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.