Category / Wardrobe

how-to-5-piece-french-wardrobe
By On In Shopping, Wardrobe2,610 Comments

Even though I have only been blogging for a short time, my post on the 5 piece French wardrobe has been read quite a few times already. So I figured I should write a post on how to start with this approach, not in the least because of a comment by Colette who was wondering how I started it all. As I wrote in my other post I was introduced to the 5 piece French wardrobe through two internet forums. I then started to search for more information and finally committed to making this thing work after I convinced myself I could totally do this (and I desperately needed a pair of Acne Pistol boots). Before I started, I bought so many different clothes but never thought for one second about how I could make a purchase work with my existing wardrobe. Shopping was mainly a relaxing activity, definitely not a necessary one. God, I don’t even want to think about all the clothes I donated or threw away over the years, hardly worn or even brand-new with the price tag still attached. But let’s get to the point.

Define your personal style
If you still have a hard time figuring out your personal style, create a inspiration board on Pinterest to help you. Here’s mine. As you can see I’m leaning towards a mix of French and Scandinavian style. Nothing too feminine and mostly very relaxed. Try to find similarities between the images you selected and write down what drew you to these pictures in the first place. I know it can be hard to put these things into words, but I promise it will pay off!

Detox your wardrobe
I’m not going to tell you, you need to throw out your entire wardrobe just to start all over again. Because that would be ridiculous. Unless you really need to rid of your money. But in that case, let me know so I can send you my bank account number. Why not try to make this method work next to the wardrobe you already own? I mean, Rome wasn’t build in a day, right? So take your time. Sort out your clothes and create three piles: keep, maybe and throw. The maybe-pile probably consists of clothing you haven’t worn in a while but you’re not ready to get rid of them just yet. My solution? Put them in a box and store them for a couple of months. Did you miss anything? If not, you can definitely say your goodbyes. Most clothes can still be donated unless they’re all worn out (why would you keep that in your closet though?) or you could organise an evening with friends and trade clothes. The same goes for the throw-pile as well. And definitely get rid of stuff that doesn’t fit you anymore. Don’t buy or keep stuff for the body you want to have, but for the body you have right now.

Review what’s left
Now most people buy clothes they like. But not a lot of people are actually concerned about the fit of these items. I suggest you try on everything you decided to keep and take a good look in the mirror. Do you feel comfortable and confident? And most importantly, do you look your absolute best? What if the sleeves were a tiny bit shorter or your jeans a little less tight, would that improve your overall look? I know it’s hard, but try to be brutally honest with yourself. Also consider your current lifestyle and which colors look good on you. But don’t throw anything out just yet.

Create a list of basics and key pieces
Make a list of basics you need to replace or purchase and take your time with it. Chances are you won’t find that perfect pair of blue jeans in a day and you definitely don’t want to settle for less. Don’t forget, basics are different for everyone (see my list here). Your list should include clothes, shoes and accessories that are absolutely crucial in order to making your wardrobe work. Make sure these items allow you to mix and match. You can also start your list of key pieces that you would like to buy this upcoming season. Personally, my list is never long but if you’re just starting out, include anything that tickles your fancy and work from there. I’m sure if you give it some time, you’ll be able to cross some of the items of your list.

Research online and start shopping!
So, you’ve narrowed your list down to 5 key pieces you want to buy this season and your list of basics is complete? Start to research online. Lately I’ve been looking into the brand Everlane for example, because I’m very drawn to their transparency and ethics when it comes to manufacturing clothing etc. We’re planning a trip to the States in September and I have my eyes set on a few shirts and silk blouses. So Jamie-Lee’s review for instance was very helpful. When you’re done researching, it’s time to spend your hard earned cash.Good luck! And let me know if there’s anything I should add.PS. Excuse the old school Polyvore style collage with summer items. For some reason I’m already excited about spring/summer.

From left to right: Acne Studios Ash top (€170), Ace & Tate Lucy glasses (€98,00), Weekday Tuesday Instant Blue jeans (€45,00), Converse Jack Purcell leather sneakers ($70), Everlane Petra bag ($425)

wardrobe-round-up
By On In Shopping, Wardrobe134 Comments

So the year 2014 is behind us. The perfect moment to look back on my shopping behavior and the purchases that I’ve made throughout the year. Overall, I think I did fine. Except for the last month. This December I spend a lot more money than I had originally planned, and although I could afford each purchase without having to live on bread and water for the rest of the month, I feel slightly guilty and a bit disappointed even. But then, who knew London is a shopping Walhalla and I would be tempted by so many beautiful and highly covetable things. You’re right, probably everyone except me. Oops! But in my defense, I still stuck to the 5 piece French wardrobe method and didn’t even make it to five pieces for Spring/Summer. So I guess that balances everything out. Or do you feel like I’m cheating? I’m always up for a reality check whenever I need one.

Spring/Summer
Stan Smiths
H&M cardigan
Zara loafers

I’m just going to be straight with you. I hate shopping for spring/summer clothes so I tend to avoid it as much as I can. Which is the reason why I never made it to five pieces and why two of those purchases are shoes. Most of the time I’ll just wear a simple tee and a pair of jeans or cotton trousers. I feel too uncomfortable in dresses and skirts unless I’m camping and I really don’t care how I look. The cardigan is a bit of a cheat I suppose, because it’s made out of wool. So not very summer approved. Although I did get some wear out of it during the evenings and nights at the Lowlands festival.

