. Hope this helps! 🙂
I want it all! Especially the boots and watch!
LittleBirdBlogs
I love your pics – what a classy tea kettle hehe!
Bailey
Ooooh! I love that checkered shirt. Ugh! I hate self promoting. But I just wrote a shopping guide on all of my favorite stores this week. I just want it to be helpful! http://gnomelover.com/2013/10/21/my-shopping-tips-and-reviews-of-the-stores-i-love/. I hope it helps. I have never shopped at Madwell, though. So I can’t help there!
Jenni
My goodness, I am smitten with that backpack.
I always try to keep versatile in mind when building my wardrobe, but then again nothing is better than a statement piece!
i love that “I am the boss” necklace, thanks for sharing
http://www.LPbyLP.com
So many cute items, great wishlist! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.com
I was lusting over that watch online, but when I tried it on in stores I didn’t like enough to spend $200 on it.
Unfortunately I love nothing from this list. But luckily wishlists are different 😉
Minnetonkas and the Marc Jacobs watch! Love them!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
Yes, simple. I tend to go for simple items with something distinctively unique and creative but not trendy. For example, I love geometrical designs but all too often most geometrical designs are done in a very commercial trendy all the same kind of way. I like geometrical designs that are done in a way I haven’t seen before, and in a way that I would even consider clever. I love clothes that aren’t tied to a certain era or style as well. Also, the more simple something is, the easier it is to math with something else. As long as all is not plain.
-Casey
http://www.wordpress.Kceh.com
Hi Annabelle!
I’m so glad you relate. 😀 I’m sure we’ll figure it out eventually!
elsie
Hi J,
Whoa. Such a cool concept! I’m impressed!
elsie
Hi there,
the white ones are the only wellies on this list. The others are leather, I think. 😀
Although- If I’m being honest, I wish I could own every color of wellies!
elsie
Really?? Awesome! I really want a pair with heels! Good to know.
elsie
I was all about cheap fashion until I read the book “Overdressed”. It totally changed the way I look at clothes and fashion, for the better. Now I have a deeper appreciation for well made investment pieces!
I have bags and bags of clothes that are headed to Goodwill (Eventually). I’ve gone through mine and my husbands clothes 3 times this year and they still haven’t made it out of the house yet! Now they are just taking up space in the basement!
I thought #4 was salt and pepper shakers… =( that would’ve been cool. And I want some new Thunderbirds terribly!!!
Heather
This reminds me of how much I need to revamp my closet for fall/winter… but, once i start, it will take days and days. The pants (01) look so comfortable and 09 is so fun!
M.
Lovely picks… especially that necklace, cracked me up hehe
merredee.blogspot.com
That skull planter looks rad
Oh Elsie, I’m right there with you. Just recently I got rid of most of my clothes and right now I’m trying to build a new wardrobe. It’s hard :/ All I own is: 4 longsleeves, 2 cardigans, 2 pairs of jeans, 1 skirt, 2 pullovers and a dress. I used to be an avid h&m shopper, lots of clothes for very little money but really, that’s not how I want to so this anymore. I completely agree with you on investing more in really special, well-made pieces. It was hard at first but I, too, almost never regretted it!
Love your wish list 🙂 those Minnetonka’s have been on mine for ages. Maybe I’ll go for them this autumn ^^
Xo
Andrea
Elsie, you may find this site http://into-mind.com/2013/04/08/refine-your-style-and-upgrade-your-wardrobe-20-quick-fix-ideas/ helpful when developing a more minimalist approach to your wardrobe. I am on a personal 30 items for 30 days remix challenge at the moment. It’s a relatively quick way to find out what type of items are you’re personal go to’s while also getting you out of your comfort zone.
http://into-mind.com/2013/04/08/refine-your-style-and-upgrade-your-wardrobe-20-quick-fix-ideas/
Love the checked shirt and the Jonathan Adler Vase
Just keep them! Keep them all! I have so many clothes its like an archive now, but they’ll ALWAYS come back around, and you’ve got your own ‘vintage’ wardrobe to refer to whenever you want! (Plus vacuum pack bags are like the Holy Grail for keeping them clean, small and out the way till you need them again). x
I love the moccasins and I agree with You to the difficulty in picking the keepers and the basics.
I have a really hard time doing that 🙁
Loads of love, SJay!
http://www.sweetswithfreaks.blogspot.com
Thrifting is so fun because it’s cheap and you can re-do many pieces with cutting them or sewing them! I shop usually at cheaper places because I’m a college student on a budget. Loft has GREAT sales all the time! My advice is to always keep those staple pieces and every now and then pick up an expensive piece. If you’re going to get something trendy, buy it cheap, at forever21 or Charlotte Rouse, because it will go out of style. I’m always cleaning out my closet and thinking I need more clothes but when I stop and think about it, I realize I have so many collabs I can do with what I have. I always love your style and Emma’s too!
I too know in my mind that investing in quality, timeless clothes makes sense, but it’s not easy to put into practice sometimes. Since moving to NYC a year ago I’ve been in love with pricier business casual attire but it can be really hard to choose one very nice, expensive dress, that will last, over three cheaper dresses that may not. Having recently acquired a sewing machine, I hope to be making my own clothes some day 🙂
Love the skull planter- so funky.
I love the Frye boots and the mocs! I have the boots and they are divine. They are completely worth the splurge. I like to call them ‘forever boots’. (Maybe that’s just a justification, but it works)!
The skull planter is amazing I know so many people who would love it for christmas!!
My problem is that I’m constantly getting rid of my clothes but when I replace them (which is rare) it’s never with anything practical. Or it’s something TOO practical.
Divine watch! My wish!
http://www.Blackandolives.com
I saw the I am the boss necklace this morning on etsy and I favorited it! Cool to see it in the wishlist also.
I’m attempting to do the same by spending more money on essentials and less on trendy items but it can be so difficult when there’s an adorable bralette in Urban Outfitters for $50 when I know I don’t need it haha. I try and always keep a list of things I want/basics so I don’t have too many impulse buys or spend too much on trendy items.
By the way, I recently tried your chocolate cupcake recipe and I’m in LOVE. I just did a post on it on my blog if you’d like to see pictures of my finished cupcakes!
Thanks for always being so inspiring!
Amber
Lovely Notions
Weird. I am wearing the no.1 pants and bought it at H&M!
I’m in the same boat. I keep trying to buy clothing that I know will last me longer/be something I will constantly go back to wear, but the price tags on such items keep making me go, “!!!! Nope,” even though I know it would be a savvy move. Especially now with space/money being a bit tight, it means that saving up for those more expensive, yet smarter, items takes longer and I tend to go, “But how much do I want it?” It also means I’m carefully thinking about the things that I really do want in my closet.
Good luck to both of us and trying to navigate the smart and savvy shopping lifestyle!
I don’t have any tips since I mainly just buy at the thrift store, but I do know that some things are real basics, and sometimes you need to make your OWN list of basics. Sometimes a lip hair clip or a pair of moccasins are a wardrobe staple for someone. I, myself, am TOTALLY feeling that skull planter!
xo Ashley
Wow. Love this idea! I’m going to try it!
I’m in love with the skull cactus planter. <3
What programme did you use to make your wishlist collage? It's so pretty!
xO
So many great things!! Thanks for sharing!