This was a comment on another post, but I decided it deserved its own space.
I'm thinking maybe I should be more forward-thinking about it, make a list of "essentials" and take the time to carefully choose well-made, coordinated pieces, a few at a time as our budget allows.
I think my personal "essentials" list (based on what I had in my closet before I lost the weight) is as follows:
BOTTOMS
- black trousers + slim skirt + fitted jacket = one suit
- charcoal trousers
- flat-front dressy khakis
- jeans (already have)
- long and short floral-print skirts (already have)
TOPS
- black turtleneck
- crewneck sweater + cardigan = one twinset
- white button down
- pinstripe button down (already have)
- black tee shirts (already have)
- new-looking (i.e., cheap and frequently replaced) white tee shirts
- pretty silk blouse
- "very me" sweater
- sparkly top (already have)
DRESS
- versatile black dress
- comfy knit dress
ACCESSORIES
- bright scarf (okay, I never had one, but I want one)
- The Leather Coat (same thing there)
I know the suit seems silly for an at-home mom to have, but I had a "good black suit" (bought for interviews and presentations in grad school) before, and I can tell you that the individual pieces of a good black suit are incredibly versatile. It just makes sense to buy those three pieces as part of a set that works together. Maybe that'll be the first thing I set out to buy after the after-Christmas sale.
I'd leave shoes out of it, but I could probably use a pair of classic black pumps and a pair of metallic flats. My Dr. Martens go with practically everything, otherwise. Oh, and everybody says you should have a "great bag," I guess; someday maybe I'll feel worthy of a real, well-made leather bag, but I'm pretty happy with my assortment of canvas totes plus my one little black purse for dressing up.
Check this out from NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94782869
cheaper than Armani, but affordable is relative
Posted by: Christy P | 03 December 2008 at 02:39 PM
Yeah, I have that "gaping" problem with button-down shirts. (Yes, even now.)
Hmm, is $165 too much to pay for a shirt that promises not to gape? Or could I fix that problem myself with needle, thread, and a hook and eye?
Mental note: If I ever do go shopping for expensive button-down shirts, take some safety pins with me (=pilot model) so I can evaluate the feasibility of such a modification before ruining an expensive shirt.
Posted by: bearing | 03 December 2008 at 05:42 PM