Can I achieve a 10 Item Wardrobe?

After re-reading Lessons from Madame Chic, and implementing so many other lessons into my daily life, I felt that spring was the perfect time to try and implement the Ten Item Wardrobe. Jennifer's ten items is not ten items total in the vein of Project 333 (just my shoes and accessories would take me over that limit!); instead, it represents the 10 core items forming the backbone of your closet, which are then filled out with what she calls extras - outerwear (blazers, cardigans etc), accessories, shoes and "undershirts"(tanks and tees). As well as using Jennifer's book, I also relied heavily on her amazing videos on YouTube, including this one below which shows her Spring ten item wardrobe. I warn you, though, watching one of her video's is like falling down the rabbit hole as you discover all of her other fantastic ones!



I tried very, very hard, but I just couldn't get it down to ten! I really, really culled and tossed and donated, but still couldn't make it to ten. However, Jennifer makes it clear in her book that 10 is an arbitrary number;

"Don't stress about the amount of core items. If 10 is too drastic for you, go for more, like 15 or 20. The point is to pare down your wardrobe to a small collection of beautiful clothes that make you feel good. It can be very liberating to get rid of the rest. You can do it!"

While I didn't get to ten, I did narrow it down to 21, and when summer comes and I re-evaluate my core items, I will try to whittle it down further. And when I look at my wardrobe now, versus how it looked before, I'm still pretty impressed with myself! I went through my closet piece by piece and evaluated each item, and I was ruthless. For an item to stay, it had to fit, it had to flatter, and I had to love it. At the end of this, I had a slimmed down wardrobe less than 40 items, with just 22 core wardrobe items, and my wardrobe looked beautiful! The pic below shows my new, organised wardrobe:

 On the shelves (from top to bottom) are my tee/tank extras, cardigans and sweaters, and finally my jeans and pants. On the left hand hanging rack are my outerwear extras (you can see I really do have a blazer obsession!), and on the right are my skirts, blouses and dresses.

These are my 22 core items:

1. white slim leg jeans
2. dark rinse slim cut jeans
3. boyfriend jeans
4. blue linen trousers
5. black print knit track pants
6. print denim pencil skirt
7. navy and yellow floral print skirt
8. navy striped ponte skirt
9. navy jersey dress
10. navy jersey maxi dress
11. black jersey maxi dress
12. coral three quarter sleeve sweater
13. pale pink three quarter sleeve sweater
14. navy three quarter sleeve sweater
15. navy and cream striped sweater
16. grey and yellow print sleeveless silk blouse
17. teal, navy and white sleeveless chiffon blouse
18. cream long sleeved silk blouse
19. orange and white cotton tunic
20. white and blue striped tunic
21. navy, white and red ikat tunic
22. Liberty print linen shirt

 and my extras:

Outerwear

1. navy linen blazer
2. navy stripe ponte blazer
3. natural linen blazer
4. coral blazer
5. seersucker jacket
6. aqua knit jacket
7. denim jacket
8. navy waterfall merino cardigan
9. navy short sleeved cotton cardigan
10. coral cotton cardigan

 Tees/tanks

1. white, navy, coral, and teal plain scoop or v neck tees
2. navy and white tanks
3. navy and white stripe v neck tee
4. navy, white and red striped tee
5. navy and white anchor print tee
6. coral floral print tank
7. navy floral print tank

As you can see from the items above, the key to making a limited wardrobe workable is to have a select colour palette, with each piece of clothing able to be matched with most others in the wardrobe. For spring, my base colour is navy, with accents of white, red, coral and aqua. Summer will probably be pretty similar, maybe with white moving towards being more of a base, and for winter, I will definitely rotate in my black, grey and camel pieces. Pick colours that suit you, suit your lifestyle, and most importantly, are colours that you love!

So there you have my 10 (22!) item wardrobe. I'll keep you updated on how I am finding it, and stay tuned for my summer wardrobe in a couple of months.

50 Classics for Your Closet Part 7: Skirts & Dresses

So far, I've looked at footwear, accessories, baubles and tops in Matchbook's list of 50 Classics for your Closet, and in the last installment I covered pants and trousers. This week, I'll look at my favorite pieces of clothing; skirts and dresses. Why are skirts and dresses my favourite? Because there is no easier way to look feminine and polished than in a skirt or dress. Lots of SAHMs complain that skirts and dresses are not practical for someone running around after young children, especially toddlers, but I have never found it a problem. In fact, if you pick your fabrics right, dresses and skirts can be some of the easiest pieces in your wardrobe. 

