How did you build your designer RTW wardrobe?

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#121
Antonia said:
I always remember a comment that Tomas Maier (formerly of Bottega) said in an interview a few years back: 'Everyone can afford luxury, just have less.' It's so true! If I added up all the foolish $$ I spent on trendy Zara/H&M over the years...most of which have been consigned at this point....I could have a few (brand new, not second hand) exquisite pieces of clothing (or bags) that I would cherish for many years!! :facepalm: I need a Zara detox!!!:lol:

Oh here is the article but it's very long...if you want to read it:
www.newyorker.com

Just Have Less

Bottega Veneta’s Tomas Maier.
www.newyorker.com www.newyorker.com
Click to expand...

ITA!

I also support others who like high-street just fine. A pure cotton tee or pair of shorts doesn't need to be designer and for some people basics suit their lifestyle just fine.

The high-street, vintage, flea markets and so on also allow young people to play and experiment though. I'm a bit horrified at 14 year olds bugging their parents for designer stuff (even though I did :blush: - at least they had the good sense to say no - get a job).

I believe in buying just one item at a time, not an entire wardrobe all at once. That way, we can give ourselves time to pause, take a breath, and make all our wardrobe work together, our identity and expression, not one designer's vision.

I'm not someone that only likes to buy the lionised icons from each designer either, but it's great to be able to have a Le Smoking from Saint Laurent, Bar jacket from Dior, trench from Burberry, LBD from Chanel etc. So long as they suit the wearer and they're not just a tick-box exercise.
 
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#122
cecchetti said:
I’ve always been a minimalist and literally had a dream capsule wardrobe of very high end rtw, and at some points couture /bespoke.

My lifestyle has changed, and recently (although I still buy bespoke pieces and high end rtw), I’ve bought a whole load of good quality but non top designer rtw..

I’ve got too many clothes, but they’re too good quality and fit too well to write off the cost, so to justify it(plus there’s a balance on a bespoke biker with Porusus crocodile in Japan and an outstanding account with my shirtmaker in Milan to clear), I need to have a break..

Then , with a clear conscience , I can start buying designer rtw again-I could afford the Saint Laurent outfit, in fact I spent more than that on perfume and linens, house things etc, it was just the principle.

To get back on topic of building my rtw wardrobe , I need to rationalise what I have, and get back on track…I felt a lot more comfortable with far less clothes with a much higher spend per piece, which is what I’m aiming for again in the future..

I hope that answers your question?Xxx
Click to expand...
I'm so sorry for sounding nosey with my questions I was sort of thinking aloud about the pluses and minuses of the outfit!
It sounds like you have some amazing garments!
 
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#124
papertiger said:
ITA!

I also support others who like high-street just fine. A pure cotton tee or pair of shorts doesn't need to be designer and for some people basics suit their lifestyle just fine.

The high-street, vintage, flea markets and so on also allow young people to play and experiment though. I'm a bit horrified at 14 year olds bugging their parents for designer stuff (even though I did :blush: - at least they had the good sense to say no - get a job).

I believe in buying just one item at a time, not an entire wardrobe all at once. That way, we can give ourselves time to pause, take a breath, and make all our wardrobe work together, our identity and expression, not one designer's vision.

I'm not someone that only likes to buy the lionised icons from each designer either, but it's great to be able to have a Le Smoking from Saint Laurent, Bar jacket from Dior, trench from Burberry, LBD from Chanel etc. So long as they suit the wearer and they're not just a tick-box exercise.
Click to expand...
Everyone is different ..

I bought my first Chanel silk blouse aged 16(with my clothing allowance -I paid monthly!)- , and started having bespoke pieces made at a very early age as my Aunt had a court dressmaker , then I found a designer in Camden Town when I was 17 or 18 who copied my Chanel pieces for me.

But I have a friend who is 23 , who loves clothes and fashion(with an identical twin)- they spend a lot, but on the high street.
Both have zillions of clothes, but love Zara, H and M etc etc. , wouldn’t pay designer prices, have no classics.

We love shopping together, although I don’t understand her philosophy (and her sisters), nor they mine, but we get on so well, people think we’re contemporaries, but in high end designer boutiques of course, spot my clothes, jewellery and crocodile bag(plus she has tattoos).

If we were all the same, life would be very boring..my sister has a wealthy husband but Also doesn’t wear designer clothing..
 
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#125
@cecchetti , I think a lot of the fast fashion shopping has to do with the youth. Most young girls don't have a lot of money to buy expensive clothing and like shopping at the high street shops. Although these days they love to go thrifting! The minimalist/stealth wealth/quiet luxury trend has people buying more classic styles, better materials, etc. The older I get, the more I want those nicer quality items. I always feel better in my clothes that are from a better brand. They just fit better too.
 
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#126
for me I do enjoy the few designer clothes I have, the fit and cut are beautiful!
However as a stahm and artist , my comfy clothes from Amazon/Walmart etc are my go to for practical purposes.
I also have some nice things that are not designer but aren't day to day .
Also, at this stage I love how the nice clothes look but also the loose comfort of the others so I have both.
 
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#127
Antonia said:
@cecchetti , I think a lot of the fast fashion shopping has to do with the youth. Most young girls don't have a lot of money to buy expensive clothing and like shopping at the high street shops. Although these days they love to go thrifting! The minimalist/stealth wealth/quiet luxury trend has people buying more classic styles, better materials, etc. The older I get, the more I want those nicer quality items. I always feel better in my clothes that are from a better brand. They just fit better too.
Click to expand...
That’s true, although (I’m scared to answer, as we’re off topic now, and will get picked up lol), I have another friend who is a very young slim 59, with a daughter of about 32, she wears a mix of Zara, high street and mid range rtw, but Not designer, although she could afford to, and buys tons!

