06.23.2016 Summer Wardrobe Capsule is HERE!

Summer time has arrived!!! I'm so excited to share this capsule with you! I absolutely adore summer. Now that I'm getting more comfortable with creating these capsules, summer was a lot of fun!

This is probably my favorite capsule to date! Although, I'm already worried a bit about the number of shorts I added, since I work 5 days a week. But, we shall see how it all pans out.

Classic White Button Down/Old Navy, White V-Neck Tee/Unk., White Loose Tank/Old Navy, Chambray Button Down/Old Navy, Blush Tank/Old Navy, Kimono Shawl/Target, Plaid Button Down Linen Shirt/SheIn, CutOut Boho Top/Target,

Black Loose Tank/Old Navy, Graphic Tee/Old Navy (similar), Olive Loose Tank/Old Navy, Black Loose Trapeze Tank/Target,

Gray Loose Sweater/Old Navy, Jean Jacket/Old Navy, Aztec Shawl/Amazon

Black Ponte Pants/Dress Barn, Skinny Jeans/Old Navy, Navy Yoga Pants/NY&Co, Teal Maxi Skirt/Amazon, Pattern Maxi Dress/Target, Black Maxi Dress, Target, Patterned Linen Shorts/Old Navy, Blush Linen Shorts/Old Navy, Gray Active Shorts/Amazon, Striped Shift Dress/SheIn, Black Linen Shorts/Old Navy, Jean Shorts/Dress Barn, Black Midi Shirt/London

Black Sandals/Old Navy, Metallic Sandals/Target, Brown Strappy Sandals/Target (similar), Black Crochet Slip Ons/Toms (similar), D'Orsay Flats/Target, Converse/Airwalk (similar), Cutout Cognac Booties/Amazon, Black Booties/Amazon

New Purchases: 

• Blush Tank: $4
• Olive Tank: $4
• Patterned Linen Shorts: $7
• Black Linen Shorts: $8
• Blush Linen Shorts: $7
• Patterned Maxi Dress: $29
• Black Maxi Dress: $29
• D'Orsay Flats: $25
• Metallic Sandals: $12
• Reversable Tote Bag: $36

Total For Summer Capsule: $161 (it really pays to wait and shop when there is a major clearance sale going on!) 


What is your Summer Must-Have? What are your favorite Summer accessories? I love a good chunky necklace or statement bracelet. Sunglasses are a MUST for sure! A good tote bag for lugging around your pool gear and water bottle is a wonderful addition as well. 

Cheers! 

06.21.2016 Summer Travel Packing

Hello lovelies! I'm in the process of packing for my 10 day trip to Miami next week. I'm very set on only taking a carry-on and packing versatile pieces that I can dress up or down with accessories. The trip will be a lot of relaxing, and unfortunately I won't have any beach time. Thought I'd share a snapshot of the items I chose. 

I've chosen to only pack a couple of button down shirts, and some tank tops for my tops. The bottoms include a black maxi dress, a maxi skirt, one pair of black linen shorts, and some black palazzo pants. All of the pieces are coming directly from my summer wardrobe. 

If I was planning some beach/swim time, I would have included two swimsuits. I also would include a pair of strappy black heels for nightlife attire. 

Keep an eye out, as I'll be posting summer shortly! 

06.03.2016 Summer Sneak Peek!

I'm in the process of building my awesome summer capsule.....so I thought I'd share a little sneak peek of what I'm putting together.


Who else is ready for sunshine, the smell of banana boat sunscreen, hanging by the pool and late nights outside? :)

I'm really enjoying putting this one together. Lot's of prints, neutrals, and little pops of color. I have to allocate for work attire (which is 75% of my time) and travel. I think this will workout quite well!

Other things I've learned......I don't need as many shoes as I've been planning. I tend to wear the same few pair over and over. Oh, and chance are that if I don't wear an item during one season, I probably won't wear it in the next season. So, I should pack that away. Haha.