Skirts & Dresses

1. Little Black Dress
2. Fun Day Dress
3. Shirt Dress
4. A-Line or Bell Skirt
5. Wool Pencil Skirt
6. Cotton Mini

Ann Taylor

What list of classic clothes would be complete without a Little Black Dress? There is something so sophisticated about a LBD, that can take you from the desk to dinner, from a parent evening to a mum's lunch, just by switching up the accessories. The key here is to find one that is classic, in every sense of the word. You want it to be simple in shape, with few (or no) embellishments, so you can accessorise easily. I love a classic sheath shape, with a scoop neck and no sleeves - perfect for those with hourglass figures like mine. Smaller busts can carry off higher necks, and wider hips look amazing in dresses with an a-line or full skirt. As for fabric, it depends on where you live and your lifestyle. Seasonless wool and cotton sateen are my first choices, because (excepting extreme climes) they really can be worn through all four seasons. Ponte knit is also a great choice, and can be very flattering on even curvier gals.

Boden

The Fun Day Dress is what makes up 99% of my dress wardrobe. All of my dresses are in fun and often vibrant prints, and for fall/winter, they are all jersey, and for spring/summer, it would be a 50/50 split between jersey and cotton. I love dresses for day - they are so easy to slip on, are nice and cool for summer, and with a cardigan, tights and a jacket are toasty warm for winter. I have a tummy, so a faux wrap is the perfect choice for my jersey dresses. For my cotton dresses I almost always go for a variation on a sheath dress - sleeveless, scoop neck and pencil skirted. If I had a different figure, I would swan through summer in a full skirted 1950's style dress, so if you are slimmer than me, please give this style a whirl!  My main criteria for selecting a day dress, after silhouette, is whether it be machine washed. If not, I don't buy it. For a dress that is going to be worn regularly, I want something that can be tossed in the washer. And in the case of jersey dresses, I hang them to dry on a coat hanger, and then they don't even need ironing. They are truly the pinnacle of low maintenance!

The Iconic

Oh, the Shirt Dress...how I love thee. And how little you suit me!  When will I accept that a shirt dress is possibly one of the least flattering pieces of clothing out there for body shapes like mine? All those buttons, just waiting to gape in all the wrong spots - of course this is a disaster piece for me, and most likely, for the majority of women out there. A shirt dress is truly a beautiful piece of clothing - it's crisp and polished, with a hint of sexiness combined with a hint of utility. But just make sure it is a perfect fit for your body.

Boden

The A-Line or Bell skirt is another item that is great in theory, but not for me. The A-line is a wonderful casual piece, and will do wonders for those who are pear shaped, as the the A-line glides over the problem areas, while highlighting the waist. On hourglass or apple shapes, the extra volume in the skirt can add pounds, so be careful if you're are trying to look slimmer. When shopping for A-lines, look for fabrics that have some drape and softness, so the look is not too stiff. I love printed cottons for summer paired with wedges, and nubby tweeds and knee high suede boots in winter. 

Boden

Is there anything sexier than a pencil skirt? I don't think so! This is my skirt silhouette of choice, and in fact, every. single. skirt I own is a pencil. For an hourglass figure, you really can't go past the pencil skirt - it hugs your curves in all the right places, and highlights all the best features. The Matchbook list suggests a wool skirt, and this is a good place to start, but don't stop there! I have them in cotton, denim, wool and in plains, prints and textures. I prefer mine slightly tapered with a kick pleat so I can walk easily, but if you feel too "hippy" in a tapered pencil, then look for a a skirt that is cut straight down from the hip. I usually pair my pencil skirt with some sort of heel, either a stiletto or a wedge or even a knee high boot, but a ballet flat can also look great.

