OK, if you were going to be stranded on a desert island AND you got advance notice of this forthcoming stranding, you’d probably want to take your flip flops and sarong. What I’d really like to know is this:
If you could only rescue five items from your current wardrobe and the rest were going to spontaneously combust, what would you save? Why?
I’ll get the ball rolling:
- My Tsubo Elath ballet flats because they’re no longer made and they’re my eight-hour travel shoes.
- My navy Prairie Underground Long Cloak Hoodie because it gets worn approximately once per week when temps dip below 50 degrees.
- My mustard full skirt because I do believe it is the single garment that I wear most often. And year-round, too.
- My black Diesel Go-go boots because are darned near close to my perfect boot.
- My Karen Kane birch-print dress because it is magical. I’ve been looking for one just like it for years and nothing has come close. I will cry bitter tears when it becomes threadbare and unwearable.
Let’s hear your picks!
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
1. My emerald green silk full skirt from Talbots, because it’s silk, it’s green, and it’s got pockets, and it feels and looks amazing
2. My pewter peep-toe shoes because they are amazingly comfortable for such a fancy shoes and because I wore them to get married, so I’m slightly sentimental
3. My black jersey dress because it’s comfy like PJs but looks really nice for all occasions
4. My long beige cashmere sweater because I wear it all the time when it gets a bit cold
5. My orange wool felted embroidered scarf from India (via my mom) because it’s huge and lush and soft and pretty and warm and a muted enough orange to go with almost everything.
Just 5?! Darnit.
Sally,
My picks are:
1. A pair of lightweight red brogues that I bought this summer and that I thought were an indulgence and then have worn a great deal in a poor summer. I think they are suitable for everything except the hottest summer and coldest winter days.
2. A Boden silk and cashmere cardigan, about 8 years old, in very broad stripes – more like bands – of pink and purple.
3. A grey jacket with widely spaced very thin blue stripes which is my way of instantly looking smart. About 10 years old.
4. A necklace of brown and red wooden beads that I bought in a street market in Paris when I was 14 and strung on a shoelace. I still wear them.
5. Some green bangles that I thrifted for about 50 pence, and people keep insisting are jade.
Oddly I realise that my desert island picks are probably different every day. If it were winter I might concentrate more on things like woolly hats. Interesting that there are no dresses, skirts or trousers – a reflection I guess that I don’t feel ‘perfect’ in any of my clothes.
A green Parka because here’s is cold almost the whole year
My derby shoes , They are so comfortable
A pair of flare jeans , they fit so well
A blue lace and cotton top, I just love it
A denim skirt, it fits me really well. ( not sure about the skirt or a light brown dress I stiched myself …) Five items are not enough I would like 7
It’s funny those items above are the things I wear the most in spite of the tones of clothes I have …
shame on me
I’d go for :
1. My favorite 20′s dress
2. My Perou’s pants that I use for sport (Red and awesome)
3. My black sweater, so I won’t get cold.
4. A pair of jeans I like
5. My blouse with little cafe grains designed on it.
=D
Oddly enough, if my clothing were to combust the only things I would save are dresses.
Casual navy knit dress from Target
Black and white patterned wrap dress (all purpose)
Blue/teal/green/browns/white floral A-line, spaghetti strap (sexy)
LBD (summer dress up)
Dusty blue 3/4 sleeve, cowl neck (cold weather dress up)
This is odd because I actually rarely wear them! But the rest of my wardrobe feels very replaceable and ho-hum. I think I need to look into more everyday dresses.
I love dresses, but if I had to pare down to five items I think I’d go with
Blue and white striped tank top
French blue boat neck cashmere sweater
Dark wash bootcut Levis
Black SAS walking shoes, and
A terrific pair of flare-cut black jersey slacks that are so magical I’m getting a pattern made from them…which might be an option for your Karen Kane dress as well.
In all honesty, if I had a single minute to find the things I want to keep right now before the rest of the closet exploded in flames, I would grab one of my several boxes of tights, a cashmere sweater, and a pair of knee high doc martens and then run like crazy, and then collapse and sob over all that I had lost. All the hours of thrifting, for nothing! All my socks! My boxes of costumes! I am hoarding so much clothing with special importance to me that it makes me very nervous and sad to contemplate losing it all. I’d better check the batteries in my fire alarm.