Enjoy!

06.01.2016 Whoa! Spring flew by!

Hi guys!!! I've been so incredibly busy this spring! Still super busy with work but loving the simplicity of wardrobe capsules! I'm still a long term convert. 

Here's one of my great casual outfits. Black tank, Aztec wrap and jeans. Can't go wrong! 

White tank under my light blue side slit sweater and some black ponte pants. Great for a hiking day with the family.

Hm, what else! Oh....my kiddos took off for summer vacation with their grandparents. So, I decided capsule wardrobes for them as well. I can honestly say that they are loving the ease of picking just about anything out of their suitcase and it looking great together. 

Time for me to start planning my summer capsule! What is your summer must have?

04.04.2016 Lovely New Looks!

Oh, how I'm loving Spring already! It's refreshing to have new options in the closet. The best thing is that almost everything can be mixed up to go together. I never thought I'd have so many options with only 37 pieces in my wardrobe! Loving every single piece! 

I have to say, my favorite new buy is this Jean Jacket that I picked up on sale at Old Navy. It's very versatile. For years, I thought having a jean jacket meant that I had a deep seeded wish to be back in the late 80's/early 90's. But, you can see here that it's back with a vengeance and Oh So Chic. 

What are your new favorite looks for spring? 

Oh, and side note.....it's been in the 70's so I can wear sandals! (Well, not to work...but everywhere else.)

Striped Dress/SheIn, Mustard Pashmina/Amazon, Jean Jacket/Old Navy, Black Ponte Pants/Dress Barn

Black Wedge Booties/Amazon

03.23.2016 What's for Spring?

Time to unveil the mighty Spring Capsule! I'm so excited to change it up and share some insight that I've learned from completing my very first wardrobe capsule.

Gray V-Neck Sweater/Old Navy, White Button Down/Old Navy, White Tee/Unk., Graphic Tee/Old Navy, White Tank/Old Navy

Side Vent Sweater/Old Navy, Blush Tank/Old Navy, Chambray Button Down/Old Navy, Blue Boho Top/Target, Striped Shirt/SheIn

Blush Flutter Top/Old Navy, Kimono Cardigan/Amazon, Black Tunic/Chicos, Black Tank/Old Navy, Blue Plaid Button Down/SheIn

Aztec Cardigan/Amazon, Jean Jacket/Old Navy, Gray Cardigan/Unk.

Gray Loose Fit Shorts/Old Navy, Jean Shorts/Unk.

Gray Jeans/Old Navy, Black Ponte Pants/Dress Barn, Dark Denim/Old Navy, Light Denim/Old Navy, Gray Joggers/NY&Co

Black Skirt/Target, Striped Dress/SheIn, White Boho Dress/Top/SheIn

Black Sandals/Old Navy, Brown Slip On Sandals/Old Navy, Strappy Sandals/Old Navy

Black Booties/Amazon, Cognac Booties/Amazon, Black Moto Boots/Unk.

Converse/Target, Gray Slip Ons/Target, D'Orsay Flats (Not Shown)/Old Navy

37 Pieces Total. 

New Purchases: 

• White Button Down: $22
• Blue Plaid Button Down $14
• Flutter Top $12
• White Boho Dress/Top $16
• Striped Dress $20
• Striped Top $10
• Jean Jacket $36
• Black Sandals $21
• Brown Sandals $12
• Gray Shorts $8
• Gray Jeans  - haven't purchased yet! (Still looking for the right fit)

Total For Spring Capsule: $171 (with $30 allowance for new jeans)

I'll be switching things out over the weekend in preparation for April 1st! I can't wait for warm weather and sunshine! 

Things I've learned from my Winter Capsule: 

There are a number of pieces that I only wore once and wasn't totally happy with. That's okay! It's all about learning your style. 