Fall/Winter
Céline bracelet
Comme des Garçons striped shirt
Acne Galactic knitted sweater
H&M sweater
H&M light blue blouse
Uniqlo cashmere sweater

The two H&M items were bought at the beginning of Fall. I had seen the Acne Galactic sweater at the Bijenkorf and settled for the cheaper version because the original was too expensive. A few months later I found it on sale just before Christmas, so I might sell the H&M knit. Not sure yet. The light blue blouse could be counted as a basic, but it has a pretty contemporary cut to it. Oh, now that were talking about basics, what do you guys think, should I count the striped shirt as a basic? Someone commented in my ‘let’s discuss basics‘ post that she would include a striped shirt, so that made me think… Anyway, a cashmere sweater was also on my basics-list. But since I already bought one at Zara, this one from Uniqlo is extra, I obviously didn’t need it. To round the fall/winter purchases up, last but not least, my Céline bracelet. It cost a small fortune so definitely not a basic.

Basics
White blouse (replacement)
Black T-shirt (replacement)
Converse Allstars (replacement)
Zara cashmere knit
Longchamp travel bag
H&M slippers
Zara ankle boots (replacement)
Black skinny jeans (replacement)

On to the basics. A lot of replacements, as you can see. My previous blouse had some ugly stains from my deodorant (too much info?), so I’m giving the &Other Stories one a try. The jeans, ankle boots, Allstars and black t-shirt were all over a year old. I recently even ripped a pair of jeans when putting them on. I like to believe it was because they were all worn out and not due all that sushi I had over the weeks. Basics that didn’t need to be replaced, but I felt were necessary, include a large travel bag (Longchamp), a pair of slippers and a cashmere sweater. So how did I do? And please share how your year went, shopping wise. I’d love to know.

balenciaga-cutout-boots
By On In Beauty, Wardrobe241 Comments

Happy New Year everyone! This is going to sound very cliché, but I can’t believe the year 2014 has come to an end. It went by so fast, especially December. Now I know everyone is writing how incredible their year has been, but to be completely honest, mine was okay. Nothing more, nothing less. I’ve experienced some very fun things, made some awesome trips to London, Paris etc. but I also struggled with my health. Nothing too serious, but unfortunately it left me extremely tired for the first six months. On a positive note, I finally started a blog! I’ve been wanting to start one for several years, but I always had some lame excuse haha. But at the end of August I was finally online and I can’t believe there are actually people reading my posts. So thank you all very much. I really appreciate it!

I thought it would be fun to do a quick recap of my favourite things in 2014:

Top 5 wardrobe favourites
* Balenciaga cutout boots
* Isabel Marant for H&M coat
* Acne Galactic sweater
* Adidas Stan Smith sneakers
* Black skinny jeans

Top 5 favourite beauty / skin products
* Garnier Micellar water
* Embryolisse lait crème concentré
* Weleda Skin Food
* Chanel Rouge Coco Rivoli lipstick
* Chanel Le Volume mascara

Top 5 favourite songs
* Kendrick Lamar – B*tch Don’t Kill My Vibe
* The Gaslight Anthem – Stay Vicious
* Nicki Minaj ft. Meek Mill – Buy a Heart
* Dawn Golden – All I Want (Manila Killa remix)
* Close ft. Joe Dukie – My Way

Top 5 things I learned
* Never go all out when you’re back in the gym after 6 months (I had to roll myself out of bed this morning…)
* The sun is your friend. A vitamin D deficiency sucks! I never want to be that tired and sore ever again.
* It’s okay to make a mistake at work. It won’t kill you.
* This year I bought even less stuff than I did in 2013 and I don’t feel like I missed out on anything.
* Blogging is hard work but also a lot of fun and I appreciate every singel reader <3

comme-des-garcons-striped-shirt
By On In Shopping, Wardrobe5,760 Comments

Here it is, finally! The long awaited post on my London purchases (just kidding). I didn’t expect to find everything I was looking for in London but even I can get lucky as it turns out. The last time I visited London was over 10 years ago during a school trip. For some reason Paris is always the first city that comes to mind whenever I want to do a short city trip. But it was time for a change.While in London, I visited Dover Street Market in the hopes of finding the classic Comme des Garçons shirt. After walking past the building a couple of times ( you can’t really tell it’s a store from the outside), I thought what the heck, and walked in anyway. It’s an amazing store spread over several floors, with a special floor for all things Comme des Garçons including the shirt I was looking for. The fit is great (I bought it slightly oversized) and instead of the black and white stripes, I opted for the classic dark blue and white design.

embryolisse-lait-concentre

I must say, I’m somewhat surprised by my sudden interest in skin care lately. But that’s probably due to the fact that I’m too lazy to learn how to apply make up properly and this way at least my skin looks great and I hardly need anything else besides a little eye pencil and mascara. From the moment I started to use this Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, I completely dropped my tinted moisturizer by Origins. Good stuff! Unfortunately I didn’t know it’s also available – and cheaper – at Douglas in the Netherlands until I got back. Oh well.

other-stories-blouse-celine-knot-bracelet

Next up my Céline knotted bracelet. I posted it on Instagram just before I left for Paris in August. It had been on my wishlist for quite a while but I never expected to find it and I also wasn’t sure if I would wear it on a regular basis. Then I ran into it in several stores in London. Must be a sign right? So after a good night’s sleep, I decided to take the plunge and try my luck at Selfridges but they didn’t have my size. I ended up at the most gorgeous Céline store ever! The floor, the lamps… AMAZING! When I tried the bracelet on, I was sold. I’ve been wearing it every single day. My final two purchases are pretty basic and therefore not very photogenic. A light grey cashmere sweater from Uniqlo, which I wanted to try since my post on affordable cashmere and a simple white blouse by &Other Stories.I absolutely loved London and so did my boyfriend. We’re definitely going back in the near future. So any tips would be greatly appreciated!