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Thanks to S&B, I'm finally winning in the "pursuit of elegance."

524 replies

LavenderHills · 17/01/2020 03:08

I'm about to write a very long post about how the Style and Beauty board has helped me revolutionise my wardrobe! There's no one else in my life who is really interested in this stuff, so I've got to debrief here Smile

I have always enjoyed the threads about how to look polished or "expensive", but in my own life I've been an impulsive bargain shopper and the result was a wardrobe full of clothes but a feeling of never looking as put-together as I wanted. Last year, I decided I was going to change this and take a planned, intentional approach to my wardrobe, spending more money on less items. I know the classic, polished look is not everyone's cup of tea, but it was what I wanted, and I also wanted to shop more sustainably and buy things that would last for years and not go out of style.

Starting at the beginning of July 2019, I allocated myself a weekly sum that I was allowed to spend on clothes an accessories (100AUD per week, so about £52), added up what the total would be over the course of a full year, and then created a list of everything I thought I would need- shoes, clothes, underwear etc- to feel polished and put together. I spent a lot of time researching exactly which items I wanted and how much they cost, put it all in a spreadsheet so I could see what the total was, and eventually ended up with a list that used up 90% of the overall budget, with 10% left over for "extra" items and a list of what I might want those extras to be (new sunglasses, for instance.)

A lot of the items on my list were "boring" things that I wouldn't impulse-purchase on a fun shopping trip, and were more expensive than I'd be able to buy if I was just spending my £52 per week in an ad hoc manner on whatever I pleased. Examples include really comfortable black leather ballet flats that I can walk for miles in, and a black leather shoulder bag with a zipper and the perfect strap length. I had to save my allocated money each week, and then make a purchase when I had accumulated enough to buy the next item on the list.

I'm now almost seven months into my year of planned purchases and I can't believe what a difference it's made! For the first time in my entire life, I feel like I have the appropriate things to wear for every occasion, and it's really easy to get dressed and feel polished and elegant. Instead of cheap, fun party dresses or eleven million cute tops that don't go with anything else I own, I can now get dressed for, say, a casual brunch in jeans and a t-shirt that fit me perfectly, are made out of quality fabrics and beautifully cut. I have the right casual shoes to go with them, and a bra underneath that fits properly. My bag is a lovely, soft leather and fits the occasion, my earrings are understated but solid gold, and it all works well together without me having to think much about it. All of the "boring" purchases have added up to a wardrobe that works well for my actual life.

I can't see myself ever going back. I no longer make impulse purchases, and I find that quite calming. I can walk past shops without being tempted by a cheap bargain pair of shoes, because I know it's not on my list and the things that ARE on my list are the things I really want and will use. I don't shop in sales unless something on my list goes on sale.

I'm already brainstorming what will go on the next list once this first twelve months is up. Having pared back my wardrobe and bought the basics I need, I feel like the next step is saving up for some investment pieces, maybe only buying three or four items a year once I've replaced things that have worn out. I'm dreaming of bespoke coats and antique earrings!

None of this is rocket science, but I wanted to share it in case anyone else is like me and wants a bit of inspiration about how to make a change.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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2021optimist · 26/12/2020 18:33

Could we keep this thread going through 2021? It's been brilliant and I'm dying to know what OP does with her budget now she has the core pieces. Grin

Squintybumcheek · 27/12/2020 09:49

Fab thread, place marking to come back to it after trawling Pinterest!

Onlycakesshouldhavetiers · 27/12/2020 18:16

So much good advice on here! Has anyone found any tan brogues anywhere?

PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit · 27/12/2020 19:03

I saw some tan brogues on Poetry clothing website - in sale section.

PaulHollywoodsLowHangingFruit · 27/12/2020 19:05

here

Gintime74 · 27/12/2020 19:19

This thread is so great,
I really need a good classic leather bag for work, needs to fit in a netbook, iPad and purse make up . £200 is probably my maximum spend and happy to buy secondhand. I also have on my list blue jeans, black jeans, cashmere jumper, cashmere cardigan, black and white T-shirt’s , and gold everyday earrings.
If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

CaveMum · 28/12/2020 10:49

@Gintime74 have you looked at Cambridge Satchel Company? Their 15” bags fit laptops, etc and there are a few in their annual sale at the moment (reduced from £195 to £136) www.cambridgesatchel.com/collections/annual-sale

I’ve just bought one of their 11 inch bags myself Grin

WindFlower92 · 28/12/2020 13:44

If we're carrying this thread over to 2021, then my contribution is my new search for cardigans! I've done my Pinterest search and found that I tend to like the skinny jeans, plain top and bright cardigan combo, so I'm going to invest in a load of them this year. I'm pregnant atm so no idea what size I'll be in 6 months time, so cardigans seem a safe bet! And maybe some good scarves too.

Juancornetto · 28/12/2020 14:40

I like Woolovers for knitwear. Their styling isn't great but the actual clothes are usually lovely and natural fibres

Gintime74 · 28/12/2020 15:11

Thanks Cavemum I have bought one. So excited.
Next on my list, jeans that will slim my tummy.?

