This is a series of posts highlighting my closet overhaul, as I simplify my wardrobe down to its most versatile workhorse pieces. You can read parts 1, 2, and 3 to catch up if you haven’t already!
Over the next 6 months, Kara and I will be making some different shopping decisions. Kara’s decided not to buy anything new. I’ve decided to go a different direction.
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to hear Tim Gunn speak. We even got to meet briefly afterwards. He was shorter than I thought he’d be, but exactly as gracious and well-tailored as I’d ever thought he might be! Tim currently hosts “Project Runway”, but he also at one point hosted a show called “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style”. I think it lasted about 10 episodes, but I loved the concept. The premise was that Tim would swoop in to a woman’s life, overhaul her closet, edit the items that didnotwork, and then introduce 10 essential pieces that every woman should own.
Hmm….kind of fits with my Project, huh? 
While I don’t have the benefit of a be-suited fairy godmother, I do have Tim’s list:
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Basic Black Dress
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Trench Coat
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Classic Dress Pants
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Skirt
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Blazer
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Classic White Shirt
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Day Dress
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Cashmere Sweater
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Jeans
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Sweatsuit Alternative
Bonus: One Indulgent Trendy Item Under $20
As I cleaned out my closet, I realized that I had a lot of “statement” pieces, but not many good basics. Some of the basic items on the list I already own, some I don’t. A few of them I own, but need to be updated to a more quality piece. So here’s the goal: Find the 10 items on the list, then go from there.
Just three more “rules” though!
1: I can’t purchase any of these items using money from mine or my husband’s paychecks. I have to consign items, ebay items, take on extra jobs, or get giftcards in order to buy them. (I’ve already started doing this, and I’ll share my methods later!) 2: Any of the items from this list–these classic pieces–must be a high-quality item. It doesn’t matter if it’s thrifted, given or purchased, but it must be made of natural fibers and well-made. (I’m talking silk, cashmere, wool, etc. No rayon. No polyester.) 3: I have to post anything I buy. With an outfit and how much I spent on it. You know, for accountability. (Oh, pesky accountability!)In the next installments in this series, I’ll be sharing how which of these 10 items I currently own, and which I’ll be purchasing in the next 6 months. The items I wind up purchasing, I’ll style in to different outfits.
Do you tend to own a lot of classic pieces or statement pieces?
I like the idea of Rule #2 for my own life, too. I tend to accumulate a lot of synthetic fabric items. While I have most of the things on Tim Gunn’s list, I can’t say I have any of those classics in natural fibers. Whoops. Guess it’s time for me to start acquiring a grown up’s wardrobe.
Rebekah, me too! I’d love longingly at great pieces from J. Crew but think I couldn’t afford them, but then turn around and buy 3 things from Forever 21 for the same price. That fell apart as soon as I washed them. Womp womp.
I would say I do pretty well at buying classic and statement pieces. My purchases last weekend at the Goodwill Sale were pretty classic pieces. That made me not feel so bad about purchasing so much…at $2.50 I couldn’t resist the sweaters!
Kara, I agree! You are good about that. I just realized during my closet clean-out that I had basically nothing black that fit, and had bought several cheap white blouses trying to find the “right” one, but never really had. So, yeah, I needed to find those “classics” that I can mix in with the other great pieces I already have.
Live this concept Laura! One of the best things I ever started doing for my wardrobe was splurging on staple pieces and not always going straight for the sale rack at stores and rather buying pieces I love and will get a lot of use. Although, now that I look at my closet about 75% consists of statement pieces but that’s only because I wear scrubs to work all week and I’m ready to be a little more daring by the weekend.
Love* -dang you autocorrect