Tag / a.p.c.

looking back on last year's purchases
By On In Wardrobe836 Comments

To be honest, I wish I could show you guys more colorful purchases than the ones above but I’m afraid this will have to do. I think you’ve seen all of them already except for the black Everlane turtleneck on the left. Overall, 2015 was the year I started to incorporate more black into my outfits and managed to have a small wardrobe crisis halfway through despite a closet filled with clothes. Summer has never been and never will be my favourite season wardrobe-wise. So it won’t come as a surprise that most of my favourite pieces of last year are fall and winter items.

last-year's-purchases

Now onto the purchases. Apart from the Weekday trousers, these acquisitions have gotten a lot of wear. The Uniqlo trousers, cashmere turtleneck and coat are on heavy rotation at the moment. I’m also still very happy with both of the bags. The A.P.C. bag is my current go-to bag when I don’t need to carry a lot. The Mansur Gavriel bucket bag however needs to be worn more often (too afraid to scratch it). Finally the blouses are just okay for what they are. The striped blouse doesn’t look so great anymore after I wore it several times a week last summer, but what did I expect for €20? The silk blouse is lovely, but I regret not buying a silk blouse with pockets.

5 piece purchases
A.P.C. half moon bag
Mansur Gavriel bucket bag
Uniqlo x Lemaire cashmere trousers
& Other Stories silk blouse
Everlane cashmere turtleneck
Filippa K Dean coat
Weekday cotton trousers
H&M striped blouse
Mango leather sandals

style-resolutions5

The heels were a gift and bought for special occasions. Even though I don’t plan on wearing them on a regular basis, I did add them to my basics as I do feel that everyone could use a basic pair of black heels. I opted for a suede shoe with a sturdy, not too thin heel for comfort. Speaking from experience, Isabel Marant’s t-shirts are of excellent quality, so I decided to purchase an extra t-shirt on sale.

Basics
H&M sandals
Pier One loafers
& Other Stories black heels (gift)
Isabel Marant Wenji t-shirt

The items below all needed to be replaced. I no longer fit my old blue jeans and they’re a welcome change from my usual black attire. The black jeans were bought quite unexpectedly but it turns out H&M no longer produces the high-waisted jeans I used to purchase so I figured I should probably have a backup just in case they stop producing them altogether. As I’m going to try to ignore fast fashion as much as I can this year, I need to start looking into other brands for jeans (more on that in my next post about style resolutions).

Replacements
Adidas Stan Smiths
& Other Stories wool long-sleeve
& Other Stories blue jeans
H&M black jeans
H&M white and black t-shirt

That’s it! As I kept track of my purchases throughout the year, I was able to make a fairly accurate estimation of what I spent in total over 2015 on clothes and accessories. I won’t bore you with the numbers, but trust me when I say it can be confronting. That said, I was able to afford it all and do not regret investing in more expensive pieces that I know are of exceptional quality. But I should cut down on the purchases in general because at this point I have enough to wear.

What do you guys think? Is my list of purchases over the course of 2015 reasonable? And how did you do yourself?

fall-winter-wish-list
By On In Wardrobe400 Comments

I think it’s fair to say that summer has pretty much come to an end, which I don’t mind at all. Cozying up on the couch with a nice cup of tea and a blanket while burning a few candles and catching up on my favourite television shows is my idea of an ideal winter evening. The change of seasons also allows for a new wish list for another season of the 5 piece French wardrobe. After careful deliberation I compiled the following list of things I would like to add to my current wardrobe this fall and winter:

1. H&M silk blouse (€60) – A silk blouse in washed black or dark navy. I would absolutely love an Equipment blouse but I’m pretty sure I would ruin it in an instance. I ordered this H&M blouse and am very curious about the fit and the quality of the silk. 2. A.P.C. wool hat (€155) – For some reason hats look really good on me and I love the overall look with a trench coat or pea coat. I feel somewhat self conscious when wearing one, but I’m ready to give it another go 3. Ace & Tate Nina glasses (€98) – I’ve been wearing the same black glasses for over 3 years now and trust me when I say, it shows. Lots of scratches and a dull looking frame that has lost it’s shine. These Ace & Tate glasses are very out there and while I really like them, don’t be surprised if I settle for something a little more safe and subtle.

