The always-fabulous, delightful, and up-to-the-moment Angie of You Look Fab is a wonderful style teacher. Her blog was one of my earliest style reads and is still a daily must. Her recent post about “Shopping Categories” is highly recommended for those of you who like analyzing your closets (me!me!).
Angie’s first category is “Wardrobe Holes”. She describes these as “the items that complete outfits and
capsules. Or they are stand-alone items like coats, dresses and evening
wear.” I’d also call these our basics and variations on basics, the reliable items in our closet that make the scaffolding for the more memorable pieces.
You know you’ve plugged a hole when suddenly you have lots more enjoyable looks to choose from. For example, when I added straight, dark-wash boyfriend jeans to my closet, I had the basis for all my weekend looks. I didn’t wear my ivory v-neck sweaters until I had a couple of smooth camisole/bras to go underneath. I was neglecting my top layers until I bought a long, loose black cardigan, and I’ve worn it everywhere.
Here are a few of my current/upcoming wardrobe holes, and I’d love to hear if you’ve got any.
- New underthings. Yikes, I need new undies and bras. I’ve put this category off for far too long, and now it’s urgent. It’s not the fun kind of shopping, but it’s definitely going to, um, fill some gaps in the dresser drawers.
- Pointy-toe flats. Sadly, boots and booties will soon be put away for the long Florida warm season. I have some very cute open-toe heels/sandals but lack a stylish flat. I want a pair I can wear to work and for fun, not too rounded, and with a tiny heel.
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| Something like this, by Mia, $70 on sale at Zappos |
- An ivory skirt, either pencil or full, for summer. Must be washable. I can wear all of my floral blouses and simple tees with it.
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| Like this adorable skirt, but 4″ longer. From ASOS, $25 on sale. |
Now just for fun, have you seen this fabulous video? It’s from the Karina Dresses newsletter (you can subscribe here – it’s full of terrific articles and special offers). Enjoy!
And if you don’t have a Karina Dress in your closet yet, please check out their site.
I'm new to your blog today and very much appreciate your title and blog description. Clearly you are keeping it authentic, beautiful and very stylish! Great vibe! As for holes in my wardrobe…I need to replace a pair of strappy sandals. They must make me feel taller, be sexy enough for date night and some dancing, but allow me to walk without wincing. Wish me luck! Oh, and I need bras, but like you said, that's not as much fun.
Cheers, Heather
http://www.stylemindchic.blogspot.com
I'll be sure to go visiting.
I'm always on the lookout for lightweight, structured jackets for Spring and Summer.
Consider getting a pair of floral flats – they're on trend and they work for women of all ages ;-)Spashionista (Alicia)
Wow! How did I miss this blog is beyond me! I have problem choosing skirts too, longer is always my wish but somehow most skirts seem to be on the shorter side. New follower and embracing her middle years!
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES DAILY
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/
I don't really have a hole in my wardrobe for shoes but after seeing those fabulous red pointy flats I think I can find one. After all, can a woman really have too many shoes? Thanks for sharing the video, I think this may be my hole (a Karina Dress). Looking forward to your new format.
Thanks to good thrifting….I have nearly all the wardrobe holes filled. Especially since I finally found the elusive navy blue pencil skirt today!
You sound so organized, and I keep picking up tips from you on how to plan my wardrobe better. I think what I need most right now is a long cardigan, then I need to think about sandals.
My favorite thing is finding that one item that pulls my disparate wardrobe pieces together… it's like the heavens open up and the syyle-angels start singing!
will do – I trust your shoe advice one thousand percent! : >
I can't remember exactly your shoe size, but you should go check out Arche on ebay. I highly recommend them as comfort shoes. Some of them are a little Ech boring, but some of them are totally bright and fun. All, I assure you, are super soft.
Loved that video on the Karina dress… wrap dresses are just so comfy to wear.
My wardrobe hole is still denim. Jeans are my very favorite thing to wear but NEVER fit me right anymore now that I am older and no longer slim. I've tried and tried and tried… I dream of the perfect pair of jeans. Also, sandals are just a constant. You know we wear them to pieces here so it seems like I always sort of need a pair.
Hmmm… as you know, I'm not the most analytical of dressers/shoppers, so who knows where my gaps are? (Other than in my critical/analytical faculties!)
I think new sandals are probably on the agenda for summer, a chunky low heel/wedge and a nice unusual colour. Good grief, I may even have to buy NEW!
The little red flats you selected are cute. xxxx
I need new flats too! In fact it's mainly accessories that are needed to plug the holes in my closet so I'm looking for vintage jewels, brogues (as an alternative to flats) and low heel ankle boots. The only garment I got is a camel knitted jacket which would solve my 'neutral' Spring time cover up problem.
Great tips and I love the idea of "plugging holes"
Especially helpful with spring just around the corner
Brett
I'm looking forward to seeing the new format. I'm so into the visuals of everyone's blogs. The red shoes have my name on them…well actually my cat's name. I love them.
I enjoyed the video too.
Love Angie too!
I've been assessing my warm weather wardrobe lately. Since I've transitioned to wearing mostly skirts I need to find a couple of pair of cUte flat sandals and ascendance solid color short sleeve t-shirts. And maybe a cool ethnicity belt or two
Cute video! I'm always on the lookout for light neutral or colored tops for warm weather. Just picked up an EF tee which I think will expand my options considerably.