Finally, one I really like. This is an outfit I wear often: the black turtleneck with the worn in jeans and high-heel boots just makes more sense to me for the black turtleneck than the other combos I’ve worn this week.
Again, I apologize, the weather forced me once again to use an old photo.

So in conclusion, I have found that I didn’t wear the scarves I intended to wear this week and should have mixed up my outfits with some long sleeve tees or other tops instead of just sweaters, because I found that look a little boring …. I think I could survive on this minimalist wardrobe, but would need to switch my black cords for some Perfect Fitting Black Pants and switch out one of the sweaters for a cardigan and had some pretty tops underneath …

Thanks again A for this dual post! You’re the best!

Sorry, I had to use an old picture for this post. It is so dark and rainy and dreary, I could not get a picture to come out!

Again, not really crazy about this outfit. I need thicker tights, for starters and don’t like the proportions. I am learning a lot in this dual post — what I don’t like and maybe I can’t be as much as a clothing minimalist as I would like — I need some other choices!

Today the day was gray and dreary and my outfit kept me warm but didn’t do much to lift my spirits. I know that a black turtleneck doesn’t do much for me (too much black close to my face) but I like the look from afar and it is warm and cozy. Paired with these cords, though, it’s just too much.

Menu:
Breakfast: Homemade bread toasted with butter; cafe au lait
Lunch: leftovers: creamy tomato pasta; brussel sprouts; romaine tossed salad; biscotti
Dinner: Timbales made with leftover chicken, cheese; wine

Day 1 of “A Tale of Two Closets”

 This is not a new subject on this blog, but I think it is important to have a small, perfect wardrobe and to use your creativity to make it seem larger. A from My French Corner does this so well and when she suggested this dual post (our second!) I jumped on the idea.

We both have similar styles and own many similar clothing items, as some of you know from reading the Sweater Project on my blog a while back. We also pretty much stick to the same color palette: grays, blacks and navy.

I am slowly adding beige into this mix and during the warmer months wear my signature color: turquoise.

Anyway, I’ve mentioned this before, but my love of a minimalist wardrobe was sparked by my European friends. I saw how chic they looked with only a few clothes in their wardrobe.

I have found that the secret to style — for me at least — is less is more.

I also love the challenge of creating a chic wardrobe without spending a lot of money. I may splurge on some items, such as boots, a huge cashmere scarf, perfume, lingerie, high-heel sandals, whatever, but more often I try to find what I need secondhand.

This week, A and I have each chosen a number of items from our closets that we will mix up and try to make work each day of the week without drawing on other items. I hope you enjoy it.

light gray, black, charcoal sweaters

black, gray, navy scarves

ankle boots

black cords - levis - black skirt

Information about the clothes:
Sweaters:
I found the light gray cashmere sweater in the men’s extra large section at my local consignment shop. I had credit there for items I had sold so it was free.
The black turtleneck sweater is from Gap but I found it at the neighborhood thrift store with the tags still on. I think I paid about $10 for it, but can’t remember right now.
The charcoal sweater was my husband’s friends. He was visiting one day and I commented that I wanted to find a sweater just like his for myself, so he took it off on the spot and gave it to me.

Bottoms:
I bought the black cords (Union Bay) at Macy’s on sale for $14 or $19, I think.
I found the Banana Republic skirt at the thrift store for about $5
The jeans were also from the thrift store, think I paid a few bucks for those as well

Scarves:
The black one is my husbands. I think my brother gave it to him as a hand-me-down
Actually, come to think about it, that’s how we got the gray one, as well!
The navy one is a special gift I bought for myself in the fall from Banana Republic. I spent way too much money, but I did get it on sale and I adore it. It makes me happy everytime I see it.

Boots:
The mod looking boots I found at the consignment store. They are Liz Claiborne. Again, I either paid next to nothing because I had credit, or I paid nothing at all, can’t remember.
The high-heeled Etienne Aigner boots I bought at Macy’s in the fall of 2008, I believe. I probably paid less than $100, but don’t remember.