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Sunday 28 September 2014

Fashion Fast v Fast Fashion

I have always had a struggle with self discipline when it comes to clothes shopping!

However, the temptation of cool fast fashion and a wardrobe full of loads of options has slowly been loosing it's appeal.  As my style has become more consistent, and I have become clearer on how I want to dress, my desire for quality has increased and the old adage "less is more" is becoming my mantra.


As a blogger, the temptation to be forever posting 'new' clothes and never once repeating an outfit can be quite strong, but I promised myself when I started blogging that I would not head down that road. Budget, self respect, and being authentic all play a part in this.

In my quest for quality, and self discipline, I decided September would be a month of no clothes shopping (my Fashion Fast). I decided to put aside the money I would normally spend on lesser quality items and things I don't really need, or want, with a view to purchasing something on my wishlist at the end of the month. (I don't know about you, but I always have something on my wishlist).

My goal is to only add clothing to my wardrobe that I LOVE and that love me back. Clothing that promises longevity, due to quality and simple and elegant styling.  I would prefer to have only two fabulous skirts in my wardrobe than ten that are ok and almost what I want.

One of the many things I got out of my shopping fast was that it is (very) good for me to take the time and consider items before I buy them.  I have a very strong emotional response to clothing and can quickly loose myself in the beauty of something and completely disregard the fact that it is not going to suit my body, my style, or my lifestyle.   My wishlist is a picture file on my iPad and throughout the month I have reviewed, reviewed again, and then some, the items on my list.  The more I look, the more I see things I don't see at first viewing.  By the end of the month, only two things were left on my list.

I have actually given myself a reprieve and ended my fast two days early (tho they wont arrive until October;) ) and have ordered this Metalicus Kahlo Jacket in Navy





and this Metalicus Marlini Drape Skirt in black.


If you have read my previous post you may recognise this skirt is part of the same style story as the Marlini Drape top I ordered in August.  Well the top is a keeper and the two pieces together should be a great easy combination for warm days and will transition nicely between work and play.

And the Layer'd dress in that same post arrived and is waiting patiently for it's first outing.

Anyone else working toward a more minimal and carefully curated wardrobe?  

xxx Deborah


Joining Patti and the other fabulous bloggers over at Not Dead Yet Style

14 comments:

  1. I'd love to work towards a more curated wardrobe, but really don't know where to start. At 5'2" and a curvy woman in late 50's you'd think i'd figure it all out by now, but nope. Do have any suggestions. I'm an empty nester, i work from home and i tend to be more of a casual dresser/jeans etc.

    Jane

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    1. Hi Jane, there are a few good blogs out there that provide great guidelines for creating a more minimal closet. I tend not to be prescriptive and am a little more emotion driven. It can be helpful to first look at your lifestyle and what you need working from home. Do you attend meetings, do you do face to face with clients etc. Look at what you actually like. What outfits make you feel good? What colours do you enjoy wearing? Establishing a base colour palette can be helpful too. Let me source some links for you and I will be back :)

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  2. Deborah, i really enjoyed this post. I think because I have been feeling very similar lately...though I have not fasted from shopping yet. I love the navy jacket...so chic. I recently cleared out my wardrobe and got rid of the most I ever have. I just feel like I really understand my own style better now than I ever have. I really enjoy watching what you put together.

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    1. Thank you Pam. Doesn't a big wardrobe purge make you feel free? I got to the point where too much in my closet is just overwhelming and it also meant compromising.

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  3. I'm really trying to do the same thing, buy less but better quality. It's hard though. I've been thinking of doing a "fast" as well, lately.

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    1. Ashley it is a challenge. There is so much out there to be had:) One of my little 'rules' is items must be a 9 or 10 to be worthy of entry into my closet:)

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  4. I love the idea of a small-but-perfectly-formed wardrobe, but sometimes find the lure of trends hard to resist. One of my goals is to consolidate and define my style so that I can reliably choose things I feel good in. You seem to have got to that place already!

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  5. how have I never thought of this wordplay before? I'll take a fashion fast over fast fashion anytime!

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  6. Re: "I have a very strong emotional response to clothing and can quickly loose myself in the beauty of something and completely disregard the fact that it is not going to suit my body, my style, or my lifestyle."
    Ok, I empathize. In the past, that was me, 100%. Then I made a big change. I picked "my style" and stuck with it. I no longer browse. I shop with a clear purpose. It's very liberating. I only want clothes that work for me, in every way possible.
    Good luck with your journey!

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    1. Odyssey, it is a big change isn't it? I have found your consistent style very inspiring. I have bounced back and forth from wearing streamlined black outfits to more 'trend driven' outfits and back again for so long, but streamlined neutrals really are me and I am now fully ok with that. Shopping with purpose is definitely key and I like you I don't browse any longer, or rather I browse certain sites and designs.

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  7. I absolutely love your classic minimalist style. I'm aiming for more neutrals and better pieces this season, and even packed away a bunch of colorful things. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday! xo

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    1. Ha Patti you are quick! I was just linking to you as you were posting:) In my very humble opinion, there is just something so stylish about neutrals. I don't dislike colour but I just don't feel as wonderful in it.

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  8. Great, smart post, Deborah (as always ... but extra special today.) The issues you raise are always with me. My challenge is always to try to exist in a Big Box world with a limited income and limited time (we all surely have the last two to contend with, I think, these days.) Lots of temptation, very little quality available. The other is that styles in photos never look even close to the same on my frame. I, too, get all wrapped up in the idea of a piece or a silhouette or idea. I've always been a little cavalier at trying things on in-store, thinking I can always bring it back, but so often I just keep struggling to make it work. So I'm trying before buying, and Loving or Leaving much more these days.
    I really understand your love of solids and neutrals. Always elegant, no matter what the year or season offers.

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