I would say:
1. My black Frye Melissa button boots
2. Black and white polka dot skater mini-dress.
3. My Levi’s jean jacket
4. Teal pashmina scarf
5. The black and white bracelet I got in Kenya years ago and wear daily
Those are definitely 5 of my favorite wardrobe items!
I went for all those security blanket type pieces. Turns out they are the pieces that stay in my closet not matter the season and get worn year round.
1. Gap boyfriend jeans- now worn to pajama softness
2. Toms leather ballet slippers
3. Cream V-neck cashmere sweater – it’s like wearing a hug
4. Navy Athleta A-line skirt – it’s jersey it dries fast and doesn’t wrinkle
5. JCrew white& navy striped boat neck tee shirt – 20 years from now when they finally rescue me it will still look chic!
I have so many pieces that I love, but I’m thinking in terms of how easily replaceable they are for this exercise:
1. Blondo knee high black boots with stretch shafts: because I have crazy big runner’s calves and these not only fit my calves but I can tuck jeans or ponte pants into them.
2. Ann Taylor blue leopard print pencil skirt – fun pattern, it fits like it’s been custom made for me and I wear it year round.
3. Nanette Lepore pink and blue striped blazer – this was a bit of a splurge for me, even though I bought it on sale. It fits my body perfectly and the colors and stripe pattern fit my style personality perfectly.
4. Miss Sixty peep toe yellow pumps with silver heels and rectangle studs. Also a bit of a splurge, but I’ve never seen anything like them and get tons of compliments every time I wear them.
5. My indestructible black running shorts – I must have had these for 15 years and got them from a clearance rack – they never fade, stretch out, look worn, they are the perfect length and material, don’t have that annoying innner panty that all running shorts seem to have these days and I can never ever find anything even close to them. Fortunately I have two pair. There can’t possibly be another item I will ever own that I will use so much or be so difficult to replace.
1. My frye ‘campus’ boots; they are several years old, well broken in, and always make me happy when I wear them.
2. My ‘Ask Yeah’ Fluevog clogs. They are a dark teal green, funky and super-comfortable.
3. A favorite cashmere sweater; I suppose the black scoop neck from JJill. It has a slight swing cut so it is loose around the tum without being sloppy.
4. A favorite pair of jeans; currently, boot cut Levis from the thrift store, because they fit well, look good and are comfy.
5. Something with stripes; a dark pink and grey long sleeve stretch Boden scoop neck tee would cheer me up.
Interesting that shoes made the top of the list, and that my go-to choices are all fall clothes. If I were making a summer list, it would be: blue and white floral empire waist v-neck Boden maxi dress, green Merrill flat slides, jeans, a long print cotton skirt, and a deep blue linen-cotton v-neck Boden tunic.
Ooh, um. It’s hard to decide whether to choose based on irreplaceability or on frequency of wear! Most of the stuff I wear a lot could be found again with a modicum of work, so let’s go with the former:
1) Beaded shawl thing belonging to a friend of my great-uncle’s from the 1920s (and which I haven’t actually worn yet, urgh)
2) Born flats I thrifted for $8, and which are my go-to comfy flats: http://readinginskirts.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/outfit-post-62112-2/
3) Duo Ashburn boots, because they’re lovely and made to fit my calves (http://readinginskirts.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/outfit-post-22812/)
4) Wisteria-print Anthro dress that I got off eBay, because it’s adorable and I feel adorable wearing it (http://readinginskirts.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/outfit-post-51612-15-of-30/)
5) Hummingbird dress from eShakti, because it was a gift (http://readinginskirts.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/outfit-post-41312/)
Wow, I spent an embarrassingly long time on this. Go me!
1) Black maxi dress from Old Navy. It works on its own but it also layers beautifully and it makes me feel like I’m about 10 feet tall and a total goddess.
2) Black H&M long open front cardigan. It has pockets, I can wear it with anything (and I have!) and it’s the perfect weight.
3) Gray shirred waist dress from Target. It is my favorite dress in the entire world (and I bought it for $7 on clearance!) I always feel like my best in it.
4) My crocs ballet flats. Yes, they’re crocs and I’m sure they look it but they are so comfortable and make my feet (and legs and hips and back) so happy.
5) My dark purple cotton scarf from the gap. I have about 50 scarves but this is the only one I consistently wear. There’s something about the fabric that makes it hold its shape really well so I can smoosh it and wrap it in weird ways and it always looks perfect and holds its shape.
I’ve actually thought about this quite a bit in my everyday life.
