Here in London, we are never very sure about the weather. I am a bit of a lazy pessimist so I don’t unpack my real summer clothes until we know we are having a summer.
Now I have unpacked the truly tropical pieces in my wardrobe and carefully packed away my winter cashmere in moth balls, dry cleaned my coats. I stepped back and evaluated my stuff. Many tanks and t-shirts I use for layering must go. Of course, before I through anything away, I try to dye the faded blacks and revived the dingy whites. Still with all my replenishing work, there are holes in my summer closet.
My summer staples are:
1. Dresses – I love dresses as you only have to put on one garment, no matching. I do use t -shirts and tanks as under layers and cardigans on top. One of my favourite boutiques for dresses is Baby Celyon. They are a small company that does amazing dresses. My absolute favourite design is the Caren dress. I have it in a couple of colours and always gets compliments. I also have quite good luck with the usual suspects, H&M, Zara and COS.
2. Tanks and tshirts – I have two ports of call for these, my first stop is always American Apparel Good quality, inexpensive stuff. I try to stop myself from spending too much on semi disposable (short lifetime) clothing. If I am looking for a shape that AA doesn’t have, recently I have rediscovered Petit Bateau. They do have that French eye for cut, especially when doing necklines.
I guess you are noticing that all these vendors are on-line. Yes, I must confess that I don’t really like shopping for myself, even as a former fashion stylist. I like having a uniform of sorts for everyday wear.
Another shocking fact – I hate going to the sales. Many of my Personal Finance colleagues have been writing great articles about how to shop the sales. I just can’t, when I do go to the sales, I make fashion mistakes. I see potential in garments, that at full price, I would not have looked at. The lure of the discount is too much for me and my credit card. When I do shop the sales, I always go with a list and do my best not to deviate from it.
3. Leggings – I am an Eighties throwback, which thankfully is in style this season. I LOVE Tabio, the Japanese hosiery company. They do well fitting, long wearing leggings that don’t bag or sag. I have even ventured into other colours besides my trust black.
4. Accessories – To give my staples a bit of zing, I accessorize. Chunky bangles, handbags, sandals (they’re my fashion weakness), sunglasses and a good manicure pedicure can all change a basic outfit into something interesting.
