The minimalist wardrobe : Support/progress thread
- Thread starter mellecyn
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It´s really regional isn´t it.
I don´t manage to sell online anymore I don´t know why, I would need to spend time modelling and doing fancy photo shoots that I don´t feel like doing for a 20-30 euros item. I just sold a pair of Hunter boots yey!
I am slowly working through my 5 items list. (which is more 7 items...)
-cardigan -jeans -white tshirt -midi circle skirt -jumpsuit -color button shirt
but like the jeans It´s gonna take a while before I find the right ones. And each item is between 200-350 usd so going slow...
I just bought a pair of black thick zipped leggings. I decided to only buy quality.
Not planning on getting new summer clothes as the flowery summer dresses + tops I bought 3-4 years ago still work, where I live the summers are very very short. Literally 1 week to wear these items haha!
this is the look here. brand is toteme, they have cult like followers. it works in terms of everyday uniforms which is super interesting...but after a while it seems so austere and lacks the je ne sais quoi, and any sexiness or feminity.
Eventhough I am a huge fan of late 90s minimalism.
-But to go to work, I erase all sense of sexy and work with a "uniform" that´s quite androgynous. Go for the "cool" but unisex-
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@Etriers I just received these zipped Totême leggings this morning. Might seem ridiculously expensive for leggings but they fit like a dream! Perfect high waist, leg length, zippers details on the ankles add the cool, and the material is so thick and flattering!
I have another round of - this time involuntary 
- decluttering of my wardrobe ahead of me. Today I was diagnosed with nickel and cobalt allergy.
I had problems with my hands over the last year, and finally I know what's wrong. Since it's been so severe I'm advised to stop using all items with metal parts which come in contact with my hands (for my wardrobe e.g. zippers, button, closures of bags, chain straps, jewelry, belts, decorative metal parts etc.) unless I know the exact contents of these items and that they are free from these metals.
It's a hassle but better than not knowing what's wrong. I thought. Now I started taking inventory of my wardrobe. It's especially bad with bags and jackets. I have exactly 2 bags (fabric beach bag and fabric backpack) and 2 jackets (both are wool winter coats) that are free from metal parts.
- decluttering of my wardrobe ahead of me. Today I was diagnosed with nickel and cobalt allergy.I had problems with my hands over the last year, and finally I know what's wrong. Since it's been so severe I'm advised to stop using all items with metal parts which come in contact with my hands (for my wardrobe e.g. zippers, button, closures of bags, chain straps, jewelry, belts, decorative metal parts etc.) unless I know the exact contents of these items and that they are free from these metals.
It's a hassle but better than not knowing what's wrong. I thought. Now I started taking inventory of my wardrobe. It's especially bad with bags and jackets. I have exactly 2 bags (fabric beach bag and fabric backpack) and 2 jackets (both are wool winter coats) that are free from metal parts.
I have another round of - this time involuntary
I had problems with my hands over the last year, and finally I know what's wrong. Since it's been so severe I'm advised to stop using all items with metal parts which come in contact with my hands (for my wardrobe e.g. zippers, button, closures of bags, chain straps, jewelry, belts, decorative metal parts etc.) unless I know the exact contents of these items and that they are free from these metals.
It's a hassle but better than not knowing what's wrong. I thought. Now I started taking inventory of my wardrobe. It's especially bad with bags and jackets. I have exactly 2 bags (fabric beach bag and fabric backpack) and 2 jackets (both are wool winter coats) that are free from metal parts.
Oh no! It's good to have the diagnosis at least.
Apologies in advance, as an engineer I want to provide solutions. Please accept the sympathy above and ignore the suggestions if they annoy.
- Would it work for you to put everything into a box, let your immune system calm down for a few months, and then try each piece individually?
- Could you cover zipper pulls and buttons with leather or thick fabric? For example, I know that my Tom Bihn luggage comes with the option of metal zipper pulls OR cord pulls.
+1 donate. I try to buy selectively and recoup what is spent in cost per wear. But, other than that, I’d like my things to go to those who might appreciate them. Like posters above, I have tried for years not to buy if I think I will mind taking a loss; it’s saved me from lots of purchases. and, like another poster, I try not to buy on line.I forget how much I've paid as soon as I buy the item. I don't buy things to resell them and get some of my money back. I definitely will not trash anything that can be used - there are so many people who cannot afford to buy decent quality items. So my first and only option will be a Donation box. I recently donated more than half of my clothes to a non-profit organization. About shoes - I have quite wide shoes so whenever I find comfortable shoes, I wear them until they fall apart. About bags - I give them away also. I don't know how donation boxes work there - we don't have them here and non-profit organizations and Red Cross are the only options. I prefer non-profit organizations, because they have their own shops so they can sell my emerging designer bag at a good price - 2 people will benefit from that - the person buying it and the person being helped.
Good luck
@Mairaculi, I am so sorry to hear of your nickel and cobalt meta allergy l, but I am glad you are properly diagnosed. Pls keep us posted! Also I appreciated your advice on thinking before purchase. It’s always good to be reminded of this! Hugs
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Oh sorry....I hope you have been able to find solutions. The first thing that comes to mind is the "bottoms" : trousers, skirts, dresses etc....they all have zippers of some sort. The shirts and pullovers are more without fastening things or plastic/natural buttons.I have another round of - this time involuntary
I had problems with my hands over the last year, and finally I know what's wrong. Since it's been so severe I'm advised to stop using all items with metal parts which come in contact with my hands (for my wardrobe e.g. zippers, button, closures of bags, chain straps, jewelry, belts, decorative metal parts etc.) unless I know the exact contents of these items and that they are free from these metals.
It's a hassle but better than not knowing what's wrong. I thought. Now I started taking inventory of my wardrobe. It's especially bad with bags and jackets. I have exactly 2 bags (fabric beach bag and fabric backpack) and 2 jackets (both are wool winter coats) that are free from metal parts.
