The minimalist wardrobe : Support/progress thread
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I got mine off Amazon, about $23 for 20 hangers. I bought two sets for 40 hangers total and the number was exactly perfect for my needs after I'd downsized my closet. They are lovely and really pull the closet together so cohesively.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NTBGXK9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I wish we could stop assuming Made in China with low quality. I’m not pro-China, but products made in China can be made with quality material and master craftsmanship. Times are changing and improvements are being made rapidly (so is price). I do get upset when I pay $50 for a tee and receive H&M quality. But, it just doesn’t have much to do with the origin of country anymore. It is possible to get low quality Made in Italy shoes as well.
As for myself, I am looking for tees that can withstand many washes with great cut. What kind of price point should I expect to get it at? I would appreciate it if someone can advice me on brands etc. Thanks!
As for myself, I am looking for tees that can withstand many washes with great cut. What kind of price point should I expect to get it at? I would appreciate it if someone can advice me on brands etc. Thanks!
I agree! But it’s still cheaper to manufacture in China and I have no guarantee on what goes on in the factories...so if I pay designer price I’ll be disappointed
For tshirts I’ve been happy with St James, &other stories and Cos. I pay around 20-30€ each.
I have so many St. John's suits. What did you decide to do?
I actually forgot to minimize! I put this project on hold due to the pandemic, wasn't sure who would take a donation.
The local consignment shop closed for weeks.
Chinese factories that produce high end items tend to be managed very well and clean; no child labor or horrific stories there. There are questionable factory practices in Italy too, especially in tanning sector. I do feel cheated by brands that tout their Italian/French heritages to manufacture products in China, and attempt to hide it (made in PRC). Thanks for the advice on the tees. I will try St James out!
Hi ! I just discovered this thread.
I tend towards minimalism since a few years (moving to a city with small and expensive flats may have helped).
I had a baby 6 months ago and didn't lose my pregnancy weight as quickly as I wanted, because of 2 months covid total lockdown ; still have like 20 pounds to lose.
So to dress for the office in the meantime I went to a very cheap shop and another a little less cheap. Many of their clothes are just potatoe sacks, but some do the trick with quality accessories. I cannot help feeling a little guilty as I am used to buying better quality stuff (nothing crazy, like Cos or Weill). But I don't want to spend much for just temporary things. Now I have in my wardrobe:
1 pair jeans
1 chino
1 pencil skirt
1 cashmere sweater
5 shirts and tops, with long and short arms
All this for less than 200 €.
I'm so happy. It all looks well put together, and I can always vary my jewelry and shoes (although my feet also gained some weight... sigh).
I tend towards minimalism since a few years (moving to a city with small and expensive flats may have helped).
I had a baby 6 months ago and didn't lose my pregnancy weight as quickly as I wanted, because of 2 months covid total lockdown ; still have like 20 pounds to lose.
So to dress for the office in the meantime I went to a very cheap shop and another a little less cheap. Many of their clothes are just potatoe sacks, but some do the trick with quality accessories. I cannot help feeling a little guilty as I am used to buying better quality stuff (nothing crazy, like Cos or Weill). But I don't want to spend much for just temporary things. Now I have in my wardrobe:
1 pair jeans
1 chino
1 pencil skirt
1 cashmere sweater
5 shirts and tops, with long and short arms
All this for less than 200 €.
I'm so happy. It all looks well put together, and I can always vary my jewelry and shoes (although my feet also gained some weight... sigh).
Just saw your post and have asked myself the same question about my St. John pieces. They are no longer my style. They've been languishing, unworn and unloved, for eons now. It was remembering the hefty price tags that has held me back. Time to acknowledge they belonged to my past life and let them go. I used to give my clothing to a local theater. Now, with the pandemic, I have no idea what to do with this stuff.
I bought mine at The Container Store...5-6 in a package...I don't remember how much but not too bad! You won't regret it!
OK I have developed a new obsession for Vestiaire Collective and the idea of buying second hand items of good quality and unique designs or minimal wear forever staples.
I normally spend more on classic minimal wardrobe staples like a white shirt, but not more than 300$. For classics I tend to favor smaller online businesses or local brands that offer quality without the flashy brand name. And for a special Design I might go towards big names.
The price I´d spend on a brand new item in high street fashion I can spend on a second hand luxury brand I never could afford otherwise.
Like the classic Gianvito Rossi 85 black nappa pumps that were only worn once and smell like new! I got them for 150$...if it´s previous season, or not the "it" brand or item, you get the stuff for 1/5 to 1/3 of the brand new price. People aren´t willing to pay that much for something online that u can´t try and return (which would be a new business in itself)
That´s my current opinion..after going all crazy the past few years for concepts like Everlane (found a local French equivalent as can´t afford to waste $$ in the customs charges). I also love the aesthetics and concept of Uniqlo but I can´t agree with their low cost politics.
I normally spend more on classic minimal wardrobe staples like a white shirt, but not more than 300$. For classics I tend to favor smaller online businesses or local brands that offer quality without the flashy brand name. And for a special Design I might go towards big names.
The price I´d spend on a brand new item in high street fashion I can spend on a second hand luxury brand I never could afford otherwise.
Like the classic Gianvito Rossi 85 black nappa pumps that were only worn once and smell like new! I got them for 150$...if it´s previous season, or not the "it" brand or item, you get the stuff for 1/5 to 1/3 of the brand new price. People aren´t willing to pay that much for something online that u can´t try and return (which would be a new business in itself)
That´s my current opinion..after going all crazy the past few years for concepts like Everlane (found a local French equivalent as can´t afford to waste $$ in the customs charges). I also love the aesthetics and concept of Uniqlo but I can´t agree with their low cost politics.
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Videdressing and Vestiaire are more interesting than the high street... Better quality and prices, imho.
Would you mind sharing the French equivalent? So far I only found Maison Standards and Balzac Paris but any help would be appreciated!
I think one reason people have such a hard time with a minimal wardrobe is the generally unexamined idea that ones clothes “should” reflect or express one’s personality. What if that were not the case?
What if in building a minimal wardrobe one embraced the idea that one’s personality is what expresses one’s personality and clothes should simply not get in the way of that?
Just that idea alone would eliminate masses of buying, accessorizing, and all of the additional clothing one needs to accumulate in order to satisfactorily ‘express one’s personlaity.’ With that mindset, clothing becomes background. When clothes have the supporting role instead of the star role, all one really needs is a couple pairs of jeans, a few white shirts, a simple uncluttered dress-up dress or pant suit and some basic shoes. Everything could be extremely high quality with beautiful lines, beautiful tailoring and beautiful fabric ensuring that nothing ever got in the way of one’s delightful and engaging personality from coming through unhindered.
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Vestiaire Collective is French
Yes, Vestiaire is French. However, it is not the equivalent of Everlane!