Lands End

When I'm talking about a cotton mini, I'm not talking about the micro short one you wore when you were 18, but a nice, fun, casual skirt in a flattering length that sits somewhere above your knee. For me, I am comfortable with a length no shorter than a hand-span above the knee - I find this length to be flattering and practical. Any shorter, and not only do I find it less attractive, practicality goes out the window - I can't reach down easily, and even sitting becomes a risk for me. Here is where you can go wild with colour and pattern; these are usually relatively inexpensive, and a fun print or bright colour can really add dimension to your casual wardrobe.

Stay tuned for my last entry (finally!) in this series, when I cover a much forgotten part of our closets, our outerwear.


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Monday Mingle

50 Classics For Your Closet Part 6: Pants

So far, I've looked at footwear, accessories, baubles and tops in Matchbook's list of 50 Classics for your Closet, so now it is time to turn our attention to the bottom half and look at pants. Pants and trousers are probably the one item of clothing I find really difficult to buy off the rack, and most women I know feel the same way. For a classic hourglass gal, if it fits in the hips, then it will gape at the waist; if you are like me, and carry a bit of a tummy, then if it fits at the waist, then the hips will be huge. My one bit of advice, for all pants - get to know a good tailor!!

Pants

1. Jeans
2. Black cigarette pants
3. Khaki trousers
4. Striped pyjamas

Well, you know jeans are a staple of my wardrobe, so I would be a a tad hypocritical if I didn't agree with Matchbook including them as a classic for your closet. I have 3 different styles of jeans; skinny, bootleg and wide-leg/trouser, and love them all. I was definitely a late adopter to the skinny jeans trend, and this was more due to me not being able to find a flattering pair, rather than not liking them. I prefer mine with a slightly higher rise - not high rise, but certainly not the low rise that most skinnies come in - and with a skinny, rather than skintight, leg. Skinnies are not my favourite look, as they can highlight my problem areas, but they are the jean du jour, so I wear them with careful styling.

The bootleg jean, while not "in" fashion, is not "out" of fashion in the way mom jeans are. I find these to be the most flattering cut for most body shapes, but since they are not the current style of jeans, tend to reserve them for casual wear, as they seem to look a bit off to the modern eye.

I wear my wide-leg trouser jeans a lot, almost as much as I wear my skinny jeans. I love the slightly retro look, and with heels, these are an incredibly flattering shape. Beware, though, of wearing these with flats, unless you want to look shorter and dumpier than one of the seven dwarfs!

Black cigarette pants are what made me fall in love with Audrey Hepburn's style, and had me trying to squeeze my hourglass shape into waif-like clothes (unsuccessfully!) for a very long time. These are absolutely a classic, and I've seen them on almost every classic movie star, including curvy ones. But fashions have changed over time, and a cigarette pant that exists in this day and age, tend to suit those with Audrey figures, and not more Rubenesque ones. If you are curvier and still want to wear a pair, then add a pair of heels to visually lengthen your pins!

Is there any pant more associated with the soccer mum than the classic Khaki Pant? The butt of jokes and endless skits on TV and movies, the pleated khaki is often seen as the pant that fashion forgot. But truly, I don't think there is another pant on Earth that can elevate your look from casual to casually elegant. The key is to pick a pair that is cut right for your shape and to pair them with the right tops and accessories. I prefer a wider leg and a waistband that sits just under my natural waist, but slimmer builds may like a lower rise and a slimmer leg. Make sure your top is fitted (no wearing baggy tees, please!) and throw in some accessories to take it up a notch. Look for shoes with a bit of substance; nothing too dainty. I love a colourful wedge, and loafers are a classic pairing.

I find the striped pyjama pant an interesting inclusion on the list of classics. Yes, a white tank and striped PJ pants is a great bedtime look, sexy in its androgyny, but does it really deserve a place in a short list of classics? I'm not convinced. I do own a pair, in whisper soft jersey (much more flattering on fuller figures than cotton), but I can't imagine wearing them any other time other than bedtime or on lazy weekend mornings. And why is a stripe the classic, and not, say, a delicious silk paisley? I'd love your thoughts on this one!

So there you have my thoughts on the four pants that Matchbook consider must-have classics. I'll see you soon for part seven, when I look at my favourite category of clothing, dresses and skirts!

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Monday Mingle

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50 Classics For Your Closet Part 5: Tops

Last week I looked at the first six recommended tops in the 50 Classics For Your Closet list from Matchbook, so today we'll look at the final six tops. We've also covered footwear,  accessories, and baubles so make sure you check those out as well, if you haven't already.

