26 Comments
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Ainee Beland's avatar

I don't wear jeans, but most folks prefer to wear jeans. I would love to go on a shopping spree, but I have no dough. Were I to: jeans, loafers, boots, duck boots, trench coat, dresses for everyday wearing, a puff coat, several tops, a good winter jacket; all things light in color; basically, I need a wardrobe overhaul, unsure if this reads right. I am poor and could use a donation of clothing, how's that?

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Elizabeth Krueger's avatar

For your pants, I'd take a look at some Eileen Fisher options. Built for longevity and they will take them back when you're done with them, and make sure they're renewed & recycled.

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

Elizabeth, yes! I hope they never discontinue the one I keep buying.

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

The pants! Those are definitely cute. I went to the Eileen Fisher store and tried on ALL the pants, with the help of a very kind and patient employee. Winner: the washable crepe pants, which feel like sweatpants, look nice, and last forever.

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Rose K James's avatar

Thank you so much for continuing to keep your newsletter open access! I still lean into a 90% uniform approach to dressing, thanks to you, for years now! I love a pull-on trouser pant, personally. I do a lot of linen and silk blends, thanks to the last few climates we've lived in, as well as our current home in the deep South. Highly recommend Banana Republic, when you can find them, and Nanin raw silk, as well! I'm also on the hunt for a couple of flats and loafers to round out my go-to footwear. I'm struggling to find options that are beautiful, timeless, feminine, *and* not so narrow. Our toes are not meant to live squished! Birdies loafers + flats have been my go-to for years, but they've long been OOS on my favorites, unfortunately. I tried sezanne and though beautifully constructed, they were trés uncomfortable, sadly.

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Abbey's avatar

All good recs, thanks! It’s cool to intentionally evolve our signature style. Personally I love pulling out my tweed blazers in the autumn. Can dress them up or down and always feel pulled together. I favor a cashmere/wool blend blazer, vintage. I also love a tie-neck blouse as you’re considering, so classy and retro. I just bought some black loafers to refresh my fall wardrobe since I mostly have boots and sneakers. Versatility is key. I love the autumn!

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Rocky's avatar

I think LL Bean has good cashmere, definitely a step up in quality from Quince without a huge price jump, although I have cashmere from Quince as well.

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Carolyn Miller's avatar

Quince cashmere sweaters are wonderful and fit my budget beautifully. I just invested in their black cashmere tee shirt and it has been worn on repeat multiple times in the 2 weeks I have had it! It is really versatile and can be worn dressed up or more casually

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Shira Gill's avatar

Wow, so many recs for the Quince sweaters - will have to check them out! x

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Abby Davisson's avatar

I have those Freda Salvador woven flats in too many colors 🙈 - they are SO comfortable and I have walked over 10k steps in them on many days!

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Shira Gill's avatar

WOW! A great report. Excited to add the tan flats to my wardrobe :)

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Jojo B's avatar

Oh great to hear!! How is the sizing?

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Abby Davisson's avatar

My feet are on the wider side and I am between a 7.5 and 8 and I went with an 8. The woven leather stretches a tiny bit but not enough to make them too big.

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Shira Gill's avatar

I size a half size bigger in them so the back doesn't rub against my heel!

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Patricia's avatar

Love the trench (I want one in olive)and the sweet woven flats. No to the moccasins! My EF sweaters have lasted for years.

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Shira Gill's avatar

Haha, I LOVE the moccasins but decided the ballet flats will be more timeless :)

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Heather's avatar

Rothy's The Point 2 are the BEST investments I've made. The 2 is indeed more comfortable than the original and I have black, sparkly white, and purple and find that they go with any outfit I ever need to wear. Highly recommend!

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ally's avatar

Shira I think you’d adore Albion Fit’s trouser pants! They are so versatile and cute and never wrinkle. Might be a bit more casual than your Christy Dawn pick but I think you’d adore a pair. They last me so long and are actually the first pants that got me in to capsule wardrobes to begin with. 🥰

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Shira Gill's avatar

Thank you so much! xx

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Liz's avatar

Navy Grey - unfortunately I neglected to wear an apron during various dinner preps and attack any mild stains asap so they are beyond even the dry-cleaner-specializing-in-wool-care near us. I am going to invest in another jumper and really look after it. Their jumpers are just gorgeous, stylish and made to last.

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Shira Gill's avatar

Thanks for the rec! xx

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Nicole's avatar

Buy an Eileen Fisher sweater, or J Crew. Both are timeless, well-made.

I like EF pants too as they don't wrinkle and wash well, good for travel.

Recommend the ballet flats over the moccasins- they will be more versatile.

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Mary's avatar

The tie blouse is too much my mom from the 80's! I think I have her tie blouse in my Halloween box for a pirate costume! I kind of like your old style a little bit more... but I do love how you have got the uniform even more slimmed down. I am also getting down to very few clothes but only because I can't find anything I like! Shopping with my daughter I'm gasping... not this again! Been there done that. I'm getting old!

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Kyli Wagner's avatar

My favorite item in my wardrobe that gets worn probably more than anything else in every season (a big job since I live in the Midwest!) is my brown plaid linen skirt from Son de Flor! It’s the perfect weight and, more importantly, has an incredible twirl factor. I loved this opportunity to think about building my own capsule wardrobe, thank you!

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Rosanne Dunlap's avatar

I invested in an Eileen Fisher basic black jersey dress that can be dressed up or down. It can be worn with a blazer or a denim jacket; pearls or a boho chic scarf; heels or tennis shoes. It’s the best!

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