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Filling in the gaps

Monday 2 July 2012
 gaps


1. Isabel Marant Black leather jacket
2. Splendid Sahara sweatshirt  £33
3. J.Crew Sweatshirt
4. The Kooples Jogging Pants  £110
5. J Brand Aidan boyfriend jeans   $218
6. Burberry Mid-length trench coat  £895
7. Equipment Signature silk shirt  $208
8. Petit Bateau mariniere top  $90


Is it just me because I've been feeling rather meh during this sales season. I've reached a saturation point after being bombarded with one sales ad after another. In fact, I've got piles of them in my inbox with words like 60% off, up to 75% discount, an additional 10% off the sales prices trying to entice me to click on the mailer. I enjoy bargain hunting like any other person that I know but it seems rather pointless buying something at a steep discount and never using it.

I'm on a self imposed sartorial diet. Rachel Zoe once said "It’s better to have fewer things of quality than too much expendable junk.” She has a sizable wardrobe herself to be perfectly honest. I'm sure my entire wardrobe will fit into a small corner of hers but I get the gist of her message. I have an alter ego, one that's far more glamorous than the real McCoy. It's trying to rein that sucker in and attempting not to deviate too much from the capsule wardrobe that I'd spent the last 4 years building and editing.

It was so hard - heart palpitations and all, trying to remove myself from a rack of stunning dresses at Hugo Boss, particularly when the price tags looked exceptionally irresistible. It took nearly all of my self restraint to shuffle out of the store. I can count at least 4 party dresses hanging in my closet which I have not worn in years, thanks to my very casual lifestyle. Note to self: Gotta keep toning that self restraint muscle for future use.

I've just done another extensive wardrobe culling and managed to identify a few gaps in my wardrobe.  They're far from glamorous but they suit my currently lifestyle.


1. Black leather jacket
I don't have a single black jacket in my wardrobe since I purged an old Calvin Klein blazer before leaving New Zealand. I figure I'll get more wear out of a black leather jacket seeing it's pretty cold here in the UK. I can pair it with a sweater dress or jumper in the colder months. I've got my heart set on the divine Etoile Isabel Marant Kady.

2. Sweatshirt
I've been hooked ever since I got my leopard print Etoile Isabel Marant sweatshirt a few months back. I've worn it so much that my friends think I don't own any other clothes. Time to alternate it with another.


3. Jogging pants (or otherwise known as sweatpants)
I know. I know. They're sweatpants BUT.....they're skinny sweatpants. Notice the difference? More tapered and a much slimmer fit. Miranda Kerr rocked in hers. I've found them to be fabulous for traveling when I don't want the waistband to dig into my tummy.


4. Boyfriend jeans
I nicked my younger brother's Levi's 501 and worn them till they were naturally distressed. I loved them so much that I revived my half torn jeans by chopping the legs off and turning them into cut offs. Eventually, the shorts were so threadbare that I had to chuck them out.


5. Trench coat
How can one live in the UK and not own a Burberry trench coat? It is THE mother of all trench coats.  It's a classic coat that never dates. The price is an eye-watering £895 but I can easily imagine wearing this for the next 2 decades.


6. White Shirt
How did I go for so long without a white shirt?  I can see endless possibilities with a white shirt. I prefer one that's loose and slouchy as I personally don't like tight fitting tops. Besides, loose clothing tends to be more comfortable during the hotter months.


7. Mariniere top
You can't be too thin or too rich OR own too many striped tops. You're talking to a striped shirt addict here so my rationale can get pretty skewed. In fact, I'm wearing a Petit Bateau navy/red mariniere top as I'm typing out this post. My closet is screaming for a black and white version.


Have you had any luck during this current sale season?


50 comments:

  1. Love that trenchcoat, so classy! :)

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  2. You know I was going to ask your advice on Burberry trench coats. Here's the thing, I look AWFUL in trench coat, I have cheaper that I rarely wear and yet, the weather is telling me that I need a bloody raincoat even in summer!
    Should I save for a Burberry? I never look like one of the cool girls in one, I always look like I'm on my way to the my job at the bank.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've had the same "issue" with Burberry trenches - I love them on others but every time I go looking for one I end up with something else.

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    2. katherine - hurrah, it's not just me! I'm going to have my last try not his weekend in London.

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    3. I've tried on one. They run big. However, I have to say that with trench, the fit is so important. A friend of mine wore her black Burberry trench and it was incredible. If I get one, hopefully, in the near future, I'll need to shorten the sleeves and probably take in bits of the waist.

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    4. Marlene - yes all the sleeves were down at my fingertips - again not alone!

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    5. That seems to be a common problem. I tried on the UK6 and they were too big.

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  3. Oh gosh - I also need about 6 of these pieces!! I WILL have my dream tan B trench one day!

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  4. I would love to have your black leather jacket, that's for sure.

    To my amazement, i haven't gone clothes/shoes/accessories/bags in 3 months. I am on a strict fashion diet. By not looking at sale and avoiding the mall helps tremendously. We shall see how far i can go. I know the minute i step in, i will come out with a bunch of stuff i will most likely not wear.

