Back To Basics: Part 1

Back To Basics : Part 1

There comes a time in our lives when we wake up one day and realize the life we are living isn't the one we want to be living. It can be something simple like recognizing a passion you had as a child that you have lost as an adult, and then rekindling that passion. It can be something more complicated like realizing your partner is toxic and you need to get out. But often times it manifests itself on one's physical aspects: like realizing you have gained weight and want to loose it, or figuring out your wardrobe consists of 'good' sweatpants and 'grungy' sweatpants.

(via here)

I have noticed a few bloggers have decided to tackle their wardrobes. They were inspired by another blogger who mentioned she only wears pretty things because she only owns pretty things. These bloggers realized they had a closet full of clothing that they hated. So they got rid of it! You can read about it here and here.

As someone who has been there, I thought I would add some expertise on starting a vintage inspired wardrobe. I will do my best to use inexpensive items as examples, because glamour isn't about how expensive something is, it is about finding gorgeous items and making them work for you and your body.

To start with I made a 'Glamorous Housewife Vintage Basics Checklist'. If I were to start my wardrobe from scratch, this is the list I would begin with. Unfortunately basics are often considered 'boring', but in my opinion they form the foundation to a lasting and beautiful closet.

To begin I would choose one basic color: black, grey, navy blue, or khaki/brown and then use that color to start. For example, from this list I would buy almost everything in black, because I happen to love black, with a few white items like one of the cardigans and the shirt/blouse. What I wouldn't do is get a grey pair of wide legged pants, a navy pair of capri pants, and orange pencil skirt, a purple blouse, a green sweater, and a pink jacket because it is hard to create a cohesive foundation with so many colors. You will be able to add color to your wardrobe, just not quite yet.

Now that you have the list, I would go through your closet and get rid of anything you don't love, doesn't fit, or you haven't worn in 2 years (Personally, if I haven't worn it in a year I get rid of it. But I am pretty hardcore about my closet.) Use the list to find basics you might already have, such as the jeans or a nice black purse. Then give the rest to Goodwill.

Tomorrow I will continue examining the basics. I will also discuss what to buy after you have everything on the list, (hint: color!) and when you get to start buying those wonderful vintage dresses you want so badly on Etsy. Wednesday I will help you tailor your own clothes (or what to do at a professional tailor), and Thursday I will be discussing accessories and what you need. I am very excited for this 'back to basics' week and I hope you dolls enjoy it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments, or email me at theglamoroushousewife(at)gmail(dot)com. And you can always find me on Facebook.