I am a little late in perusing the sales. This can be a good strategy as many of the styles are now heavily reduced, some up to 70% off. I have had time to check out some of my favourite brands and make a few purchases. At this time of year I like to stock up on core wardrobe pieces.
Some of my black and navy trousers have seen better days and need replacing. The same for my tops expecially the light and cream coloured ones. I find that however well you take care of them they tend to fade and look a little tired.
Above: Flat rib polo neck MeandEm (now £46 from £65) / scarf Nordstrom / Very useful parka a real classic MeandEm (now £184 from £369) / Classic red bag Hobbs / Cross over jersey pant MeandEm (£39 from £79) / Black ankle boots Hobbs / Cream easy button shoulder jumper MeandEm (£69 from £99).
The Guernsey sweater I featured in my previous post is now reduced to £94 from £189 in the cream and khaki.
I am tempted to splurge on this gorgeous Bright pink coat from Hobbs. Pink continues to be a very popular colour and will transition well into Spring. This coat has been calling to me for a few days now. I think I may well succumb.
Above: Cream flat rib polo neck by MeandEm (now reduced to £19) / Bright pink coat Hobbs (reduced from to £139) / Classic black shopper by Boden / Wide leg fine strip trousers Hobbs (would make an excellent pair of work trousers now £33) / Black ankle boots Boden (only a few sizes left). Bobble hat by Boden.
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If you use special detergent for BLACK clothes, there will be very little fading. Made by many companies. Uncertain if readily available in UK now, but in every supermarket in France. I run an empty load in my washer before I do the black/navy/grey load just to clear residue of previous washes.
Dear Josephine, a rare comment from me to say thank you for your inspiring blog. Long may you continue. You have introduced me to some wonderful new websites and have made me rethink my style and reorganise the whole of my wardrobe. Hopefully I will be able to incorporate some of your ideas as I build up a more appropriate wardrobe for my retired, but still active lifestyle.
Dear Vicki
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that you like my blog and are putting some of my ideas into practice.
In australia we have a charity which collects used clothing and sells it by the container to local third world countries. People there then have businesses selling the clothing. Our money earned pays for our charities administration and the recipient countries have jobs created. My guilt at waste is somewhat alleviated when i donate to buy new which i do one for one which any purchase.
Hi Lynne
I always take my good but not wanted any more clothes to our local charity shop. I am not quite disciplined enough to do the one in one out but I am working on it. Off to take a bag of clothes to the local charity shop here in France this morning.
Hi Jeannine
I have tried the special detergent for Black clothes and discussed it with my friends. We came to the conclusing that it did not work that well. I will have another go and add your tip of running an empty load first. I find ironing black trousers very difficult however careful I am it seems to add to the fading over time.
Josephine, I love that all of your core pieces are in solid colors. I’m a big believer in that, because then you can have fun with accessories, like colorful scarves, necklaces, and glasses.
Hi Stacy
I agree with you solid colours are easier to accessories. I have a few pattern pieces but not many.
Hi, Josephine.
I have only recently come across your style blog and have already found lots of inspiration and ideas.
Where did you get the black trousers that are in the photo?
Caroline
The crossover trousers in the top image are from MeandEm and the stripe wide trousers in the second image are from Hobbs. If you click on the red link marked trousers/pants underneath the images it should take you to the relevant website.