Small wardrobe reflections - Angie's PPP rules

Claire's 10 hanger post really had me thinking and reflecting on how my hand luggage's worth of things is working... especially as I pack to head to the UK. I have lived for nearly 2 months out of hand luggage and its been ok! Here are a few reflections that I MUST remember to take home with me...

1. There is still stuff I don't wear! Most noticeably button downs! note to self, note to self... even though I LOVE LOVE the look of the collar and these have gorgeous french cuffs as well... maybe in the office next few weeks?

2. Every piece has to be PPP... My work-horse jeans are not really 'my' cut; my black trousers really need a more modern cut and I am still looking for them... Maybe next stop I will find them...

3. Every piece has to be PPP... THE perfect jersey tops which I paid a bit for and came on recommendation of the stylist are the perfect jersey tops - they go with everything, dress up and down, and are washed about twice a week and still going strong

4. New players en route have been wonderful. I have bought some additional pieces but the prospect of having to fit in the bag meant every purchase has been very very carefully thought through (PPP again!). I am wearing the hec out of my old navy denim jacket that fits perfectly and my white leather danier! And the EF harem pants. I HOPE the new purple alligator birkin-style bag will do the same...

5. Most things I bought 'just in case' are fails... the new cardigan I bought for warmth just before I left has been worn a lot since I have been in snow in Canada, and sitting at home working but is already pilled, stretched and misshapen... It will come the next leg in case its still cold but will not go home with me. A jersey suity-twin set bought on sale for logical mixing reasons has been worn once or twice but feels frumpy (no shoulder definition) and only goes with skirt (cheapie that doesnt really have good shoes to go with it)... Even though I bought it on sale it feels too 'good' to throw so not sure of its fate...

6. A few accessories make it feel different - I have skirt, dress, jeans, harem and pant variations with perfect basic tops. Every day I feel a bit different with colour and 'vibe' between scarves and jackets. I have picked up scarves along the way for never more than 10$ - a total boon!!

7. Cobblestones are killers on your feet - but guess someone has to wander the glorious streets!

8. Workhorses might need replacing/repair... my coat has shrunk and getting rips so on hunt for a new one, my everyday bag is starting to strain, my ankle boots need resoling...

Here are a few photos...#1 my 70s vibe suit and hand luggage, #2 the purple birkinesque that seems to blend with everything, #3danier, stripe top with leopard scarf inspired by Sarah! #4 denim jacket and harems #5 the courtyard in my 1500s building in Spain sigh sigh sigh.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

Love packing posts! Thanks for sharing your insights. Do you mind my asking what were the jersey tops that were so perfect? I *love* that blue-violet shade of your bag!

Deborah

Jen this is a really interesting, informative and thought provoking read. I appreciate you sharing your insights. I would love to see the jersey tops you mention. It does sound that overall you have really achieved a very workable wardrobe for your travellng that you are still enjoying and is working for you.

jenanded

Not so much rocket science on the tops Deborah but that they are all a tiny bit different but that the fit is pretty good so wear with skirts as a suit with a base with blazer/scarf, with jeans, with the flowy pants and scarf/funky jewellery etc... The black and blue are mela purdie bought on sale (thank goodness!) with the stylist in January... the $15 tops are not so good as they are too short with some bottoms etc etc... Interesting!! the stripey is from Trenery... so it lightens the look/casual etc... They look so basic but its the fit and the slight variation! But I am doing the changes through the shapes of the bottoms, boots, shoes, sandals and the scarves...

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

MovingFashionForward

Active Member

Forgive me, but what does "PPP" stand for?

patient picky practical to get the PERFECT things... xx

carolbee

Thanks for sharing this Jen. I too was going to ask about the jersey tops as this is the way I am going these days. Must check out that brand. Loooove the purple bag.

Hil

(website)

Your travel capsule is fabulous! I love the denim jacket and harem pants - I so want to get that look right!

Transcona Shannon

Brilliant revelations! "Just in case" purchases are almost always a fail for me too - the more thought I put into an item, the better the results.

I think you've done amazing living out of your small wardrobe for two months.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Great reflections! Love you in those harem pants

Have you been warm enough (especially in Canada) and now as you head out to the UK where the weather is not so fab at best.

Anonymous

Thank you for posting this. I have been trying to make my small wardrobe work better so I need all of the tips I can get!

I figured out that I need to layer a lot because of our "4 seasons in a day" type of weather. Actually, I figured that out a while ago, but it didn't occur to me that every single layer (except a cami) has to work on its own as well as over/under another layer.

Here is Angie's post on PPP:

http://youlookfab.com/2012/01/.....principle/

It was lovely to read your insights and thoughts. I think you are doing admirably with your small wardrobe, you obviously found the areas that need replenishing or items that don't work and you're now looking for replacements; good luck with that. Well done on being PPP, I think sometimes nerves of steel are needed! Love your photos! you look so stylish and relaxed in #1 and may I say you have gorgeous hair! Great animal print shoes too

Hey Caro! You are like a roving reporter, checking in from all over the world. I was so interested to read your post and see how you are doing with your "wardrobe in a carry-on". I'm so glad you sprung for those simple and perfect knit tops. It seems like they're really keeping their shape and worth their weight in gold. There's nothing like a trip to let you know how your things work or don't work together. Is #1 your air-plane outfit? I love it. Also #3 is such a classic. Your Birkin style bag is TDF! Happy travels.

@mtgirl: I have come to the same conclusion about each layer having to work on it's own. I've tried to replace camis and tanks (that really should be underwear) with fine-gauge sleeveless sweaters and silk shells that can properly see the light of day. And I totally get the 4-seasons in one day. That's what our winter days are like.

rachylou

I love you in #1. Has that been a useful outfit?

Great post. Definitely thank you for sharing. I'm thinking on how to incorporate what you've learned into my own endeavour to cull my wardrobe...

my ylf advice was silk thermals which i had sent from the uk... brilliant for transitioning the cold. thanks again ylf!

ElleH

Thanks for this post. Very useful insights. Enjoy the rest of your travels. I love the outfit in number 3.

Category