I literally in my early 30’s, when I moved to Paris, Only wore top rtw, and Haute Couture, with some bespoke Hilditch and Charvet shirts(I love bespoke shirts)…
I wore Everything, loved Everything, didn’t have much..

I don’t think I will be able to return to a wardrobe like that(for a start YSL is dead..), but I can definitely do better than now-although I don’t shop on the high street or follow trends anyway atm..xxxx
 
#128
Antonia said:
I always remember a comment that Tomas Maier (formerly of Bottega) said in an interview a few years back: 'Everyone can afford luxury, just have less.' It's so true! If I added up all the foolish $$ I spent on trendy Zara/H&M over the years...most of which have been consigned at this point....I could have a few (brand new, not second hand) exquisite pieces of clothing (or bags) that I would cherish for many years!! :facepalm: I need a Zara detox!!!:lol:

Oh here is the article but it's very long...if you want to read it:
www.newyorker.com

Just Have Less

Bottega Veneta’s Tomas Maier.
www.newyorker.com www.newyorker.com
Click to expand...
Hindsight is 20/20 as they say but I agree with Mr. Maier. I also think it's important to be you with
your real life clothing choices & not your imaginary one with influences from sources that are just
interested in making money. Not every SA will be honest or forthright which "looks" work best on
you the client.
I think for many of us it has been hit or miss over time & it does take time to know what colors,
shapes, styles really compliment ourselves.
I primarily now look for basics to round out my wardrobe. I have enough cashmere jackets & other
designer clothing, I like more unexpected shapes & cuts especially Japanese designers.
I also like leather..primarily collarless & in an easy shape. I'm also a big fan of mixing hi & lo
I love Uniqlo, Cos especially for tee shirts.
I also think making sure your clothes fit properly is a big deal no matter what the price is.
Alterations play a big role.
 
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#129
Antonia said:
I always remember a comment that Tomas Maier (formerly of Bottega) said in an interview a few years back: 'Everyone can afford luxury, just have less.' It's so true! If I added up all the foolish $$ I spent on trendy Zara/H&M over the years...most of which have been consigned at this point....I could have a few (brand new, not second hand) exquisite pieces of clothing (or bags) that I would cherish for many years!! :facepalm: I need a Zara detox!!!:lol:

Oh here is the article but it's very long...if you want to read it:
www.newyorker.com

Just Have Less

Bottega Veneta’s Tomas Maier.
www.newyorker.com www.newyorker.com
Click to expand...
Thank you for posting this article. I’ve never loved or appreciated any bags more than those I purchased from BV during Maier’s time. Truly beautiful and timeless to me.
 
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#131
Antonia said:
You're welcome...I'm glad you liked it! I agree about the TM era Bottega bags. I don't care for the new styles at all.:shrugs:
Click to expand...
@Antonia i was in the BV boutique on Friday(I can’t believe that my day out is over already, and am planning Harrods in October now).
Whilst I prefer, with the exception of Valentino, French designers, the rtw in BV was out of this world..had I not been on a self imposed clothing ban , and with a very large budget, I could have run up a very large bill on clothing there ….

Even more incentive to go back ..I’m seeing my friend this morning(Monday), and I’ll ask her to take me back for another day out, when I’m clothes shopping!
I felt like an ice cold glass of champagne at lunch, but didn’t trust myself afterwards as I’d already seen lots of beautiful rtw which I’d have come home with!
 
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#132
cecchetti said:
@Antonia i was in the BV boutique on Friday(I can’t believe that my day out is over already, and am planning Harrods in October now).
Whilst I prefer, with the exception of Valentino, French designers, the rtw in BV was out of this world..had I not been on a self imposed clothing ban , and with a very large budget, I could have run up a very large bill on clothing there ….

Even more incentive to go back ..I’m seeing my friend this morning(Monday), and I’ll ask her to take me back for another day out, when I’m clothes shopping!
I felt like an ice cold glass of champagne at lunch, but didn’t trust myself afterwards as I’d already seen lots of beautiful rtw which I’d have come home with!
Click to expand...
Ha-ha...yes drinking and shopping do not mix!
Yes, BV clothing is another thing altogether, so beautiful!! If you do get something, I hope you share it with us!! :)
 
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#135
Antonia said:
You can do it @cecchetti !! Shop your closet so you can prepare for your ultimate dream bespoke pieces!! I hope to see these incredible pieces!!! Good luck!!!
Click to expand...
I’ve managed one full month without clothes shopping, despite 2 dedicated shopping and lunching days(I bought bed linens, towels, perfume, shoes and lunch both times), and many mini trips.

It’s been Really hard..I’ve worn the same outfits a lot of the time as it’s been high summer, mainly impractical pure silk, which I haven’t dry cleaned as per the instructions, so there will be casualties at the end of the summer season…

I go shopping several times a week with my girlfriends(and for coffee)- luckily not to designer shops, so they buy and I do vicarious shopping-they haven’t really noticed yet that I’m not buying clothes.

I’ve got another trip to Harrods booked in October..I May buy just one thing then..I’m not sure..

I don’t think I can go 6 months without new clothes-1 hasn’t been easy!
 
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