Miss Thrifty's guide to creating a capsule wardrobe
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By Sinead Van Kampen
Tuesday Oct 27 2009
The way I see it, the capsule wardrobe is a lot like your 'five a day'. You know you should but you just never get around to it.
Something better and more glamorous always seems to sneak into your shopping bag.
If you’re on a budget or simply want to get the most for your money then compiling a capsule wardrobe is essential.
The exact mix of what should be included varies according to who you approach but I've whittled down a few essentials that should help keep you on trend as well as on budget.
Most of us know the rules when it comes to building our wardrobes.
Nobody will notice you've been wearing the same black skirt for the last three years but wear a fuchsia ensemble for more than two days in any month and you'll soon be attracting the wrong sort of glances.
If you're budgeting choose classic cuts that don't date and bring your outfit up to speed with some on trend accessories.
Fabric is king when it comes to durability so getting the best price is one thing but making sure the fabrics will look good next year requires a feel for wool and cotton.
The Coat
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of options available where coats are concerned but for the moment TK Maxx seems to be a bit of a treasure trove when it comes to winter essentials.
Last year, I snapped up a cashmere and wool blend coat and it's kept me warm, dry and snug while cursing the lateness of buses ever since.
I'm not exactly out of love with my old coat but the other day I found myself casting a more than covetous eye over the recently launched GIVe range at Arnotts.
George Davies, the man behind Next and Per Una, recently launched GIVe, which has adapted a less cluttered approach when it comes to shopping.
The days of surly assistants nodding along and mumbling things like "Yah, tangarine hot-pants are so YOU" whilst barely bothering to remove even one iPod earphone are a thing of the past.
George has redesigned the experience bottom up, and, as I like the idea of having a style advisor to ground my fashion whims it makes me feel a bit safer.
I liked the designs and when it comes to buying coats the range ticks all the boxes when it comes to fit and fabric.
I'm tipping the Perla Coat for its classic design and the fact that it will look great well beyond AW10.
The Shoes
There once was a time when only the rich and famous could step out in the wares of fabulous designers but on November 14th Jimmy Choo launch their much heralded line for H&M with the idea that anyone can strut like Ms Bradshaw. I want them, I need them, but do I?
I'm worried, I'm worried because Jimmy Choo is Jimmy Choo and H&M is H&M!
Will it turn out like the Sex in the City film?
Yes we wanted the movie, until we got the movie, then we didn't want the movie, the gloss was gone.
I always wanted Jimmy Choo for the wrong reasons. I wanted them because I couldn't afford them and because I could never afford them I wanted them even more.
My favourite of the collection is the high heel strap shoe with zip which will retail at £79.99.
For those of you looking to go all the way back to boot camp you won't go far wrong with the stretch leather over the knee boots which are priced at £179.99.
The Bag
There may not be a man for every girl but there is always a bag, and whether you're after a Mulberry or a Miu Miu, a little research can mean you get a big return on your investment.
Designer fashion sales like Ruby Couture and online designer discount stores like theoutnet.com can get you up to 75pc off your dream bag, all that's needed here is a little perseverance while you wait for "the one" to present itself.
If that all sounds like too much work, thrifty shoppers might head quickly over to Kildare Village who have reduced prices on Anya Hindmarch bags by up to 75pc until November 1st.
The Skirt
We all have days when our outfits need to take us from the stationary cupboard to the wine bar and, with a quick change of accessories, a good skirt can do just that.
This season Oasis have a great selection and free delivery to Ireland could mean you won't even need to leave your desk to achieve greatness in the skirt department.
My first hoice is the grey flannel tulip skirt at €56 and for something more classic the Rome Welt Pocket Skirt €56 does it for me.
The Blouse
If you're the type of person who likes to inject a little glamour into your work day, swapping your faithful white shirt for a blouse could be the breath of fresh air you were looking for. The recent Peter O'Brien collection for A-wear includes both the Mink and Ivory Blouse both priced at €90.
I enjoyed the classic feel with a modern twist but I loved the simplicity of designer style on a high street budget!
Sinead Van Kampen is the editor of The Savvy Shopper. For a rundown on fashion and food bargains plus regular insider tips visit TheSavvyShopper.ie website.
- Sinead Van Kampen
