Wardrobe Oganisation part 1
I have been intending to tackle this subject for a while now but I am never quite sure where - or how - to begin. One thing is certain, I have discovered over the last 18 months or so that a well organised closet makes for a stress free, more simplified attitude to dressing. Chaos in the closet is somewhat synonymous to a chaos of mind, creating a similarly overwhelming sensation of disorder and confusion. A well organized closet space will certainly make it easier for you to assess exactly what you have available to wear at any given time, whilst hilighting what you may still need to acquire - or alternatively - toss over to the cull pile. I should eventually prefer to dissociate completely from the necessity of culling, for as time passes by the pile grows smaller as far fewer unwanted pieces/impulse purchase mishaps materialize. Does this suggest some sort of improvement in my attitude towards shopping? Definitely. But I would be foolish to imagine that the journey to attaining the ideal wardrobe is anything short of a permanent work in progress. Still, it is always a pleasure to take note of some positive results.
So here we have a miserably lamp lit photograph of the Lapin de Lune wardrobe situation:
Several plain/neutral coloured tees and dresses are hidden here, due to the angle of the doors, but the image presents a fairly accurate impression of how much I currently own and my initial attempts to organise everything as decently as possible.
The image doesn't quite do justice to my humble collection of (perhaps too many) basics, nor is it supposed to show the specific details of each and every garment, but for the sake of a broader explanation, I shall outline each section below:
Dresses and pants Over the past two years, my collection of dresses has dwindled somewhat mercilessly as a preference for separates has taken over. I have hung on to a few, precious oldies whilst adding one or two new pieces adequate for both casual or dressy occasions. I am still searching for the ideal black dress, not because the style guides instruct me to covet one, but as a result of this desire to re-experience the sheer pleasure of 'making one my very own', which has proven to be something of a rarity within the past seven or so years. I tend towards an equal mix of plain coloured to subtly patterned dresses, in a variety of lengths of which I currently possess around 6 or 7 in total. Apart from the aforementioned black shift, I consider this section of my wardrobe to be complete - perhaps even a little bit over.....
The pants situation? Kind of ok. I own three pairs at present - navy capri's, black casual, and skinny black cropped. No particular desire to upgrade in the near future.
Skirts & shorts Skirts are my 'priority' items, which I shall wear almost daily unless the weather demands more coverage. I am still not perfectly satisfied with my current collection, but we're getting there! This section includes:
• Below & above the knee pencil skirts in both tweed and cotton (2 black, 2 paler colours via Zara, Whistles and Brora).
• 2 mini's in denim and navy cotton (via apc & Joules).
• One pair of tailored, smart shorts (J crew, old).
• Several knee length, casual skirts in plain coloured wool or cotton.
The colours are mostly dark - black, grey and navy, but this is a personal preference. I may experiment with paler tones and perhaps even a small pattern this coming summer....we shall see.
Cardigans & sweaters Another complete collection, thankfully! I may indulge in a navy merino cardigan or sweater at some stage, but there's no real hurry. I spent the majority of my winter clothing budget on the grey CDG Play cardigan (which I love even more today than I did when it first arrived, phew!) so consider this particular section of my wardrobe to have received quite enough attention, both financially and mentally, for the time being. At present, I posses:
• 3 warm, round neck sweaters in burgundy, natural and charcoal grey (apc/asos/ymc).
• 2 long, wool cardigans in light grey and black (Toast).
• The CDG Play cardigan.
• 2 fine knit/cotton plain sweaters in black, grey and cream (H&M/Warehouse).
For some reason I forgot to include my jackets and coats, which are stored in another room. This is another section which I am happy to report complete - it wasn't easy getting there, but I am hoping not to have to apply any more serious thought to it for a couple of years at least.
Shirts and blouses: I'm not terribly fond of blouses, for some reason. I currently own just the one, by Vanessa Bruno, and have barely worn it at all over the past six months. I certainly would not cull this item (it is quite beautiful), but may consider attempting to sell it if we don't spark up some sort of friendship within the next few months. So the overwhelming majority of items in this section are button down shirts, with the exception of one short sleeved, cotton top from Toast (the little chequered thing to the far left). This is another complete section, possibly even a tad excessive. The problem is, I often experience difficulties trying to locate shirts which fit me well in the chest area. So many of them tend to balloon out in this region, even when they fit me well elsewhere. Not sure if this is a common issue, for I am not necessarily without boobage (I'm an A cup), so I often find it surprising when a UK6 leaves room for.....a potential enhancement. This may explain why I have perhaps collected too many in a covetous terror of failure. However, those which I now possess fit well enough. This section is where I will generally opt to choose pattern, although mostly small checks or thin stripes. My collection includes:
• One denim-look boyfriend shirt (apc).
• One cotton, collarless leaf/sprig print shirt (apc)
• 4 check shirts (apc, Boden, Joules).
• 2 plain white, short and long sleeve (Jaeger).
• Plain blue and grey cotton (H&M).
• 1 Liberty print (by Sessun).
