I think you all probably know that I’m always up for a fashion challenge – I went an entire year without denim, after all – but this is one of the most daring I’ve taken on to date. The five-piece French wardrobe is a shopping challenge that encourages you to get the most out of your wardrobe while adding as few pieces as possible to it; to shop thoughtfully and with purpose.
Le minimalisme est de nouveau à la mode.
The Rules
1: Basics don’t count and are always allowed
2:Accessories don’t count
3: Shoes do count
4: Socks and underwear don’t count
5: All the rest counts
I am already about three weeks into the challenge – from March 23 to June 30, I will buy only five things that don’t appear on the list of allowed basics that you can read below. {Of course, I’ll only replace my basics as often as I normally would – I won’t be cheating by suddenly investing in ten varieties of t-shirt!}
The Basics
Tops
Black, gray and white loose t-shirt
Black, gray and white tanktop
Little black dress
Little white dress
White blouse
Black blazer
Cardigan
Simple pullover
Bottoms
Black skinny pants
Skinny jeans
Black skirt
Denim shorts
Outerwear
Leather jacket
Trench coat
Wool coat
Shoes
Black pumps
Mid-heeled ankle boots
Summer sandals
Sneakers
Accessories
Black leather bag
Watch
I’ll keep you up-to-date on how I’m doing as the challenge goes on… and maybe even reveal the five special things on my wishlist! What do you think – would you try this challenge?
'Shopping thoughtfully and with purpose' – that sounds like a very sensible idea. I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with the challenge! Some very useful and versatile items in the basics list. http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
Such a great challenge, Cee! Don't think it'll be a difficult one, though because you are allowed so many things. Can't wait to see the results and also hear about five special items. x
Ca me rappelle le défi de ma copine Dead Fleurette ! Elle a totalement épuré sa garde-robe pour ne garder et n'acheter que de vrais bons basiques, parfois assez chers d'ailleurs. Bon courage je trouve la démarche vraiment cool!
Yes keep us posted!! Wow a whole year not wearing denim just wow! I have not bought denim in well over a year because I have plenty. What I really need is more trousers, blouses, and dresses.
Hi Cee!Is a nice and funny challenge, is interesting how you put into play yourself with it! So curious to know how it will go, goo luck dear! Kisses! xo
I'm so excited for this challenge, Cee. I recently invested in a basics wardrobe and I'm always amazed at just how far it takes me. Can't wait to follow along with your new fashion adventure – I'm sure it will be loaded with fantastic inspiration. xo
I feel like you'll succeed adroitly at this. You are already so adept a mixing neutrals in interesting and beautiful ways. I of course, am reading this after a mini-shopping spree last night. :p I think I'm too shallow and materialistic to ever do well at this. I look forward to seeing what you can do!
I love this idea so much. It just makes sense to focus on a few timeless staples. Better for the environment too! I'm looking forward to following along.
Sounds like a tough but interesting challenge! Lately I've been buying items that I know I can wear in lots of ways and for a long time. I'm so excited to know how it all goes! Keep us up to date! ~Sara
This is super news! I actually love minimalism when it comes to dressing. I am more a laid back girl but at times we all need to dress up to the occasion, right? Thanks for this tip, Cee!
This is an awesome challenge Cee! I think its great you take on these challenges every so often. Very inspiring! I want to see what five items you buy hehe so please do share! xo
This is such a great challange, I really really need to cut back! I think I should try something like this out, I love being able to get a lot of use out of different pieces xJennaD
I've been contemplating a challenge of sorts for myself over the last couple of months. My spending has gotten out of hand again and quite frankly, the metal rod in my closet is starting to take a really serious dip in the middle!!! I really have to sit down and decide what is realistic for me to attempt for 30 days or longer. I really like this challenge though!
What a great challenge! I've been looking for one to follow also. My closet really needs to be reeled in because it is definitely out of control. I do cleaning and get rid of things, but then I find myself online shopping right after. I can't wait to follow your progress!
All the best with the challenge! Looking forward for updates! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by dear! Do follow too on G+, Bloglovin, GFC etc if you like! 🙂 FASHION PANACHE BLOG Bloglovin' | Google Plus
Ce défi me plait bien ! J'aime aussi beaucoup le minimalisme mais je ne suis pas sûre que je pourrais m'en contenter 😉 Hâte de voir tes “progrès” ! Bisous
Cee Fardoe is a thirty-something Canadian blogger who splits her time between Winnipeg and Paris. She is a voracious reader, avid tea-drinker, insatiable wanderer and fashion lover who prefers to dress in black, white and gray.
ben moi j'aime bien le minimalisme, mais AVEC des accessoires;)
bise
✄Letizia
http://www.letiziabarcelona.com
'Shopping thoughtfully and with purpose' – that sounds like a very sensible idea. I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with the challenge! Some very useful and versatile items in the basics list.
