April 2, 2014
Often, I am asked if it’s possible to justify purchasing something wildly beautiful and deeply extravagant, if one already owns a core wardrobe of simple, neutral basics. Well, if you can afford the splurge, and you deeply adore the item, and you feel with some strong conviction that the item in question won’t date terribly, then go for it…
Here’s a very simple example- a core of black garments for warm weather, and then a big splash-out on a cardigan and a handbag…
Tank – Acne Studios, sleeveless top – Hallhuber, chiffon-sleeved tee – Dorothy Perkins, short-sleeved blouse – Dorothy Perkins, capris – Miu Miu, black trousers – Jaeger, shorts – L’Agence, skirt – Planet
This already gives you a wide range of simple core outfits upon which you can build – from the most casual to ensembles that are almost dressy!
It is on this base that you decide you are going to leverage a couple of purchases which are far outside of your normal choices…
Cardigan – Ralph Lauren, bag – Jason Wu
So for those horrible days when you have to work, even though it’s about a billion degrees out…
Loafers – Trotters, ring- Toosis, pumps – Trotters
Evenings outdoors when you know it will be cool-ish:
Flip flops – Teva, waterproof watch – Freestyle
When you’re staying home…
Flats – Franco Sarto, earrings- Nan Fusco
And when you’re out running errands – even through the hottest summer months, being indoors can be freezing cold….
Sunglasses – Le Specs, espadrilles – Soludos, woven flats – Franco Sarto
And this doesn’t even begin to address the usefulness of this cardigan through the autumn and winter months…
love,
Janice
Love how the core items really come to life with just the simple additions of a cardigan and handbag. Yes, they can be splurges, but even at lower price points interesting items can really liven up neutral basics – all without having to own too many items.
This morning I put on black skinny jeans and a black long sleeved tee and then a hoodie on top to dog walk. And as I was walking I was thinking if I just added a nice cardigan or a nice jacket on top it would really change the look and add mileage to my simple black items. And I started wondering HOW many "toppers" (jackets/cardigans) I should get. Your post reminds me we do not need so many choices to vary our look and it is okay to work with just a few stand out items. Thanks!
Wow this is great! I think I could live in this collection all year!
This is a great collection, really versatile!. Though I wonder, would wearing the same unusual cardigan cause you to be known as the "lady who always wears that striped cardigan"? Even if it did, I guess it wouldn't matter.
I (an avowed color-lover) am completely sold on the idea of a core of neutral basics, livened by other interesting pieces. Another benefit — looking pulled together when you don't feel like thinking about clothes. This morning was one of those mornings. I pulled on jeans and a black tee, then slipped into my purple ballet flats and looped a purple floral scarf around my neck. 5 minutes, no thought, and I looked pulled together.
I have always loved your Crazy Eights core concept.
Hi janice, I am having a crisis! I am 51 yrs young, and LOve Black, however, I keep getting "told" I should wear some colour, although I actually do wear colour in my accessories ( people are colour blind!) I think I am doing the right things for me to feel good? Could you suggest any other ways to introduce colour? You have covered nearly every kind of combo possible, so I would be interested in your take on this. Love your blog, read it every day, so glad you had a wonderful anniversaire a la paree. Susan.
People may be trying to tell you in a nice way that you need color because the black next to your face is making you look older than you are or doesn't look as good on you as you think it does. Your accessories also may not be as colorful as you think or or the right color(s) to liven up your face. If you feel good, that's the most important thing, but if you are hearing this from more than one person or from one person who knows you well, there may be some merit to what they are saying. Been there, on both sides of this equation. I was told a long time ago that black, and especially black and white together in a top, were not the best options next to my face. More recently, I've had to admit that my beloved red is no longer a good color for me. It may be hard to accept, but as we age colors we once wore well just may not work anymore. Having said all that, you can see from my picture that I don't always follow that advice!
Hi Suzie, I think some people have a problem if someone wears all black most of the time. I still get smart alec comments and I have been wearing predominantly all black since my 20s and am now 54. I don't care what anyone says I wear what I want, what I feel comfortable in and what makes me feel like me. I have never felt comfortable in colour although I do use a small pallet of colour accessories. Take care Maryann
Hi to Lo and anonymous, thank you very much for taking time to comment, I guess its maybe my confidence that is suffering not my wardrobe! I will always think black is so chic, and enjoy other people wearing it too, maybe its time to develop a thicker skin. Best regards ladies. Suzie.
Pfft! I wear head to toe black almost every day YEAR ROUND. Yes, people tell me I wear too much black, but I like it. I like the way I look and feel so I'm going to stick with it until that changes. I do add colorful accessories, but I guess head to toe black stands out as BLACK despite any additions.
Hi anonymous, just to let you know I love the fact you know what you like and are happy with your decisions, its fantastic, maybe thats what is my problem, I dont actually know what looks ok anymore? Anyway thats my problem, thank you for your input, its much appreciated. Best regards, Suzie.