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  5. I just love that green Jcrew sweater!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  6. What do you do with your culled items out of interest?

    I have found my white shirt today of all days. It's one of those ticks in the wardrobe I've been trying to tick for innumerable years and today I found one. So tick. Love the Kooples jogging pants but I don't think I can face the changing rooms again for a while :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue, I went to the Kooples on Saturday and my favorite sales associate wasn't there. The service was beyond appalling. I remembered what you said. The fit of the jogging pants is fantastic for us shorties so I'm going to go back and get them. They're half price at the store.

      I'm too lazy to sell them so I take the clothes to the nearest charity shop. They're relatively inexpensive and most are unworn *shame*.

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    2. I get to go on a plane for my jollies this year and am thinking seriously about the joggy bots as I call them. Can I ask what size you are if you don't mind and what size you buy (thinking of going online for my purchase this time round).

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    3. They're sized pretty small. The medium was a perfect fit. They're slim fitting but not plastered on my legs. Thankfully, they have drawstrings which is very important in my opinion. I suggest going up a size if you prefer a looser fit.

      BTW, I tried on the J Crew version and boy, they looked horrible on me. Far too baggy and loose despite the fact the sweatpants were XS. Mind you, I don't have a small waist either.

      Delete
  7. I have the Aidan jeans, and they're great, and that The IM leather jacket is absolutely gorgeous! I love how you've selected items that are very versatile and that you'd get tons of use out of! :)

    Hope you had a nice weekend Marlene!

    xxTheresa

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    Replies
    1. That's good to know, Tee because I've been dying to find a comfortable boyfriend jeans. Is it quite low rise?

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    2. The rise isn't that low at all! :) They don't have any stretch in them since they're 100% cotton, but they're still comfy. :)

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    3. You've convinced me, Tee! Gotta have one now. Would love to see a modeling shot of you in them.

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    4. Yay! :) I think you'll really like them. And I'll def try to take some pics soon! ;)

      Delete
  8. man...those sales were really hard to pass up on! i was scared to see my inbox all of last month because every other email was about a sale!! i got sucked into a few, but tried to hold myself back on some of the items i were drooling over.

    i love everything you chose to fill in the gaps for your wardrobe! hope you get to fill in those gaps soon :) i do have a gap with the trench coat and would love to have a burberry in my closet too! sigh....maybe next year ;)

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  9. Great selection of items to complement your wardrobe! All items I wouldn't mind adding to my own wardrobe. :) Which one will be first on your shopping list? I think I did a pretty good job during sales time up until now. Only purchased things that were on my wishlist before they went on sale, which is an IM black blazer, a white shirt and grey sweatshirt at Zara and contemplating buying IM flat sandals. That's it! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All items with the exception of the sweatshirt are NOT on sale. Bummer. Bugger. Drats. BUT the leather jacket is the top of my list.....

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  10. die for that leather jacket and that neon sweatshirt!!!

    haha to be fair. when i am in 5+ inch heels.. i am hanging off my husband hahaha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ahhhhh....I see. I don't feel all that bad now. I thought it was just me who could barely walk in 3 inch heels.

      Delete
  11. I know exactly what you mean about filling in the gaps. At this point that's what I'm doing unless I see really special one of a kind items:)

    I love the classic Burberry trench. They do run big but everything runs big on me, so I've had my trenches taken in at the waist, chest, and in the shoulders. An immaculate fit is so key when it comes to trenches. I agree you can't have to many striped shirts. When all else fails that's what I turn to.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd have to agree with you, Lindsay. I'm resigned to the fact that I'll need to do some major alteration. I don't like most materials on the trench. I was quite disappointed with the BR petite version. Very affordable but the material's not even remotely showerproof.

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  12. I am trying to do better about filling in the gaps. For a long time I just bought trendy stuff but I am trying to get basic pieces that I kind swap around. It is still hard to do because the trendy stuff catches my eye! I scored an awesome pair of heels today that I think will be a classic staple in my wardrobe...

    Amy


    Fashion and Beauty Finds

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  13. hi, there! these are great style picks. i am really loving boyfriend jeans right now, and that trench is such a staple item. :)

    hope you're having a great week. :)

    kisses,
    jasmine
    AdamAlexMommy

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  14. to respond to your last Q...yes, i got too much luck. i've never bought that many stuff during sales...i had always been pretty good except this time.
    half of the items i bought were for colder weathers and half was for the warm days. i bought tow jackets in black....they were just too perfect to pass. one was for the f/w 2012 and one was on sale....
    i adore the IM leather jacket....but i think all i can do is to look at it...^_^...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll have to get the Kady! I think it'll suit you perfectly. LOL! Too much luck! It's great if you managed to score these pieces on your wish list at a discount.

      Delete
  15. I like your collage of basic items and too bad I have no need for a Burberry trench in Singapore.

    Some of the items I did get from sale: white linen tee from a.p.c., utility pants with rolled-up hem from uniqlo, another porselli ballerina and a past season Vanessa bruno dress (that I am saving for a year-end wedding). Hopefully these will last me to the next warm season.