4. Fashionology silver ear studs (€15) – Small delicate jewellery is always on my list. 5. &Other Stories luminising cream (€15) – A cream highlighter for a radiant glow just above the cheekbones or any other part of the face that needs accentuating. I always felt I didn’t need a highlighter because I wear glasses. But Maja’s post changed my mind 6. A.P.C. half-moon bag (€325) – Okay, I’m not necessarily looking for this particular bag, but more for a small everyday bag in vegetable tanned leather. Because I’m obsessed with the gorgeous patina it develops over time. 7. Equipment cashmere turtleneck (€395) – At first glance the fit of this sweater looks perfect! Not too tight and slightly longer. I’m currently very drawn to all black outfits which is terrible when you own a red/white haired cat. I have an entire drawer filled with Ikea lint rollers. Not kidding! But it just looks so chic…

What’s on your wish list for fall and/or winter?

juliette-has-a-gun-mad-madame
By On In Shopping1,098 Comments

You know, after I published my post with that 5 piece French wardrobe update I realized that I totally forgot about the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag that I bought in March. So that makes seven purchases in the last eight months (excluding a few basics that needed to be replaced). But of course, there were also some items that didn’t make the cut:

– An Equipment cashmere cardigan which was on sale at Net-a-porter. I felt like upgrading my Zara cashmere cardigan but ultimately decided that the cardigan that I already own is perfectly fine. If Zara does another version this year, it’s worth getting!

– Ah, the A.P.C. half moon bag. I tried it on in Paris last year and then in London. But how many bags does a person really need? I keep coming up with excuses such as: I can’t wear my Céline trio bag when it’s raining because it’s too delicate, maybe this one will survive the horrible Dutch fall weather… So yeah, clearly still not over it.

– Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate. Wait, what? Yes, quite a mouthful. I tried it in one of their stores a couple of months ago, but it’s so bloody expensive. Instead I got myself a sample yesterday. Let’s hope it lasts a while.

– Juliette has a gun’s Mad Madame is an incredible scent but I’m afraid it gives me a headache after a few hours, like most perfumes. But I’m keeping the sample for special occasions #sampleabuser. Not a perfume is also nice by the way but I definitely prefer the somewhat similar Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules.

Is there anything you had on a recent wish list that you didn’t buy? Do share.

holiday-gift-guide
By On In Shopping1,581 Comments

Yes, another holiday gift guide! No wait… I promise it’s going to be good. I hate stuff that serves no purpose other than collecting dust in your house, so I’ve only selected things that actually come in handy, or someone would wear a lot.  Some are really affordable, others a bit more expensive. But it all depends on your budget of course. I know I would be happy with any one of these items, cheap or not, and perhaps you would be too (or your friends and loved ones). Let me take you through it. 1. Fashionology silver necklace (€35) – what’s not to love. Perfect for every day. 2. Topshop cashmere hat (€59) – I’m addicted to cashmere. I love how warm and soft it is. Quite expensive, but well worth your money. 3. APC cardholder (€85) – I could definitely use this cardholder. My wallet only has room for 4 cards and I always lose the rest. It’s also great for when you’re wearing a small bag that doesn’t fit a lot. 4. That same goes for the Comme des Garçons pouch (€70). 5. And finally a small mirror. My Balenciaga bag came with a small mirror, but when I’m carrying another bag, this would be great for when there’s an entire meal stuck between my teeth. 

holiday-gift-guide-16. HEMA longer lasting lipstick (€3,50) – a beautiful cool red matte color and super affordable. Seriously, if you’re not going to buy it as a gift, buy it for yourself. No regrets, I swear. 7. Case Scenario marble iPhone cover (€20) – anything marble is always a good idea. Right now I have a transparent iPhone cover that turns yellow after just a few weeks. This is already my second one, but I definitely need a replacement soon. 8. HAY comb (€11) – one of my favorite brands. I love their minimalist designs and would buy the entire collection if it wasn’t so darn expensive. This pretty comb is great for HAY lovers on a budget. 9. Malin & Goetz Cannabis candle (€14) – no, I’m not trying to sell you drugs! Although it’s easy to get addicted to the scent of this candle. Even my boyfriend loves it. The large one might be a little too much, price-wise, but the small one would make a nice, somewhat confusing, gift. 10. H&M leather gloves (€20) – are great for everyone, male or female. 11. Fashionology silver bar studs (€15) – small delicate jewelry is always on my wish list. I recently lost one of the only tiny silver studs I own. So a replacement like these would be nice.