It’s been awhile since I’ve mentioned the Five Piece French Wardrobe, likely because I have failed SO MISERABLY this time around. Earlier this year, I decided to “modify” the wardrobe challenge and try to ONLY purchase my five seasonal pieces either from an ethically made manufacturer or consignment/ resale boutique.
Two of my ethical purchases from Cuyana, a white pleated top and navy silk blouse, haven’t made it to the blog yet. I’m really happy with those finds. I’ve worn the white top with cropped jeans (a DIY project) and these pearl heels. I wore the silk scarf top with white jeans and these buckle up stacked heel sandals.
And then…
If you saw my Nordstrom Anniversary post, then you know it was a fail, fail, MAJOR fail when the sale came around. I LOVE the items that I purchased, but it was WAY over five things and not from any of the ethical brands that I mentioned. My friend, Mica, mentioned “No Buy July” and “No Spender September”! I need to get on board with these things!
Do you remember when I participated in the Conscious Couture closet sale? Ken from Vintage Martini was placed RIGHT NEXT to me. Let’s just say that his booth (and Dallas boutique) are very dangerous to a wallet. Lo and behold, I found an AMAZING vintage Chanel vest and Dior swimsuit.
Karl Lagerfeld is my spirit animal, and Chanel gets me every. single. time.
Of course, he had me at Chanel. I’ve worn the Chanel vest a couple of times already. Those looks will be on the blog soon. The find was perfect because I had been searching for a white long sleeveless vest, and this is extra special because of the black borders! The vintage Dior swimsuit it a white one-piece with gold buttons and high cut legs – Very 90s and very awesome to me! (I’ll have to show y’all on Instagram Stories or Snapchat!)
It was then that I remembered WHY I decided to do the clothing challenge. There are so many items produced every year, and I can find beautiful pieces from past seasons. I just have to remember that it will take time to find these items, and it’s not a sprint.
It’s so easy for me to get caught up with all of the trends every season, and just buy buy buy. After my major shopping spree at the Nordstrom Sale, a very poignant email arrived from Into Mind about Why Shopping is a Bad Hobby! Apparently, I am using it as retail therapy, literally. The other reasons also hold true, but I seem to make major purchases when I’m most stressed. I need to be exercising instead!
And honestly, participating in Chic at Every Age doesn’t help things. We are styling different pieces every month, and I can’t impose my shopping habits/restrictions/ban on my friends!
Anyhow, I’ve decided to personally restart the Five Piece French Wardrobe. It will be the “regular” one, and I will try my best to purchase ethical or buy consignment. Honestly, I don’t have as much time with two little ones to shop in person at my favorite consignment boutiques so it’s a little more difficult.
I want to start shopping my closet again and use pieces that I already have for upcoming Seasonal Trends. We’ll see how that goes!
If you’ve been on a shopping restriction or wardrobe challenge, I’d LOVE to hear about it and how you did. Maybe, you can give me some pointers!
// Black & White Vest Picks //
// SHOP my HOME //
Yea, I have good months and bad months. I went into this month planning on not buying anything since I bought Lanvin sandals last month. But I failed and bought more than I have the past few months (although it was all less expensive…but not the point, haha)!
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Oh that vest is beautiful, looking forward to seeing how you wear it! :)
Thanks for the little shout-out too! I’m hoping I can stick to no-spender September, we will see ow I go! I managed July well as I kept busy. I do the same as you though, shopping is my retail therapy and it’s easier to justify swiping the card/typing in the numbers if I feel I’ve had a tough time and it’s justified, haha! I’m really trying to just focus on wearing what I own, but I’m only human and I like shopping so of course I’m going to buy things here and there. Hopefully making sure they are pieces that work with things already in my wardrobe and things I’ll wear right away means I’m not tossing them at the next wardrobe clearout!
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I would have gone for the Chanel vest. So simple but so chic.