In the beginning of September 2010, I compiled a list of five items I wanted for the fall/winter season.
- A pair of brogues or loafers
- Isabel Marant tweed/bouclé jacket
- Clutch from Balenciaga or Mulberry
- Black O-neck sweater
- An intense, inexplicable desire or an item from Isabel Marant
I revised the list once and replaced 3) Clutch from Balenciaga or Mulberry with “Hobo from Balenciaga or Marc by Marc Jacobs”. Probably the smartest move I made. Later on I realized that I no longer wanted the clutch from Balenciaga.
I purchased everything on the list; a pair of loafers, Isabel Marant ‘tweed’-like jacket, hobo from Marc by Marc Jacobs, black crew neck sweater from Acne (image) + ‘an intense, inexplicable desire’ from Acne. In addition, my mom gave me a pair of tapered trousers from Zara and another crew neck sweater from COS.
Although I adhered to my list faithfully, I haven’t succeeded, as I am not fully content with my purchases. I think the problem lies in the fact that my shopping became overly dictated by the list, as if it was a list of tasks I was obliged to solve in order to finish my homework. Admittedly, I was a better consumer last fall. If I remember correctly, I bought only three items that I still cherish today; my beloved coat from Isabel Marant, Balenciaga bag, and a shirt from Isabel Marant I bought on a whim in Paris.
Having that said, I love the loafers I bought but they are a tad too small for my feet and I have given up trying to expand the shoes.
Regarding the Isabel Marant ‘tweed’-like jacket, I love the fact that I managed to get my hands on my dream jacket, but I hate the fact that I suppose I’ll never wear it because I can’t get over the visible silver zippers. Additionally, I figured out that maroon doesn’t go with my wardrobe’s color scheme. Regardless, I am keeping the jacket to see if the color and zippers grow on me. The jacket is such a rare and stunning piece of clothing, but I think I settled for second best.
On the other hand, I am very happy with my hobo from Marc by Marc Jacobs. I wear it every day and it is practical for school. I am also very happy with my crew neck knit from Acne (image). The knit is from the S/S 2009 collection and I ordered it from Acne’s outlet. As a matter of fact, I didn’t like the knit when I received it, but eventually it grew on me.
I ended up re-selling the item that was supposed to be an intense, inexplicable desire – an asymmetric shirt from Acne that wasn’t really my style, I found out subsequently. The shirt was merely an impulse buy, which I tried to label as ‘an intense, inexplicable desire’.
Needless to say, I have learned a lot from my mistakes and I have made some shopping resolutions for 2011.
That's a shame, Fleurette – but I'm very impressed that you can admit so easily to mistakes or bad buys. I think a lot of people struggle to do so, which is why many people have so much junk! I love the fit of the Acne jumper, boxy and shrunken. Which style is it?
@ Kate: Haha, I'm so ashamed but I blame the list (I find the unpredicted buys to be the best and most cherished items!). The style is called "Base".
Har du forsøkt å blokke ut skoene hos skomakeren? Hvis de ikke gjør det hos skomakeren du vanligvis bruker kan du prøve "Store Sko" i Rathkesgate på Grünerløkka, der vet jeg at de kan hjelpe deg. Eller så er det noen som sverger til å fylle to brødposer med vann og putte dem inni skoene før du legger dem i fryseren over natten. Når vannet fryser utvider posene seg og dermed skoene. Jeg har aldri fått det helt til, men det kan jo hende at du har mer hell med deg…Ellers tror jeg de selger en type krem du smører på innsiden av skoene i enkelte skobutikker og hos skomakere som får skoene til å utvide seg etter foten din når du har dem på. Verdt et forsøk? Det er ingenting som er kjedeligere enn vakre sko man aldri får brukt… :)
The Ladies Almanack: Takk for tips. Har ikke turt å utvide skoene med slike metoder, synes det høres litt skummelt ut. Haha. Nå passer skoene meg sånn cirka nesten, men de er fremdeles vonde å gå i, men kun på den ene foten som er litt større enn den andre. Rart!
