Hello! A belated post... a post that I was meaning to write for Minimalist Monday but it got squeezed out of my day when student son decided to come home Monday evening for a few days, post exams and pre start-of-term-proper.
Ah well!
This week, feeling locked in midwinter, I decided to lift my spirits by spending my Boden Christmas vouchers (thank you parents-in-law) on something new for spring/summer 2014 (just writing that warms my cockles). After being distracted by autumn/winter sale items - a scandi style jumper did lure me for longer than I care to admit - I consulted my filling the gaps in my wardrobe list determined to nail some basics.
Luckily Boden did have some plain lightweight v neck t shirts including grey, black and white which were in stock and arrived less than two days later.
At £16 per garment (after discount) they aren't the cheapest cotton t shirts available but they look good quality and are a comfortable fit. I'm confident they'll give me good price per wear.
Writing a wardrobe gaps list has been a useful lesson in discipline and budgeting. How many times have you bought something in the past (often in the sales or on impulse) only to regret it soon after? A wardrobe gaps list can help steer new wardrobe purchases in a more mindful direction.
Why not write one?
In 2014 I'm liking the security of my list.
My wardrobe gaps list
plain v neck jersey tops in black, white and grey
cotton camisoles in black, white and grey
black socks
underwear in black and white
new black flats (patent?)
black/grey ankle boots
a dress for autumn/winter (smart day wear)
I plan on doing a wardrobe gap list at the weekend. I have been decluttering the wardrobe of clothing I no longer wear or suit. I feel a list of clothes I need will save money in the long run.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that. I have been decluttering my closet regularly and I need to keep doing it, as I become more strict about what I keep every time I give it a go. I should do a gap list...
ReplyDeleteBoden sent me a voucher for £10, and I managed to get a black vest top almost free. It's lovely, and it makes me very happy that I didn't have to pay much for it.
ReplyDeleteI have a list too. Currently, it consists of 4 short sleeve tops; summer pajama; and 2 pants. I am terribly picky and that coupled with a set budget usually means it takes forever to find these pieces.
ReplyDeleteThese are a wonderful addition. I only have a gray and a black but I'm on the lookout for a white one.
ReplyDeleteThey seem like quality basics! I love shopping in the clearance section, but it's always for stuff that I really don't need. Rarely are basics the first to catch my eye, but they are the most needed!
ReplyDeleteHas your wardrobe requirements changed since you gave up work? Sar xah
ReplyDeleteNow there's an idea for a blog post!!!
DeleteGlad to see you haven't given up the Boden thing Claire x x
ReplyDeleteHa ! Absolutely not x
DeleteI need to try out Boden next time - the last long sleeved t's I bought from Gap aren't lasting too well.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased with the quality of their clothes and they often have good offers available (15% this time for me).
DeleteLists are a wonderful idea Claire and very helpful in creating and keeping a wardrobe of "essentials" and not whims of the moment.
ReplyDeleteYour T shirts look beautiful and you say the quality is there too. You have mentioned Boden before but we don't have Boden in Australia as a store - or is it only available online?
Hi Megan. There is a store in London and there have been pop up shops elsewhere, like in Birmingham near me, but it is generally used as an online store I believe. It is becoming more popular in other countries (US and Germany) so it may come your way!
DeleteI have just come across your blog and I love it!!! I really think living with less is so very important...I have 3 beans and we live in a small house which is so important to me! Perfect t's by the way! I look forward to journeying along with you! Nicole
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and following Nicole. I like your sense of style :)
DeleteJust discovered your blog and along with all of the serious matters - simplification of life, less stuff is better, I also share your love of Boden! I was introduced to them by a co-worker and totally fell for the bait, but then I hit the jackpot when Boden opened a warehouse only 2 hours from my town! The normally hold a warehouse sale at least once a year where items are significantly marked down, though still not cheap if your are trying to live a frugal lifestyle. However, they do make quality clothes, so up to a point, you get what you pay for. I was amazed the first time I went to one of these sales - the line was wrapped around the building! And there I was, thinking that I was totally cool for being one of the few Americans to know about Boden. However, since I have become a stay-at-home mom and my husband and I have made a lifestyle change to live more simply, I have not bought an item from Boden for several months, though Johnnie B. tauts me by email multiple times a week! ;)
ReplyDeleteHi there Katie. Thanks for reading and commenting. Johnnie B is very attentive, I agree!
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