Day 19: pink lady

{ What I Wore: J.Crew beanie & sweater // Zara tweed jacket // Old Navy rockstar skinny jeans // Nine West black pumps }

{ Get the look }

pink beanie {$10.00} + tweed jacket {$39.99} + pink sweater {$24.94} + skinny jeans {$34.50} + black pointed toe pumps

Things you are not surprised to see - me wearing another beanie (best solution for my current long hair unsureness), & me talking about my obsession with tweed again.

I have talked about investing in tweed, about my journey to find the perfect tweed jacket, & even heralded the tweed jacket as one of my 50 closet staples that will serve the foundation for a fully functional wardrobe. 

Why is the tweed jacket on my short list of closet necessities?

Tweed is not only a classic piece, easily dressed up and down, and versatile enough for many seasons, and outfits: 

See here these fabulous bloggers pairing their tweed with dresses, leather, denim, and flowy blouses

{ Jane // Jean // Wendy // Blair }

The tweed jacket that made all of my dreams come true, was a classic salt & pepper weave with special details like chains & spikes. To get the classic Chanel-esque look, choose a cropped black & white number with chic piping on the pockets. Or for a modern update on this ladylike piece, pick one in a pop of color, or sporting a chic moto-zipper accent

If you are tweed-jacket-less, get your tweed on & shop my favorite picks (Target is killing their tweed jacket selection right now!):

wardrobe staples: tailored blazer

Day 14 in my Fall 30X30, and I have once again turned to my closet savior - the blazer.

I have happily amassed a collection of blazers - in classics colors (white linen, black & navy), and in some fun extras (olive velvet, striped jersey), and they consistently turn my other go-to wardrobe pieces into sophisticated outfits. 

{ What I Wore: Gap blazer & khakis // J.Crew sweater // ShoeMint Mona loafers }

{ Get the look }

navy blazer {$39.99} + pink sweater {$24.94} + khakis {$24.99} + gold loafers {$29.00}

My blazers carry me through all seasons, and I have picked out my favorite looks in recent history to show you the flexibility of this classic piece.

blazer + skinny jeans // blazer + maxi dress // blazer + shorts // blazer + skirt

Scoop up this wardrobe staple in black, and then enjoy adding other colors/textures to your closet.

Still looking for the perfect blazer to fluff out your collection, shop my picks (most all under $50!)

wardrobe staples: ballet flats

Time for another wardrobe staples post!

This time, the highlight is on a piece that is very near and dear to my heart: the ballet flat

Despite the fact that I am vertically challenged (AKA short), and could probably use the boost a pair of pumps provides, ballet flats are the shoe I wear more than any other. 

Not only are they a classic year-round, with anything from skirts to pants and everything in between, but just wearing them makes me feel a little closer to my classics style icon, Miss Audrey Hepburn. 

Again, I will defer to some of my favorite bloggers to make my point:

Jill from Good life for less sports her ballet flats for Fall

Veronika from Girl&Closet looks chic in ballet flats with tights

Darby from Obviously Obsessed proves that ballet flats are stunning with skirts

Crystalin of ITCWC pulls off the can-be-challenging ballet flats + maxi dress with grace

Are you a ballet flats girl?

While I think that a pair of black or nude flats is timeless and chic, there are many other options available now: studded, glittered, leopard, and even in fun fabrics like velvet.

Still looking for your perfect pair of ballet flats? 

Shop my picks (at all price points):

wardrobe staples: skinny (leopard) belt

Good morning Friday!

welcome to week three talking about wardrobe staples... why you should intentionally plan your purchases, how to wear them, and wear to get them

(check out the previous trench and chambray shirt editions)

this week we are discussing the skinny belt, in particular the statement making leopard skinny belt. Sure you have a wardrobe full of fabulous basics, but how do you jazz them up and remix those functional items? A statement making, and figure flattering skinny belt in a perennial classic pattern: leopard  

I will leave it to some of my favorite bloggers to make my point:

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 }

Pencil skirts, maxi skirts, sheath dresses, jeans... you name it, it is your leopard belt's future BFF. Carve out a waist, pull your outfit together, and make a statement... you are only one skinny leopard belt away from fabulousness!

Still looking to add a leopard belt to your wardrobe? Shop these hand picked items from all price-points (but most are under $40!)

Is the skinny belt in your toolbox?

Any pro-leopard belt owners out there?

If not, what is your belt de jour?

wardrobe staples: chambray shirt

Ladies, this is week 2 of my conversation about wardrobe basics - deciding what are your closet staples, where to buy them, how to rock them, and more.

{ see week 1 on the trench here, and my 50 wardrobe staples here }

By now, you know that my LOVE for chambray shirts runs deep { proof here, here, here }

When in doubt, I pick my chambray shirt. It always goes in my suitcase in case I am in a bind for an extra outfit while traveling, and I think it is a truly versatile piece that every woman should own.