That's the problem with trying to stick to vehemently to a list. You end up bypassing the really good steals sometimes and become so fixated in obtaining something you are willing to overlook the tiny flaws e.g. your loafers. On the other hand, I find shoes the worst thing to buy. I absolutely hate having to buy them because my feet are so wonky that I can't really tell if they fit or not until I've worn them for two weeks. And by that time, it's too late to return anything. BTW, I thought your ACNE sheer top was really nice. Too bad it didn't work out for you.
Amanda: You are so right about being so fixated in obtaining stuff only because my list says so. That's why I'm not going to follow any lists this season. I'll buy things that truly are intense, inexplicable desires such as a pair of salvatore ferragamo flats that i've been eyeing for quite some time now! I agree with you about the shoes, my feet are exactly the same. Yes, the ACNE shirt was really nice but not my style, though I wanted it to become my style but I'm more of a breton shirt-girl.
oh no, we talked you out of the IM jacket. It really is lovely. The color works well with black or denim. Maybe a tailor could easily have the zippers removed/replaced with invisible zippers. I can understand making missteps. I remember buying this jacket that was a copy of a Dior Homme jacket, that I hesitated initially because it looked too teddy/retro. I didn't even care for that Dior Homme collection, so don't know why I wanted it in the first place…!!I'm going to try for the 4-5 pieces a season, so I made a tentative list of 20 items for the year. I left some spots blank, some are vague ex: "The All Saints piece." I'm mainly going for the statement pieces, since I really struck gold with work basics last year. Not that I expect to get it all this year, there are things I've been looking for for ages (white blazer, dark wash slim jeans…)
@ Prêt à Porter P: The color is perfect with black, but it doesn't go with grey or navy, which are the colors I mostly wear in addition to black. I don't think the zippers can be removed without damaging the whole jacket because it is knitted wool. But I'll wait till spring when I have the chance to wear it, maybe it'll grow on me eventually. Otherwise, I'll pass it on to a reader or ebayer who will love it! Do you still have the Dior Homme knock-off jacket?I hope you'll post your 4-5 pieces a season on your blog, I'm very excited. I wish you good luck and hope you won't repeat my echo my mistakes!
Surprising that the IM jacket didn't work out, although a zipper would be a "deal breaker" for me too. I would NEVER have suspected that the color wouldn't work out. I totally love the color when it is on an accessory like shoes (a pair of shoes in that color worked with gray, navy, black and brown). I had a clutch in that color and it seriously went with everything. Never been tempted to buy a jacket in that color though. Sorry it didn't work out for you. I have the same problem with lists! They just don't work out for me. I do better just going out and getting items I LOVE. Weird, since I am such a list-maker.
Nope I sold it. This is the only picture I like of me wearing it. It was a cool jacket, but not "me." That's the thing about mistakes, we really can learn the most from going through what we don't like.I've been thinking about doing a post on my 20 items. My recent mood board covers the more "ambitious" (or delusional) items on the wish-list. It only makes perfect sense to me, since I'm very top-secret about specific items, esp. ebay searches, I'm serious about. I guess I can reveal their meaning as I acquire them…?
I love the sweater, it's the perfect mix between shrunken and loose, if that makes any sense. I have had similar 'problems' with my list as you, a few of the things I have bought recently just don't work for me and now I wonder why I got them in the first place. But I have also bought some things I have been wanting for years, like the perfect black mini (from Joseph). Just wondering what the name of your marc by marc jacobs hobo is, I need a really sturdy bag for university and a hobo seems like a good option. Is it similar to this one? did you get your on ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/Marc-by-Marc-Jacobs-Totally-Turnlock-Faridah-Hobo-Bag_W0QQitemZ110633682463QQcategoryZ63852QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6301704513079387296#ht_500wt_1156
Your Isabel Marant jacket! It really is so incredibly lovely. Maybe I understand about the zippers–I was surprised by how bold the zippers are when my Giovan jacket arrived–but I actually love the fierceness. Still, I adore silver and white gold, so if you wear gold, bold silver zippers can feel awkward. But how sad, because the jacket is truly beautiful and looks fantastic on you. I hope you fall in love with it.You inspired me (very clearly) to make my own 5-piece list this winter–but, in truth, I didn't follow it religiously. I can't be that business like about something I want to be fun. For instance, I don't plan on getting a DVF dress anytime soon (I need more opportunities to try on the styles), and I got a few other things that are perfect for my needs. But I loved the chance to prioritize. That was very helpful.
