+1 on the Ralph Lauren suggestion. The boutique experience is one of the best.
How did you build your designer RTW wardrobe?
- Thread starter Pursedoctor
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Whenever you decide to hold a class (multiqote closet leather or whatever) sign me up!If you wish to multiquote,
go to the post or posts you like, and highlight the text
Each time you start to highlight, a box will appear that gives you the option of quote or reply; click quote
whenever you are ready to type your response, scroll down and next to attach files on the left, there is an option to insert quotes. If you click that, the quotes will automatically be inserted into your reply with space to comment after each one
I’m a fast learner
Thanks for the instructions - so clear even I could follow themIf you wish to multiquote,
go to the post or posts you like, and highlight the text
Each time you start to highlight, a box will appear that gives you the option of quote or reply; click quote
whenever you are ready to type your response, scroll down and next to attach files on the left, there is an option to insert quotes. If you click that, the quotes will automatically be inserted into your reply with space to comment after each one
This thread may also provide some inspiration, esp. post #2 by @papertiger 
forum.purseblog.com
How do you discover your authentic style?
Hi everyone, I am at wit’s end here. I’m am reviewing my closet and there are SO many unworn things that I just don’t think I’ll ever wear. And so many things that actually don’t suit me or bring me joy. some context: - career: over the past 10 years or so, my lifestyle has fluctuated...
forum.purseblog.com
Consider your actual style not the brand name first. Don’t get sucked in because xxx is a yyy put brand name here. For example, I love seeing Chanel jackets on others, the cuts are too classic for me for the most part. So my chanel jackets have a little more edge - croc embossed leather jacket and longer black jacket from Paris Rome that I wear with wedge converse. Others I have had made me feel like I was wearing someone else’s clothes.
Look for things you can wear for multiple occasions you have - aka zoom call, grocery store - and things and colors in your closet already first and build slowly. Clothes should not become costume.
The real real is super helpful to find sizing information and to test waters with different things.
Look for things you can wear for multiple occasions you have - aka zoom call, grocery store - and things and colors in your closet already first and build slowly. Clothes should not become costume.
The real real is super helpful to find sizing information and to test waters with different things.
Thank you - I'm guilty of too much single occasion purchasing and will be more mindful going forward.
I think that the Dior Bar jacket is an excellent choice!
For me I started a few years ago with 1-2 blazer/jacket/cardigan a year with dresses/skirts/tops/pants/shorts sprinkled in. I live in Florida so I will go for lightweight items that are versatile and classic. I also work at a law firm, so getting items that I can wear to work is very important to me, as that would be how I get the most wear.
When I am in search of an item, before I pull the retail trigger, I like to browse through the boutique outlet shops and see if there might be a comparable item. But I try not to let the price be the determining factor and get exactly what I want.
I think maybe choose a designer that best fits your personal style. I have a few pieces from Dolce&Gabbana because I like their whimsical style and very nice sturdy fabric is important to me. Gucci also has very nice canvas blazers and they will tailor in-store. For everyday items, my go to is Helmut Lang, Isabel Marant, and Wolford.
I have an ever changing wishlist which consists of screenshots in a separate folder within my photos album. once I am ready to buy, that’s where I’d browse.
I’d say always buy what you love. I did end up with some impractical pieces but I enjoy trying them on, plus you never know where life may take us
For me I started a few years ago with 1-2 blazer/jacket/cardigan a year with dresses/skirts/tops/pants/shorts sprinkled in. I live in Florida so I will go for lightweight items that are versatile and classic. I also work at a law firm, so getting items that I can wear to work is very important to me, as that would be how I get the most wear.
When I am in search of an item, before I pull the retail trigger, I like to browse through the boutique outlet shops and see if there might be a comparable item. But I try not to let the price be the determining factor and get exactly what I want.
I think maybe choose a designer that best fits your personal style. I have a few pieces from Dolce&Gabbana because I like their whimsical style and very nice sturdy fabric is important to me. Gucci also has very nice canvas blazers and they will tailor in-store. For everyday items, my go to is Helmut Lang, Isabel Marant, and Wolford.
I have an ever changing wishlist which consists of screenshots in a separate folder within my photos album. once I am ready to buy, that’s where I’d browse.
I’d say always buy what you love. I did end up with some impractical pieces but I enjoy trying them on, plus you never know where life may take us
Thank you! Love the advice, esp. thinking about how to get the most wear and maintaining a photo album wishlist.I think that the Dior Bar jacket is an excellent choice!
For me I started a few years ago with 1-2 blazer/jacket/cardigan a year with dresses/skirts/tops/pants/shorts sprinkled in. I live in Florida so I will go for lightweight items that are versatile and classic. I also work at a law firm, so getting items that I can wear to work is very important to me, as that would be how I get the most wear.
When I am in search of an item, before I pull the retail trigger, I like to browse through the boutique outlet shops and see if there might be a comparable item. But I try not to let the price be the determining factor and get exactly what I want.
I think maybe choose a designer that best fits your personal style. I have a few pieces from Dolce&Gabbana because I like their whimsical style and very nice sturdy fabric is important to me. Gucci also has very nice canvas blazers and they will tailor in-store. For everyday items, my go to is Helmut Lang, Isabel Marant, and Wolford.
