Hi lovely ladies, sorry for the silence. I seem to be so busy all the time as we approach the exams season.

It's finally warming up enough around here that I dare to put away my winter clothes. The past couple of seasons I've kept track of my purchases per season to learn from my own behavior. I have quite common goals: Buy less and better. That doesn't necessarily mean spending less, but of course I wouldn't mind that either. Feel free to skip to the conclusion - my musings are probably more interesting to me than to you

Last cold season (13/14) I bought 40 pieces of clothes and accessories, which seemed a very high number to me. Even worse was the fact that within a year, at least 1/3 had been purged again. This was not a good strategy, and I was a bit shocked about it. I think it happened because of two things - I was still playing a lot with my style preferences, and I was into thrifting.

This fall/winter I've "only" added 26 items to my wardrobe (plus one gift) between late July and late January. Quite a lot of the pieces were wardrobe essentials and replacements. The breakdown:

3 pairs of shoes (cognac oxfords, black booties, rubber boots). All worn a lot and now indispensable.
4 sweaters. Grey and navy v-neck, charcoal fine knit and cream chunky hand knit. All worn all the time - true essentials.
3 cardigans. One basic black cashmere, and one long grey cardigan in merino. Both are favorites and worn a lot. I also received a grey lace cardigan for Christmas that is pretty, but I never reach for it.
2 other layering pieces in wool, a black bolero in merino and a grey poncho in cashmere. Both are very useful additions, but not essentials.
2 shirts. The chambray shirt was worn a lot in the early part of the season, and yet again now. I am thrilled to have it. The graphic jersey shirt has turned into a disappointment. It has developed several holes in the fabric and is more or less ruined already. Too bad, because I loved it.
2 pairs of trousers. One slim black pant, one loose fit pleated trouser. Both have been worn many, many times. The slim black pants are seasonless.
4 dresses(!). One patterned wrap dress that really has grown on me. I like it a lot more now that I did at first because it can be worn all year and is versatile - and I always receive compliments for it. One green long sleeved dress. I wore it a lot at first, but the fabric is of poor quality and has pilled - very disappointing. One lace cocktail dress. This one was a cheap dress that filled a hole in my dressy capsule. Worn a few times, and I think it will last a couple of more seasons. The last one is a black sweater dress in fine knit merino. I bought it in the sales and wore it a lot in late winter/early spring. The last time was only two days ago. It is super versatile.
1 black jumpsuit. This fine quality wool suit is probably my most successful attempt at thrifting ever. Worn a few times and a fun addition to my wardrobe.
1 skirt. I bought a lace pencil skirt in November, and am so glad I did. It has become a workhorse.
1 coat. I bought a grey wrap coat in November, which has become my most worn outerwear this season.
3 accessories. One cognac belt, worn a lot and absolutely essential. Navy snood and mittens. Worn all the time December through February/March.

1 dressy top in black. This one was bought in the sales and is simple and versatile. It is in a wool mix with sheer panels, and super to elevate a basic outfit a bit. I've worn it with slim black pants and with the lace skirt.

My conclusion:
So, I went from 40 to 27 pieces, but more importantly I haven't thrown away anything so far except the two poor quality pieces. I've spent a bit more money on my wardrobe this season. I've played it safe and added quite a lot of essentials in wool which are great to have. I added a new coat, several sweaters in cashmere and basic pants that I wear all the time. Besides the two pieces that didn't hold up quality-wise, I haven't bought anything that I regret spending on. Compared to last season I think I've done better this year. This is probably because I want high quality, modern classic pieces that are as fuss-free as possible, in great condition and will last for a long time, and I've consequently tried to avoid fast fashion and thrifting. I will continue stepping by the thrift/consignment shops, but will only buy the things that are of impeccable quality and fit and in my style. (I still go often, but I rarely buy anymore). I will of course add the occasional fast fashion piece to play with trends, too. Next season I hope to be able to add fewer pieces and hopefully some with interesting details to spruce the basics up a bit. Color-wise I'm getting more and more neutral, and I seem to prefer a more urban and modern style now. It will be interesting to find out where next year will take me.

If you've read all this, you are a trooper. Thank you! Please feel free to ask any questions you might have, or comment on anything you like. Do you see any pattern in my purchases? Where do you think my style journey will take me next? What are the most interesting/successful purchases here, in your opinion?