Here are some of the many ways I have worn my beloved chambray shirt:
chambray shirt + pencil skirt + leopard heels + statement necklace = girls' night out
chambray shirt + colored denim + booties = weekend shopping
open chambray shirt + maxi dress + panama hat = easy, breeze vacation get up

I wasn't sure you were convinced, so I asked some of my favorite blogging ladies Jules, Jessica, Blair, Sydney... and they agreed! Turns out, the rumor is true: chambray shirts can be worn buttoned, layered, open, dressed up, tucked, tied, and paired with just about any of your other closet favorites!

How do you rock chambray?
Still looking for the perfect chambray top for your closet?
Check out my favorite options below (from $25-90)

xx

Jessica

wardrobe staples: the trench

Ok, kicking off my series focused on intentionally building a better wardrobe, I am going to focus on the reason why some of my "50 closet staples" made the cut

This first one is a no brainer, but one of my favorites: the trench!

I found the perfect trench at a Banana Republic Outlet last year (on sale for less than$50!), and have worn it numerous times every season since. Including { here , here , here , here }

This item should be in your closet because it is supremely versatile - wear it dressed up, dressed down, over dresses in warm weather, and bundled up with scarves and a hat when it gets chilly... or wear it with nothing else (scandalous!)

{ 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 }

I believe that the classic, camel colored, double breasted style of trench is the most timeless and will therefore get the most use in your closet over the years.

Also, unless you are in supremely love with the look of the trench, you only need one in your closet, so take the time to find the one you love, and plan to pay a little more to purchase a trench of the highest quality you can afford - you will be rewarded with a jacket that continues to be a staple in your closet for years and years!

But by all means, if you love trenches, there are options available in black, patterned, plaid, and even studded!

I have picked out my favorite trenches at all price points... which one is your favorite?

Do you already own a trench?
If not, is it on your wish list?
What item do you want to see highlighted next?
xx

Jessica

justify

Ok, I am feeling a little bit guilty about my shopping habit, especially after that post this morning.

After thinking about it some more, I feel like I have to justify spending $200-$300 per month on clothes/personal shopping. That just sounds like a lot to me... and I am curious to see if it seems like a lot to you too.

{via}

I am fortunate to not have a car payment, to pay very little in rent (in relation to my location, and quality of life), split utilities/groceries with my roommate, and have a steady income that I can rely on month to month.
I also justify my shopping based on the fact that is my only habit/hobby - I don't spend money on gardening, crafting, or home brewing (like the boyfriend), or fixing up my house like other people do.

I also justify the fact that during this stage in my life I can get away with it... I figure once I have a husband, kids, mortgage, my selfish shopping habit will dry up quickly.

I also shop smart, and love everything that I buy.
(Read on for more of these "smart" shopper tips...)

10 Essential Closet Items

I still can't stop thinking about my closet staples... here is another fun way to remember the basics that every woman should own.
Happy Saturday!
xx
Jessica

Here&Now Closet Staples

This post has been on my mind for sometime. One of the reasons I wanted to start this blog was to I could chronicle my intentional process of building a functional wardrobe. Investing in classic and timeless pieces is an idea that is thrown around, but I want to actively pursue adding pieces to my closet that will work for me, solving my "I-have-nothing-to-wear" quandary for once and for all.

I have thoughtfully culled the 50 articles of clothing/shoes/accessories that do the most for me and my lifestyle. I hope that this can be a springboard for a regular conversation on my blog about how to sort through our urges to buy, buy, buy and instead intentionally add a few items that will be the most useful to building a timeless foundation of style.

Whether you use this list as a direct shopping list, or a spark for creating your own "closet staples", I hope to continue developing and talking about closet staples in a weekly series.

Find where to purchase these exact pieces, and others at every price point, on my Pinterest "Closet Staple Love" Board and Currently Obsessed Collection { here }

What are you go-to closet staples?

Any things that you are saving up to invest in for your wardrobe?

Have a great weekend!

P.S. I know you ladies are aware that building a functional wardrobe is such an integral component of feeling stylish and confident in your clothes. But in case you need some more resources, check out { this } article on The EveryGirl, and the { piece } that started it all for me from Matchbook Magazine

Here&Now Classics

Last week I revisited how closet staples give longevity to my trendy seasonal pieces 

Closet staples:

pencil skirt (and how to wear it 3 ways)

lady-like jewelry

blazers

silk blouse

and I would like to add another, the chambray button down (le duh!)

{ What I wore: J. Crew chambray shirt & skirt // Nine West shoes }

In November 2011, I had 22 of the 50 wardrobe staples, now I have 28... not bad... that means I have been averaging adding about 1 staple item per month. And because wardrobe staples are often more expensive, investment purchases, I think this pace is about right for my graduate school budget.