Tops

1. Tunic
2. Silk blouse
3. Polo shirt
4. Long wrap cardigan
5. Dressy tank
6. Silk camisole

A tunic is a wonderful item for any wardrobe, and when well fitting, will suit almost all figures, from a Liz Hurley-type (hey, she practically based her whole fashion line around them!) through to the Rubenesque. I love them with a crisp pair of white jeans, or as a swimsuit coverup, and in fact, a bright tunic is always on my must-have list when packing for a summer vacation. The Tory Burch versions, like the one above, are classics for a reason. They are beautiful quality, and the fit and shape are impeccable. They are also very expensive! Instead, I look for more affordable options that will give the same effect. Fit is probably the most important thing to keep in mind. Too loose and it will make you look much larger than you really are. Too tight and you lose the breezy appeal. Fabric choice is important, too. Silk looks beautiful, but if it is remotely warm, you will find it sticking and it will show every last drop of sweat! For cooler weather, or cooler summer evenings, though, silk is beautiful. My fabric of choice, though, is a semi-sheer cotton voile. It's light, cool and is perfect even when it is hot.  Mine are all from Athleta and have been collected over the last few years; I haven't seen any this year, but hopefully they will come back when the weather warms up.

Like the cashmere items in the last post, the silk blouse is an item I have modified to suit my circumstances. I love the idea, but as a plus-sized gal, I have never, ever seen a silk blouse in my size. Instead, I've taken what I like about the concept - the retro, feminine appeal - and found something that gives me that effect. The top I am wearing above is from ASOS and is polyester, not silk, but it totally ticks all the boxes I am after.  I am not sure this item belongs in a list of classics. Versions of it come in and out of fashion; blouses like the one I'm wearing are fashionable right now, but in a few years time, it will probably look dated, just like they did just a few years ago.

The polo shirt is definitely a classic, and brands like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have built brands based almost singlehandly around the prep appeal of the polo. I love this look so much that it is truly heartbreaking that it looks so ridiculous on me. It's also an item that can go horribly wrong and veer directly from the cool looks in the ad campaigns to stereotypical frumpy soccer mum. If you are going to partake, then go for fitted rather than boxy, and if you are busty, you have been warned!

I tend not to wear my long wrap cardigan with its belt, wearing it more like a waterfall cardigan. It's a great addition to any wardrobe, IMO, adding a relaxed and yet still elegant touch. I have a number of them, in different fabrics, from ultra casual striped jersey to more sophisticated wool and angora. Jersey versions make a great addition to your lounge wear as well; isn't one of these cardigans on top of your (nice) pyjamas when lounging around in the evening better than a chenille robe? It's certainly sexier!

When I was pre-children, and a number of kilos lighter, dressy tanks took up quite a large percentage of my wardrobe. I found them quite indispensable; great with a pair of jeans for a casual party, easily dressed up with a pair of black pants for something more formal. Now, I have just one, and it only barely qualifies, so I think this has just been added to my wardrobe wish list! They can really be a versatile addition to your wardrobe because they can cover so many bases. So what makes a dressy tank? Usually its the fabric or the embellishment. Often, they are silk, or beaded, or both. I love the one above from Talbots.  The silky fabric, the retro neckline and the print would look great with so many things. I can imagine it with a fuller skirt for retro lady-like appeal, or dark rinse skinnies and sky high heels for a more modern take.

I can honestly say that I have absolutely no need for a silk camisole (and I don't own one), but it is definitely something that I would love to own one day. A delicate latte silk, with a touch of lace - what could be more sensual? Do you need a silk cami? Of course not! My microfibre ones do a great job of creating a smooth line under sheer tops, or covering up excess cleavage. But one day...I'll want to upgrade to silk!


Stay tuned for part 6, where I'll cover Matchbook's 4 classic pants for your closet.

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Monday Mingle

50 Classics For Your Closet Part 4: Tops

Somehow I managed to let this series slip by the wayside, so it's time to get back on track! We've covered footwear,  accessories, and baubles so far, which are lots of fun, to be sure, but hardly make up the backbone of a closet. Today, we take a look at the category that probably makes up the bulk of most women's wardrobes; it certainly makes up the majority of the 50 classics for your closet.

