Monday, February 02, 2009

OHmommy's wardrobe staples

Two weeks ago, I stood on top of my bathroom counter and asked you take some risks in shopping.

I have mentioned before that waredrobe does matter. And that you should invest in you (like getting into a killer pair of J brand cigarette jeans). I have admitted that I prefer quality over quantity when it comes something like a basic tee. And that my fall uniform is a pair of jeans and a cropped jacket. I have even let you peek inside my closet.

I think of my wardrobe as a collection.

For me it's like a hobbyist searching for those items that will complete their collection. Such as in an art collector seeking that one final masterpiece or a chef seeking out delicate spices for their creation. That's how I shop. That is also how the European women are forced to shop for their tiny closets. They fill their closets with the finest pieces they can afford. They have one evening purse, one day purse, one pair of killer heels, one pair of everyday shoes and well... you get the point.

If you begin to think of your wardrobe as a collection and begin to think like a hobbyist you too can have one stinking awesome closet. Let me make it clear that you do not need millions of dollars to have a working wardrobe. You just have to think of the staples a millionaire would have in her closet. One of my most favorite cropped jackets is from H&M for a whopping $25 I purchased four years ago.

My winter "think like a millionaire" wardrobe staples are as follows: cropped jacket in a fun color, longer jacket in color, simple black dress, one trendy top, a basic tee, nice pair of jeans, sensible pair of trousers, a black pencil skirt, one trendy top, comfy pair of sweats, killer pair of heels, everyday ballet flats, an evening purse, a tote, and a simple necklace.

Some of the items below are similar to what took me years to acquire into one working collection. One of them I am still dreaming of to complete my collection (can you fellow fashionistas guess which one? clue: matches my last dress purchase) ...

OHmommy! Fall/Winter
OHmommy! Fall/Winter - by OHmommy on Polyvore.com


That simple black pencil skirt in my collection... was purchased six years ago and still takes my husband's breath away.

Once you start thinking of your wardrobe as a collection you will realize that everything goes together quite nicely. The cropped jacket can go over the jeans or the trousers or the skirt or the simple black dress. And the killer heels can be worn with ummm... everything!

Go forth and shop.

108classy comments:

Beth said...

I don't want any new clothes. ;) I'm quite certain that jeans and cowboy boots can be worn EVERYWHERE!! Or at least, I should be allowed to....

stephanie s. said...

I think it is the Birkin you are wanting. Am I right? PS. I love your collection!

Kate said...

I am guessing it's the Hermes bag! Don't we all dream - I lust for the Kelly bag.

Casey (@ Chaos and Cardboard) said...

I love my black pencil skirt too! Although no Louboutins for me!

And I 2nd the European comment, although we don't have small closets, we have NO closets. Just shrunks (cabinets, wardrobes) from Ikea!

AreWeThereYet? said...

I needed to read this...did some major retail therapy this weekend. I did one day of laser beam shopping like you. Then the next I slipped into persausive shopping because the sales were such great deals. Danger!

Love your collection as well. I second the vote on the handbag. But totally dig the sweet coat too!

Chelsea said...

I have recently turned over a lot of "new leaves" in the style department. This is kind of how I am going about things now. I keep lists and I also assemble collages. :)
Seriously, you should have seem me in my past life. I have had to start over at square one, basically.

P.S. I thought that video was one of the funniest things ever.

Roxane said...

The Birkin...

And, Oh boy, I cannot wait to win this contest!

Anonymous said...

I'd have to go with the clutch. I can't really tell what, other than that, would compliment the dress.
Are you going to tell us?

Tiffany @ Lattes And Life said...

Ahhhhhh to be fashionable again. I swear, I used to be. But a toddler, weight gain, and now pregnancy number three later....bah. I'm lucky to find a shirt that covers my ever-expanding baby belly now. Ah well.....I'll be fashionable again one day if it kills me!!!

ladybugsnkatydids said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ladybugsnkatydids said...

You are a woman after my own heart! My husband just thinks that I am living in a time warp because I still have, and still wear, a extremely nice Pendleton wool skirt that my mom purchased for me in high school. My mom taught me that quality was better than quantity - a lesson well learned (now, if only I can get the message through to my eldest daughter).

That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to a shopping spree, though! ;-)

Jessica said...

What a great collection you have! And, a great giveaway too!

Anonymous said...

ahhh... a day of shopping, sans the children, and not have to spend hubbie's money...
PRICELESS !
I am in need of a style makeover big time ! Too many years of just wearing scrubs for work have dulled my wardrobe.

Anonymous said...