I also set aside so many pairs of shoes, and there were a few I didn't even wear. I do still have my black strappy heels set aside from my winter capsule in case of dress up occasions (which are few and far between.) 

It's all a learning process! I'm loving the fact that I can be creative and save time by only having a minimal wardrobe. I've also had more compliments on my fashion since switching to this, than I have in years! Pretty neat, aye?!

If you're working on a capsule wardrobe, I'd love to hear from you. What does your style say about you? What are your go to colors? What's in your spring capsule? 

03.16.2016 Travel Capsule

It's Travel Day! Normally, I'm scrambling last minute to pack.....overfilling my suitcases until it's bursting at the seams. Not this time! I wanted to share my travel capsule. It's my winter wardrobe capsule (obviously) for a 5 day East Coast trip. I needed a mix of nice and comfortable clothing.

Here are MY selections.

Here is the Travel Capsule I put together for my girls. 

(Note: I have twin girls.....so packing can be craziness!)

I also packed the same way for my son, following the capsule I created for my girls....but gearing it towards a boy. Khaki Pants, T-shirt, Plaid button up, etc. 

I don't think I'd ever want to pack differently again! 

P.S. On a side note, I'm happy to have extra space in my suitcase because I will be picking up a few pieces that will be in my spring capsule from a great designer friend! YAY!  

03.14.2016 Spring Fling

Happy Pi Day! Since we got to spring forward this weekend, I thought I'd give you a little spring preview as well. Yay spring sunshine, blooming flowers and a new capsule coming soon!

I've been shopping and finalizing my wardrobe for spring, and am so excited to lighten up and add some new fresh things to my wardrobe. Dealing with this crazy El Nino/Global Warming/Cooling/Who knows what's going on Weather lately has left me slightly strained. I have a number of options, but wearing super warm layers hasn't really been one of them.

Anywho....lots going on over the next couple of weeks. I have a 5 day trip back East coming up (stay tuned for my travel capsule post), I'm finalizing the Spring wardrobe details, and I'll be in a photoshoot Saturday. Blessed x Infinity!

Black Ponte Pants/Dress Barn, D'Orsay Flats/Old Navy, White Tank/Old Navy

Spring Sneak Peek: Blue Plaid Linen Button Down

03.01.2016 Casual Chic

Who doesn't love a simple, chic outfit? Today the weather is absolutely beautiful! Unfortunately, that does limit my winter wardrobe (unless I want to sweat like a gorilla in a sauna). Luckily, my office is business casual, so I broke out the dark denim skinnies, paired it with a lightweight white button down and boom! Insta-chic!

Here's another look at my current go-to bag. I have this great cognac oversized purse for most days. If I'm out running around and need something a bit smaller, I also have an over the shoulder black leather purse. Remember.....keep it simple, and everything goes together beautifully! 

White Button Down/Old Navy, Dark Denim Skinny Jeans/Old Navy

Cognac Hobo Purse/Amazon, Gold Bangle/Amazon

02.26.2016 Simplicity

Sometimes it's a good thing to go back to basics. It's Friday.....

Today I woke up feeling quite tired. I decided to cut my routine down even further. I went for natural locks (my hair is naturally wavy), my simple 5 minute makeup routine, and these lovely basics. I don't think anyone can go wrong with a great Chambray shirt, some black pants, and some cute flats.

I don't typically wear a lot of jewelry, so sweet little pieces really pop to me.

What's your favorite go-to simple outfit? 

Chambray Shirt/Old Navy, Black Ponte Pants/Dress Barn, D'Orsay Flats/Old Navy

Gold Leaf Studs/my daughter, Gold Bangle/Amazon

Happy Friday! 

02.25.2016 Price vs. Longevity

Have you ever debated about a purchase because you found something "similar" but for a lot better price? I've been having that problem with a couple of items I'm wanting to buy for my spring capsule. I've been eyeing a pair of Birkenstocks as my regular everyday slip-on sandals. But, they are pretty costly. Upwards of $100 per pair. Considering I only budget $250 per capsule, that's a huge chunk of my budget. However, I did find a pair of cork slip-on sandals from Old Navy that are only $20. Much nicer price point, but I can't help but wonder how long they will last?

