Tuesday, May 1, 2018

The deluxe closet



What do you think of when you read ‘deluxe closet’?  Can you picture furs, diamonds and designer bags and shoes?  If so, I guess we’re all different.  For me, a deluxe closet would be perfect pieces that are in my size and make me look amazing, no matter my weight.

There would be a moderate number of items, which all mix and match to make getting dressed a breeze.  Everything suits my lifestyle and what I get dressed for each day, and it’s easy-care too.

Denim forms the basis of my wardrobe, because I love it.  I have denim jeans as well as light-weight denim dresses for when it’s hot.  Who said you can’t wear denim year-round?

Having periodic clean-outs keeps my wardrobe feeling deluxe too.  I don’t throw that much away; gone are the days of my closet being like a merry-go-round where I bought a lot and donated a lot.  Now I take pleasure if buying only just enough and really appreciating what I have.  When something is worn out or tired looking, it goes to the rag bin.

If something becomes a bit snug on me I don’t get rid of it, instead looking up on it as a fun challenge to get back into.  Challenge probably isn’t the right word as that sounds a bit hard.

When I’m having a tidy up of my closet and come across something I haven’t worn in a while because it’s too small, I find myself motivated to fit it again.  I take outfit photos for the next season with pieces on the carpet, complete with shoes and accessories to encourage me because I know I will be wearing them then.

What also belongs in my deluxe closet is self-love.  I don’t beat myself up if something doesn’t look great on me.  I either declutter it if it’s the correct size but perhaps isn’t a flattering shape or colour, or put it away for next year if it’s a little snug.

Life really is too short and precious to stress, and did you know that stressing makes you put on weight?  It doesn’t seem fair does it!

If I was to articulate my ideal deluxe closet in a few words, those words would be:

Perfect, classic-with-a-twist pieces
Denim-denim-denim
Cappucino, camel, caramel
Black with tan
Navy and denim
Mid-dark tones
Simplicity of line
Sexy and elegant
Youthful and fresh
Curated capsule for that season
Fabric that feels good against my skin
Good quality, no matter the price point
Soft Summer colour palette
Silhouettes that suit my body shape (from trial and error)

I think what is wonderful is that each of our closets will be completely different, but we can all cultivate a deluxe closet, one that works for our lifestyle, fits within our budget (I spend such a tiny amount each season on clothes, it’s probably a disgrace!) and hopefully gives us pleasure instead of pain each day when we are getting dressed.

If there was one item I wouldn’t be without, apart from jeans it would be my small collection of summer dresses.  Nothing is easier or cooler to wear when it’s hot, and once you have found the shape that flatters you, you’re golden.  I usually buy two or three new dresses each year, and rotate them heavily throughout the hottest summer months.

I know for me that I can’t have a waist seam (I am busty and short-waisted with long legs and it makes my waist look even higher!), preferring a shift-type dress.  Finishing just above the knee feels like a good length too, which I usually wear with flats, going into wedge sandals if I want to feel a bit special.

Now it’s your turn:

What makes a wardrobe feel luxe to you?
And, what is your one clothing piece (such as my summer dress) that you cannot be without?

Please share, I’d love to know, and if it can help me get some good ideas for my wardrobe I’d be thrilled :)

~~Fiona~~

PS.  Yes, that's a dog bed in the lower left corner of my closet photo.  Daphne and Chloe decided that little nook was theirs, so I had to clear a space for them to sleep there at night.  They love it!

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13 comments:

  1. I love your closet! The matching bins make my heart sing and I just took note of the hooks on the wall to the right. I am totally doing that! What a great idea. For me, a deluxe closet is first organized and not too stuffed. It feels luxurious if there is a little room to breathe.

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  2. Your closet is very impressive. We have a typical closet-less French house, and have to depend on armoires. A walk-in closet like yours is an impossible dream. I think that would be my definition of deluxe--walk-in, with a light. Oh, to be able to see everything!
    To make it easier, I keep off-season clothes in sealed plastic bins in the attic. In fact, it's past time to get out the summer things.

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  3. My deluxe closet, like yours, would contain only items I love and which would perpetually fit me. It might also offer me ideal outfits each day with no effort on my part required! And it would be a walk-in, which my house is too small to feature.