I love your taste! Louboutin's are my favorite.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

I am in desperate need of a wardrobe makeover. Seriously!

Your collection is stunning...although, I don't think I am coordinated enough to walk in those shoes!

Carrie said...

Thanks for the fashion advice--I need it. Your collection is great, I'm a little jealous. Thanks for a great giveaway!

Heather said...

I have just started updating my wardrobe after many years of dressing in sweatshirts & jeans. I do my hair & make up every day & I am amazed at how great I feel each & every day that I do this. Thanks OHmommy! Reading your posts, especially the treat yourself really has made an impact on me. I always thought of myself last.

Now my hubby loves the way I look everyday-he never asks me "are you sure you want to wear that?" When we go somewhere. I only wish I had done this sooner.

So, if I win do you get to come along with me to help me pick out some flattering stuff?

Anonymous said...

You have great taste!

Denise said...

I have built my wardrobe on simple things that never go out of style, as well as quality. I find so many bargains at the outlet stores.

Musings of a Housewife said...

I love it. LOVE it. Of course, I have this awful addiction to designer jeans. HOW do you get by with ONE pair? ;=)

Christy said...

I love the yellow jacket in your collage - to die for.

Joanie said...

Oh lord! I am such a fashion don't! I seriously need to win the lottery so I can get a whole new decent wardrobe!

VerWaynia said...

I definitely need some of those staples. I always think I've found one, and then realize later that I don't like it as much as I thought I did!

Anonymous said...

I am all squeely over here! I love, love, love my J Brand Kat jeans. They are to die for and my fav pencil skirt? Black Wool, trimmed in velvet I got 5 years ago. So delish.

Anonymous said...

I am all squeely over here! I love, love, love my J Brand Kat jeans. They are to die for and my fav pencil skirt? Black Wool, trimmed in velvet I got 5 years ago. So delish.

Anonymous said...

I am all squeely over here! I love, love, love my J Brand Kat jeans. They are to die for and my fav pencil skirt? Black Wool, trimmed in velvet I got 5 years ago. So delish.

Tari said...

Oh I would love to go on a shopping spree!!!! I'm addicted to watching What Not to Wear. In my small town there are too many people wearing what not to wear. Please don't let me turn into one of them!!!

Amy W said...

Gotta be the Hermés. The holy grail of every fashionista. *sigh*

Totally agree on the wardrobe as collection idea. It takes years to find those perfect items and more money than the average person could spend on clothes in even a year. Thanks for the tips!

Anonymous said...

i need new clothes!!! for work!

Swistle said...

Okay, this makes clothes-acquiring seem fun and interesting to me for the first time ever. And yet here I sit, wearing one of my dozen Old Navy t-shirts, not rushing out to change things. Well, with time, with time.

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

*clapping* This is the most sane defense of my own quality (which is not to be confused with expensive) over quantity wardrobe philosophy.

Love your collection, particularly that precious green coat. Those Loub's / the purse go without saying, really.

Everyday Goddess said...

The Laboutin heels? Might I say they would look fabulous with just about everything you own? Thanks for the shopping tips. I am a follower now!

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Oh I *NEED* this giveaway! Mommy's wardrobe is in need of some love...too many uber-warm sweaters and not enough pencil skirts! (I had a black one I adored but sadly I finally admitted it didn't fit after baby #2 and gave it to my Mom.)

Blessings From Above said...

Great collection!

Love the contest...perfect for helping with the winter blues.

Unknown said...

I so need a new wardrobe...but am too chicken to appear on 'what not to wear' so this contest is the next best thing right?

Hailey said...

Love your wardrobe staples. A great pair of jeans will change your life.

Do you want a Hermes Birkin or Kelly bag? Both would be fabulous. Tell that super cool/ super whipped hubs you need it. It is an invest, remember? :-) Let me know what he says about that.

Krissi said...

I cannot wait to win this contest! I never win anything and well this one... it has my name all over it :)

koopermom said...

You are lusting for the bag right? Because I know I am!!

Anonymous said...

you have a great collection, your what they call a fashionista. i wish i had a wardrobe like that.

Anonymous said...

you have a great collection, your what they call a fashionista. i wish i had a wardrobe like that.

Kari said...

I certainly needed this post! I am going to be "updating" my wadrobe after I have this baby..and get back to my regular size. I need staple items, my closet sucks right now. I have a lot of shirts, that I don't want to wear anymore, they look cheap and such. Anywho. I guess I could make a POST on my blog about my closet instead of taking up HALF a page here!
So, you see, I NEED to win. No, I HAVE to win. My sanity and closet depends on it.

