Photo via Vogue

I have far too many clothes in my closet and shop way too much for things I don't need. (what can I say, it's my hobby...I don't go out drinking on the weekends, I go out shopping.) I do have a clothing budget I stick to every month but I think it's time to go a step further. I'm going to join Jessica for the French Wardrobe Challenge this March through August.  I have been too scared to try this with her in the past, but I think I'm ready! I'm also going to use this as an opportunity to start getting rid of pieces in my closet, which is something I always struggle with.

Here's the basic idea: For Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer you can only buy 5 items that aren't basics, these will be your standout pieces for the season. I'm not sure what my five pieces will be yet, but I guess I'll know when I see them! If I had started this last year, one of my pieces would definitely been Carven's Paris Print dress, I've been hunting for it for months because I missed out in it the first time around. So if I come across it on eBay, definitely snatching it up!

THE RULES

1. Quality over quantity.
2. Basics don’t count.
3. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
4. Socks and underwear don’t count.
5. Shoes do count.

THE BASICS

• T-shirts in black, grey and white
• Tank tops in black, grey and white
• Blouse in white or cream
• Black dress
• Black blazer
• Black cardigan or sweater
• Black pants
• Jeans
• Black skirt
• Leather jacket
• Trench coat
• Winter coat 
• Black suit
• Black pumps
• Ankle boots
• Ballet flats
• Sneakers
• Watch in gold or silver
• Black leather bag

Use these as general guidelines to build your foundation wardrobe. There are definitely some of these that I don't need and also some that I have too many of.