{ I added a trench, white button down (crazy, but not actually on the list), diamond studs, leather purse, dressy tank, silk blouse, and pencil skirt } 

I will have to make a Here&Now 50 classics list - including a chambray shirt, white button down, nude heels, statement necklace, and fancy shorts (**update: check out the 50 Here&Now Classics here)

In the next 6 months, I am hoping to invest in a tweed jacket, nude heels (also not on the list... but a staple in my book), cigarette pants, black bikini (mine just died!), leather sandals, and tortoise sunnies

{ leather sandals // nude heels // tortoise sunnies // black bikini // tweed jacket // black cigarette pants }

How many of the "50 wardrobe classics" do you have?

Which staples are on your wish list?

What item is the biggest work horse in your closet?

P.S. I wasn't the only one talking about/wearing wardrobe staples last week. 
Check out these other inspirational posts:
- Wardrobe staples over on Dreams + Jeans 

- A lovely round up of black heals via L.A. in the Bay

- Little Bits of Lovely shared a gorgeous photos of the always fabulous Olivia Palermo rocking a silky blouse and leather shorts (great minds....)

- Penny Pincher Fashion rocked a mellow yellow blazer... showing just how versatile this closet work horse can be!

- Damsel in Dior rocked a bright and classic blazer... phenomenal styling!

friday's fancies: who wears short shorts

Good morning! Today is my final installment in how wardrobe staples can give a long life to the fun, trendy residents in your closet. The silk blouse is close to my heart... this week I am pairing it with the (faux)leather shorts that I finally scored (on the CHEAP from Arden B.), but I know that I will continue to wear it with classic pencil skirts, and trendy bottoms for years to come!

I am linking up with Friday's Fancies over on Long Distance Loving and showing off my short shorts!

These new (faux) leather shorts are so sassy, and totally worth the little bit of cheek sweet when worn on warmer days! (TMI?! thought so!)

{ What I wore: Arden B leather shorts (great, cheap pair from Forever 21, and these high waisted ones are fabulous!) // J.Crew silk blouse // Nine West leather sandals (love these & these) }

Check out all of the other ladies who wear short shorts here!

TGIF

xx

Jessica

P.S. I will be back tomorrow telling you about what I would rather be doing this weekend...

summer skirts

As if you need more convincing (pencil skirt, classic jewelry, blazers), I am here to again show you how versatile closet staples can be. Two of my favorite trends right now are peplums and the color yellow, so this magazine article definitely caught my eye! Look at how the simple closet staple skirt is such a chameleon!

From work, weekend shopping, to going-out with the girls the basic skirt pulls you through!

(and look at that white blazer sneaking in there too!)

"old school pin" via People StyleWatch March 2012 Issue

Some of my favorite pencil and flattering A-line skirts are popping up in eye-catching colors these days.

Here are a few of my favorites: 1 {purple} // 2 {red} // 3 {yellow} // 4 {pink} // 5 {gorgeous pattern}

xx

Jessica

a lady in the making

Don't get me wrong, I love me some statement/costume jewelry... but as I work towards refining my wardrobe with classics, I am inspired to find "grown-up" jewelry that is fitting for a lady (as well as a casual graduate student). I am not one to pile on jewelry, so if I am wearing any items, it is because I absolutely love the piece!

The Matchbook Magazine 50 classics guide claims that a timeless wardrobe would include: 

Diamond Studs

Pearl Studs

Pearl Necklace

Signet Ring

Watch

•  I have pearl studs given to me by my sister when I was her Maid of Honor
• I wear the heck out of my freshwater pearl necklace that I feel is a fresh take on the classic, although one day I would love to have an opera length saltwater pearl necklace
• I think signet rings are darling, and have my eye out for one, but I really love the rings I have received as hand-me-downs from family (my diamond & emerald one is particularly special!)
• Last year, after passing a major milestone in my graduate school career, I purchased myself a classic Michael Kors gold watch... and plan on having it for forever!

Recently, I received these gorgeous six prong diamond stud earrings in a classic 1 caret setting from Anjolee Jewelry... and totally rounded out my lady-like jewelry box. Anjolee Designs are great for a particular jewelry wearer like my self, because you can customize both tennis bracelets and diamond earrings based on stone size, setting, and metals... so much fun!

{What I wore: J.Crew white denim pants (looking for a skinny pair this summer) & sweater // H&M leopard tank  (similar) // (old) Ann Taylor wedges (love this pair) // diamond stud earrings courtesy of Anjolee Jewelry // Michael Kors watch // Diament Designs bracelet // family heirloom ring }

What jewelry do you wear everyday?