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I have the same attitude regarding shopping. I would rather spend more money on something really special then less on something cheap that will fall apart in three months. That doesn't mean that I don't lose my mind in Target every once in a while of course.

Amy said...

Oh I would love to win this!! I could use an update!

Unknown said...

OHMommy. Someday I hope I can stand on my counter top in a killer outfit and inspire other women to take care of themselves. I hope that I can do that through this contest :)

Elisabeth said...

Love your collection!

Anti-Supermom said...

Gotta be honest, I'm super jealous of your wardrobe - but super happy that you are offering a chance to help with mine.

sigh...

Simply AnonyMom said...

LOVE your collection. Now if only I had anyplace to wear it too. I guess I could dress up and hang out at the coffeeshop watching my little ones get a sugar high.

Amber said...

Whoohoo...pick me!

Katie said...

YEA, great idea!

Suzy B said...

I love your collection! I wish I could put clothes together like that!

Anonymous said...

count me in

Ash said...

I swear you have the best advice! And the best wardrobe!

SCREAMING FOR CHOCOLATE said...

Your directions are hilarious....

Coco

Mel said...

As I sit here in yet another fashion statement of old 5K t-shirt, yoga pants and fuzzy slippers, it is apparent that I need some help! Consider me enrolled in said giveaway..
have a good day!

Skiplovey said...

I love this giveaway idea (and shopping!) so I'm throwing my hat in the ring.

Cindy B said...

Game ON!! I love to shop!

TMCPhoto said...

I think in order to get the basics I'd need to have a personal shopper along to make sure I stick to the basics. Or I could go on What Not To Wear and be humiliated in front of a TV audience for my lack of shopping skills.

My problem is that I get into a shopping atmosphere and I start to worry about how long I've been there.

I get overwhelmed by all the choices and then am easily lured into the least flattering choices where I take one look in the dressing room mirror and grimace at the bad hair, post baby paunch and the fact that my shoes (the only ones i can comfortably wear) are a pair of trainers and do not compliment anything in my closet.

Then I look at the price tag, gasp and head for the sale and clearance racks in the back and pick the first thing that looks like my size and buy it (unless the sale price is also too high for my Scottish wallet) usually with bad results

Amy said...

The Hermes bag. You and I share the dream!

Still wish you were coming to Blissdom! My Louboutins want to French kiss your Louboutins!

Unknown said...

I get the idea of having one really "good" thing that's so versatile you can wear it with anything except when it comes to purses. I'm of the opinion that you can never have too many purses. And not just any purse either..my days of JC Penny purses is past. Although if I were allowed to buy the $1200 Prada Satchel I saw at the Bellagio Prada store in Vegas I did swear off ever buying another purse again.

Steph said...

I vote you still want the handbag?

Ooooh I loves me some free shopping!

Dennis and Leslie said...

WOW, what an awesome giveaway!!! Love your wardrobe tips, and I have all those items in my closet! (well, except for the Hermes Burkin ;) Thanks for the giveaway!

2 Brits, 2 Yanks, 2 Dogs said...

I LOVE H&M, I used to shop regularly at H&M in the UK and now they are here and it makes me very happy.

CelticBuffy said...

I'm still trying to figure out my "style" after all of these years. But I subscribe to the theory of a few good quality items. Except when it comes to my daughters who are tweens/teens. For them it's about quantity at the cheapest available price. Thanks god for discount retailers and used clothing stores for good brands at lower prices.

lislynn said...

Whoo-hoo! This is the giveaway to end all giveaways!! You'll be making this a yearly feature, right?

*keeps fingers crossed*

Piece o' Coconut Cake said...

I'll go with the Birkin because I know I STILL can't bring myself to pay for it when I could buy a car with the same amount...although, I must confess, if I do ever get it, it will be in the Hermes orange! I'm sorry, you don't buy that bag in a basic black or camel. For the love of God and handbags, if you're gonna spurge, then SPLURGE!

The Mom Jen said...

The word pitiful comes to mind when I think of my wardrobe...thanks for the economic stimulus plan! ;))

Anonymous said...

My favorite out of that is Starbucks but the other places are awesome too. I hope I win. Thanks ohmommy!

mwshores@bellsouth.net

Andrea's Sweet Life said...

Once I started thinking of my clothes as a collection, it was easier to get dressed every day - AND I started getting way more compliments on my clothes.

Great tips!! Now let me win.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx said...

I am totally investing in new clothes soon. Post-pregnancy wardrobe, here I come!

Qweenie said...

OMG I have dreams about the Kelly bag!!