    I live in a hot climate too, and rely a great deal on summer dresses, both knee-length and maxi. I also couldn't do without my collection of lightweight kimonos/dusters/wraps/ruanas, because they turn work with all my basics and keep me warm in cold grocery stores. I'd also have a separate closet for shoes. Lightweight, organic fabrics in cool colors make me happiest when it's really warm. And a few bathing suits, because I need to get in that water.

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  4. Love your closet! I remember the before - you did a wonderful job! What makes a wardrobe feel luxe to me? Organization!! Every payday I would purchase some canvas storage bins (large and small) until I had all I needed. I hang everything up laying t-shirts, sweaters, etc., folded across the coat hangers (which are velvet so things don't slip off) to the slacks. The bins have everything else in them that look cluttery if they're out (socks, lingerie, stuff). Since everything is in my closet from the makeup vanity to jewelry cases to wigs, it has to have a lot of shelving (shoes and bins) and storage. Leland built it for me so it works wonderfully!

    My one clothing piece that I won't be without is my 'little black dress" (actually plural) because LBDs can be dressed up or down (depending on material). I am short with a short waist so sheath's work for me, best. No fru-fru frilly nothing - just plain Jane!

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  5. Hello Fiona! Your closet looks nice and organized. Wonderful post as usual. Clothing pieces that I cannot live without during the summer are a nice flowy skirt, a beautiful pastel blouse and a nude color shoe. Those are my favorite items. Enjoyed your post as usual!

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  6. For me, a luxe wardrobe is one where I look into it and it makes me happy. I don't want diamonds and huge amounts of shoes, I want clothing that fits, suits me, that keeps me cool in the dead heat of summer, and isn't too much stuff. I need enough to get me through the week, plus maybe a special occasion outfit.

    My go-to summer pieces are a long linen skirt and a long linen dress. They're comfortable, they're cool, they're pretty and simple. And sandals!

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  7. My idea of a luxe wardrobe is pretty much what I have now: not a lot of clothing, but everything goes with everything else because I stick to three colors, everything is of high quality, and it all fits me well and makes me feel beautiful when I put it on.

    My go-to summer piece this year seems to be a black tulip skirt with tiny white dots on it that is lightweight and garners compliments whenever I wear it. The best part? I paid only $2 for it at a thrift shop!

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  8. I have to be honest, I would love a closet as big as a room, with built in shelving and glass cases - like a little store! A three way mirror, plush carpeting, a cushy ottoman to sit on and think about what to wear... velvet lined drawers for jewelry, a crystal chandelier... All in pink. Back to reality. Share a medium sized walk in with my husband - soon to be moving to a home with very little closet space. Will need to pare down and organize. Not my favorite thing, but thank you for the inspiration! Great ideas!

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    Replies
    1. I love your honesty, Missy! Yes, a huge glamorous closet like a boutique would be nice :)

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  9. I'm a soft summer too Fiona, and I find it's really helpful to stick with that palette because those colors really do look the best on me. makes shopping easier too. I was doing Project 333 for a while successfully, then started accumulating more, and things got out of hand. I'm back to a more curated closet and it feels a lot better. I, too, am all about dresses in the summer. So feminine and pretty, and a lot cooler as well. I'm moving to a little more classic style although I don't want it to verge into stuffy or boring, so accessories can help there. Soft cotton cardigans are one thing I can't live without. xo Deborah

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  10. Another soft summer here, and I look terrible in camel so I don't know how you do it! My luxe closet is natural+classic+gamine - heavy on the gamine, a seasonal capsule, navy and gray neutrals, a few high quality shoes and purses, and tailored clothing with a twist of lemon. I have a growing collection of lemon motif clothes and accessories. :) Aside from my skinny jeans, I couldn't live without my breton striped shirt in the summer or my cashmere sweaters in the winter.

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    1. Camel is a similar colour to my hair, Elizabeth, so I always enjoy wearing it. I'm sure there are many variations within Soft Summer, we can't all be slotted neatly into twelve seasons can we???

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  11. My closet would have cool maxi dresses for warm weather, lots of white denim, soft grays, and black. Perhaps some cobalt and mustard thrown in for good measure. Pops of color would come from my collection of ballet flats, scarves, and handbags. My jewelry would be displayed beautifully...well everything really would. It would be an easy and joyful task to pick out an outfit.

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!

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