Customized

I am still trucking along on my latest Teacher Capsule Wardrobe. I tried to put a few "risk" pieces into my capsule, & have also been pushing myself to put together outfits that are more unique too, including: monochromatic colors, mixing prints, & playing around with pants (I live on the wild side, I know).

One piece that is certainly not a risk is this custom made pencil skirt from Rita & Phil. I have had this skirt for over a year & think it is absolute crazy pants that it hasn't made an appearance on the blog yet, because it is hands down the best fitting piece in my closet, is super comfortable (not like those other binding pencil skirts that make you do the pencil skirt shuffle), & I adore the print!

You might be thinking that I must have a money plant at my house to afford custom made clothing, but Rita & Phil is more affordable than you might think & the process of sending in your measurements is so quick & easy! I happen to have a hip-to-waist ratio that mass produced clothing simply does not fit, & usually spend an extra $15 - $30 having a tailor adjust the waist bands of my skirts/jeans/pants - after having paid for the actual price of the item - highway robbery I tell you! But, I absolutely hate having my skirts spin around during the day, & as someone who spends most of her time with vicious middle schoolers, they are merciless when they realize that the butt of your skirt is in the front - they have even given it a name, "front butt" (admitedly they aren't the most original namers, #facepalm).

I got my custom Rita & Phil skirt made in the "Irene" print & love that when you check out there is no "size" to select, because the skirt is made to be size YOU! Looking to start the process to have your own custom skirt made, use my referral link to start earning points to earn a free skirt! And if you aren't sold on my recommendation, I urge you to read their customer reviews - everyone who tries it, loves this service!

Have you ever tried a custom clothing service? How did it go? Who else is making quality, affordable custom clothes?

top: J.Crew Factory striped top (I have this top in a small & an XS, & prefer the XS)

vest: older from Le Tote - linking similar styles below

skirt: customized pencil skirt c/o Rita & Phil (currently on sale for $20 + sign up for their newsletter to get 20% off your order! Bonus: they have free international shipping/returns)

watch: Daniel Wellington watch

sunglasses: Ray Ban aviators

purse: "Tori" tote c/o Gigi New York

shoes: old mules from DSW - linking similar styles below

All Photos | Noah Berg Photography

{Shop these exact pieces}

slither this way

pants: J.Crew Factory shimmer skimmer trouser 

shirt: J.Crew Factory oversized turtleneck (very oversized, order a size down if you want it to be fitted. I am wearing the Small here & am purposely going to try to shrink it when I wash it)

vest: BB Dakota sleeveless blazer vest (similar look - love how sleek it is!)

shoes: Jessica python heels ℅ Elaine Turner

sunglasses: Carrera frames ℅ Sunglasses Shop (now 20% off!)

lipstick: Tarte LipSurgence Lip tint in "Enchanted" (Nashville ladies, shop it at Cosmetic Market)

All Photos | Kate Davis Photo

Happy November. I hope everyone had a wildly fun Halloween. Ty and I were Dr. Grant & Ellie Sattler from the original Jurassic Park movie. We shook our children-of-the-nineties groove things at a 90s cover band & I was totally blown away by the amazing costumes - including a guy who dressed as the original Nintendo game, & you could play his costume #mindblown.

I do not consider my self super fashion-y. I don't keep up with all of the new designers, & don't own any couture pieces, but I have learned to dress my body, and these are some things I know that I want to share:

1. I often forget about BB Dakota, but I consistently like their pieces & need to remember to check them out more often. After getting this vest over the Summer, BB Dakota got put back on my radar, now I am lusting after this mixed material jacket & this dramatic cape.

2. Elaine Turner knows how to do python. This is an animal print that can sometimes look tacky & straight from the 80s, but these pieces are chic & timeless. The heels that I have on in this post are super comfortable & I like the low heel + bonus points that they are named the "Jessica" heels! I'm also crushing on these python sneakers, this clutch/crossbody bag & perfect ballet flats.

3. Finding slacks that are the right length is impossible for me - do I get them hemmed for flats or keep them long to wear with heels?!?! So instead, I take the easy way out & live in cropped trousers. My favorite styles are the Winnie & Skimmer from J.Crew Factory. I really like the metallic touch to the pair I'm wearing here - will be so fun for upcoming Holiday Parties!

What style truths do you swear by? Any secrets to share!?

le vest

{ What I Wore: sleeveless vest ℅ Le Tote // J.Crew Factory striped, twist back dress // Steve Madden heels // Rebecca Minkoff purse // Ray Ban aviators (in green + gold) // jewelry on loan from the Kendra Scott Fall Collection: earrings, bracelet set, dainty chain necklace, tassel necklace, rings }

All Photos | Kate Davis Photography

I was super excited when Le Tote challenged me to style this sleeveless blazer because while it has been popular lately, it is a pretty tricky piece to approach. And to be honest, it was a little daunting when it first arrived. So I just started putting outfits together & turns out, it goes with pretty much everything! 

I wanted to show you this outfit first, just to prove the point. Take this basic sundress (seen in its plain form here), add the sleeveless vest, some layered jewels & dainty heels… voilà, edgy date night look!

My second outfit test: I tried it over a basic gray tee with my super flare jeans… also fabulous!

And next I want to test out the vest with distressed denim shorts, you know, that downtown, laid-back vibe with a little added class… or is it sass?

Don't get me wrong, you certainly do NOT have to make every trend your own. BUT if you are looking out to try out trendy pieces before you fully commit, then Le Tote is the perfect service for you. I have been using it for years & love that I can pick out pieces & then they show up at my door, ready to wear for however long I choose, with easy returns when I am ready to try something new!

Yea, it really is as great as it sounds! If you haven't tried it yet, be sure to sign up for LE TOTE & get 20% off with the code: MYHEREANDNOWLIFE

ANNNNND - one lucky winner is going to land themselves clothing & accessories from Le Tote for a YEAR! Enter using the widget below (if you already follow me on Instagram, then you automatically have 1 of the 8 ways to enter checked off!)

Win UNLIMITED clothing & accessories for a year from LE TOTE!