Tees & Bretons Here lies potential insanity. The infamous Breton. I have had to slow the hell down here, for fear of losing a grip on reality. Amusing maybe, but having collected up to around 10 Breton tops in a variety of colours and styles, I am beginning to perceive a little 'pocket insanity' in the making, and should prefer to cull the urge as opposed to the striped lovelies themselves. I am happy with my Breton situation! Swiftly moving on, I am currently in the process of procuring a few more neutral tees, both long and short sleeved, which should suffice very well for the coming season. I am still drawn to navy, white, grey, ochre and black on the whole, so would ultimately prefer 2 of each (ideally), and considering these items are most usually quite affordable, I can take my time in the process without having to stress the budget. (Some of my plain tees are hidden behind the greedy Bretons here, hence not visible, alas).
Jeans: Simple. I own three pairs, one dark blue, one pale blue and one black. The pale jeans are very old and trusty, although a tad too large from wear now. The black are an old pair of inexpensive skinnies with ankle zippers which I definitely need to consider renewing by next year, and the dark blue Baxter's have seen me well for over 4 years now, which I sincerely appreciate, considering the steadily growing unreliability of Tophop denim. None of these jeans are what I might label 'perfect', however. Still, I have no particular need or desire to replace them as yet.
Loungewear, inc knits Having covered this section almost in its entirety in a previous post, I shall simply offer a link to it.
Shoes Fairly well covered for the time being. My current collection includes:
• 2 pairs of ankle boots in brown suede and black leather (apc, Topshop).
• 2 pairs of leather & patent flats in cream/black and black (River Island, old).
• Patent heeled courts (M&S).
• 2 pairs of leather knee boots for winter in black and tan (Dr Martens).
• Black suede wedge sandals (super old!).
• Brown stack heeled loafers (asos).
I could probably do with adding another pair of flats, notably Repetto, but shall have to wait until my savings expand a little.
The cull pile Self explanatory, I suppose. Some of these items are of great sentimental value, and due to the pile having shrunk quite a bit in recent months, I shall allow myself to keep hold of them for the time being. The excess belong to that 'so so' category, those pieces which I might convince myself to reconsider. If this excess pile has not been dipped into within the next 12 months, I may consider packing them off for charity or Ebay.
And the rest.....is empty space.
Apologies for the poor image quality: my bedroom receives so little light at the best of times (a honking great beautiful tree just outside swallows all available light). I am not entirely settled with this arrangement, however, for I am still only beginning to learn how to properly 'navigate' my closet space. At one glance, I appear to possess so little, and yet in reality I still feel as though I possibly own perhaps a little too much. At least 60% of my current wardrobe is in constant circulation, which is fine, I think, with barely any of these items left to gather dust (some are merely waiting for the weather to warm up). My next task shall be to assess the issue of wearability - something which I am hacking out at the moment, taking note of which items are worn most frequently, what I feel most comfortable wearing, etc.
More soon x
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Reader Comments (21)
sweetie! you must get those sweaters off the hangers and onto the shelf. protect your investment & fight shoulder dimples!!
Seriously? I didn't even know this *ashamed*
OMG dimples!
Hi!
What a lovely post! I'm in awe! You gave me the needed inspiration to organise my closet and get rid of all the many items I never wear. I guess my biggest difficulty is that I am not 100% certain of my "style", even though it hasn't changed much over the past years. Another difficulty is the changing weather in here, since I'm drawn to warm, muted, scholarly things when it's -20 (like now) and to floaty, girly vintage dresses when it's +25 (hopefully in june-august). I'm looking forward to the next part!
I love this kind of posts! It's always so interesting to look into bloggers' wardrobes...and I definitely appreciate your effort to declutter. It's better to own just a few high quality and necessary possessions rather than loads of cheap garments. I'm trying to do the same, even though it's not an easy process...
Vittoria
http://femandfem.blogspot.com/
I love this post - I really enjoy reading about your quest for the perfect wardrobe and seeing it all laid out like this is a grat visual way of pulling all the previous posts together.
On the breton front I have at least four and in my opinion they are all actually really different. And yes, I am still on the quest for more!
such a timely post, i have been fighting to clean my closet but i have much less closet space than you so mine will still look so cluttered when im done. i definitely stop wearing things when i dont know where in my closet they are. my favorite thing is color stacking them, like ill do white blouses to darker grays then to black and navy etc.
gosh I have such wardrobe envy when reading this post! your clothing collection is beautifully curated - not only do you own such lovely items but there's so much space in your closet. it's so easy to see all of your pieces and discern which things would work with what, there's so little clutter! this has spurred me on to continue my own wardrobe rehab :) very inspiring, thank you! x
Thanks!
These type of pics always make the clothes look so drab and uninteresting, but it is so nice to feel it coming together, at least partially! I didn't feel so over-run by shirts before looking at this picture, but I tell myself "they go through the wash a lot, I need this many!" haha..
I like this post very much, so interesting to see inside someone else's wardrobe. Ad you have the best capsule wardrobe.
Haha Jenn beat me to the punch! I was going to say it isn't good to leave your sweaters/knits on hangers (though I have to admit I do hang my cardigans).
