Commandments of Style {+ The French Five Piece Wardrobe}
Commandments as it turns out, I need them in regards to fashion and my purchases in that regard. Recently, I read this article and this phrase "the French five piece wardrobe" immediately caught my attention. The rules to this is that you buy five new pieces during each season {with there only being two fashion seasons per year}. It's made me really reflect on my purchases and how smart {or not} I'm being about them. It also forced me to re-read an article from Garance Dore where she wrote about her commandments of style. I am using her guide to help me with mine. I have known for a while that I want to build a classic wardrobe with pieces that are timeless and good quality {when I started the 100 series}. Last year I also made an effort at purging what I don't wear using these golden rules and I do this each season.
As much as I love the idea of the French five rule, I'm not yet ready to commit to it. I'm currently working on a list of things I would like and plan on prioritizing it. Once I have the list, I may commit to the French five rule. I am, however, committing to these commandments of style.
Click read more below to continue reading my commandments of style.
1. Choose well and buy less. This one is key. I realize that when I buy a piece I absolutely love, I end up wearing it often and properly caring for it. I'm also more creative in how I style it to find ways of wearing it more often. This also helps in building my signature wardrobe and a closet full of timeless pieces. I loved how Garance listed her signature pieces so here are a few of my "signature" pieces:
J.Crew Classic ballet flats*, Cole Haan Loafers, Ray-Ban Aviators, a favorite pair of skinny jeans, my Louis Vuitton speedy bag, my Zoe Karssen pullover, and lately my new Rebecca Taylor sweater. So when I find an item I love, I try to stock up on it. I recently stocked up on my loafers {see this}. I am planning to dedicate a post completely to my signature pieces.
*It seems that these are being discontinued, and I'm wanting to try the Porselli's or Repettos, or even these or these that are more easy on the wallet as replacements.
2. Buy what you wear. There is literally a long list of wants, but I'm sure I could cut the list by eliminating what I would never or rarely wear. I need to focus on things I need or want that fit with my current lifestyle.
3. Focus on quality. And just like Garance Dore says, luxury doesn't always mean quality. I am trying not to get hung up on big brand names. One of my favorite sweaters in my closet is from Ann Taylor Loft and it looks {and feels} way more expensive than it was.
4. Be patient. I'm trying not to buy things on impulse. Waiting for the right "one" can take time, but when I find it, I know I will love it for years. See Commandment No. 1 about building signature pieces.
5. Know your style. Not every trend out there fits my body shape or lifestyle for that matter, so I try and stay away from those. This doesn't mean that I can't play around and experiment with trends, but if I don't feel confident in it, then I won't wear it. I only wear what makes me feel good.
images via Little Tin Soldier and umbrella image by Jennifer Vallez
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