CaveMum · 28/12/2020 15:24

@Gintime74

Thanks Cavemum I have bought one. So excited. Next on my list, jeans that will slim my tummy.?
Oooo exciting! Hope it lives up to expectations!
eyesbiggerthanstomach · 31/12/2020 08:43

@Gintime74 try knomo for bags.

I bought the mini Maddox which fits my work stuff and is lovely. It does come in a larger version.

It's practical and doesn't scream label but is still good quality.

BearandaSpare · 31/12/2020 09:02

Woolovers always send me their catalogue after I once bought something from them. They’ve actually got some lovely things but my god the styling makes it all look like something your gran would think twice about buying. If any Woolovers people are reading, you need a rebrand!

PerfidiousAlbion · 31/12/2020 12:28

@BearandaSpare
I agree! Lovely clothes but they need some 21st century branding and marketing. Something like navygrey.co - they do knitwear so well.

SoupnSalads · 01/01/2021 14:35

Keep thinking about this thread and came back to join.

I found this page:

stunningstyle.com/style-secrets/2019-3-3-what-is-classic-style

I think classic style will save me from going down the crazy jumper route. I'm looking to invest in coats, shoes, a bag, good knitwear, plain tops, well fitted trousers, dress for work. I previously spent time looking at body shape and colour and just need to finalise my list.

The recommendations of where to look are great.

NeedWineNow · 01/01/2021 15:16

This is such a great thread - can I join in? I'm guilty of the impulse buys without thinking about how they fit in my wardrobe.

Thinking about it, I could do with some dark indigo skinnies and some basic t-shirts that don't cling round the middle in white, navy, black and olive/khaki. I've got some stuff coming on sales orders, but I really need to sort out my wardrobe so that I can see properly what items go together. can anyone recommend a wardrobe app that will help with this?

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 01/01/2021 15:21

Ooooh l love this thread!

I've lost some weight and am starting to think about having a bit of an overhaul. I can sew and knit too. I usually have a specific idea if what l want. I have noticed that things l spend a bit more on tend to be kept whereas l get bored of the cheaper stuff or it doesn't keep well for long.

I want to move away from wearing jeans so much. I have bought some nice bamboo socks to wear my boots a bit more. Also buying less and picking more ethical / socially responsible things is important to me.

I will need to have a wardrobe clear out. I got rid of a lot of dresses last summer but there will be more.

I have a really lovely black coat that is a cashmere blend and a really warm Barbour for winter. And a mac but that's a little tight still around the arms.

Could do with some decent black shoes. I'm not sure that ballet flats suit me and l have struggled to find a pair l like..they all seem a bit frumpy. I don't do heels anymore and it feels really liberating for me (no judgement here if they are your thing).

Any decent jeans recommendations that aren't skinny? I'm pear shaped with chunky legs.

SoupnSalads · 01/01/2021 15:39

I downloaded Your Closet, can't comment as not tried yet.

Can I also share the John Lewis Personal Style Edit? I had a lot of fun with it before.

www.johnlewis.com/women/personal-style-edit

1frenchfoodie · 01/01/2021 16:19

needwinenow I’ve seen others here recommend the style book app. Personally packing away summer clothes, charity shop bound stuff and less favoured/warm office wear made it much easier to work out outfits, no app needed. Though I wasnt sure older, non mainstream European buys (been mainly france based since 2007) would show up.

S0CKS · 03/01/2021 16:35

This has been a very interesting read, so thank you. I do relate to some of the comments and I am somebody who shys away from for example the £30 Black tee in favour of the £6 that'll be a bit shiny in a few washes, so I will be going for the £30 Black tee. To think of my monthly budget as a yearly budget is such a good idea.

Yorkshirepuddingforever · 03/01/2021 16:58

Have loved reading through this thread and been inspired to have a long think about what I want/need and what I want my style to be. I am pregnant so thinking ahead but the last few months of wearing limited maternity items has really made me love the idea of a capsule wardrobe.

I have started a list and planning a few non clothing items to get me started 😊

PumpkinWitch · 03/01/2021 17:02

Oh is this the thread someone mentioned before? You do look great. I am going to do my own wardrobe refurbishment and will be doing my own spreadsheet.

whataboutbob · 03/01/2021 17:25

I note the OP has/ had a job that involved looking well groomed for work and travelling. I wonder whether the last 9 months have changed that and how her wardrobe choices may have changed too, eg if she’s been WFH?

S0CKS · 03/01/2021 18:11

That would be really interesting @whataboutbob - I really hope she comes back and shares this years list with us!

SoupnSalads · 04/01/2021 06:03

I keep looking at this bag by Thamon which is vegan leather and has a leaf print. It comes in back but I do quite like the green.

thamon.co/collections/womens-handbags/products/backpack-in-dark-green-leaf-leather-1?variant=31291724791872

I also came across this shop www.tentree.co.uk which has some nice tencell shirts.

Several things from Baukjen on my list.