The Haute Heel
Fashion

HOW TO CURATE YOUR WARDROBE
If you look at the images in this post, I get that you may experience a slight sense of panic when you see that it’s about how to curate your wardrobe – but don’t fear. I’m one of those weirdos that even six years on from updating this article (this was first published in 2011 omg!) I still like to purge my wardrobe. And let’s face it, as a blogger we get a lot of gifted, loaned or sponsored clothing. While some of us like to offload our stock via Depop, I’ve never found those kind of second-hand apps effective. The day I do, you can bet I’ll be selling like a maniac because I’m constantly trying to curate my close to be the perfect go-to selection.
So you all know the classic must-haves: the blazer, skinny jeans, white t-shirts etc. You can even Google it, you don’t need me. But when it comes to curating a wardrobe to retain those special pieces that still speak to your personal style, without diluting it with tons of neutral basics that make you yawn – I think I can help you.
Even looking back at these photos taken more than half a decade ago (I feel so old literally, just writing that I think a wrinkle cropped up), I still own all of these pieces and wear them occasionally. So let me tell you the secret…

1. There are some things that will always be ‘you’

For me this is anything sparkly, sheer and what normal girls wouldn’t dare to wear on a casually. Β What makes your style unique and what are you continuously drawn to? We all know fashion is cyclical, so the the things worth hanging onto in your wardrobe are the pieces you haven’t seen anywhere else. If the high-street stores aren’t selling it on repeat and you’re still in love with that article aesthetically, keep it.

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2. Forgive the fit

This may be a bit controversial, because based on a lot of articles I’ve read in the past, they claim that hanging onto old sizes of dresses and jeans will just make you feel worse about yourself. Not true. Our bodies change so much over one month, one year, three to five years. What may not fit for six months may look incredible in a year’s time. And think about how much effort it took to find that perfect length of a sequin skirt (okay, just me?) but seriously – don’t let your self-confidence issues get in the way of a future-proofed wardrobe. I currently am dealing with a situation (can we note that this update was on September 2017) where none of my high waisted denim shorts close comfortably and it kills me inside. Of course it makes me feel awful! But you know what, it’s beautiful what our bodies can cope with, so don’t punish yourself with limiting what kind of clothes you can wear.

 

3. Clothes may be on trend but accessories are forever

I get the whole jumping on the bandwagon and purchasing something from the high street that’s incredibly seasonal and on-trend. I get it, no judgement here. However, when it comes to accessories, these are something with the ability to last longer and be worn a lot more often than any other item of clothing, bar maybe denim, so investment is key. But it doesn’t even need to be expensive. I remember picking up these ‘classic’ Mary Jane platform heels on a bored lunch break after school from Forever 21. And just two seasons ago, Saint Laurent featured a similar style on the runway, which means that in a normal people time frame they’re still relevant.

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71 Comments

  4. Kimberly Capeto
    23rd October 2011 / 7:02 PM

    Hey !
    Your outfit is so beautiful ! I'm in love with your skirt πŸ™‚

    xoxo

  6. agnes
    23rd October 2011 / 7:04 PM

    superbe…..ta tenue est superbe, et j'adore ta jupe et tes chaussures
    jolie tenue

  7. Faye H
    23rd October 2011 / 7:28 PM

    you look incredible and the shoot is really interesting.
    f XO

  8. Eme
    23rd October 2011 / 7:37 PM

    i love your blog!
    and wow the photoshot it's so cool and original!!
    following you!!

  10. Nee
    23rd October 2011 / 8:00 PM

    lovin this sparkling skirt!!:)

    love,
    Nee
    ROSECANDLE11

  11. julia.a
    23rd October 2011 / 8:10 PM

    amazing look and pictures πŸ™‚

  12. Kaitlin Mattingly
    23rd October 2011 / 8:30 PM

    i would have never thought to take pictures in a laundry mat.
    but the machines are yellow…how could that not make you smile!
    love the gems on your tank.

    Kait xo
    kaitgirl.blogspot.com

  13. Amanda
    23rd October 2011 / 8:39 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog πŸ™‚ I'm so happy to have found yours – you are so cute and I just love your style! You really push the edge, making it just different enough yet still classy and in a flattering silhouette. What can I say, I'm more than impressed!!!

    http://somethingoldmeetssomethingnew.blogspot.com/

  19. Janiece
    24th October 2011 / 12:56 AM

    Your hair has to be my favorite thing about you. It's gorgeous!

  20. mwan
    24th October 2011 / 1:02 AM

    thanks for the comment love,im following u here on your blog and fashionista,hope ure follow back ???
    hope to hear from u soon
    http://mwanwan.blogspot.com
    x

  23. Mila
    24th October 2011 / 9:42 AM

    Awesome!

  27. Arden
    24th October 2011 / 6:11 PM

    This outfit is outrageously beautiful! I love the mix of textures and patterns.. And I am so happy to see that skirt, definitely a good buy.

    Sorry it's taken me a bit long to reply to your email, I'll be getting back to you soon xx

  28. Cammie Callisto
    24th October 2011 / 6:13 PM

    OMG! Love your skirt πŸ˜€

  29. SymbioticLife
    24th October 2011 / 9:07 PM

    You look way too fabulous to be in a ghetto launderette. Or maybe, I've set my own standards for doing laundry too low. πŸ˜€ xoxo

  30. Adriana
    24th October 2011 / 10:30 PM

    You look gorgeous! I love your skirt!