Enter me in the contest please!!

Tyne said...

Love it! Can't wait to get out of these maternity clothes and into some new clothes...from you!

Sara said...

You mean jeans and a long sleeve tee aren't the only clothes us moms can wear???

RuensOnTheRun said...

What a great giveaway and how fun to host it as a group!

Miss M said...

OHmommy, I totally want to win and go shopping! Enter me!

Melissa said...

What a great way to think about it. Since I'm on the verge of getting a totally wardrobe after a massive weight loss, I'll have to try that approach.

So obviously I need those gift cards...

This is such a fun way to find new blogs. Thanks for doing this!

Claremont First Ward said...

I'm IN LOVE with your fashion sense. LOVE. And, what a fabulous giveaway!

Swirl Girl said...

Oh yeah- I am in on this one!

Shopping ?? Who me??

Jessica said...

I am in DESPERATE NEED of a fashion overhaul...we are talking call one of the TLC shows.

Sarahviz said...

I am determined to win this!

Alicia said...

Awesome contest! I love shopping and believe if you feel good in what you are wearing you will feel good for the day!

Miss Lisa said...

I'm guessing the bag, right?

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

Or you could go to Ann Taylor loft like I did this weekend and walk away with SEVEN items for under $50 - MEGA SALE. I love scoring a deal especiallly when I am not looking for one.

KEEP BELIEVING

Kari said...

Love your collection! I may borrow some ideas...

Sarah said...

I'd like to enter, please! Great idea for a contest!

3 Peanuts said...

Great collection---I am like you in this way too. I prefer quality over quantity. Is it the Birkin bag?

Kim

Unknown said...

Hi. I'm WAY down here - the 86th comment. I don't know if you can see me all the way back here, but i just wanted to say that the one thing I wish I could say to SWMBO is that I wish she would take some pride in her appearance. No balls, however.

Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels said...

Ha! I'm thinking it's the Birkin bag :-) Afterall, not everyone has $17,000 just sitting there, ready to be spent on a croc palladium, or even an orange one ;-)

I think you make such a good point. It's MUCH better to have less clothes but really lovely ones than a huge amount of crap. Except of course you said it more elegantly :-)

Anonymous said...

I suck at shopping and forming, how do you say, collections?

Oh help me Oh mommy!

Kebi Cedawna said...

I loved this post.
Count me in on the giveaway! :)

Unknown said...

If I don't win, how will my friend Gina forgive me for not getting her the Sephora gift certificate?

Gina likee the girlie stuff.

Scott in Tennessee

C and C Mommy said...

You inspire me!!

Michelle said...

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for this awesome giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!

Clare said...

oh, i love all of your staples!!! it looks like an awesome collection:) I need to get going on this, i have a few of the items, but I need some more trendy shirts to go with my jeans. I also need the pencil skirt:)

Jen said...

I want to enter. I love me some shopping.

jill jill bo bill said...

When you are fat like me all skirts are pencil skirts. Love your blog! Enter me in the contest please ma'am.

Dodson Family said...

I think I would sell one of my kids for a real pair of Louboutins...ok maybe not one of the kids, but DH for sure :)

the mama bird diaries said...

Having great jeans are the key for me. I will always spend money on jeans.

ww said...

Love your collection!

Aimee said...

I wanna shop.. for FREE!!

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

I WANT TO WIN I WANT TO WIN...MY NEW MANTRA! I think i'm comment #100...that's gotta be lucky, right?

Christy K. said...

After I realized that I make a trip to the salvation army to get rid of Old clothes to make room for my New Clothes every time I go shopping, I've come to realize that quality is indeed more important than quantity!

Unknown said...

You are so sassy! (meaning I really like your fashion choices!)

And I want to be like you so please enter me in your giveaway!

You ladies are "tres" generous! : )

GypsiAdventure said...

Oh I love it...and I totally agree with the collection - It takes a bit to get it just right, but it is so worth it in the end!
~K

r.a.w. chronicles said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heather said...

You have inspired me! A collection is what I need. Now I need to win the giveaway to help me get started!

TheScrappyMama said...

Oh boy, oh boy am I in need of some help! My daily wardrobe is jeans and long sleeve tee's. Fashionable? Yeah right! Consider me signed up for the contest.

I believe it is the Birkin bag you are eying. Don't blame ya! I do love me some quality bags.

r.a.w. chronicles said...

Louboutins?? I am so jealous!!!
And your blog is lovely and classy, and your kids are SO cute. This is my first comment on your blog, so I have to say it all :).

amanda said...

how fun. i want to win.

 

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