JUJU - The Perfect 10: Part 1
Most of us own too many clothes. We fantasise about a perfect streamlined wardrobe where everything is found effortlessly, each garment is a beautiful functional investment that we wear repeatedly and there are no guilt-inducing impulse buys that were purchased in haste and regretted later.
While we may feel that if we could start over with a clean slate, we would buy less and buy better, implementing a policy of thoughtful consumption is easier said than done. If you are performing a spring clean on your wardrobe, try to learn lessons from items that are being discarded and use the process to understand your buying behaviour.
While over-consumption of clothes is bad for the environment and your bank balance, we all need a seasonal injection of new ideas to keep us looking current. Often these updates can be achieved via the clever use of accessories or by trying new permutations of separates, colours and proportions. Purchasing a couple of directional new items can give a lift to existing pieces, ensuring they look fresh and relevant.
It isn’t necessary to buy an entirely new wardrobe every season and most of us simply cannot afford to. If you buy thoughtfully and invest in quality, your purchases will endure beyond a single season and help you evolve a signature style that can nod to trends rather than being dominated by them.
At JUJU we are champions of considered consumption and believe that investing in beautiful enduring pieces is far more rewarding than chasing fads. Before you buy, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Does it fit me properly?
2. Does it flatter my shape?
3. Is it the best version of the garment for me?
4. Am I buying it for my real life or my fantasy life?
5. Will it earn its keep in my wardrobe?
6. Is it Dry Clean Only or can I wash it?
7. Is it genuinely versatile – can I visualise multiple different ways I can wear it?
8. Do I genuinely love it and will it bring me joy when I wear it?
Here is the JUJU edit of the essential Stylish Perfect 10 for easy, ageless elegance. Each of these items are currently in stock, has been chosen with care and will simplify getting dressed every day. Streamlining and refining your wardrobe will maximise your image, minimise your stress and allow you to feel confident, happy and fabulous.
1.The Jacket
Schumacher Cool Attitude Jacket, Navy, €515
Every woman should own at least one tailored jacket or blazer – it will be the sartorial spine of your wardrobe, conferring instant sleek authority on everything you pair with it. Consider the silhouette, shoulder-line, length, lapels, button position and pockets before you buy. Ensure that you can move easily in it and that it will accommodate whatever you want to wear underneath. Schumacher is one of JUJU’s most popular and enduring labels and their tailoring is sharp yet shapely, functional yet feminine. For Spring their Cool Attitude jacket in navy is a purchase that will return on investment with an exceptional cost per wear dividend. When paired with Schumacher’s matching Cool Attitude trousers it is a stunning suit but can also be worn with a pair of denims or over a floral spring dress.
2.The Jeans
Citizens of Humanity Cara High Rise Jeans, €282
Jeans are wardrobe heroes : most of us live a large part of our leisure in them and they add a rugged, utilitarian edge to classic pieces. Like a good woman, they also get better with age. An injection of denim adds a sprinkle of easy, effortless cool to dressier elements and stops them looking too predictable or staid. Current popular shapes include kick flares (an abbreviated boot-cut), a slim loose cut or the classic cigarette leg. At JUJU we have always loved denim for its versatility and longevity and believe that investing in a great pair of jeans is essential. Our brands include Goldsign, James Jeans and Citizens of Humanity. Our pick for a great spring/summer jean is COH’s Cara in a dark wash. A lean Cigarette High Rise, that hugs the body and opens at the ankle it offers a modern update on the skinny and allows you to show off tanned ankles and feet.
3.The Dress
Schumacher Flawless Finesse Dress, Navy, €770
A versatile summer Dress has always been an essential seasonal buy. The carefree ease of a great dress is hard to beat and this season, ruffles, asymmetry and longer lengths are all key features. Choose your dress to reflect your style personality – minimal and classic from Joseph, bohemian and floaty from Vince or casual and carefree stripes from Velvet. For a dressier look, our choice is Schumacher’s Flawless Finesse dress – a longer-cut midi dress that features a combination of knitted bodice and flowing skirt in silk crêpe de chine. Exquisitely detailed: the contrasting drawstring detail on the neckline provides a feminine finish and versatility. In classic navy and a midi length, this dress will a perfect standby for any occasion over the summer.
4.The Trench
Hartford Voisin Trench Coat, Beige, €310
With a climate that can be unpredictable at best, a trench coat is a vital part of any Irish woman’s spring wardrobe. When choosing a trench, a classic cut and colour palette is the most flattering. Avoid gimmicks and concentrate on the quality of tailoring and fabrication. Hartford’s Voisin trench combines Gallic glamour with easy relaxed style. It can be popped over a dress, shrugged on over jeans or slipped on over a cashmere knit and will look equally good over any of these. Look to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s for the ultimate in trench coat chic. Turn your collar up and knot your belt smartly and even your damp days can be glamourous.
5.The Shirt, Blouse or Tunic
Vince Double Georgette, White Poet’s Blouse, €320.
A perfectly crisp cotton shirt or a sensuous silky blouse can add oomph to any ensemble. Most people pay attention to what we wear from the waist up so a dressy shirt or blouse is a vital garment to lift classic trousers, jeans and skirts. JUJU carries a wide range of shirts and blouses from Joseph, La Reida and Hartford, as our customers have always appreciated beautiful shirting. Our pick from current stock is this glossy, double georgette, silk poet’s blouse from Vince – grown up and glamourous, it features a statement sleeve and a soft tie neckline which looks casually seductive worn untied. Silk is cool in summer and warm in winter so will work across the seasons. A little decadent and a redolent of Studio 54.