Sunday, July 17, 2011

The List, revisited

A few weeks or months ago, I posted a short list of items I was in search of. I found substitutes for most of the items, as I realized in the process of looking that what I thought I wanted needed to be realigned with what would actually work for me.

The structured jacket 
I had wanted the Isabel Marant Elali jacket, but decided against it for several reasons. 1) I wanted a jacket that I could throw on over any outfit, and other bloggers reported back that the Elali required careful outfit planning. 2) I'm not sure what size I'm going to end up, and I shouldn't spend so much money for something that eventually may not fit perfectly. 3) It's just a tiny bit too formal to be worn a lot in my life.

I haven't discounted it entirely, but since at this point I'd have to search for it anyway, I may as well wait to search for it once I am certain that I'll get enough wear out of it.

Instead I'm filling this hole in my wardrobe with a lined, oversized tweed jacket I found while thrifting. It reminds me of the coats Isabel Marant put out over the past few seasons, with its dropped shoulders and slouchy fit. The sleeves can be rolled and pushed back for a more informal look. I think I'll be able to wear it on its own as a transitional jacket in the fall and as an additional layer in the winter. 


The silk button down
Silk seems like such a romantic fabric to me, but I seldom wear it. Additionally, I hear that it's not the most comfortable fabric in the summer heat. I'm not that keen on filling this niche in my closet, after all, but if I come across a perfect one, I'll likely get it. 

Instead I found a lovely cotton button down with a soft leaf printhat will fill the same purpose in my wardrobe, but which has the potential to be worn in a wider range of situations and temperatures. It has the same quiet feel as a silk top.


The striped top
The more I've been looking, the more I think that a striped top will be simple and basic enough to be a workhorse in my wardrobe, but with a touch of understated impact to distinguish it from an ordinary tee.

Found! Kinda. It doesn't have the even stripes, and the periwinkle blue color isn't as graphic as I thought I wanted. But when I tried on a top with both these qualities, it felt too loud to me. I'll keep looking for a striped top with the same-sized stripes, but this one works pretty well, and it's more in keeping with my demure style.


The open spots in the list
On a whim, I added a cotton/cashmere cardigan to my shopping cart. When it arrived, it was so soft and complemented my other purchases so well that I decided to replace my former summer cardigan (which was already ratty and misshapen) with it.

My other spontaneous purchase is a dungaree dress. I've already spoken of my love of overalls, and this one is a slightly more feminine version of one. The length, fabric weight, and shiny silver buttons are perfect.

Seasonal Recap
think that's it for the summer season for me. Though athe days have grown hotter and I've gotten bigger, I bought a few cheapy maternity items. I'm already looking towards Fall and Winter.

7 comments:

  1. I have been skipping around your archives this evening, and have enjoyed reading your thoughts very much, particularly those concerning your interest in fashion, and the capsule wardrobe. This must also be such an exciting time for you!

    I like how you make me think a little deeper, about my own choices and relationship with fashion. You voice that which I struggle to express so succinctly!

    I am also taken by the 'alternatives' that you chose here (in this post), the leaf design button down looks beautiful. I have a similar feeling towards silk garments, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. lovely post! love reading about your wardrobe planning, and i agree with the bloggers who said that the elali jacket requires careful outfit planning, hence i've only worn this jacket 5-6 times.. i think i have to resell it as i no longer think that this kind of jacket style suits my style, lifestyle, body.. etc. i'm more into jackets that hide my womanly features – just got the most gorgeous navy trenchcoat from barbour on sale the other day!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love how carefully you plan your wardrobe and your purchases. Lately I have been inspired to do much of the same, and am hoping that it lends to less frivolous buys in the future.
    Great post, definitely gives me a little more to think about :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. artsandghosts It is an exciting time, and it's caused a slight shift in my shopping. I have to think about things a whole lot more before I purchase because of the delayed gratification of wearing it (too big at this point!).

    fleuretteYou're still around! Yay! Though if I were falling in love (maybe?) and vacationing in Milan, I wouldn't be posting either. So glad you found your long-looked-for Barbour jacket. It feels so satisfying to find something that you've planned and waited for. Sorry to hear about the Elali jacket. It looked smashing on you!

    jamie-lee There's a whole messy part of shopping that I haven't posted about, so don't think I'm that organized or disciplined! I'm thinking it would be worthwhile to be more real about the struggle involved with balancing the fun and frivolity of fashion with the desire for a fully functional, well-beloved wardrobe.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Haha! Not dead yet! Your comment made me grin. Apparently, you've read my formspring. Love is a time-consuming bitch. Anyway, my favorite blogs are frequently updated these days so I don't feel the need to blog myself, haha. I'm always glad to see a new post from you on my bloglovin ^^

    ReplyDelete
  6. I do read your formspring! And when I get on Twitter (which is seldom, actually), that too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Style has become an important aspect for shoppers, and that is why it has become a routine for some to plan what they want to buy. That way, you can lessen your expenses and still be fashionable.

    Danny Riddell

    ReplyDelete