Tops

1. Cashmere V Neck Sweater
2. Cashmere Cardigan
3. Classic tee shirt
4. Long sleeved tee
5. Striped boatneck
6. Cotton oxford
7. Tunic
8. Silk blouse
9. Polo shirt
10. Long wrap cardigan
11. Dressy tank
12. Silk camisole

 This is a big list, so today we will look at the first six, and next week, we will look at the last 6.

A cashmere sweater makes every must-have fashion list, and nothing is more classic than a v-neck. In my skinnier days I used to have a nice collection of cashmere sweaters, almost all of them v-neck and all of them from Lands End. Now, I have one. Firstly, since having kids, I seem to run "hotter" and so I tend to find cashmere too warm for anything but the coldest winter day here in Perth. For those in cooler climes, this is clearly not a problem. Secondly, I have been finding it harder and harder to find quality cashmere at an affordable price. While I used to love Lands End's cashmere, now I find it thinner and more prone to pilling, and I have heard mixed reports about J Crew's. The few quality pieces I have seen are well over $500, and thus, well beyond my price range, especially since I am in the process of losing weight.

Instead, I take the idea, and modify it for my circumstances. Instead of cashmere, I have purchased quality merino and cotton sweaters. As always, buy the best you can afford, and I think a top quality merino sweater for $200 makes more sense than a mediocre cashmere sweater for the same price. As for colours, you always hear black, but I say buy for your colouring and personality. Black looks good on me, but I prefer navy and charcoal. Ladies with lighter colouring may look best in oatmeal or winter white. Once you have your basic neutrals, then start adding in pops of colour - I like jewel colours for my colouring, but pastels and gelato colours look great on others.

Everything I said for the cashmere sweater goes for cashmere cardigans as well.  With the cardigans, make sure you are guided by your body shape. I love the little crew neck boxy cardigans like Jackie Kennedy wore, but there couldn't be a shape worse for my curvy, busty hourglass! Instead, my cardigans are almost all v-necks that hit at high hip. A three quarter sleeve is universally flattering, but for cooler weather a long sleeve may be more practical.

What makes up a classic tee shirt? I don't know! I am going to assume they mean a plain, unadorned tee in a "classic" colour. If you are a follower of my What I Wore Wednesday posts, then you will know that I almost never wear tee shirts, even with gym wear. I find tanks much more practical for layering in Perth's weather, and I have never been able to find a tee shirt I've found truly flattering. If you are going to wear tee's, and they can look great styled the right way, then make sure they fit (not your hubby's tee, please!), are a good fabric that is not too sheer, and have a neckline that suits your shape (the v-neck is again universally flattering). Know that an awful lot of tees have a cap sleeve - this is probably the sleeve that is the most unflattering for the most women.

Again, I am very rarely seen in a long sleeved tee, but pick a good one (use my tips above) and it can be a great addition to your wardrobe, especially if your style leans towards casual chic, or sporty chic. Again, fit and fabric is everything. When I used to wear tees, I loved the ones from J Crew; they washed wonderfully, didn't fade and kept their shape.

I love striped boatnecks, but on flat chested waifs! On the rest of us, they can look great if picked (and styled) very carefully, or absolutely terrible. Firstly, boatnecks are not great on most people with any sort of bust - it just makes it look even bigger, and not in a good way! Secondly, add in some horizontal stripes, and it is just a recipe for disaster. If you are a medium bust and under, then look for stripes that are thin dark stripes on a predominately white background. This tends to be the most flattering, and incidentally, the most classic.  If you are larger in the bust, the same type of stripe can look good, just try and find a more open neckline, like a scoop. Otherwise, a long necklace or a long, draped scarf can create an optical illusion similar to a v-neck, and make the boat neck more flattering.

The cotton oxford is another item that I think is marvellous in theory, and disastrous in reality. Think about it logically - this shirt was designed and cut for a man; feminine curves just throw it all out of kilter.  You can find ones that will flatter if you search hard enough, but they tend to be very pricey, and I still don't think they are the best look for most women. At home, over not very much at all, is a totally different story, and is even better if the shirt does actually belong to your husband and the kids are at the grandparents!!

Check in next week for the second half of the classic tops for your closet.

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