The last pair of Birks I owned lasted me over 8 years. Many lower priced shoes that I've purchased have worn out quickly.


So, the question becomes, do you go with price or do you go with longevity? I could spend $100 on sandals that could last me for 8 years or $20 on shoes that could only last 2. I suppose it averages out in price and time.

How do you go about making choices like this?

Here are the TWO pairs of shoes I'm really debating on. Birkenstocks and TOMS. Both great shoes, both great companies. Total cost for both pairs will be about $140.

Here is the Old Navy Cork Pair. $20

Here is the slip on replacement idea from Old Navy as well. $22

Ultimately, I'm still debating. 

02.23.2016 Inspiration

Where do you find your inspiration? Today I was feeling a bit....blah about my wardrobe. Bored, uninspired, ho-hum. So, I decided to pick one key piece and search outfits for some inspiration. I found this great outfit combo that I'm planning to take with me on an upcoming business trip. It's comfortable and looks great! I found this combo on Pinterest and it definitely made me feel more upbeat about combining things I never would have considered before.

I'm not normally one to layer multiple items, and I honestly always felt that it would just make me look more bulky. To my surprise, while taking today's picks....it's actually quite slimming! WIN-WIN! 

Black Ponte Pants/Dress Barn (new pair), Black Tank/Target, Chambray Button Down/Amazon, 

Blazer/Unk., Bangles/Amazon, Black Booties/Amazon

INSPIRATION IMAGE:

I'd love to know where you go when you need some inspiration? Do you look at mannequins? Pinterest? Certain stores? Your brain?

Cheers.

02.19.2016 How to Adapt your Wardrobe when Life Happens

Goodness it's been an insanely busy week! I just caught my breath and realized I haven't updated anything on here all week! Well, here's the long and short of my past week:

1. Mom flew in for a visit
2. Took all 4 munchkins, the boyfriend, the mom, and the boyfriend's brother to Monster Jam Truck Show!
3. Took the kids to Benihana for their first hibachi experience
4. Crazy work schedule
5. Nail Painting Session with the girls
6. Costco, Petco, and Cabellas
7. Yeah.....and got hooked on The Blacklist on Netflix.
8. Unseasonably warm weather! 73 in the middle of winter!!!!!


So, when your schedule gets insane, how does your wardrobe work WITH you and not against you?

Here's my Tips:

1. Don't overthink it. If you need to be simple, be simple. If you need to dress up, then add a little extra.
2. Flats are a wonderful thing for someone on the go! I'll admit, over the years....heels just don't have the same appeal as they once did. Most of my week was spent in my converse sneakers or my gray flats. It's just easier when you're buzzing around.
3. Layering is great....especially when the weather is unpredictable! I'm ALWAYS cold. But, considering the weather has been in the upper 60's and low 70's the past few days, it's definitely caused me to get creative with my WINTER wardrobe.

• Gray cardigan over my white tank and black pants. 
• Gray cardigan over my black tank and black pants. 
• Gray cardigan over my pj's. 
• Gray cardigan
• Gray
• Gr...

Hahaha. Seriously, it's so versatile, it's really been my lifesaver with the ever changing conditions. 

4. Don't forget to take some time for YOU. When life gets really wild and crazy, you have to remember that even if it's an evening bubble bath, or a couple of hours watching your own tv show in bed, or sleep. Sweet, wonderful sleep. You HAVE to make time for yourself. Being a mom, I find that to be difficult sometimes, but I become less of a "Happy Awesome Mom" and more of a "Snappy Bitchy Mom" when I don't make some Me time. Just Do It! 