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  16. There is a LOT of junk out there Marlene! That's why there are so many sales. HAHAHA I have come across a few good deals, but not many (on quality items). I jumped at them. Love that trench and stripey tee.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  17. i feel you! these past few months have been like that for me. i have a third of my wardrobe in a huge bag waiting for me to take to the salvation army and even with vouchers to spend i find my mind glazing over looking at sales after sales.. it's funny you should post this because this is exactly what i am thinking.. off to make my own 'gap' list. thanks for the inspiration..

    PS - really love that eq shirt!

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  18. Sales havent begang yet in Greece...

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  19. I've been craving on the Altuzarra yellow sweater seen on Hedvig - Northern Light. I could have knitted it, but I can't find similar yellow cotton in my neighbourhood....
    I like the Petit Bateau marinière you picked, good French brand !

    xx Françoise

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  20. summer sale also started here.. and i'm already getting crazy!!! though i have to admit right now i'm more with kiddo stuff and clothing. he's getting bigger even very fast that i have to buy every 2 months!!! and usually I don't buy things for me during sale season because: my sizes are out of stock and second, my choices already gone so I normally buy right away as soon as I see what I love :)
    back to shopping spree.. i love that IM jacket and of course the burberry and j.crew
    how i wish there's j.crew shop here, there are lot i've wanted to buy but pretty hard to get but we have petit bateau so its ok.. you see i love Marinière :)
    btw i had my vintage Levi's 501 jeans i wore when we were at the beach, hubby hates it he just said i look like a boy!!!! hahahahaha imagine my face when he said that to me LOL
    anyway, this is great set dear!!! love your selection :)

    take care.
    xoxo, Haus of Gala

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  21. I am just buying basic needs, a bikini, a bra, a pair of boots for next autumn... (yes, Zara is having boots on half price sale so I just jump into de wagon). I only buy things I already planned before as you do...I think that's the best way to approach sales, find the gaps and just get the things you need a bit cheaper : )

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  22. I reall want that neon jcrew sweater and isabel marant leather jacket (wish...)!! Love the stripes too! Great choices!!!
    Want to follow each other?
    http://adollwithoutstyle.blogspot.com/

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  23. Very nice edit, and I totally agree with you about a more glamorous alter ego. I've bought so many things based on that and then don't wear it because to be honest, do I really need these sky high heels to go to the grocery store? Not really... (Just bought IM's Rios so maybe my glamorous side hasn't gotten the picture yet...)
    - Aliya :)

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  24. I went to the mall recently to check out the sales and was also feeling uninspired. I need to do some wardrobe culling of my own but I so hate doing it. There have been more than a few occasions where I had wished I kept something that got donated. I need to just get over it lol.

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  25. Ooo it's definitely good to have more basics! I really need a Mariniere top. It seems like a good classic piece to wear with everything, and especially cute with colorful skirts. And haha I also really want your leather jacket, jogging pants, and the trench coat. Actually, I don't think I would ever really need a trench coat because it never really rains or get cold where I live but the Burberry trench coat just seems like a good classic coat to have.

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  26. Great post as usual. I am impressed that you exerted so much self restraint, we should be friends and go shopping together I could do with some of that will power. Those sweatpants rock, I'm constantly looking for the perfect plane pants, these might just be it.

    xx Jenee C.
    http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com

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  27. I agree! Esp about the stripey top (i've yet to find the perfect one) and of course the burberry trench is a classic essential (but you already knew that!)

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  28. I find it so difficult to shop during the sales so I don't. It's just too overwhelming (online and in stores), I don't have the patience for it. I do agree about stripey tops! I love them, I'm looking for a nice red/white one though :) And I'm a little ashamed to admit it but I don't own sweatpants! lol xoxox

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  29. Great post !! :)

    Just stopped by your blog!
    Loved it instantly so I have no choice but to follow you around!!

    Please feel free to check out my blog if you have the time

    Love,

    Janice
    the-fashion-milkshake.blogspot.nl

    ReplyDelete
  30. The only really good sale lately I've found has been Zara's. I still need to find a pair of boyfriend jeans too!

    xo,
    Angela
    headtotoechic.blogspot.com

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  31. Thanks, Sooae! I'll say the same for you as I love how you put things together. Since I'm based in the UK, French brands are far more accessible (and cheaper!) than US clothes. It just cost me £30 to return ill fitting J Crew clothes that I'd ordered from their website!

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  32. That Burberry trench is a must!! My trench is wool but I'm hoping to add a regular one this fall. The sales have been crazy here too. Luckily I've been too busy with my final exams to really hit the sales until this week. I've got to make a gap list of my own and get to work :)

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  33. Oh, I absolutely need to follow this advice! My lifestyle is very casual as well, and I always feel guilty buying big ticket items, but I absolutely understand the need for quality items that you'll have forever. I think I'll start slowly and start buying one staple per season. Maybe my husband won't get too peeved if I do it that way! :)

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  34. Most teachers give tedious tasks to their pupils. And let's be fair, nobody wants to spend time doing these boring assignments.

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