I have an ever changing wishlist which consists of screenshots in a separate folder within my photos album. once I am ready to buy, that’s where I’d browse.
I’d say always buy what you love. I did end up with some impractical pieces but I enjoy trying them on, plus you never know where life may take us
For the vertically challenged, I find The Row can be a good line, as the designers are very short (and the pieces are ageless/not trendy). Relative to Dior etc. the prices are reasonable.
In addition to statement pieces I feel it really helps to invest in some great basics to underpin things like fabulous jackets - whatever your version is of a great black turtleneck, for instance. (I like Wolford for some of these pieces.)
In addition to statement pieces I feel it really helps to invest in some great basics to underpin things like fabulous jackets - whatever your version is of a great black turtleneck, for instance. (I like Wolford for some of these pieces.)
One last thing
buy for your real life, not your imaginary one
and have fun! Hugs
Hahaha @880 I live in LaLa Land with @Miarta!!! I will say the one caveat to this statement is that although my rtw is not always the most realistic for the now it does motivate and prempt the future. For instance, I had bought a chanel jacket that I didn't have anywhere to wear it to. A week later I was invited to a beautiful gala. I did not have to rush and find something to wear for the gala rather, I was readily prepared and able to accept the invitation happily.
Similarly, I sent a friend a picture of a rtw purchase and she readily said, "this would be perfect for our next trip..." So for me it does encourage me to be accepting of the invitations, companionship, and the fun the universe has to offer.
I have been buying designer RTW slowly since I was 16 at the rate of 2-3 pieces per year, usually purchase one in the summer, one in winter, sometimes one on my birthday
The most important consideration is always, is it comfortable; some clothes when you put them on are like a weight was lifted from your shoulders, other clothes can make you feel sluggish or strange
I try to look for well made things that are versatile, for example I have a very nice reversible jacket with polyester nylon shell on the outside with cashmere lining on the inside, I can wear this 9 out of 12 months of the year
I also have a jacket which is all synthetic, modern design, that gives me a whole different 'look'; I wear it when I want to shrug off my professional self and feel like I'm back in my rebellious phase again
The most important consideration is always, is it comfortable; some clothes when you put them on are like a weight was lifted from your shoulders, other clothes can make you feel sluggish or strange
I try to look for well made things that are versatile, for example I have a very nice reversible jacket with polyester nylon shell on the outside with cashmere lining on the inside, I can wear this 9 out of 12 months of the year
I also have a jacket which is all synthetic, modern design, that gives me a whole different 'look'; I wear it when I want to shrug off my professional self and feel like I'm back in my rebellious phase again
What a great idea for a discussion. Although I certainly don’t own many ‘high end’ designer clothes -I stopped buying fast fashion a few years ago. I made lots of mistakes but if you live somewhere cold starting with a really good coat, good shoes and a good bag ( of course!)
So if I could only afford one expensive item from the best shop -I’d make it a coat.
So start with a coat and believe it or not -quality underwear. It doesn’t have to be designer but go for the good stuff. French brands are the best and go to be measured by a professional don’t just order on line.
So you have a sandwich. A Great coat and good underwear.
Then even just adding basic jeans and inexpensive tops will look spectacular
I totally agree with @ladysarah about having good quality underwear.
I appreciate all the advice so far in this thread and wanted to share an update with you all. First, I lost my mind and bought 2 more Dior pieces - a trench coat and a reversible winter coat. I have never had nice coats before. I think I always thought they'd get ruined/wet/dirty anyway and never bothered looking at nice ones. And of course as I near my 50s I've realized that not one of my coats has ever been ruined so I decided to finally invest in them!
Then I went to a store in my city that was recommended by my very stylish friend. Nice boutique with stylists and tailoring. I got 3 dresses - Ulla Johnson, Tibi, and Studio Nicholson. Also got a sweater and skirt from a designer I'd never heard of before (Barena Venezia).
Both coats and 2 dresses need tailoring and I looked like a different person after the tailor had finished pinning. My top takeaways from this shopping trip (points which were all made already by others in this thread) are
--Fit is everything
--Hold your horses, don't need to buy everything all at once
--Your eye will appreciate clothes that appreciate you. I've always avoided dresses as "not me" or too fussy. BUT I look much better in dresses than in pants and now I have a newfound love for them.
Thanks again for all the advice! Will share pics when things are back from tailoring
Then I went to a store in my city that was recommended by my very stylish friend. Nice boutique with stylists and tailoring. I got 3 dresses - Ulla Johnson, Tibi, and Studio Nicholson. Also got a sweater and skirt from a designer I'd never heard of before (Barena Venezia).
Both coats and 2 dresses need tailoring and I looked like a different person after the tailor had finished pinning. My top takeaways from this shopping trip (points which were all made already by others in this thread) are
--Fit is everything
--Hold your horses, don't need to buy everything all at once
--Your eye will appreciate clothes that appreciate you. I've always avoided dresses as "not me" or too fussy. BUT I look much better in dresses than in pants and now I have a newfound love for them.
Thanks again for all the advice! Will share pics when things are back from tailoring
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