So, yeah. That's what's been up with me. I'll post some more this weekend. Oh, I've also been working on some capsule wardrobes for traveling.....stay tuned! (Upcoming work trips and vacation!)

02.11.2016 Planning for Spring & What I've Learned So Far

So, we have about two weeks left of February, and I'm already thinking about Spring. Yes, I know it's a bit early, but I'm SO ready for sunshine and flip flops! This process has definitely taught me some great things about what I love, and don't really love, when it comes to style.

1. If you think you'll wear that NOW and you never have, you probably won't.

I have a great pair of White pants that I purchased and Chico's about 2 years ago. I figured it would be a wonderful addition to my capsule and I'd finally wear them. WRONG! I've pulled them out a couple times, but always taken them off and hung them back up, opting for something else. White pants area great, but I'm realistic. I know that between work/life/kids/puppy, they'll probably get dirty in about two seconds flat. That being said, this is part of the process! I'm learning about myself and my style. I know that they won't move forward into my Spring wardrobe because I prefer darker pants (black and denim mostly).

2. Don't feel bad if you have to replace something.

During this capsule, I've happily worn out my favorite Ponte Pants. I've had them for about three years and have worn them A LOT. At first, I thought to myself "Oh goodness, I can't replace these. I'm not supposed to be buying anything now." But, in all reality, I'm not shopping for more items, or something totally different. I'm just replacing a staple piece of my wardrobe with the same thing. That's perfectly okay. We never know when we'll get holes in our clothes, or the seams will tear, or the elastic will finally wear out. I'm also in the process of repairing the heel of my black moto boots. I love them, and I've had them for a number of years as well. Yesterday, the heel came loose. So, I'm hoping a little super glue will solve my problem! Fingers crossed.

3. White Button Downs are Wonderful, but I need a better fit!

I love the look of oversized, effortless white button down shirts. I really wanted to love my current shirt, but it seems boxy and ill fitting. I've tried wearing it to layer and on it's own. The length and cut just isn't fitting ME quite right. So, I plan to upgrade to another style for Spring.

4. Don't be so over-zealous with jewelry and accessories.

I had decided that I would leave a bunch of jewelry, scarves, and even a few hats out to wear with my wardrobe. It's going to need some spicing up with accessories, right?! Wrong! I've only worn a few items so far, and don't anticipate wearing more. So, I may intend on scaling back my accessories as well for the next go 'round.

It's really neat to learn about yourself and what you like and dislike when it comes to your fashion sense.

Gray v-neck sweater/Old Navy, Dark Denim Jeans/Old Navy

Black Booties/Amazon, Gold Bracelet/Amazon, Gold Leaf Studs/Daughter

02.08.2016 Trying New Combinations

Sometimes when you get used to having so many options, you forget to get a bit adventurous in your wardrobe selection. When you only have 37 pieces to choose from, it forces you to try new things and new combinations. I was pleasantly surprised today when I decided to try this loose fit graphic tee with my black blazer. Not something I normally would have chosen, but it seems to work out quite well. Trying new things is fun! I highly recommend switching it up and trying a combination that you've never done before. 

Black Blazer/unk., Graphic Tee/Old Navy, Black Ponte Pants/Dress Barn

D'Orsay Flats/Old Navy, Gold Bracelet/Amazon, Black Stud Earring/My daughters jewelry box (shhhh.)

Funny story time. Friday, on Wear Red Day, I was chatting with a couple of my co-workers and explained my capsule wardrobe and how I only had a red scarf, but it seemed funny that so many other people were rocking the black and red combination as well. My co-worker proceeded to tell me that having such a small wardrobe is SO STRANGE since I'm a woman and no women have small closets. I just chuckled. I don't really consider myself a "typical woman" in general, but I find it funny that it's a commonplace expectation of men to believe that all women are obsessed with clothes, shopping and having a massive closet with an infinite wardrobe. 