Anyway, nice post. It's always interesting to see how other people organize their clothes/the process they go through when thinking about their wardrobe. Your pieces seem well thought out- even the striped tops. It seems that we all have at least one obsession that we always have to remind ourselves to not go too overboard. For me it's band tees. I think I may have to try this soon, it seems like a nice way to gather your thoughts about closet/wardrobe space and usage (hope you don't mind me stealing your idea?).
Oh wow - amazing! Looking at your wardrobe I see that I still have a long way to go! I did cull some extra shoes the other day however so I feel good.
Your post has also helped me realise that I haven't had the time to sit down and determine which collection of clothes/shoes is complete and what needs upgrading - I think this is the next important step. I have to do this BEFORE I leave for the US or I'm afraid I'll buy heaps of stuff I do not need. I have an idea in my head of course, but I think I need to articulate it. It cements the idea in my head.
did you get rid of the tweedy a line skirt (i think it was from topshop)? i remember falling in love with your blog with this picture of you wearing it+a burgundy sweater. The shape suited you to a t.
as usual, a very inspiring post, thanks for sharing!
ps: by the way, while im here, could you think of any shop where i could find gingham shirts? (apart from one in m&s, i have been unlucky so far). thanks in advance for your help!
Simply beautiful. I wish my wardrobe was like yours! I'm getting there... ps. I really recommend Petit Bateau for t shirts. I bought a couple last year and the quality is excellent.
Pinkbow, if only!!! x
Camisablanca, it still feels only half complete at this stage, though. With any 'classic' items, like the breton or pencil skirt, you tend to have to wade through so many different styles before locating the one which works perfectly for you. In this sense, I am discovering which styles to avoid as well as which brand......I doubt the process will ever end...
Catssaymeow, your blog has been a fabulous read regarding culling tips! I would love to be able to take an overseas shopping trip, too - gosh, even London seems so far away from me here (I'm perched between Manchester & Liverpool) at the moment. The limitations of online shopping......a new post topic in itself!
Moira, I'm glad you mentioned that - it is currently in need of repair (I tore the lining close to the pocket). I also have a version of this skirt in a larger size, which sits at a much more comfortable length for me. The only issue here, which may render them members of the cull pile is that the texture of the fabric has deteriorated quite dreadfully over time. So even though I quite like the skirt(s) themselves, they are beginning to look a little shabby.
So odd you mention the gingham shirts! I had actually been looking at a cotton version at M&S last week! A sort of blue coloured, western style shirt. The fit was quite lovely, and I did think about maybe heading back to purchase one in a few weeks time. I also own a young boy's version from Boden, which is nice because I like the straight cut. Not sure of other sources, though, at the moment - so do let me know if you find any!
Hana, thankyou! I adore petit bateau, but cannot for the life of me work out their sizing system. It is almost intentionally offputting, haha! By their chart, I have a 12 yr old upper body and the waist of a 17 yr old. Not sure what the hell to make of that!
I love to see other people's closets : ) I like to keep mine neat and tidy, it's kind of an obsession, it has doors but I don't know why I rather keep it open. You have so much space, I can see that as the result of trying yo make it more workable. Also love your analysis and I am as well working on what I feel better wearing and what I wear the most.
Btw I really enjoy your tumblr, I am "stealing" many of your pictures...
Lovely post as usual! This is kind of off topic, but would you ever consider posting an outfit with your new comme des garçons cardigan? I am thinking of getting the grey one and I don't know if I should size up to an m, for a slightly looser fit.
Thankyou! x
lunaday - I would love an open closet space!
a - I made a little vid for you, which I am posting now!
I find posts like these so inspirational; they almost make me feel like I could do what needs to be done to my own crazy wardrobe!
I thought id let you know that uniqlo has a plethora of gingham shirts at the mo! I went shopping there for the first time yesterday during a london trip as we dont have uniqlos in dublin. I went a bit wild, dizzy with the sight of so many good basics concentrated in one place for a ok-ish price. Actually it makes me wonder now why I never seen this brand featured on your blog as I could easily see it fitting in your wardrobe. Is it a conscious choice on your part? Id be interested to know if you have any grieves with their clothes and their making.
I've just come across your blog (I was bored and typed in 'Toast' and 'Margaret Howell'!) and found out I love your style and how you write about your wardrobe. I sometimes attend to write about this too: (http://www.anneemall.net/blog/2012/03/how-to-dress-well/ or http://www.anneemall.net/blog/2010/10/the-ideal-wardrobe/). I really share your thoughts on many topics:to splurge or not to splurge?, quality, buying online, size issues (on the other end, I'm a tall girl). Anyway, great to see exactly what you own. I often wonder whether I own a lot or not compared to people with a similar 'fashion profile' - people who care about what they wear but are not millionnaires. I have to say my closet is quite similar to yours in terms of quantity and contents. I wish I no longer had a cull pile, but I can always find a thing or two I don't feel comfortable with.
I'm usually a crappy commenter, but I felt the need to write this one. I stumbled upon your blog through a recommendation on TFS, and I've fallen in love with it (particularly your writing). Keep it up!
xx
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