This post follows on from my piece on the Five Piece French Wardrobe. If you would like to find out more then head over to the post, but briefly it means I will be buying no more than 10 pieces over the course of the year. This means no more than five during spring/ summer and five over autumn/ winter. Any items I have my eye on will now become real investments. This rule is already causing me to give so much more consideration to clothes and accessories before purchasing.

I feel like I’ve always given thought to any fashion purchases I make. Before buying I like to think of five outfits the new addition will go with to guarantee I get the wear. Having said that I do think I made some mistakes last year. I have a few things that I’ve only worn a couple of times. I think at the time I thought they suited me but looking back I’m not so sure.

I’ve been busy clearing out my wardrobe so I get a better idea of what I own. I also want to get the maximum amount of wear out of each piece. You may have read my post I wrote about clearing out my wardrobe and selling on Mercari. With the five piece French wardrobe I need to identify my basics first as these can be replaced throughout the year and don’t count towards my 10 pieces.

When it came to thinking about what I would like to add to my wardrobe this year, there are a few pieces I think are missing.

Wardrobe Investments

My basics tend to be jeans, t-shirts in white and grey, blazers, the odd knit and a leather jacket. I have noticed a few things are missing and there are several investments, particularly in the handbag department, that I’d like to make this year.

I really want to be strict on myself so unless it’s jeans, t-shirts or underwear I will be counting it towards my five piece quota. It should stop me buying something for the sake of it as I won’t want to waste a valuable place in my wardrobe.

So what do I have my eye on…

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Prada Cahier

I have loved this bag from the moment it first came out. It is 100% me. The shape and structure is quite similar to my Chanel boy but this bag is smaller. Given it’s small size it is deceptively spacious and that is the dream. I have just seen the new Cahier clutch and they are to die for. While I love the chunky shoulder strap of the previous incarnation, these new offerings have a detachable curb chain shoulder strap AND a detachable leather wristlet strap. What is going to prove difficult is choosing the colour.

Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Superstar Sneakers

I live in boots all year round. I love heels too whether that’s whether I’m going out or just day to day. I want to start wearing flat shoes more and envy those girls that can throw on jeans and a pair of Converse for a ‘off duty model’ vibe. The problem is that Converse just don’t suit me. I look like I’m about 12, the style just isn’t right. I do wear trainers but only when I’m exercising so I think these sneakers would be a great step up. I think I would be able to wear them with jeans and a leather jacket or a cute summer dress.

Fendi Peekaboo

I love that everything on this mini wish list is an accessory rather than an item of clothing. This bag has become something of a classic and it’s definitely a bag I’m keen to invest in. I particularly like the mini size with the weaving down the sides. It’s such a versatile bag because you can either carry it with the single top handle or wear over the shoulder/ cross body with the detachable strap.

The Strategies To Afford Them

There are various things I’m going to be doing to help me save up for the pieces on my list.

Out With The Old

As I mentioned before I have already been clearing out my wardrobe and selling on Mercari. I’ve just counted up and I’ve made £150 this month. I will then keep this money to one side to invest in a piece from my wish list.

Cut Back On Little Luxuries

If you’re someone who gets a Starbucks everyday then that one little thing can quickly add up. Instead you could make your own to take to work. If you always get manicures or pedicures, why not paint your own nails. I am going to cut back on any unnecessary purchases which should save me money straight away. Obviously if these things make you happy then carry on, but cutting back could help you save more quickly.

Check Pre-Loved Sites

Quite often you can find brand new or hardly used pieces on pre-loved websites like Vestiaire Collective. This doesn’t technically help you save up for the items but it can save you hundreds of pounds.

Review Spending

I’m going to be taking a closer look at my bank accounts to see if there are any patterns in my spending. Cancelling un-used subscriptions is a great place to start, although I don’t think I can live without Netflix. I’m also going to be taking a look at my bills to see if I can make them a bit cheaper too.

Make More

I know this seems both obvious and impossible. Clearly I need to make more money if I want to be making a bigger purchase. As I work for myself I think that this may be more possible than if you are someone who is employed or works really long hours. I am going to work hard to take on a couple more clients and put this extra money to one side. Fingers crossed!