I tried writing a similar list at the beginning of the season after reading an earlier post and, I have to say, it did work for me. I've bought far fewer clothes, spent less and I feel like I've bought classic, quality items that'll do me for years. It also made writing a Christmas list much easier! I'll definitely try this again for summer as that's when my impulse shopping tends to get a bit crazier…
Your list is very inspiring. I am trying hard to buy less or buy quality pieces that will replace several "so-so" items in my wardrobe, but it is sometimes very hard to put things back on the rack (especially if it is a good deal). I always have a list of things I'm looking for and it is so fulfilling to mark something off the list rather than making a random purchase. I totally agree with Amanda though, sometimes you have to stray from the plan. Good luck with your shopping resolutions!
"An intense, inexplicable desire or an item from Isabel Marant" – I love that. Sometimes certain labels just mean a little more to you. I had that feeling about YSL, which coincided with a cause for celebration and I came out with a wallet I didn't 100% need haha. Which I love anyway and don't regret, phew. But I've made the same mistake before and I hope not to repeat them.I think there's something to be said for making a list, but I also trust that gut feeling of "rightness" when you try something on that wasn't part of the plan, but you have a good feeling it's not a impulse buy, it's something you'll look forward to wearing all the time. I try not to buy anything that doesn't give me that feeling. Good luck for spring/summer!
I wish I could stick to my list as well as you do!Sarahtheantiquepearl.blogspot.com
Selv om du ikke er helt fornøyd med alle anskaffelsene dine selv, må jeg si som de andre her – den IM-jakken er helt fabelaktig! Tror du ikke du kan komme til å like den bedre etterhvert? Ellers må jeg bare enda en gang takke for en utrolig inspirerende blogg! Jeg har vanligvis ikke nyttårsfortsetter, men i år har jeg bestemt meg for å shoppe mindre, og heller bygge opp en god kvalitetsgarderobe etterhvert. Årets investeringsobjekt er en nydelig skinnjakke fra Laura Clement:)
Så flink du er :-)Hadde ei god haustliste eg også, men fant aldri den perfekte kåpa eg lette etter. Var ute igjen på salgshopping for å finne den i Januar, men nei, denne sessongen var det ingen perfekte ute i Bergensbutikkene. Byttet imidlertid kåpejakten med funnet av ein perfekt camelfarget trench frå By Malene Birger, den kan brukes både vår og tidlig høst. Eg er så fornøyd at det nesten ikkje er mulig ;-) Å forandre litt på shoppinglister bør være høyst mulig, av og til finner man andre gullkorn på jakten.Er så glad eg har funne bloggen din, har leita etter ein slik lenge :-)
Sorry to hear about the IM jacket :( What a bummer. Echoing the others on this blog, you have certainly inspired me to be more careful with my shopping – I have made a list that should keep me going for the next 4 months or so – trying to keep within the 4-5 items limit.
I really hope you grow to love your IM jacket, it is so beautiful and a difficult piece to find. After I purged my wardrobe I made a general list of things that I need and I've managed to buy some items on my list. I also did some impulse buy but the items are beautiful and of good quality so I think they will be used a lot. I totally understand that you might get too fixated on the list and then miss some great finds, this is why I allow myself some impulse buys, though they have to be well thought through before I buy them. I have always been a rather considerate shopper so I have never made huge mistakes so i think I can trust myself on this. Your blog is always so inspirational and I am glad you share your mistakes and thoughts on them.
mon dieu !tu parles combien de langues ? :)ta garde robe à l'air parfaite !Bonne journée .
