tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post777804426840697558..comments2024-03-28T22:30:17.628+13:00Comments on How to be Chic: 13 ways to simplify your wardrobeFiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-45344590784082099172017-08-19T14:47:00.234+12:002017-08-19T14:47:00.234+12:00Hi Kathryn, I love polished as an essence word too...Hi Kathryn, I love polished as an essence word too. And I LOVE being comfortable!Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-17692150994971692492017-08-19T14:45:43.404+12:002017-08-19T14:45:43.404+12:00I say go everywhere dressed to the nines, Deborah....I say go everywhere dressed to the nines, Deborah. Especially if it makes you happy! Your colours and essence words are so pretty and feminine.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-88667470225913862792017-08-19T14:44:32.046+12:002017-08-19T14:44:32.046+12:00Hi Erina, part of what I love about op-shopping is...Hi Erina, part of what I love about op-shopping is that you never know what you'll find.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-26475647802460886642017-08-19T14:43:38.938+12:002017-08-19T14:43:38.938+12:00I agree, Aurora. Being realistic about what you a...I agree, Aurora. Being realistic about what you actually enjoy wearing plus what kinds of activities you do is huge, but one that I have conveniently forgotten many times.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-54630388908200023422017-08-19T14:42:23.958+12:002017-08-19T14:42:23.958+12:00Thanks D!
When I have made the effort to pack ...Thanks D!<br /><br />When I have made the effort to pack 'thoughtfully and stragically' as Tim Gunn says, I've been really happy with the outfits available to me on a short trip taking only a carry-on bag.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-56609489597047035922017-08-19T14:40:23.195+12:002017-08-19T14:40:23.195+12:00Paint chips are a great way of seeing this - some ...Paint chips are a great way of seeing this - some will have a colour and then all the lighter and darker shades of that same colour. Browsing the paint section of a hardware store is a great way of getting excited about refreshing your wardrobe without going into a completely different colour palette that won't go with anything you already own.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-53269974335925735492017-08-19T08:34:30.921+12:002017-08-19T08:34:30.921+12:00Veronica, focusing on my real life versus fantasy ...Veronica, focusing on my real life versus fantasy life has helped my wardrobe a lot. I wrote a blog post on this here: http://www.howtobechic.com/2014/02/real-life-versus-fantasy-life.htmlFiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-17879456163485943422017-08-19T08:24:22.379+12:002017-08-19T08:24:22.379+12:00So true Kira! Boxy does me no favours either.So true Kira! Boxy does me no favours either.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-13709888653479037392017-08-19T08:23:05.076+12:002017-08-19T08:23:05.076+12:00You can always pack away all your prints or hang t...You can always pack away all your prints or hang them in a different closet, K, just to see if you are happier without them.<br /><br />A lady I chatted to in our store last year was a retired wardrobe stylist, and she told me that I am good in 'fine' things - fine knits, small-scale prints, fine weaves etc. It immediately rung a bell for me because I'd been looking for a chunky knit winter jersey but didn't like any I'd tried on. I eventually found fine knit jerseys I liked, and then heard her thoughts.<br /><br />Looking at the tartan scarf in the photo on this post, it's too large a scale for me; it overwhelms my face. I didn't realise this until I saw the photo though, and I was reminded of this lady's comments. I probably will pass it along but may wear it a few more times just to make sure :)<br /><br />All this to say, look at the scale of the prints and see if big vs little is where your uncertainty lies. And maybe take selfies to see what a photo says.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-44302259984805358272017-08-19T08:17:41.308+12:002017-08-19T08:17:41.308+12:00I agree about wardrobe advice, PPP, and the classi...I agree about wardrobe advice, PPP, and the classic points often made are definitely excellent, but I tried to step away from them. I don't need to repeat them; instead I asked myself what would feel like a simple and happy wardrobe to me. I love your essence words and inspiration!<br /><br />It must be hard to live with people who keep everything, that would do my head in. I love keeping my wardrobe feeling light. Over the years there is a tiny handful of items that I regret getting rid of, and I am fully confident that if I could magic those items back, I'd donate them again because they were different than I remembered.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-82821929538122856212017-08-19T08:13:57.487+12:002017-08-19T08:13:57.487+12:00I admire your discipline in having only black, whi...I admire your discipline in having only black, white or red, Mimi!Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-36047381505538862642017-08-19T08:11:34.594+12:002017-08-19T08:11:34.594+12:00I love uniforms too! It's so nice to buy mult...I love uniforms too! It's so nice to buy multiples of items or silhouettes that work for you.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-60230804029208175192017-08-19T08:10:16.795+12:002017-08-19T08:10:16.795+12:00My organisation comes as a result of me wanting to...My organisation comes as a result of me wanting to feel like my life is easy everyday. When things are messy and cluttered and bothersome I can't think straight. Simplifying my life one area at a time helps with this.<br /><br />My new lifestyle isn't that much different in the way I dress. In the shop we were smart casual too, so I haven't had to transition from an office wardrobe; that happened twelve years ago when I went from an office to our shop.<br /><br />Skeggings is an excellent name :) and I can see how useful they would be.Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-57630084863722146802017-08-19T08:04:55.344+12:002017-08-19T08:04:55.344+12:00Susanne, for daytime 'better', I wear my s...Susanne, for daytime 'better', I wear my slightly dressier (less faded and ripped) jeans with a pretty top and ballet flats or low heels. Dressier than that I enjoy dresses. I might have to do a blog post on my dress collection because I find them invaluable. I also have a pair of Audrey Hepburn type crop cigarette pants with a cuff and they are useful for 'dressier than jeans' whilst still feeling youthful.<br /><br />Anon, your comment reminded me of a few weeks ago, my husband and I attended a funeral in our new town. We popped in to a supermarket for dinner groceries on the way home and got comments from a charity collector at the door 'you look dapper', a customer in the fruit and veg AND the cashier. Who knew that dressing in a suit, and a dress for me could elicit such a response? Is it so unusual to see people smartly dressed?<br /><br />There was a lady who used to come into our shoe store in Auckland, and I loved that she was always in a smart dress or skirt/blouse and high heels. She didn't dim her light for anyone. She looked gorgeous!Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-35881723207234490442017-08-19T07:57:40.712+12:002017-08-19T07:57:40.712+12:00Thank you, Anon :)Thank you, Anon :)Fiona Ferrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-73475476419685839092017-08-14T10:54:43.201+12:002017-08-14T10:54:43.201+12:00Hi Fiona,
You look so happy in your pix by your n...Hi Fiona,<br /><br />You look so happy in your pix by your new home and rested; good for you! I agree with Deborah here that our wardrobes change, because we change, so they should change some at least! And what seems "simple" and "stylish" at one time in our life no longer does at another time. I did Jennifer L. Scott's choose your style words a few years ago when her book came out, and that helped me tremendously in my 50s with evolving my wardrobe. At the time I chose ladylike comfy. A couple years later I added polished ... as in polished ladylike comfy as I am pretty conservative, i.e. I like a polished put-together look, but not really classic and tailored as that feels too boring and corporate to me personally and is not comfy either to me. What I realized from doing that exercise in choosing those words is that my wardrobe style really has always been polished ladylike comfy, only different incarnations of that as I matured from young woman to mature woman. For instance, I always liked knit pants and never liked jeans or trousers, even when I was 20. Uncomfy to me. And I've always loved florals, but I don't look "cute" in them now at nearly 60 like I did in my 20s, so I save any floral-wearing dresses for just floral scarves and shawls over solid color basics. I totally agree with you too that choosing 3-4 flattering colors is a godsend! I did that a few years ago at the advice of an image consultant I hired to do my colors etc. and thought it would restrict me, but instead, it has liberated my choices and made shopping much easier. As for "simple" in number of clothes, I personally don't like the "rules" to have a set number of clothing items as some style authors suggest as that just doesn't work for me. Instead, I choose "the right" number of items that work for me and that all mix and match together easily. Also, I live in a climate that is 68 degrees year-round pretty much so that certainly simplified my wardrobe as I don't need seasonal wear or boots or outerwear. This has all taken some doing the past few years as I have matured to transition, but what I realize is that my style has pretty much remained the same "look" overall, because I dress in what pleases me, and feels like ME, and have never been into trends. But I do try and add in one or two new tops that are a little more trendy each year, and I try to not look matronly as I near 60 too. I personally don't like the term "age appropriate" for wardrobes either, and much prefer to think of it as "common sense" that certain things are not going to look good on me now that did when I was 25, so I adjust accordingly so as not to look ... ridiculous. :) My favorite thing you mentioned here is to have an organized closet. Being me, I could never function without that, nor would I want to, and keeping my closet and wardrobe organized and attractive are a balm for my soul. Enjoy your new scarf; so fun for you!Kathryn Bechenhttp://www.kathrynbechen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-87208333431003508842017-08-14T10:30:54.502+12:002017-08-14T10:30:54.502+12:00I did the whole Project 333 thing for a while. dis...I did the whole Project 333 thing for a while. discovered my five favorite colors (gray, cream, lavender, periwinkle, rose) and style words (elegant, feminine, lovely, soft -- with a little something edgy or unexpected so it's not boring). I got tired of such a minimalist wardrobe, and have added way too much back, and it's time for another cull. And another re-definition of my style. I think it changes. I've allowed my hair to go silver, I can't wear the 4 inch heels anymore. I want to be more comfortable and natural, but still be stylish. I'm looking forward to doing a re-haul of the whole closet this month and re-thinking some things. I have way too many dressy clothes. But I love them! People always are asking me why I'm all dressed up. Hmm . . . maybe I should just go with it. Like I said . . . I'm in the middle of re-evaluating. I think it's important to do every few years. Great post, Fiona. xo DeborahDeborah Montgomeryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04366855994841922862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-14359897667447594142017-08-13T01:40:09.684+12:002017-08-13T01:40:09.684+12:00I have had the same conversations with myself abou...I have had the same conversations with myself about "wearing it one more time" in order to get my money's worth! So nice to see that I am not the only one who does this - haha. And I also have way too many of those "clean the bathroom" shirts! I need to stop buying any more on sale "quality" items that I think