How about first find something beautiful to help focus that sort of “all over the place” desire that you’re feeling:
Still Life with Bouquet of Flower and Plums
by Rachel Ruysch
Rachel Ruysch was pretty good, wasn’t she?My thinking here was of someone who has a wardrobe a lot like mine – long on black and white, with all of the essentials covered. So what you see here, at first glance, is that lovely warm red – and that’s going to be perfect with black and white!
Let’s assume that she’s starting with these basics:
Although I’m writing about the “French 5-Piece Wardrobe,” this heroine doesn’t need, nor particularly want, to buy 5 pieces of clothing. However, she could certainly buy 5 items…First up, she finds this scarf, which echoes the colors and the feelings of the painting, but has a bit of update – some scattered stars, and a leopard border! (yes, the designer’s initials are in the middle, but it’s subtle to the point of being unintelligible, so I’m going to roll with it…)
scarf – Robert Cavalli
With scarf in hand (physically, or mentally), our heroine start browsing “flower” colors, and when she gets to poppy, she knows that she’s found what she wants – warm red, soft, classic, fluid shapes, a good quality and ethically responsible manufacturer. If you can’t afford Eileen Fisher at her (sometimes breathtaking) retail prices, I strongly encourage you to look at places like Thredup for her things at lower prices – they don’t date, and most of them are beautifully made. When thrifting, her name should be at the top of your list!
And now, because she’s only buying 2 pieces of clothing, she thinks that she should make sure to have some really pretty, festive jewelry. (yow, do I have a weak spot for onyx and marcasite…) Dressing up for the winter holidays will be easier, and in the long days after that, these pieces will bring a bit of joy every day.
Oh yes – she’s going to check to be certain that she has the right shoes to wear with her new dress…
So today’s “French 5-Piece Wardrobe” (which really is just a fancy Continental way of saying “my autumn shopping spree!) is just 2 garments, and a few accessories. She may not buy all 3 pieces of jewelry; she may already own the right shoes, so that would get us down to the obligatory five pieces.
Obligatory according to whom???
Wouldn’t this be delightful to pack for a getaway after the first of the year? Warm enough to be warm, with a pretty dress for a nice evening out…
The new additions will help our heroine be prepared for a wide variety of events through the first of the year, or even just for everyday activities that deserve beauty:
I’m discovering more and more that I don’t need a THING in my wardrobe. I’m going to Paris the first week of December, and I don’t really have anything targeted for shopping. AND, I’m thinking of making 2017 a Year Without Shopping….
Stay tuned for the decision!
love,
Janice
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I have a red summer dress that always gets compliments. Your idea of an all-season red dress is smart.
BTW, I finally posted some photos of real people–locals and tourists–about town here in Carcassonne. For some ideas on what to wear in France in the fall.
I really think you need that scarf for your trip.
Loving the posts this week. I do find that I get tired of my carefully chosen, mostly neutral wardrobe and sometimes just feel a craving for a new color or a little 'sump'n, sump'n' to spruce things up. Thinking about how to do that in a considered way is really helpful. Much better than wandering around a mall until I find something.
Janice,
I 'm with you — actually, my closet overflows with neutrals and accent colors, so I really don't need anything more, unless I come across what seems to be the very rare find of a top, blouse, or shirt, in one or two of my neutrals with an accent color or colors that I already have. If anything, I need to pare down !
Question — I don't see any belts as part of the accents, so do you wear the shirts untucked ? I recall that you are short waisted, as am I, but I have always loved the polished look of a leather belt at the waist, though perhaps not on a soft, flowing top.
After following you for several years, I changed the way I shop. Instead of buying what caught my eye, I figured out what I wanted, then went shopping. It's totally different. Now, I really don't need any clothes except when something needs replacing. Thanks for helping me bring order to the chaos that was my closet. I too am taking time off from shopping. I started this July 1st and really am enjoying it. I still really enjoy your blog, it just doesn't lead to shopping as often as before.
When perking up my wardrobe or trying out a new accent color, I have a list: scarf, socks, bracelet or earrings, solid tee, patterned button shirt, cardigan or vest. I don't ever get everything at the same time; I usually start with the solid tee and perhaps the socks or scarf. Then, if I like it, I add the other pieces, usually one at a time. Sometimes it results in just a seasonal perk for existing pieces, sometimes it results in a whole new accent color that becomes part of the ongoing palette.
How sensible and what fun!
Robyn in Tasmania
I think you have the right idea Virginia – just those small changes can perk things up so much.
I'm having the same issues since retiring – I don't NEED anything (in fact I was a bit shocked to see how many sweaters I actually owned when I did my wardrobe changeover) – BUT – every now and again something nw would be nice. But I also need to cut way back on spending so I can't justify any major purchase. My mostly black, white, grey and navy wardrobe has all the basics but luckily, a pretty scarf or bracelet in a colour such as this red would go with pretty much everything. I think I will wait until my Christmas shopping is all done and then shop the sales for 1 or 2 brighteners for myself.
Keep us on the straight and narrow Janice!
That scarf is fabulous! I can't wear warm red but I can see myself indulging in the color by wearing this scarf with a black top and pants and accessorizing with red shoes or bag (maybe even both!). Until this post, I'd always assumed warm red couldn't find a spot in my closet.
I love the concept of a core neutral wardrobe, with punches of color here and there. I have already started my Year Without (Clothes) Shopping, but may make it 15 months and go through 2017. I have purged a ton of clothes, and still have more than I care to, so this next year will be focusing on attrition. Thank you for all that you do for us! I may be a "capsule concept" convert yet.
Such a pretty group of clothing. The plain colours go well with the patterned scarf. I seem to have patterned skirts, plain tops and patterned scarves which are difficult to put together.
I'm with you on the spending cutback. I should finish up with capsule wardrobe purchases before the end of the year, and after that replacements for worn items and any essentials I may have overlooked should be all I need. I have already gone through my shoes and donated those that don't fit to a worthy cause, but still have to do the same for clothing. That should pare down my wardrobe enough to allow me to tell at a glance where the gaps are, and I know there are not that many of those. I so appreciate this latest series of posts in helping me to achieve that goal of thoughtful spending only, which I plan to apply to all purchases, not just those for apparel.
I love Rachel Ruysch's intricate, delicate, insect-laden paintings. Her artwork has been delighting and inspiring people for centuries. I also like that she was a guild member during a time in history where women were not allowed in guilds. She painted from the time she was a teenager until old, old age. All this and she raised 10 children. I love that there's a wardrobe based on her art!
Paris! How lovely. Do hope you have a wonderful time. I love Eileen Fisher; only have a few of her pieces. But very comfortable and stylish. xo Deborah
The detailing in the accessories you've chosen is delicious! I love the way they refer to the painting. And that scarf could tempt me into red …
But I have repeatedly struggled with the Year Without Clothes Shopping, despite working through the excellent Jill Chivers program MYWCS. The best I can manage is careful shopping in accordance with your helpful advice, to achieve a curated wardrobe of clothes I really like and wear. I know you have stronger resolve than me! Your exercise program being just one example.
Robyn in Tasmania
This is so pretty, as I always look for ways to warm up black. I think I will join you on your shopping fast. Most of my purchases this year were inspired by a beautiful scarf that was featured here….
This is such a good idea! It's amazing how so few items really do perk up the black and white! You are a genius Janice! : ) I wish I was going to Paris. I bet it is even more magical all dressed for Christmas! Take lots of pics for us!I am really considering a shopping fast as well. I don't know that I could make it a whole year! The painting is gorgeous!