You are such an inspiration. Its because of you why i am selling most of my stuff and try to find my basics and thinks i really love and will wear the next years … it works good ;) Love your wardrobe planning posts!! Need more of them ;)rgrds from g.http://rougirqc.blogspot.com/
Bra at du er ærlig med deg selv! Jeg slet litt med det før. Jeg pleide å beholde sko og klær som enten var for store eller bare feil i passform. Til slutt må man bare innse at uansett hvor fint plagget er, så er det ikke noe vits i å beholde det når det ikke blir brukt. Synd at du ikke er fornøyd med Isabel Marant-jakken din =/ Den er så unik at det ville vært trist å gi slipp på den.Enig med deg i at lister ikke alltid funker så bra. Spesielt ikke når man leter etter noe, men ikke finner det. Jeg har én lang liste over alt jeg føler trenger å være i garderoben min, så markerer jeg alt som jeg kan tillate meg å kjøpe/trenger med gult. Videre bruker jeg noen måneder på å finne ut hva som er på klesmarkedet, før jeg igjen lager en liste (som forandres hele tiden) over ting jeg vil kjøpe. Haha, det er komplisert, men jeg har funnet ut at det er det eneste som funker for meg. Hvis jeg ikke har noen liste ender det i kaos. Samtidig, hvis jeg har en for "strict" liste, så blir jeg bare deprimert og går glipp av mange fine ting.Lol, dette ble visst litt av et tekstkaos.
i love your sweater – it is super chic and unique. one of those pieces that i can see Sofia Coppola wearing on a stroll in Paris. you're quite the inspiration for being disciplined curating/shopping. i've made myself a wardrobe shortlist the past 2 years as well after taking an inventory of my closet to see what was missing and what needed editing…play around with styling the IM jacket and maybe it will become an everyday favorite piece! sometimes those little details that you're not used to do become wonderful standbys to your signature look.
hi fleurette:i read through your post and happened to come across this image not 5 minutes later:http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5061398498_2ae9f03b84_b.jpgi think it could be easily adapted to your wardrobe as it stands, despite the seemingly clashing zippers, but perhaps you could color/dye the zippers yourself? i realize it's a bit much to ask having paid so much for the item new, but you would at least get some wear out of it.happy new year!
Pensé à toi en voyant cette photo. Magnifiques. http://blog.elle.fr/la-vraie-vie-de-fonelle/
I know my comments are always 'old-fashion tips'-related (I hope I'm not being too annoying?) but… Have you tried bringing the loafers to a shoe repair shop to have them professionally streched? Often, shoes that fit my right foot are too tight for my left (I have to thank pointe shoes for that), and my favourite cobbler can usually fix that problem efficiently. I have been thinking about your style and blog a lot lately, it's always a great source of inspiration!
Uhhh.. I would love to have the sweater on the pic in my closet (:rixogmill.blogpot.com
Please wear that amazing IM jacket! It is so pretty and it looks so good on you! Maybe the zipper should grow on you? I think it is one of the most beautyful jackets there is!
I think it's great you stuck to your list. I also make lists of basic clothes I need/want so I don't deter away from trendy or pieces I don't need (which usually ends up not being worn and eventually donated). .. I want loafers too.
It's difficult to keep the balance between planning and spontaneity: strong personal style and a willingness to experiment. Some of my best buys are spontaneous and gut feeling is usually the right way to go. It doesn't always work but sometimes I find I just have to trust the designer (after all it is his/her job) and have a go at accommodating myself to her/his vision, as much as searching for my perfect piece. When it does work, it's the best – because I've found something I might not have considered before.
Så kult at du er tilbake, det har jeg ikke fått med meg! Ser veldig interessant ut denne bloggen. Jeg kjøpte også en tweed jakke fra Isabel Marant, eller fra Isabel Marant Étoile secondhand, den er hvertfall jeg veldig glad i!
Lister er ikke alltid lett å følge, men det holder orden! Man må bare være tålmodig, ehehe. Dessuten kan man også leite litt – jeg så etter et par nye semskete skinnsko, men fikk istedet et par som var håndlagde, og minst 15 år gamle (!) de så helt nye ut.
i admire your dedication. but since i got a F/T job, i've stopped being so strict w/ myself. but i'm trying to get back to it. my problem is that i can't really id holes in my wardrobe, so i just buy whatever if it "feels right" and I love it.
Excellent list. Oh how i long to mature as you have. All i have as of yet is a challenge to minimize my wardrobe to six pieces for a month. If I only had sis pieces of clothing, I would take the time and tangible resources to make sure they were truly remarkable.XOXO-La Copine=)