should be in my closet and start focusing more on if they really suit me instead of some fantasy image of myself.Veronicanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-73046435752782695812017-08-13T00:19:31.219+12:002017-08-13T00:19:31.219+12:00One of my biggies is being realistic about your li...One of my biggies is being realistic about your lifestyle. I cannot wear heels due to a foot injury, so I stick to flats. If you're a geologist who leads field camps, a gorgeous white linen suit isn't going to be workable. If you're a SAHM of toddlers, then pencil skirts and stilettos will probably not be of much use. <br />That doesn't mean you can't dress well in your role, just that you need to pick things that you can actually wear on a regular basis. <br />Also, beware the aspirational purchase. Don't buy things because you think you should wear them. "I'm over fifty, so I should wear pink turtlenecks." But if you hate pink and turtlenecks make you feel strangled, it's just going to sit in your closet or a drawer while you skip over it to grab that blue v-neck that makes you happy. Auroranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-41750426996969332782017-08-12T05:09:32.392+12:002017-08-12T05:09:32.392+12:00I like #11 a lot. Having to think about what to p...I like #11 a lot. Having to think about what to pack for a week would definitely reflect the items I love and what actually works. <br /><br />I love the scarf you're wearing in the photo!<br /><br />D. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-19081911129633802512017-08-12T02:10:43.849+12:002017-08-12T02:10:43.849+12:00I love your idea of sticking to your favorite colo...I love your idea of sticking to your favorite color and various shades of that color. I find it helps me say no so much easier when shopping if I'm ruling out a lot of colors already. I guess it narrows the field and brings focus. Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09289348366926684135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-83817346838912810982017-08-12T01:39:49.804+12:002017-08-12T01:39:49.804+12:00Hone in on something that you reach for on a regul...Hone in on something that you reach for on a regular basis. What is it about that item that makes you choose to wear it over and over. Inevitably, for me, it is because it makes me feel attractive. I have caught a glimpse of myself in a store window and was impressed or I've received compliments on the item. You may have something that is good quality and attractive on the hangar, but if you feel like a dumpling every time you put it on, figure out why that is. I've found that boxy cuts have that effect. <br /><br />I've had ridiculous conversations with myself about how many more times do I have to wear an item before I can justify getting rid of it. (I should wear it to wash the floor and be done with it!)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06743348080859786249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-54154721539375112822017-08-12T00:12:36.733+12:002017-08-12T00:12:36.733+12:00I recently had to accept that all the print items ...I recently had to accept that all the print items I own are never worn. They are lovely things, but for some reason, I feel awkward in them. And, I agree that using colors you love in various hues is a great way to ensure that you will dress confidently and comfortably. I realized that fall colors and warm colors thrill me. So lighter toned variations for warm months and deep, warm colors for cooler months will be my staples. No more prints!<br /><br />And inexpensive statement necklaces are my scarves. They are fun and add a quirky element to my slim jeans and tees. Now to get up the courage to purge all the prints.Kristien62https://www.blogger.com/profile/04141776821818167047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-3516248691016275162017-08-11T23:12:24.981+12:002017-08-11T23:12:24.981+12:00Yup, I do all that, and now have a pared-down, cur...Yup, I do all that, and now have a pared-down, curated group of clothes that all work well with each other and can go anywhere. Everything must be black, white, or red. Everything must be classic yet with feminine touches. They must skim over my body -- nothing too tight or too loose. And most importantly, I must <i>love</i> it. If I put on clothing and love how I look, it gives me such a rush! This happened recently at Anthropologie: I saw some interesting slim-cut ankle-length pants and tried them on. WOW! They were so flattering and comfortable that I bought them even though they weren't on clearance. I've been wearing them a lot already.<br /><br />One of my tips would be, when you try something on and you don't like it, take the time to analyze <i>why</i> you don't like it. When you do this enough times, you'll begin to see a pattern. Then, when you come across an item that falls into this pattern, you can safely put it back on the rack without even trying it on -- you know without a doubt that it just will not do. Also, of course, analyze the things you love. Whatever touches these things have (in my case, V-necks, tulip skirts, slim cut pants) are qualities you want to look for when you are shopping. It's a real time-saver, because after a while, you can just glance at something and know whether it's worth trying on or not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-37916807592935544022017-08-11T22:49:36.984+12:002017-08-11T22:49:36.984+12:00Your tips are so smart. I especially love the one ...Your tips are so smart. I especially love the one about choosing essence words. <br />For a while, I was set, wearing sundresses in summer and sweater dresses with leggings in winter. But this summer, I've been more active in the garden and doing physical projects vs. sitting at a desk, and I find myself in cropped pants all the time. The dresses are hanging mostly unworn, but I'm going to hang onto them because they are so comfortable on really hot days. That said, I definitely have a "look," which is classic, not trendy, and mostly in neutrals. Taste of Francehttp://francetaste.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com