It was interesting to note that at the end of Step 7 where I left you last that if all the garments were made I could have at least 2 weeks of outfits without repeating a combination!

Step 8 is adding 2 tops and a necklace and this is where we can bring in a patterned fabric. Again these items are already in my wardrobe, my yellow peplum top, the Blue and Gold swirls t-shirt and the navy necklace

Step 9 adds three pieces, a skirt, top and shoes, and these three pieces already live in my wardrobe.  My suede skirt, the navy/gold/brown silk blouse and another pair of Circa Joan & David sling-backs in brown.

Step 10 is the addition of a casual jacket, t-shirt or blouse and casual shoes. This time I have added my Minoru jacket, blue/brown/green boatneck top and I will have to go shopping for some casual brown shoes.

Step 11 is where we add a complete outfit for balance and accent, so I have chosen to add my Brown denim skirt and brown waterfall cardigan that are already in my wardrobe.  The coral blouse is one to make and I have just ordered the perfect fabric.

There are a lot of garments and accessories in the group above and there are still a few steps left to add.  I have been surprised at how much of this is in my wardrobe already.

Following Alexandra‘s idea I have also decided to keep a separate list of garments that I need to sew, knit or purchase and this is what it looks like so far.

Has anyone else got this far along with their planning, please share in the comments.

I have been a follower of Janice’s over at the Vivienne Files for years and a couple of months ago she started a series about how to build a wardrobe Starting from Scratch.

When I saw Alexandra’s plan I thought it would be interesting to see how it would work in my wardrobe.

Now I do have quite a co-ordinated wardrobe as it is, but there are some major holes and I thought I would use this to see what garments I need for the coming spring/summer.

First up I had to choose my colour scheme, the two neutrals were pretty much a given, milk chocolate brown and navy.  Next was the two accents, well yellow is a colour I love and for the second one I have chosen salmon.   Then Janice suggests a variation of white so that is my cream that will function well as a blouse or t-shirt.

Most wardrobe planners tell you start with a suit, however Janice has started with a pair of dressy pants which takes you on a completely different journey.

Pants are the one garment that I am still working on, and later this month I will be attending Louise Sparrow’s “Louise Pants that Fit – Create your own Pattern” at the Australian Sewing Guild Convention.

Step 2 is comfortable pair of shoes, it has to be my Circa Joan & David Calalilly Pumps, I just love these shoes!

Step 3 is adding a cardigan/jacket or t-shirt or blouse, in the same neutral.

Thankfully I have some lovely dark brown wool knit to make up a twin set for this Step.

Step 4 is adding jeans and a blouse!

I have both these pieces in my wardrobe already, the cream boat neck t-shirt and brown denim jeans.

Step 5 is all about accessories, this is an area that I know I need to work on, although I have managed to accomplish Round 1 Accessories with my leather bag that is used every day, silk scarf purchased in China, my everyday watch and earrings.

Step 6 you add another scraf and two accent tops, here come the yellow and salmon tops.  I’m not sure why but I have realised that I haven’t worn many scraves this winter, but I would love to find one that incorporates my colours.

I couldn’t remove the necklaces from my pictures, so please ignore this round.

Step 7 is where we bring in the 2nd neutral with a jacket/cardigan or skirt/pants and some more shoes.  This time I have chosen my Navy Marfy Skirt and do plan on making the Marfy jacket to go with it.  The shoes are a pair of Circa Joan & David slingbacks in navy that are also in my wardrobe.

This is good time to assess if I am heading in the right direction with my garment and colour choices.

I’m not in love with the style of the brown top, but I know that I can make it my way so I just need to ignore the silhouette at the moment.  I didn’t do the grouping with the brown jeans but you can see how easily they would fit in.

Have you been following Janice’s posts and looking at your own wardrobe, I would love to know if you are and how you are going.

This about a third of the way through so I will be back soon with some more steps.