I do really have to get onto the white/ivory top issue, and make some more. This little ivory merino Tshirt that I am wearing (an old faithful from about four years back) has sprung a few holes. Thus the necessity for a cardigan over the top… Very very sad. But looking on the bright side, an opportunity for me to introduce something new…?
Hmmm, see here’s the dilemma, when you have something in your wardrobe which is nigh on indispensable, which you reach for over and over and over and wear to death because it goes with everything; when it has reached the end of its life, should one try to replace it with something exactly the same, or should one try to move on and seek out new silhouettes and colours, a new sartorial direction for one’s wardrobe?
I’m torn.
Another little thing that is really almost dead is my little olive green corduroy skirt, which I keep wearing, but really really shouldn’t. It too is now looking pretty awful. ( When I do dare to wear something that is looking a little shabby and horrible, I can’t help but the words of my Granny pop into my head; what if I was to have an accident? What would the doctors and nurses at the hospital think when they see my hole-y top, or pilled and baggy cardi, or mis-shapen and bald corduroy skirt? Tut tut…!)
But, I digress; what do you do about those indispensables in your wardrobe? when a really truly favourite basic has had it, do you try to replace it with a clone, or do you see the opportunity to go for new looks?
Details:
Top; Ezibuy
Cardigan; MNG, found secondhand (and covering up some rather un-strategic holes)
Jeans; Burda 7863 with minor modification, grape stretch denim, details here
Scarf; my own design, Patons ivory pure wool, details here
Shoes; Francesco Morichetti, from Zomp shoes
Tshirs, jeans, kakhi pants…
I know what you mean. I suppose the silhouette of a white tshirt changes every 5 years or so, but we always need white/cream/black tshirts.
Like you I'm torn. Because I love something and wear it over and over I feel the need to clone it but also I think it's time to move on and try something new. I think when it's a classic or basic cloning is the way to go. If on the other hand it's more of a fashionable item then you should try something new. My wardrobe tends to the clasic/basic side so mostly I clone. 🙂
I like that top and indispensibles are, well… indispensible!
I get the conundrum 🙂
I would like to reach the point in my everyday wardrobe where I can reach in and grab things blindfolded, then find that they all work together. So, I would probably clone the shirt.
That said, I make stuff that doesn't follow that recipe-like bedjackets, dresses, striped pants. All for the love of seeing what will happen.
Waouh! This picture is amazing! Have you noticed how your shadow is a beautiful Assyrian man's profile! Even in the details of the lips! First thing that stroke me even before your silhouette! May I use this pic on my blog?
About the subject of this post itself: Same here, I tend to clone when I have found something that really fits and is easy to mix and match…
I review my closet every season and replace those indispensibles. I may change the details slightly, like a button up white blouse gets a small ruffle this year and next year it becomes a pullover; But basic indispensibles are replaced as needed.
Carolyn , as long as you are wearing your really indispensable indispenables ( ie undies ) in a car accident I can assure you no doctor or nurse will care about the top layers. Years ago I worked in a hospital where a woman was brought in after a motor car accident wearing no knickers – this quickly got around the hospital , however I never heard about someone wearing a holey top or shabby skirt( anyway you can say it happened in the accident )
I always have a white shirt in the wardrobe but make them different otherwise I would get bored.
Would that I had your talent for sewing (or time to develop it – a toddler and a 4 month old at home…)! My favorites are the basics with a twist. The pieces you've made from the Japanese pattern/inspiration books are my favorites. Would something like that ever become an indispensable for you?
Make new ones! These are YOUR classics, and are foundations of your wardrobe. Unlike the list of 10 classics that you always see in magazines where half of them don't apply!
I am sure your wardrobe is much nicer that most who end up in hospital! If you are seriously injured they'll just cut the garment off you, and they'll feel a lot better cutting into it if it has a couple of holes than if it is brand new!
My worn things migrate to my DIY drawer – for painting and gardening – partially why I don't do MMJ!
Copy it! If you love it and you wear the heck out of it, certainly it should be replaced. It's your personal version of a "classic".
Personally, I would make an exact clone. I rely heavily on white t-shirts and I have about four or five in rotation. When one really gets dingy looking I go out and buy another (note to self: should make white t-shirts…)
That photo is wild! The shadow definitely looks like someone's profile.
Thanks ladies! I agree, cloning is the way to go, but then you get stuck in the same-old-same-old cycle, you know? Sometimes you wonder about the possibilities of breaking free from all that "basic" stuff…
There are certain things I don't mess with, like gray grandpa cardigans or lace-up boots. I don't think I'll ever let go of them. I guess I feel like they are called indispensables for a reason. 🙂
Love your jeans, by the way!
Clone it…and when that's done, make something similar with a twist. 🙂