1) A hat from Urban Outfitters that I wear almost everyday except for in the summer. It’s like a newsboy cap but without a bill. It’s tan and matches everything, looks really good on me, and I’ve never seen one like it before. I love hats, but find them hard to wear because they bring so much attention. This hat, however, is very discreet.
2) 1969 Gap Cordouroys in Cayenne. I’ve worn these at least once a week since I got them 3 years ago. They are getting threadbare and I’m desperately seaching for something to replace them, but have not been successful.
3) Brown coyboy boots that I got at a consignment store in Arizona for $20. Perfect fit, great timeless look, and they will last for ages!
4) Tweed jacket. It’s light brown with a subtle plaid pattern in bright colors and has a beautiful paisley lining. While this jacket is very trendy (exposed, frayed seams, brown velvet accent stripes on the arms and back, toggle botton closure) I’ve been wearing it for years and it never goes out of style. I see that I’ve just listed a lot of descriptors for this jacket and it must seem crazy, but it’s really quite chic.
5) Black 1950′s silk party dress. This dress is new to my wardrobe and I’ve only worn it once, but it fits like a glove and makes me feel amazing. I can see it becoming irreplaceable.
1) My Frye Harness boots that I got at TJMaxx for $99!
2) My Old navy Diva straight leg jeans in dark rinse because they fit so well.
3) The ugliest shawl collar sweater from the 70′s that is so warm..and ugly.
4) The sterling silver earrings I wear at least 3 times a week that I bought on QVC 15 years ago.
5) The Donald J Pliner red ankle boots I bought at an estate sale for $2.00–never worn, my size, super comfy and awesome too.
I’d grab
1. my brown, lace up Alberto Fermani boots, because they are my perfect boot.
2. My green leather jacket. I searched for several years for one in the right shade of olive green. I’ve worn it long enough now that it has developed a wonderful patina which would take years to replace.
3. My Morgane le Fay dress. This was probobly the thrift find of a lifetime, and I could never feel comfortable paying the retail price.
4. My Eileen Fisher black silk dress. I got this dress at the end of middle school, and it’s a blank canvas of a dress which always seems to fit and flatter.
5.I don’t know if jewelry counts, but if so I’d grab my Michael Michaud necklace. I think the one I own, with green glass olives, is no longer made.
1. My purple/blue/green plaid collared button up from Target. I am a lover of button ups/”camp style” shirts. This one has sleeves that roll up to just above my elbow. It is my favorite shirt. I love the colors, I love the fit, I love that it looks like something my dad would wear.
2. My lemon-yellow skirt from Banana Republic. It’s so joyful.
3. My magenta-colored skirt from Banana Republic (Go, Banana Republic! You made the list twice!)
4. My leopard-print round-toe heels.
5. My Adidas running shorts with the zipper pocket on the back. They’re hard to find in stores . I can’t risk giving them up and then not being able to find another pair again.
1. My Pour La Victoire triple lace-up tall brown boots. I got an awesome deal on them and they always make me feel amazing.
2. My “Mopar Performance” t-shirt from high school. Even if it’s 14 years old and a little snug, I still think it has magic powers.
3. My hot pink denim capris I made from fabric I bought in NYC. They fit perfectly and remind me of my trip.
4. My hot pink, thinsulate lined, wool toggle coat. Because it took forever to sew and it would be hard to replace.
5. My black hoodie with the floral knit hood lining and trim. Because my homemade hoodies are security objects, and I wouldn’t want to live without at least one.
1. My trippen boots
2. Grey theory leather jacket
3. All Saints Deadwood Altair dress
4. Dark wash levis in a boot cut with button fly
5. My super worn in fossil tee with scrollwork graphic
It would be my perfect capsule wardrobe and its many of my favorite pieces.
1 50´s opera coat – it´s sooo glamorous. One of a kind.
2 Handmade Swedish lace up boots, comfort & quality.
3 Silk kimono. It can be worn anytime, anywhere, with anything.
4 Dark blue/black Swedish swagger coat with deep pockets. Comfort & elegance.
5 A wonderful silk scarf that looks a lot like Sal´s Double Duty scarf from a few posts ago.
The Real Heart of the Ocean (my awesome labradorite pendant)
Heavy brown leather belt with brass rings
Perfect pair of cheap black cropped pants from Old Navy
Red cardigan with white stripes from (heh) Soft Surroundings
Brown and cream chevron patterned Tracy Reese dress
Hrm…
1. My nude Grecian sandals!
2. My dark wash bootcut jeans
3. My suede coral wedge pumps
4. My comfy gray cardigan
5. My charcoal grey v-neck tee
This was hard! There was tons of stuff I wanted to add. Underwear and jewelry doesn’t have to combust, right?
