January purchases and wears (SYC mixed results!)

Hi all,

Well, I *almost* managed to shop my closet this month, but the after-holiday sales proved just a little too enticing!

Jaeger is a heritage UK brand that we don't have in the US, known for their woollens. Apparently, they've struggled to stay current in the fast-fashion world and are thought to be a bit on the dowdy side, but I find the quality to be extremely high and was happy to add two woollen pieces to my wardrobe from their sale. The first is technically an addition to my loungewear collection -- a beautiful long line cashmere-blend waterfall cardigan in a fabulous-for-me inky blue -- and the second is a collarless car coat that I could not resist: I adore this silhouette and don't have it represented in any other pieces in my closet.

The final addition was a planned exception to the SYC challenge: a pair of cropped jeans in an un-whiskered dark denim from J Crew that I picked up while visiting the US. (For anyone else shopping for these, I went down from my usual size.) I'm hoping this new, non-skinny silhouette will take me through the rest of winter and into the warm months. Any advice on how to care for dark wash denim would be appreciated!

I keep tracking my wears in Finds -- https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=8229 -- and am enjoying seeing the patterns that emerge: mostly dark, with some neutral contrast thrown in on occasion; lots of repeats and a consistent "soft classic" vibe that you guys have also called "timeless," which I love.

February I plan to refresh bras, but otherwise will continue no- or low-buy and SYC.

Thanks for reading!

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Demi boot crop jean in rinse wash

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4 years ago

Anonymous

They look like great additions- and yes, timeless! Dark denim they always say wash inside out, with cold water.

Helena

Veteran

Sounds like smart, mindful purchasing, which really is the goal, isn't it?

These pieces look terrific for your style, and I can't wait to see/hear about the J. Crew jeans (I've just added these or similar to my "french five" wishlist for the first part of the year).

BTW, I thought of you yesterday; Audrey Coyne had a video up where she said she is planning to soften her structured looks in 2020. So apparently she's taking inspiration from you now!

ETA - wash infrequently, in cold water, inside out, and as suntiger says, and hang to dry. I've also heard that if you add salt into the first wash, it sets the dye, but not sure if that's true or an old wives' tale. I find that even when dark jeans fade, they still look like dark denim to me - that probably makes no sense haha! Not sure how to say it - they look like faded dark denim, vs. light denim ...??

Cardiff girl

Classic pieces that will not only stand the test of time but I am sure that they will become workhorses too so no shame in not being 100% no buy,as TG says it’s all about mindful shopping.As for washing denim,turning inside out to wash is crucial,also watch what washing detergent you use,regular washing powder tends to bleach colours out over time so prehaps try a detergent specially meant for colours.

SarahD8

Well done! The coat looks elegant on you and the cardigan is going to be SUCH a workhorse.

You've gotten good advice re: dark wash jeans. Cold wash, inside out would be my tips too.

nemosmom

These are really great additions for your style, notsaf! I hope you aren't beating yourself up too badly. The dark wash denim looks like a great, updated classic piece. The knits, too - especially if they are great quality.

Nodding with others about caring for your dark denim: cold water wash, inside out, gentle detergent, hang dry - and make sure to wash them only with other darks.

rachylou

Very nice! We used to have Jaeger in the US, I feel. I guess they went like Benetton?

slim cat

Nice addition to the wardrobe - love the car coat on you - fab!
My manager swears by adding vinegar to the water and soaking dark jeans for a while, then rinse and hang to dry. I never tried that and can't tell if that's only way to set the dark color.

kellygirl

Agreed that these are solid additions to your wardrobe. These look fab as styled. So pretty!

Adriana

I missed all this SYC thing but don't worry, you can break the rules. Love all your purchases. Especially the carcoat. I like that shape also a lot. The only downside can be a cold neck.

kkards

i definitely remember Jaeger in the US back in the late 80s early 90s. my sister got an fantastic interview suit there.
love that coat. looks fab on you
re dark denim, truthfully, i dry clean, and then only when absolutely necessary.

notsaf

Suntiger, Cardiff Girl, Sarah, Kellygirl, and others: thanks for the kind words and the tips about denim care — I’m really grateful!

Rachy and KKards: I guess US Jaeger was before my time or not on my radar. Benetton I remember...

TG: I will post about the J Crew jeans when I get a chance. I was really pleased they were long enough to wear with my regular booties without a noticeable gap, though ymmv depending on leg length! I’ll have to check out Audrey’s video: you know I’m a fan.

Nemosmom: I do feel a little guilty!

Slim Cat: I’ll look into vinegar, thanks!

Adriana: I find I always wear a scarf anyway, so I think a cold neck won’t be a problem, but good thinking.

Sal

Nice additions - well thought out. I need something like the waterfall cardigan for lounging around and easy weekend wear. These pieces can be surprisingly hard to find!!

Jaime

(website)

Love the coat especially. It is a classic silhouette that suits you well.

Joy

This is why I cannot take part in no buy at this=time of year. I look forward to some refreshers that will carry on to the next year‘s wardrobe.
On dark denims, wash gently with cold water and spin on no heat to release wrinkles, Hang to dry.

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