  32. Jessica Markowski
    25th October 2011 / 5:22 AM

    great photo concept !
    love the outfit

    check out and follow my new blog
    jessicamarkowski.blogspot.com

    x0xxx.

  33. NoΓ©mie
    25th October 2011 / 7:17 AM

    Great pictures! Your hair is so pretty!
    Love the top with the skirt!
    blackfashionbird.blogspot.com

  34. Vasu
    25th October 2011 / 8:48 AM

    Beautiful pictures…love all the bling, i love such clothes :)….i did make those shoes, I was working on few more pairs…will be posting them now

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rosabellebyvasu

  35. Mani
    25th October 2011 / 6:41 PM

    You look very stylish and fashionable! Cool outfit!

  36. amalie
    25th October 2011 / 9:51 PM

    gorgeous outfit! loove your top and skirt xx

  37. Heather Fonseca
    26th October 2011 / 3:04 AM

    What a fabulous outfit. The laundrymat (That's what we call them in the states) is a really great juxtaposition to that chic outfit.

  38. Closet Hound
    26th October 2011 / 4:12 AM

    Your hair is gorgeous, and I love that you're doing a full on photoshoot in front of laundry machines

    xo Sherrie
    Closet Hound

  39. isabelle
    26th October 2011 / 3:08 PM

    the skirt works great in that silhouette!

  40. The Foolish Aesthete
    26th October 2011 / 7:56 PM

    This is fabulous! The yellow, launderette is so period and I love how you contrasted it with your glamorous outfit. Great outfit and total concept.

  42. Fashion, Art and other fancies
    27th October 2011 / 7:21 AM

    You look fabulous at the laundry. I adore this ensemble especially the skirt and your hair looks nice and radiant too.

  43. Maru
    27th October 2011 / 8:38 AM

    te ves bellisima, me encanta tu outfit!!!
    kisses

  44. Blonde hair, Blue jeans
    27th October 2011 / 12:03 PM

    i've always wanted to do a photo shoot in a laundry! love the contrast of the chic clothes you're wearing with the place!

  45. Al
    27th October 2011 / 3:29 PM

    thank you ! Love this outfit !

  47. Bourbon&Pearls
    27th October 2011 / 6:10 PM

    You gorgeous girl! You have made a launderette look glam!

  48. Sophia
    27th October 2011 / 7:15 PM

    I love this shoot! I always thought a laundrette would be a cool location for pics and yours are wonderful. The outfit is beautiful, I love the sequins! Thank you for your lovely comment! <3

    http://www.personal-uniform.com/

  49. world on high heels
    27th October 2011 / 8:02 PM

    WOW ! You look stunning ! Love it.
    Follow you.

    xx

  50. Evelina!
    28th October 2011 / 9:04 AM

    Looove your outfit, girl you're beautiful!

  51. olistick
    28th October 2011 / 10:39 AM

    You are very pretty! πŸ™‚

  54. Soraya
    28th October 2011 / 3:47 PM

    you are great! i love the skirt πŸ™‚
    kisses

  56. JULIANE
    28th October 2011 / 8:14 PM

    very cool pictures..LOVE it!!
    xxo

  57. Jess
    29th October 2011 / 12:35 AM

    If only I looked this gorgeous on my laundry day. LOVE all the sequins and sparkles

  59. LDM
    30th October 2011 / 12:47 PM

    omg i've always wanted to do a shoot in a laundry mat!! gorgrous photos!!

    xx from hong kong πŸ™‚
    http://www.ldmldmldm.com

  60. Winda Tiodang
    30th October 2011 / 10:37 PM

    PERFECCCCCTTT LOOK!!!!!i will always love sequinned things
    I AM A NEW FASHION BLOGGER FROM INDONESIA, LIVING IN SINGAPORE.
    I LOVE YOUR BLOG,AND YOU AS WELL ! NICE POST!! I AM NOW FOLLOWING YOUR BLOG,YOU CAN CHECK IT!! IT WOULD BE AN HONOR IF YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG:

    seekthesleek.blogspot.com
    if you follow my blog:
    – I WILL BE ACTIVE ON COMMENTING YOUR POSTS
    – I WILL RECOMMEND YOUR POSTS TO GOOGLE
    – I WILL SHARE YOUR POSTS TO MY TWITTER : @TIODANG
    PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR TWITTER ACCOUNT, SO I CAN MENTION YOU IF I SHARE YOUR POST TO MY TWITTER,
    AND FEEL FREE TO MENTION ME IF YOU WANT ME TO READ YOUR NEWEST POST & COMMENT IT!
    – I WILL PROMOTE YOUR BLOG IN MY BLOG (*this one need a special request , please contact me: cheeringwinda@yahoo.com if you are interested!)
    *THAT IS AS LONG AS YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MY BLOG TOO!!*

  61. rebecca
    30th October 2011 / 10:54 PM

    Laundrettes aren't so fun when you have to actually use them! aha. Still, I adore your top.

  62. Shiia.M
    5th November 2011 / 6:07 PM

    love ouftit

  65. Garment Care
    15th November 2011 / 4:55 PM

    Hey,
    I love your blog,and you as well!nice post!! I am now following your blog,you can chech it!!it would be an honor if you follow my blog:Thanks

  70. Rachel {Da Paura β™₯}
    2nd December 2011 / 6:20 PM

    I'm so inspired by you! This outfit is gorgeous. I have a similar shirt and I'm happy to see a great way to wear it. Have a wonderful weekend!

    xoxo
    Rachel

  71. Filed: Chic
    5th December 2011 / 1:02 PM

    So sparkly. What a great look.

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