1. my jewlery bag- has all my important jewlery in it ( diamond pieces from the husband, family pieces that have been passed down, etc.)
2. My LV bag- my husband bought for me right before we had our 1st child
3. the black pencil skirt- my grandmother made for me
4 the fitted shift dress- my grandmother made as well for me
5. the flannel coat – it belong to my grandfather
I love every wonderful piece in my closet and would miss each piece however they were all bought at a store and therefore could be replaced.
This isn’t about my Desert Island picks – but I wanted to let you know how much I am loving this site. So far I have read the accessories section and am now reading the style section. I have learned so much. Thank you for your work.
I’m so glad to hear that, LeNora! Thanks for letting me know.
1. my Longchamp bag (even though it’s seven years old and has holes at the corners)
2. my leather jacket
3. a pair of skinny blue jeans
4. my chic and comfy black patent leather wedges from Zara
5. my Calvin Klein LBD (was a great bargain)
I would decide based on irreplaceability. It’s boring, but that’s how I would choose.
1) Knee high black leather boots that fit my skinny calves (from Macy’s 6 years ago)
2) Chaco black leather sandals in a style that isn’t made anymore
3)-5) Bras that fit and aren’t made anymore
1. Mustard yellow Seychelles peep toe pumps. I will cry when these become irreparably worn.
2. My silk Anthro skirt, because it’s silk and has pockets and has EVERY COLOR in the pattern and so goes with everything.
3. My vintage cotton voile LBD – boat neck, 3/4 sleeves, nipped waist, full skirt.
4. My cream boiled wool sweater coat, because it is a daily wearer 3/4 of the year and it has sentimental value (so much that I’ve actually eBayed an exact replacement once already).
5. My black 3/4 sleeve peplum jacket, because it is my platonic ideal of a jacket, long before peplums were in fashion.
I have other garments that I love, but these ones are irreplaceable! (I doubt I’ll find another replacement wool jacket ever again!)
Would have to be:
My Marc Jacobs clutch
Tan wedge lace up boots
My fave denim skinny Jeans
Sheer cream shirt
Chunky red wool cardigan, my go to for chilly weather!
Great post Sally!
There is very little in my wardrobe, extensive as it is, that I couldn’t find some sort of replacement for if necessary. I’d grab:
1-3: Express Correspondent Pants. They discontinued the Correspondent style years ago in favor of the ubiquitous Editor Pant, but the Editor doesn’t fit me well. The Correspondent Pant, however, fits like it was custom made for my body. I have them in 3 colors and would take all 3 before I reach for anything else. Pants that fit well are so hard to find.
4: BX by Bronx Maron Riding Boots in black. These are still available at DSW, but with my luck they’d be sold out in my size if I left them behind. They make me feel bad-ass.
5: Toss up between an above-the-knee black & white geometric print dress from White House/Black Market, or a blue and white maxi dress from eShakti. Both are beautiful and perfect for me, and both are no longer available.
Oh my goodness this is just stressful to think about. I have no money to rebuy things that are spontaneously combusting! aaahhhhh
- Black silk dress, this is absolutely a must
- Black cashmere cardigan
- Favorite black canvas tulip skirt with pockets and hip pleats (I’ve redyed it and repaired it for so many years because I could never find a replacement!)
- Doc Martens triumph 1914 boots
- Black silk shell with tiny pink dot pattern and ruffle detail on the front
At least this gives me two good (if extremely monochrome) outfits to wear, but I’m stressing over the lack of outerwear in this plan. Not to mention that I wouldn’t even own a pair of pants! And that I really should be saving my gray cardigan instead of the black one, in order to add some tonal contrast to all that black. aaaaahhhhhh
Literally, for a desert island? My favourite stretch leggings, a long black tunic top in organic cotton, my wool cloak, a pair of indestructible sneakers that I’ve had for ten years, and thick, fuzzy socks!
But for fun, I’d take the following: two of my favourite medieval inspired gowns, one in linen and the other in silk velvet. My new tn_29 3″ heel knee high boots. My red leather cheapo Moroccan flats. And finally, my lil puppy’s raincoat, just in case the weather gets nasty!!