There are certain stories from my years in magazines that stick in my head, and this one, an interview of stylist Aleksandra Woronieka by Mark Holgate for Vogue in 2007 is one of them. I wish I could find the second page of the it but the first is enough as it describes how Aleksandra is like other women who got off the “shopping merry go round of Always Something New and prefer to live with what they have unless something truly extraordinary and/or useful comes along their path”.
Her core wardrobe? 1. Six navy jackets. 2. Ten pairs of long jeans, dark and plain. 3. Four (classic) bags–Hermes, Balenciaga and two Chanel. 4. A pile of ballet flats. 4. Two pendants and a ring that belonged to her mother.
So that certainly doesn’t include the extraneous things (wintery and summery things) and tops etc., but it speaks to her signature style at that time and one that still looks fresh 12 years later.
As I try to buy less and buy better, and continue to transform my closet to reflect my core favorites, it is women like Aleksandra who make me realize how smart one looks (in many variations of the definition) when you start to hone in on your personal style story. (And sadly how much money I’ve wasted veering off course.)
Yasmin says
I saw a preview for a new documentary coming out about Imelda Marcos and it showed her legendary shoe collection, which at the time was thought to be glutinous.
Now we envy, covet, applaud, showoff gigantic closets and hundreds of shoes like its THE way to live.
My how times have changed.
I simply ADORE shoes but know even a shoe fiend can only wear so many.
The tide needs to shift back to where we think of huge consumption is not cool.
jennifer says
Couldn’t agree with you more!
Mamavalveeta03 says
When we wear what speaks to our heart over and over again, we’re not only reflecting our “core favorites,” but our core values.
*Loving that a Hermès Birkin bag is “serviceable” (in the photograph caption).
Mary says
Wonder what style of jeans she considers timeless? Straight, probably not skinny?
Great article! I am hopefully on my way to cultivating a wardrobe like this.
jennifer says
Whatever jeans suit you best are the right ones. That said, a quick way to update your silhouette is with a jean and skinnies are making a return. (not that they ever went anywhere)
Mary says
Thanks, Jennifer! Great news that the skinny is making a comeback. As long as it’s not pasted on, it is the style that looks the best on me.
But yeah, it never really went anywhere – majority of the women I see are still wearing skinnies!
KSL says
For Mary, and everyone, I think timeless in jeans is whatever looks and feels the best on you. I wear R13 Boy Skinny, which isn’t that skinny but just fit me the best. I live in an area in LA that is exceptionally casual, and I don’t have a “workplace”, so I also have stopped buying for a life I don’t have, and no “in case” items. I would love to pick a classic bag, either vintage or new that felt like a forever bag. I think a Birkin would fit this category for me, because I like a big bag, but new or pre-owned, not what I feel comfortable spending for a bag. Any suggestions?
jennifer says
Love your comments and you have got me thinking of more affordable Birkin solutions (which is basically any other bag out there price wise). Stay tuned!
Mary says
Appreciate the feedback, KSL, and I think you’re right – R13 Skinnies are the best!