Oh, and if you're looking to downsize your shoe wardrobe, these flats are amazing. They go with virtually everything!

02.05.2016 Dealing with Themed Wardrobe Events

Happy Heart Health Month! I wish you all the best of health! So, today we are celebrating Heart Health by having a "Wear Red Day" at work. Typically I'm quite overzealous when it comes to themed wardrobe events. Sometimes, I'll even go out and buy something specifically for the event. But, with this new capsule venture, I decided that I can just wear what I have. The big thing I noticed is that you don't necessarily HAVE to have a Red Top or bottom. By using accessories and playing with my lipcolor.....I'm rockin' the red for our company function! I simply added a red infinity scarf, some garnet earrings, and a great red lipstick. Boom. Done. No fuss, no special shopping trips.

Oh, and here's a first peek at my favorite new wrap coat. It's SO warm and stylish! My sunglasses aren't pricey RayBans (though I secretly wish to own a pair). I got them FREE this past fall at a Fall Festival. Not too shabby! 

Tunic Top/Chicos, Skinny Jeans/Old Navy, D'Orsay Flats/Old Navy

Gray Wrap Coat/SammyDress, Red Scarf/Amazon, Sunnies/Free from a local Pizza Shop

How do you handle themed events? Do you splurge? Do you skip it?

02.01.2016 February Most Wanted List

It's February! That means romance and cold temperatures. I've had some things on my mind as I've gone through this process. Here is my most wanted list for February. 

Nothing beats a great over-sized sweater and over the knee socks. They can keep you cozy while still looking chic and sexy.

I've also been spying these gorgeous felt black hats. They look fabulous with jeans or dressed up. 

Nordstrom has a great cognac/black reversible tote that I plan to get this spring. It'll go great with everything and be a wonderful tote for work and school errands.

Gold candles are timeless and would look awesome on my desk at work or in any room in my house. Doubtful that I'd pay that much for a single candle (I'm rather thrifty), but the concept is beautiful and we are window shopping, right?! 

White Sapphires! I'm so obsessed with them right now! Who wouldn't want a little extra bling? I have to say, I love these more than diamonds. I've been looking at many different White Sapphire jewelry pieces on Etsy and they are just to die for. 

There you have it. 

01.29.2016 - Classic is Always in Style

Interesting topic to come across this morning while drinking my latte.

In a world of ever-changing fashion trends, it amazes me that Classic Chic looks (typically minimalist fashion) are always hot topics in the world of Vogue and Marie Claire. Today's headline was discussing Angelina Jolie's classic shift dress that she wore for an interview about Kun Fu Panda 2. Everyone is coveting this minimalist look. I decided to continue looking into Vogue mentions on her minimalist chic fashion style.

http://www.vogue.com/13365658/angelina-jolie-pitt-everlane-pointy-loafer-celebrity-airport-style/ 

Here, Vogue discusses her effortless travel style and affordable airport shoe. This look makes much more sense than some 4 1/2" stilettos and crazy current fashion some celebrities are seen wearing at the airport. The all black ensemble is something I frequent with my current wardrobe. The loafers are amazing and something i could see being very versatile in any closet.

http://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Angelina-Jolie-Black-Dress-Today-Show-2016-39975655#photo-39975655

Here is the wonderfully simple shift dress that Angelina decided to wear in her Interview on the Today Show. It could easily work into any wardrobe. She kept it quite simple with a classic pump, small diamond shaped earrings and a simple cuff bracelet. Perfection that is Minimalist Style! 

Now for something a little different:

Mustard Sweater/Old Navy, Plaid tunic/Old Navy, Rockstar Jeans/Old Navy
D'Orsay Shoes/Old Navy, Glasses (prescription)/Michael Kohrs, Cute little Kid/From Me

Today I'm going a little less classic. It's always fun to mix texture and patterns.
Also, since we're discussing one of the most fashionable mom's around, I figured it would be quite appropriate to add this extra pic!