The countdown is on to another 3 month season of Project 333. I originally participated in this project back in April 2012. You can read my first post about dipping my toe in the water. Since the initial 3 month period, I have not stuck rigidly to the ‘rules’ but simply set myself a goal of streamlining my wardrobe to a small selection of clothes that I love and wear.
One of the things that has really helped is learning to know and understand my style. It is unique to me and cannot be dictated by an outsider. Style is about you and it is much easier to define and refine as you peel away the layers of clothes that you consistently overlook when choosing an outfit.
If I had to choose one word to describe my style it would be ‘simple’. That is really apt as it fits in neatly with my philosphy of simple on so many levels. It is partly because of the climate I live in but I am definitely not a fan of layering such as top, tunic and trousers then a drapey cardigan over the top. It is simply not me.
I am lucky to have found a range of clothes in one boutique that mostly meets my needs. In fact I could almost go so far as to say that the clothes I have bought from Rivette & Blair make up the majority of my wardrobe. I have 2 dresses, 4 jackets, 6 shirts, 8 tops, 4 skirts and 2 pairs of trousers that I have purchased over the last 4 or 5 years. There have been others that have worn out out or been moved on after several years of wear. Regardless of the shop, I have made a couple of bad choices and bought items that have not stood the test of time. However, understanding my style helps me to shop smarter and hopefully the bad choices will be minimised, if not completely eliminated.
The 3 photos I have used in this post feature 9 different items. They are all from Rivette & Blair with the exception of the pink cardigan in the first photo and the skirt in the last one. They are generally basic pieces which can be mixed and matched with other items from the range or other sources.
I am currently reviewing (yet again) the contents of my wardrobe with a view to checking out my favourite shop when I go to Melbourne soon. Even though I can order from the website I am much happier going to the shop and actually trying the clothes on. I am not a convert to shopping onlne for my clothes yet. What about you?
organised castle 
Funn how I’ve also found myself loyal to a particular store as I’ve pared down my closet to the essentials. There’s one company in the states, The Limited, that seems to make clothes that fit my body shape. As my eating disorder and antidepressants have pushed me through literally six dress sizes this year, was a comfort to know that I don’t have to face a store and store mirrors because I can just buy the next size up on the store’s site and I know the cut will fit my shape perfectly. Now that I’m more comfortable in my body and my size is finally stabilizing, I’m looking forward to being able to try on some items in the store when my current clothes wear through. Interesting post!
It is good when you find a store that seems to have your particular shape. I think there is at least one for every shape – it is just a matter of finding what is ‘you’.
I think they have lovely styled clothing form their website. I have a similar affinity for Banana republic, which isn’t in Australia, but makes great clothes that last, and are suitable for the more formal to corporate look I prefer (it’s a long time since I’ve worn a loose fitting t shirt!)
I’m also not a convert to online shopping at all, especially something like clothes and shoes, where the feel is as important as the fit, neither of which are great via online.
I have heard of Banana Republic but never seen their clothes – must take a look sometime.