Want versus need? Now that is an interesting question. When we are making that “must have” purchase are we making it from a place of need or want? How many times have you been tempted by that “perfect” white shirt or that indispensable pair of “black trousers” At one stage I think I had enough black trousers and white shirts to open a boutique solely based on these two items. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I was trying to build up the much recommended “capsule wardrobe”. These items always seemed safe purchases, Now there is nothing wrong with that in and of itself. It is just that I must have had a convenient memory blackout until I got home and discovered that I had at least four or five similar garments.
Do you plan your wardrobe at the beginning of the season or are you more of an impulse buyer? Personally I have made considerable progress this year and have less items of clothing in my wardrobe. I can now see what I actually own and I have been much more disciplined in my purchases. This has resulted in simplifying my life. I have not quite achieved the highly recommended Project 333 but am definitely heading in the right direction.
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I am finally getting to a place where I can honestly say less is more...where I believe I have the style I want to reflect every day nailed..and where I want to focus on quality rather than quantity. I am going to do a massive clean out this week. It has been a long time coming, but I am closer to where I want to be in this equation than every before. Thanks for broaching the topic!!
I have a tendency to overbuy basics too. But right now I'm pretty satisfied with my very simple core wardrobe, and am just keeping my eyes open for a few fun "accent" pieces. Do I *need* them? No.
Coming close to 50,I am also getting flustered with my overflowing wardrobe. I also want to simplify my sense of styling and be more creative by mixing and matching old and new stuff and make it look brand new every-time!
I don't know why repeating clothes seems like a crime in today's society!
I have too many clothes. More than I need. I am conscious of my tendency to overbuy and I need to curb this impulse as I am retired and really do not need as many clothes.
Oh, dear, I must be hitting that critical mass where I want everything I need and nothing more. What does that say about me? I'll have to give that some thought.
Great post, as always.
I should buy more basics! It seems that I focus on the 'wants.' But I'm learning.
Emailed to me by Barbara
Glad I'm not the only one, I too have so many pairs of black trousers & lots of things I've only ever worn once. But this year I'm asking myself do I need it, if I have to ask myself that question I'm saying NO.
I'm having problems commenting on posts, Don't know why so glad you 're not noreply.
Dear Josephine,
Thank you for your blog. It reflects grace and elegance, and is a joy to read and look at.
My current style tends to be classic/casual, but I want to change my style to one of elegance/artistic. That is more who I am. I love the Carolina Herrera fall collection. I live in the ME, but will be visiting the UK this summer. Can you suggest some stores or boutiques in the London/Oxford areas I should visit to buy clothes that are graceful, elegant, and slightly arty?
Hi Mia
Thank you for your kind comments regarding my blog. Glad you like it.
With regard to your question. When visiting London I would start with https://www.fenwick.co.uk.
Definitely my favourite store. Not too big you can find your way around and they stock ranges from medium price to fairly expensive. The have excellent accessories on the ground floor and more casual younger brands on the top floor and everything inbetween.
You could aslo visit Harvey Nichols and Selfriges personally I find both a bit overwhelming.
Of the chains I would recomment http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home/uk/en for budget up to the minute fashion.
Also perhaps http://www.whistles.co.uk
http://www.jigsaw-online.com
http://hobbs.co.uk
finally http://www.massimodutti.com.
Oh nearly forgot one of my favourite http://www.cosstores.com (quite minimalist).
I have not visited Oxford for some time however I am sure you will find most of the high street brands plus some independent boutiques in some of the narrow streets.
Depending when you are arriving there may well be the Summer sales starting so you could possibly pick up some bargains.
If you need any further help do contact me again.
best wishes
Josephine