There comes a point when a particular wardrobe item is well represented, or even over represented in your closet, and it’s time to say NO MORE. Or at least no more until you need to replace one of the items. I’ve been feeling that way about black bottoms over the last few months because I have the bases covered and then some. 

Over the years I’ve accumulated a pencil skirt, two pairs of cigarette pants, dressy wide leg trousers, ruched cropped pants, harem pants, a flirty full paneled short skirt, Bermuda shorts, a formal maxi trumpet skirt and straight leg jeans. That’s ten black bottoms that cover both the trends and the classics, casual and formal dress codes, and short and long lengths. All in good shape and flattering. That’s more than enough. 

I wear black bottoms regularly, but they are not a signature look. There are only so many times I want to wear them before I’m bored with the concept and crave lighter bottoms. I also prefer my dressy black bottoms to the casual styles, and there are even fewer occasions when those come out to play. That’s why I’ve reached my wardrobe saturation point with the item.

Items like white shirts, on the other hand, are nowhere near reaching their saturation point even though I have six of them in an assortment of styles. They are a signature look for me. Weather permitting, I could wear them daily in all sorts of ways and not tire of the concept.  

It’s not the quantity of an item type that makes you reach your saturation point, but your ability to wear it frequently and with enthusiasm. That’s why no matter how much I fall in love with the black bottoms pictured here, I must stay strong and not purchase them. It’s wasted money after I’ve reached my wardrobe saturation point. 

Which items have reached their saturation point in your wardrobe?

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Fab Links from Our Members

This blogger’s review of The Shelf — a customized online shopping planner — has AJ excited. She especially likes how you can see a graph of the item’s price to help you decide if it’s the best time to buy.

Angie loves Elena’s modern classic and minimal style, which she grew into this year. Her style was trendier in 2012, and the evolution is interesting to watch.

“Never trust anyone who is rude to a waiter”. This Guardian article really resonated with Caro who has experience waitressing, and has been less than impressed with how her husband’s work colleagues behave during dinner out.

That’s Not My Age has some good quotes from Ines de la Fressange. Shevia especially loved the second one about achieving a healthy work-life balance.

La Belle Demimondaine found very good advice in Alterations Needed blog post on wardrobe upgrades. It has helped clarify her thinking and planning, as she continues to curate and purge items from her wardrobe.

Photographer Leo Caillard came up with the idea to dress classic statues in “hipster” clothing to address the power of representation. Vildy dryly comments that depending on your view of hipsters, they now look very approachable or like you’d want to run away.

I love the look of natural shiny skin, and make-up that is “barely visible”, so as a result my make-up routine is very light. I wear a little tinted moisturizer, a dusting of blush, mascara, eyebrow pencil, nude lipstick, and that’s it. I never wear eyeshadow, bronzer, eyeliner, lipliner, gloss, concealer and dark lipstick. If I didn’t look brighter, more polished, and alive with a little make-up, I’d probably skip the routine entirely and concentrate purely on skincare products.

That said I absolutely believe that there is a time and place for heavier make-up, and that’s in front of the camera or under any type of strong lighting. I’ve learned that I have to apply twice as much make-up for my own YLF outfit photo shoots if I want to look my normal self in the photos. I look completely washed out when I wear the usual bare minimum. 

The same goes for clients when I prep them for photo shoots or events that involve professional photo taking. They can’t believe they’re wearing so much more make-up. I reassure them by saying that they’ll thank me for my heavy hand when they see the photos. 

I recently had make-up professionally applied when a camera crew filmed me for an upcoming smartphone advertisement for LG. I have never worn as much make-up in my life, and it was touched up throughout the day to maintain the effect. Every time I looked in the mirror, I was shocked to see my made-up face. But as soon as I saw some of the photo and camera footage, the make-up looked natural and spot on. 

If you’re posing for professional photographs, video or the like, my suggestion is to apply extra make-up if you normally wear a little or none at all. You may dread the look in real life, but it’s probably going to look dead right in the photos or video.

This combination might be too informal for work, in which case wear it in more casual settings. It’s virtually flop proof and works well in air conditioning. 

Boyfriend Jeans + Summer Jacket + Semi Tucked Layering Top + Belt + Statement Sandals

These items represent components of the smart casual outfit formula. Semi tuck or faux tuck the tops, and mix and match as you please. 

1. Vince Camuto Leaf Eyelet Blazer: If you’re looking for a slightly retro all Summer blazer that’s tailored and versatile – this could be it. It’s also fab over Summer frocks because of its length and fitted shape. I vote acid green, but the black might be more your thing. Runs true to size, and is fab on petites. 
2. Sejour Barre Tweed Jacket (Plus): A fresh textured jacket with a sleek modern cut. I like the diagonal direction of the stripes on the neckline. 
3. Free People Cutwork Linen Blend Jacket: Boho, pretty, and a little bomber-esque. Great on a short neck and full bust when worn open. 
4. Sejour Ruched Cotton Tee (Plus): A flattering and versatile wardrobe essential. Stunning colours.
5. Splendid Deep V Half Sleeve Tee: Here’s another V-neck, which these days are a rarity. Nice sleeve length. 
6. Topshop Fleck Tee: An oversized shape for those who like to semi tuck with slouch. 
7. AG Tomboy Crop Stretch Jeans (Blue Crush): These roll a little shorter than most boyfriend jeans and are dark denim. Read the rave reviews. 
8. Mavi Emma Slim Boyfriend Jeans (Summer Nolita): These roll a little longer than most boyfriend jeans, and are fab for Fall. 
9. Michael Kors Logo Charm Metallic Leather Belt: One of the few wide metallic belts available this season, which is why it makes my top picks list for the second time.  
10. Fossil Perforated Leather Belt: A refined bohemian belt in a pretty tan, but also available in black. 
11. Gentle Souls Sundae Sandal: A chunky glitzy ’70s baby platform that’s extremely comfortable.
12. Ramona T-Strap Sandal: This wedge is more refined and very structured on the foot. Read the rave reviews.

Substitute the sandals for pumps, and the tee for a shirt or blouse if that’s more your style. The version with the shirt and pointy toe pumps has been my Summer uniform with and without the topper.