Can I have your thought/advice on a Preppy Capsule Wardrobe?

[Greymalkin]

I have a two, almost three, year old DS and I am fed up of looking like a frumpy bag lady. I want to look more polished and put together. Finally I am losing some weight and getting a skin routine and I really want to revamp my wardrobe.

I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe. I would rather have fewer, good quality, fairly conservative clothes that will last than a bulging wardrobe full of throw away fashion.

The preppy/Sloane style is one that really appeals to me and I have spent ages putting together a Pinterest board. I don't mind taking my time to build up the collection and think this is want I need:

To get:

Cable knit cricket sweater, off white
Thin v neck sweaters, in fawn, cream, for layering
Blazer, navy
Tweed jacket
Vest tank tops, knit, for layerimg
High waisted Skinny jeans (dark navy and black)
Bootleg jeans, dark navy.
Khaki trousers
Plaid shirt
White button down shirt
Oxford shoes (flat)
Breton stripe tee
Hunter wellies and socks
Converse sneakers
Ballerina flats (black)
Knee high boots, flat, tan
Narrow tan belt
LBD sheath dress, just above knee, sleeveless

I Have already:

Black trench coat
Barbour jacket
Waistcoat
Rugby shirt
Pearl necklace and earrings
Diamond studs and solitaire necklace
Understated designer watch
Coloured button down shirts
Sort of ballerina flats, tan

So what I wanted to ask was:

1. What items on my to get list are worth splashing out on?
2. Which Items should I get first?
3. Which shops/where online should I be looking to find these items (with the emphasis on quality)
4. Is there anything obviously missing?

Thanks in advance (this is my first real foray into the S&B board!!)

Having had a look at cigarette and 7/8 trousers, I like them , but they won't be any good come autumn, and by next year I'm hoping to be a size 14 -but 12 would be awesome-- so I won't be getting any just yet.

Whoever said eBay, there are some fantastic things on there so guess what I'm doing later?!

Thanks for your links Amazon. I have heard of getting colours done, but everywhere I've looked online suggests it's about £250. And it seems a bit 'woo' to me. Hmm.

I know that headbands are a popular accessory, but I would just feel ridiculous in one, so that's a definite no. I have a few scarves and have been looking on YouTube for different ways to wear them.

Super - I love fedora hats, and would love to wear one, but I'm not sure how to wear my medium-long hair with one.

Some great ideas here.

Where do you all recommend for nice tailored - flattering - shirts? I can never seem to find any that look high end enough?

Manic I actually think making a shirt looking perfectly fitted/tailored is less to do with brand/shop and more to do with it fitting your own personal shape and colouring perfectly? Trial and error.

Ha it must be due to my annoying flat-chest and broad shoulders combined with no waist then! Expecting miracles from a shirt obviously!

Manic, I have some lovely fitted shirts from TM Lewin and Austin Reed if that's any help?

Manic- what about Massimo Dutti? They often have silk ones, and usually cotton.

grey I said EBay!

The woman I know who wears a fedora just plonks it on her head (she has long straight hair) but I think she also does a ponytail with it too.

I agree with you too re fitted shirts being TM Lewin (haven't tried Austin reed), I have some from there and they're great especially for larger norked women, like me!