>> Thank you for that list of accessories. :D I don't often wear jewelry, since I can't wear it at work and often forget to put it on at home, but I do like earrings and sometimes necklaces or bracelets. I'm not a huge shoe or purse person, but having more of those to change out at will might be nice, especially if I can get them in interesting colours.<<
I'm happy I could help. I love jewelry, but I only wear it when I'm going out somewhere. I can't be arsed to match shoes or purse, but for people who like variety there, it really makes sense to have a few good sets in different base colors, even aside from the people who collect those things like crazy. I guess it must be different if you're the target audience and things actually work for you.
>>I love The Vivienne Files! I think I first found them thanks to one of your Shiv shopping poems, and now I follow along on a regular basis. She always has such interesting and well put together outfits, and I've gotten some good ideas from there.<<
Yay! The tag pages are really useful.
>> That is a great idea! I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I'm doing some shopping.<<
Then seriously look at clothing clusters, because there are different variations that all have their own pros and cons. See which combinations appeal to you. Some of my thoughts:
* Either a cardigan/top or top/bottom pair. These are the most powerful options with just 2 garments, because you can wear them together or separately. Especially if you like prints, it really expands your options. This is a good bet for trying out a new color.
* Outer top/inner top/bottom. A few catalogs really capitalize on this, but you don't see it as often in stores. It expands your mix-and-match options. This is great if you want to have several accent colors because you can do a set in each without breaking the bank.
* The most useful 4-piece options I've seen are the Core of Four (2 tops and 2 bottoms in the same color) and a cluster of 1 outer top, 2 inner tops, and 1 bottom. These are both good for your base colors (usually a neutral or near-neutral) and your favorite accents.
* The Expansion Four is a set of 4 tops. For some people this is super useful. Me, I find that the Vivienne Files wardrobes often wind up top-heavy. I don't want to wear the same pants twice without washing or have to wash more than once a week. Anyhow, the EF is worth a thought because some places even here will sell 4-packs of T-shirts or button-ups. Make sure you have bottoms to match and and it's an excellent buy. Gods know I'll buy an armload of T-shirts if the price is good.
* The French 5-Piece can be any combination of garments and/or accessories, meant to mix and match with your classic basics. I really like when it has 2-3 garments and 2-3 accessories. A fantastic advantage of this set is that it works so well with fashion colors. You can buy 5 new things in whichever of this season's "in" colors you love, while they're easy to find, and not break the bank. It's also the easiest option if you get bored of the same clothes. 5 in, 5 out, either two or four times a year depending on your tastes; and you never have to worry about "orphaned" items because you're moving them in batches.
* Crazy Eights are good for the colors you wear most. They often have 4 tops and 4 bottoms but can include 1-piece outfits like a dress or jumpsuit.
It used to be easier to find clusters or capsule wardrobes than it is now. Lots of places used to put out batches of clothes that would have 4-8 things -- usually pants and a skirt, several blouses, and a cardigan or jacket. Or there would be a set of identical or similar basics in a whole bunch of colors, like tops with an embroidered collar. I liked being able to buy things to mix and match, or a top and bottom kept together. Now I'm lucky if I can find anything that even fits. I admit that I look at Vivienne Files and fantasize. Hell, I miss the old Banana Republic, which never had more than a handful on the floor at the same time, and all of it tough enough to wash by beating against a rock.
Re: Yes ...
I'm happy I could help. I love jewelry, but I only wear it when I'm going out somewhere. I can't be arsed to match shoes or purse, but for people who like variety there, it really makes sense to have a few good sets in different base colors, even aside from the people who collect those things like crazy. I guess it must be different if you're the target audience and things actually work for you.
>>I love The Vivienne Files! I think I first found them thanks to one of your Shiv shopping poems, and now I follow along on a regular basis. She always has such interesting and well put together outfits, and I've gotten some good ideas from there.<<
Yay! The tag pages are really useful.
>> That is a great idea! I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I'm doing some shopping.<<
Then seriously look at clothing clusters, because there are different variations that all have their own pros and cons. See which combinations appeal to you. Some of my thoughts:
* Either a cardigan/top or top/bottom pair. These are the most powerful options with just 2 garments, because you can wear them together or separately. Especially if you like prints, it really expands your options. This is a good bet for trying out a new color.
* Outer top/inner top/bottom. A few catalogs really capitalize on this, but you don't see it as often in stores. It expands your mix-and-match options. This is great if you want to have several accent colors because you can do a set in each without breaking the bank.
* The most useful 4-piece options I've seen are the Core of Four (2 tops and 2 bottoms in the same color) and a cluster of 1 outer top, 2 inner tops, and 1 bottom. These are both good for your base colors (usually a neutral or near-neutral) and your favorite accents.
* The Expansion Four is a set of 4 tops. For some people this is super useful. Me, I find that the Vivienne Files wardrobes often wind up top-heavy. I don't want to wear the same pants twice without washing or have to wash more than once a week. Anyhow, the EF is worth a thought because some places even here will sell 4-packs of T-shirts or button-ups. Make sure you have bottoms to match and and it's an excellent buy. Gods know I'll buy an armload of T-shirts if the price is good.
* The French 5-Piece can be any combination of garments and/or accessories, meant to mix and match with your classic basics. I really like when it has 2-3 garments and 2-3 accessories. A fantastic advantage of this set is that it works so well with fashion colors. You can buy 5 new things in whichever of this season's "in" colors you love, while they're easy to find, and not break the bank. It's also the easiest option if you get bored of the same clothes. 5 in, 5 out, either two or four times a year depending on your tastes; and you never have to worry about "orphaned" items because you're moving them in batches.
* Crazy Eights are good for the colors you wear most. They often have 4 tops and 4 bottoms but can include 1-piece outfits like a dress or jumpsuit.
It used to be easier to find clusters or capsule wardrobes than it is now. Lots of places used to put out batches of clothes that would have 4-8 things -- usually pants and a skirt, several blouses, and a cardigan or jacket. Or there would be a set of identical or similar basics in a whole bunch of colors, like tops with an embroidered collar. I liked being able to buy things to mix and match, or a top and bottom kept together. Now I'm lucky if I can find anything that even fits. I admit that I look at Vivienne Files and fantasize. Hell, I miss the old Banana Republic, which never had more than a handful on the floor at the same time, and all of it tough enough to wash by beating against a rock.