My objective to keep a “capsule” and optimal closet might be long to achieve. I still need to sort out everything, knowing that I haven’t got back all the clothes that I’ve stocked in the cellar during the work in our apartment.
This being said, today I selected 6 of my key accessories/clothes ; pieces I was able to test in all kind of situations the past years.
I thought it could be interesting to share with you my (negatives and positives) impressions in case you want to invest in a long lasting wardrobe.
1/ Rockstud “Valentino” stilettos
Available here
DATE OF PURCHASE
May 2013. Purchased during a shopping session with my two Corsican friends, Johanna and Alizée. For the fun anecdote, this last one bought the same model (but size of the heel was 10cm). She confirmed that she still has them, she loves them but never wears them (probably because of the heel!).
PROS
•Make every kind of basic outfits more interesting, perfect for nights out (actually quite simple, I only wear them when I am invited to a ‘fancy’ party or wedding)
•Perfect heel size (6cm) allowing to walk and dance during long hours.
•Resistant (they endured heavy rain here without consequence = but anyhow I need to waterproof them)
CONS
•Thin heel which requires a careful attention when I walk on cobblestones or metal gates.
•The price (but if we calculate the “Cost per wear” ratio they’ve been highly profitable.)
2/ Play “Comme des Garçons” Breton shirt
Available here
DATE OF PURCHASE
April 2014. Made in Japan, bought in Japan for less than 100€. What else?
PROS
•Basic and timeless look with a little fantasy (emblematic logo with a shape of heart)
•Stay on well (no distortion or pill) after multiples machine cleaning at 30/40°C (normal program) .
CONS
•Possibility to meet a large number of people wearing it in the streets or on Instagram/blogs, but I don’t mind.
3/ “La Redoute” bucket bags
Available here
DATE OF PURCHASE
September 2016 in black first and since I was very convinced I purchased the nude color after in January 2017.
PROS
•Price : 39,99€ (difficult to find cheaper).
•Vegan leather (=or imitation leather) which might be mistaken for real leather. I’ve been asked a few times if it was a luxury bag.
•Simple and useful (large capacity without hurting the shoulder, inside zipped pocket).
•Not sensitive to bad weather or stains: quick cleaning with a sponge and all set!
CONS
•I’ve only had one year to really judge the useful life but for information I’ve carried the black during almost all my trips without a fail: Florida, New York, Scotland, etc.
•Imitation leather which might seems not fancy enough for some people (but personally I don’t think it looks “cheap” at all).
4/ “Dr Martens” 1961 patent leather derbies
Available here
DATE OF PURCHASE
February 2014. Purchased after seeing Maureen wearing them, who also confirmed the comfort and fickleness.
PROS
•The thickness of the sole embellished the leg and absorbs the shocks
•Massive shape but no too much to allow wearing it with skirts or pants .
•Patent leather which gives at the same time a rock and fancy touch, and protects in case of weather. .
CONS
•Required adaptation time as all the Dr Martens shoes to make them softer. But once it’s done, we can walk long hours with them without problem.
•The patent lather starts to crackle at the top of the feet but I am thinking about sticking the small pieces of “shred” to hide it.
5/ “La Redoute” Cashmere sweaters
Available here
DATE OF PURCHASE
January 2015 for the first one. I then later on purchased the rest of the collection (turtlenecks, funnel necks, different colors, etc.). You saw me all the time wearing them the two last winters here, here or there.
PROS
•The price: about 99€ for turtlenecks and funnel necks and about 89€ for round collars (wait for the regular promotions on the website for a more affordable prices: up to -40% to -50% quite often)
•Warmness and softness of the cashmere: not itchy, you can wear without anything underneath of just a simple shirt or bodysuits.
•They do not pill or only a very little.
•Easy to upkeep: No need to hand wash, they can be easily cleaned in a machine with wool program.
CONS
•Default which is not actually one: choose one size bigger from your usual size if you would like to wear it loose (like here)
•Protect it from the moth (like all other cashmere sweater) when you keep it in your closet.
6/ “Burberry” trench
Available here
DATE OF PURCHASE
November 2015. Introduced the very first time on this blog in January 2016, I’ve worn it recently here. Purchased second-hand, almost new at a price divided by 4 compared to original price.
PROS
•The quality: the running drops when it rains (like a real trench!), the finishing touches, the inner coat.
•The timeless cut.
CONS
•The prohibitive price: I am not quite sure I would have invested in this trench at its initial retail price, even considering its excellent quality. Make vintage trench your first choice, they are cheaper, and ask for assessment like me to make sure it’s not counterfeit.
•Dry cleaning (but thankfully we don’t need to clean it every week)
•The stiffness if you usually prefer loose trenches. (English translation by Quiterie)