Thanks @FizzyWater @mellecyn, I gladly take suggestions since I'm very new to this. My partner is also an engineer, he's in mechanical design and also has a 3d-printer at home, so I already got a few custom-made handles etc. I will definitely do some sewing and cover things with fabric or replace zippers (as soon as I got new needles I can use), but I'll only do it on items that are worth it, which are either my favorite items or very good quality. I will declutter some ok-ish old fast fashion or mid range items.
I do have a nickel testing kit, some kind of q-tips which turn pink when the metal has nickel in it, but it does not work this easily with cobalt. But this way I know at least what to avoid for sure.
And I haven't found a solution yet for shoes and bags. For example, I have a Miu Miu tote bag that I use for the office, and it tested positive, and I can't really find a way to not touch the metal parts, my hand/arm will always brush the sides of the zipper when I get something out of it. But I have a large storage unit and I like the idea with putting things in a box for now.
@FizzyWater @880 I agree it's very helpful to have a proper diagnosis, even though patch testing was super annoying, but it might also come in handy if I someday need surgery and need to make sure I tolerate any metals parts they might put in my body.
I do have a nickel testing kit, some kind of q-tips which turn pink when the metal has nickel in it, but it does not work this easily with cobalt. But this way I know at least what to avoid for sure.
And I haven't found a solution yet for shoes and bags. For example, I have a Miu Miu tote bag that I use for the office, and it tested positive, and I can't really find a way to not touch the metal parts, my hand/arm will always brush the sides of the zipper when I get something out of it. But I have a large storage unit and I like the idea with putting things in a box for now.
@FizzyWater @880 I agree it's very helpful to have a proper diagnosis, even though patch testing was super annoying, but it might also come in handy if I someday need surgery and need to make sure I tolerate any metals parts they might put in my body.
Ok nerdy alert, I make lists of everything. I even have a bullet journal for it haha.
Last night I was remembering my style since age 15, and made a list of all clothes I bought per year since then.
It was great to which brands, and how my style changed. From a preppy 15 yo to an arty boho 18 yo to a young serious pro age 22 back to a creative youngster age 25, and colors! To come to mostly a neutral palette after 32 yo.
So I bought between 8 and 20 items/year. Mostly 12-13 items. That I kept for 3 years.
….too many items, kept for too few years.
I get tired of things! So I’m building a classic wardrobe with expensive items. BUT…I noticed I *need* my edgy items, the risky ones that make you look special. That you remember…who gets excited over a wardrobe of white tees and black cardigans??
Maybe it’s because I like fashion, I like trends, I like expression through personal style.
Here is a pic of my « work uniform »
Last night I was remembering my style since age 15, and made a list of all clothes I bought per year since then.
It was great to which brands, and how my style changed. From a preppy 15 yo to an arty boho 18 yo to a young serious pro age 22 back to a creative youngster age 25, and colors! To come to mostly a neutral palette after 32 yo.
So I bought between 8 and 20 items/year. Mostly 12-13 items. That I kept for 3 years.
….too many items, kept for too few years.
I get tired of things! So I’m building a classic wardrobe with expensive items. BUT…I noticed I *need* my edgy items, the risky ones that make you look special. That you remember…who gets excited over a wardrobe of white tees and black cardigans??
Maybe it’s because I like fashion, I like trends, I like expression through personal style.
Here is a pic of my « work uniform »
I like classic pieces but have a tendency for a romantic look (lace/broderie anglaise and so on) which can be difficult to pull off in my mid forties. Little touches are ok, but I mainly stick with well built romantic pieces.
I guess this can be your solution for you as well - classic pieces with an edgy element
I guess this can be your solution for you as well - classic pieces with an edgy element
OK, fan club alert, I follow TIBI instagram page and just discovered that brand, I love their insta live styling classes and their director Amy Smilovic gives instant great advice. I actually messaged her to ask how to avoid looking blah and mumsy when you´re 40+ and she replied immediately, observe, avoid mum uniform & just be independent, thats young in spirit...how cool is that woman?? love her!I like classic pieces but have a tendency for a romantic look (lace/broderie anglaise and so on) which can be difficult to pull off in my mid forties. Little touches are ok, but I mainly stick with well built romantic pieces.
I guess this can be your solution for you as well - classic pieces with an edgy element
So, honestly, you do you, and an overdone look or too much of a good thing is never great no matter your age. But I struggle with having the same taste as I always had except that on a changing 40+ body it suddenly doesn´t look cool anymore...I have worn the same cut off Levi´s shorts since I was 18...
As I’m losing weight, I’ve still got more to go but I’ve made good progress.. I’m going to focus on quality over quantity and higher priced pieces which will last longer going forward. I have way too many clothes which are either too big or too small or not suited to my ahem... bust size. I’ve been cursed? Blessed? With a permanent back pain creating sort of bust so tailoring is the way forward for me.
Seeing a pretty dress with Pre determined cups / boob placeholders on it makes me so sad. I actually miss being smaller chested when I was younger. I could wear so many more things. Not to mention my bras are at least £40 each now because they’re holding up over a stone of boob... rant over!
Seeing a pretty dress with Pre determined cups / boob placeholders on it makes me so sad. I actually miss being smaller chested when I was younger. I could wear so many more things. Not to mention my bras are at least £40 each now because they’re holding up over a stone of boob... rant over!
You have KILLER style!!! LOVE this jumpsuit.I like classic pieces but have a tendency for a romantic look (lace/broderie anglaise and so on) which can be difficult to pull off in my mid forties. Little touches are ok, but I mainly stick with well built romantic pieces.
I guess this can be your solution for you as well - classic pieces with an edgy element