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
Il est marrant ce défi ! Bonne chance pour réinventer tes basiques !
bisous
Rockygirl
http://www.rockygirl.fr
Such a great challenge, Cee! Don't think it'll be a difficult one, though because you are allowed so many things. Can't wait to see the results and also hear about five special items. x
Ca me rappelle le défi de ma copine Dead Fleurette ! Elle a totalement épuré sa garde-robe pour ne garder et n'acheter que de vrais bons basiques, parfois assez chers d'ailleurs. Bon courage je trouve la démarche vraiment cool!
Je suis fan ^^
J'adore le minimalisme
Kisses
http://www.mademoisellemode.com/
Yes keep us posted!! Wow a whole year not wearing denim just wow! I have not bought denim in well over a year because I have plenty. What I really need is more trousers, blouses, and dresses.
Ali of
http://www.dressingken.com
sounds like a good challenge – the focus on neutrals should make getting dressed a cinch!
Fun challenge!
xo Cara
http://www.afashionloveaffair.com
Hi Cee!Is a nice and funny challenge, is interesting how you put into play yourself with it! So curious to know how it will go, goo luck dear! Kisses! xo
I'm so excited for this challenge, Cee. I recently invested in a basics wardrobe and I'm always amazed at just how far it takes me. Can't wait to follow along with your new fashion adventure – I'm sure it will be loaded with fantastic inspiration. xo
nice challenge,and i love it so much,thank you for sharing.
i invite you reading my new post,have a nice day
http://www.fashionculturediary.blogspot.it/
mmmm i likeee this post
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great motivation for me!
I feel like you'll succeed adroitly at this. You are already so adept a mixing neutrals in interesting and beautiful ways. I of course, am reading this after a mini-shopping spree last night. :p I think I'm too shallow and materialistic to ever do well at this. I look forward to seeing what you can do!
I love this idea so much. It just makes sense to focus on a few timeless staples. Better for the environment too! I'm looking forward to following along.
Sounds like a tough but interesting challenge! Lately I've been buying items that I know I can wear in lots of ways and for a long time. I'm so excited to know how it all goes! Keep us up to date!
~Sara
This is super news! I actually love minimalism when it comes to dressing. I am more a laid back girl but at times we all need to dress up to the occasion, right? Thanks for this tip, Cee!
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
Great idea, Cee! Excited to see how you progress through this challenge!
xo, alison*elle
This is an awesome challenge Cee! I think its great you take on these challenges every so often. Very inspiring! I want to see what five items you buy hehe so please do share! xo
This sounds really interesting! A great way to make sure you're wearing everything in your wardrobe!
http://haveyoueverfalleninlove.blogspot.co.uk/
Je ne connaissais pas ! 🙂
You went a year without denim?!! Ha-ha thats awesome!! Great Challenge Cee 🙂
http://everythingsalwayssunny.com
Kristin
xx
Wow…I'm always intrigued by such challenges! Would love to see how you ace this one! 🙂
Cool challenge! How do people come up with this stuff??:) And I curious, what's on your wish list, no doubt.;)
Sounds like a great idea – a pretty decent list of basics to work with too. Looking forward to seeing how this progesses for you!
This is such a great challange, I really really need to cut back! I think I should try something like this out, I love being able to get a lot of use out of different pieces
xJennaD
I've been contemplating a challenge of sorts for myself over the last couple of months. My spending has gotten out of hand again and quite frankly, the metal rod in my closet is starting to take a really serious dip in the middle!!! I really have to sit down and decide what is realistic for me to attempt for 30 days or longer. I really like this challenge though!
What a great challenge! I've been looking for one to follow also. My closet really needs to be reeled in because it is definitely out of control. I do cleaning and get rid of things, but then I find myself online shopping right after.
I can't wait to follow your progress!
http://astyleinprogress.com
All the best with the challenge! Looking forward for updates! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by dear!
Do follow too on G+, Bloglovin, GFC etc if you like! 🙂
FASHION PANACHE BLOG
Bloglovin' | Google Plus
Love minimalism!!all the best dear :)!!New post on my blog —> http://urbanfashionstylee.blogspot.com
All the best!
Ce défi me plait bien ! J'aime aussi beaucoup le minimalisme mais je ne suis pas sûre que je pourrais m'en contenter 😉
Hâte de voir tes “progrès” !
Bisous
sounds great!
reminds me of my Perfect Luggage post, it could also work as a challenge!
new DIY post on my blog,
happy weekend!
s
Amazing! Interested in seeing how it goes!
xo Emma
http://strollingthecityinheels.com
That's a great challenge! You'll do fine Cee!
Thanks for all of your wonderful comments, mes cheries !
xox,
Cee
That sounds like a very interesting challenge…please keep me posted, especially on the items that you decide to buy! Caterina
Minimalism is the new black, love it! Couldn't agree more 🙂
http://becominglola.blogspot.com/p/minimalism-capsule-wardrobe-resources.html