Oddly enough, the “aha” moment struck yesterday morning. After hearing the sad news about my favorite fashion designer, Mr. Karl, I thought about fashion and clothing and then….I had an “Aha Moment”!
Oh Mr. Karl. I will miss you. And I’ll miss your signature pony tail. I only wish you had worn a man bun! And I’ll miss your white shirts!
I hardly made any clothing purchases from the fall into this winter.
No scarfs were purchased. Nor was any outwear.
This toasty nugget? Two years…or perhaps three years old!
Is there a reason for this? Kind of…
My closet has plenty of clothing.
Plaid among the pants hanging in the closet
If my skirts get any older they, as am I, will be placed in the “mature” demographic!
My blazers to not need another buddy hanging out with them.
The blazers are getting a bit cramped in there! And there’s about two-decades worth!
In all honesty, I’m happy with the clothing I have. I either really love every article of clothing or I have a tremendous like for others.
I blame Catholic School for my over-abundance of white shirts–but the fact is, I love a white shirt–it’s a very crisp look!
And I think a lot of my not having to purchase is simply because I purchase clothing that doesn’t go out of style or fashion, if you will. As a member of the pro-aging group and as I’ve gotten older, I realize that I don’t need to follow the trends. And when I do follow, I think hard if that trend will be around for a few seasons!
I got on the Camo trend train late last summer and I love these jeans–I call them “classically trendy”…
Two years ago when I purchased this leopard-print skirt, I really thought I was following a trend. Two years later–it’s a new neutral and this is my most worn skirt. All seasons. I love this..
I…..am…..a……….BASIC! Yes. A basic. In most circles being a basic is dull and boring and yawn-inspiring.
And yes! I LOVE being basic. I’m a very proud basic!
However, in my mind, being a basic simply means that you have clothing that is—well….basic!
There are enough white tee shirts to last me from now till kingdom come.
I kid you not. I have an entire drawer devoted to white tee shirts. When they get old I use them as cleaning rags. I love a good multi-tasker!
During the winter, I rarely wear dresses. In fact, this winter I never wore a dress once. I love the illusion of a dress by wearing a monochromatic theme. One of my favorite’s is a navy shirt, navy short sleeved shell and navy shoes. Everyone thought this was a dress!
A navy knit pencil skirt, a navy short-sleeved shell sweater and navy shoes. It’s not a dress-it’s “basic”ally separates!
I love this look simply because I love my clothes! If I fake tan the legs on Sunday, I can wear this Monday to work!
Let’s take a look at what I’ve been wearing –trust me most of it isn’t new
Yesterday’s outfit was inspired by the great Karl Lagerfeld and his penchant for the black and white suiting. The pants are from Gap from about six years ago–maybe more. The blazer around the same from J. Crew. The scarf? I have NO idea how long I’ve had it. It’s old…and I wore a plain black tee that I think I may have purchased in 2016.
My beatnick look–again, same GAP pants, an old turtleneck and the boots I picked up in November (You’ll see more about that later in the post)
More old clothes. More old boots. More old hair! Nothing in this photo is new!
The Weejuns–are from 1999 or 2000. I’ve had them resoled and sewn up a few times but they are my old reliables. The sweater was purchased back in November and I’ve worn it constantly throughout this winter. The jeans–I believe were purchased back in September making them newer moreso than older! I love this look so much I could wear it every day!
Navy suiting–suit-not-suit! All separates. J. Crew Schoolboy blazer–I think this is one of my older ones from maybe eight years ago and J. Crew pants that were purchased a few years back. Basic white tee and the scarf I stole from my daughter. Basic. Basic. Basic!!!
You’ll see this skirt below in the purchases I made this past fall/winter. I’m wearing it with a neon pink Tippi sweater from J. Crew–this has gotta be a 7 year-old sweater and old metallic heels that are really ready for the trash but I just can’t!!
A Saturday basic look. On winter Saturdays, I cook and bake and write and keep basic. White tee and jeans. Is there anything more basic?
I wore this to work today. Lucky for me, I was able to leave work at 2PM due to the snow but I have to make up the time. Don’t even get me started on THAT! Anyway, I’m wearing old leggings I picked up at Loft some years ago. The boots are from many moons and the sweater from this season at deep discount from J. Crew. You know–I love the sweater but am slightly disappointed at the way the bottom of the sweater is stretching out–I tug at it because of my long-waistedness. Why don’t companies make clothing for the long torsoed?
Now let’s look at what I bought this past winter (and I mean fall into winter)
I did purchase both the pants from J. Crew and the velvet tee from J. Crew Factory this year. Both items were on HEAVY discount. The pants will be around for a long time. I love the ankle length, the subtle plaid is perfect for work and the velvet tee can dress up any outfit–it’s also a great holiday item!
Two sweaters I purchased. A yellow roll-neck from J. Crew and an olive crew neck from J. Crew Factory. I have to say…the olive green sweater is probably my most-worn from this winter. In fact, I need to get it cleaned!
I know I mentioned I didn’t need another blazer–but when I saw this navy one on J. Crew Factory’s site for a grand total of $45. One can never have too many navy blazers.
Another J. Crew Factory find–and under $19.99. I loved these khaki pants so much I ordered a second pair. I’ve worn these quite often and they are three-season pants. The fit is beautiful!
I must say, J. Crew Factory knocked it out of the park for me this winter. Yet another factory find. I love—LOVE this skirt!!
This large yellow bag was purchased in November when we were in Paris. I used this so much since I bought it. Yellow–it brightened my winter!
Another Parisian find. They weren’t inexpensive but didn’t break the bank–and I got a discount at Galeries Lafayette because it was Black Friday….
…these booties by Geox were a very pragmatic purchase. They are comfortable as all get out and they are very basic in the best way!
Being a savvy clothing shopper means making that purchase that’ll last a few years. I also purchased a leopard neck wrap/scarf in 2016 for $7.00 that has been keeping me toasty this winter.
This seven-buck leopard collar scarf is the toastiest thing on earth! I love this so much and for the ridiculous price it’s the best value ever!
It also helps to be on the lookout for basic items that aren’t frumpy or aging to us. We want a modern vibe with a bit of an edge but we don’t want to look as though we are trying to capture our youth—know what I mean?
Okay. Allow me to explain. The kilt skirt, worn with tights and a textured turtleneck sweater is youthful–but I don’t appear to be making a desparate attempt to capture my childhood days. At least I don’t think so–lol!!
Here’s basically what it comes down to. Buy clothes you love. Stick within your affordability. Purchase clothing that’ll be in style (not necessarily fashion but–style). Buy classics but give them a modern edge!
We may be “mature” but it doesn’t mean we have to dress old, frumpy and unstylish–and you don’t have to spend a fortune. My clothing is purchased at discount. Sales are my bff’s. Full-price is not for me!!
How were your clothing purchases this winter? Did you end up making many purchases—fewer—none? Let’s talk!