Planning on purchasing any "grown-up" pieces from the Classics List?

I can't wait to pair my grown-up jewelry pieces with my in-the-works friendship bracelets and fun, colorful summer bangles... 

xx

Jessica

back to basics

It happens every year when the days get warmer and longer... I lose control of my purse strings and spend way too much on new Spring/Summer pretties... Of course I do not regret it at the time or when I am wearing my new clothes later, but as May transitioned into June, I have been reflecting about how I want my closet to be "well curated" with quality not necessarily quantity.

(I love how organized Extra Petite is with her spending: here & here, I am WAY not there... but working towards it... slowly)

I think I did pretty good with my May purchases:

Target wedges

J.Crew maxi skirt

J.Crew bubble necklace
J.Crew baseball tee

But now I want to make a conscious effort to get back to checking items off of my (well, actually Matchbook Magazine's) 50 classics list

And in fact this quote from Nicole over at Sketch42 is what reinvigorated my "classics" commitment:

"I officially vote 2012 the year of trends you are most likely to regret in ten years" - Nicole

Ultimately it is pieces like my basic black pencil skirt that will take me from job interviews and professional meetings to brunches and out with friends. So this week I am going to be sharing how I am wearing my "classics" these days, what pieces I am on the look out for next, and how you can incorporate wardrobe staples into your outfit rotation in a trendy way

{ What I wore: J.Crew pencil skirt (similar) & tee // ModCloth necklace (similar) // Gianni Binni sandals }

P.S. All this week I am also going to be posting at 2pm about some new food situations going on in my life... stay tuned :)

post-its

I am a huge fan of post-its. If I don't write something down, I forget it 5 minutes later, so post-its stand in for my crummy memory. While I read magazines I write down websites and interesting items to check out later. My daily to-do list usually shows up on post-its (having it on my iPhone isn't as rewarding since I can't cross things off my list!), recipes to try out get committed to post-its, and my clothes shopping list currently resides on a hot pink post-it in my wallet as well.

{timeless style}

What you don't tote around a clothes shopping list? Well, before you start thinking (or confirming) that I am coo-coo for coco puffs, let me explain. In 2012 I want to be a better me, and to do that, I am going to be working on living my life with intention for the big stuff (spontaneous, care-free moments are going to happen too!). I have been reading Jess's blog, Make Under My Life, for the past few months and have really felt a connection with her advice for living a better life through intention and simplification. So since I love clothes, and have a passion for what I put on my body, I thought I would start my intentions there - and transform my closet into a treasure chest of beautifully curated items (à la Audrey Hepburn above). Jess has great advice about exfoliating your wardrobe, and I am on Step 3 of 4.

{Step 1: create a vision, Step 2: exfoliate stuff, Step 3: identify intentions, Step 4: reflect and evolve}

{trench}

I have previously mentioned that I LOVE the Matchbook Magazine 50 Classics list (among other books like those below), and am working on filling my wardrobe with high quality, classic pieces that will stay with me as I transition from a grad student to whatever step is next. But having only 23 of the 50 Matchbook Girl items, and looking to purchase 27 new high quality (read: expensive) articles of clothing is daunting. So instead, I am focusing on a key set of pieces that will be most useful to me now, and I am going to keep my eye out (reminded by the post-it) for great deals on these timeless pieces.

{Parisian Chic + Black Book of Style}

So what do I have my eye out for now? Fancy you should ask...

I made a list at the end of summer for items that I needed to add to my Fall/Winter wardrobe, 

these include:

Brown Crocadile Heels

Trouser Denim

Matte Jersey Wrap Dress

White Jeans

Black Cashmere Turtleneck

Trench Coat

White Oxford

And if you have been following along, you might have noticed that I have already picked up a pair of white jeans, a trench coat, and a black (cashmere blend) turtleneck. I found all of these things on sale {yes!}, and they are all quality items from reputable brands (J.Crew, Banana Republic) {yes!}. 

So if you ask me, the power of the post-it not list works!

I will keep you posted as I stalk the remaining items on my list (end of season sales!?, 

and begin to make a list for Spring/Summer

Any items on your wish list for Spring/Summer?

xx

Jessica

secret agent woman

Banana Republic Jacket
Madewell Jeggings
J. Crew sweater and tank

I have long admired the classic lines of a well tailored trench coat. This very iconic piece (for secret agents and glamorous ladies alike), has been on my wish list for quite some time. My original crush was on this $300 J.Crew trench, but then this little beauty at the Banana Republic outlet stole my heart! It is a trench miracle - I found this $200 Banana Republic trench at the outlet store for $140, and then it was marched down 70%... to less than $50! I'll take it!

Ever since I brought this trench home to live with me, the weather has been unseasonable mild in Nashville and my trench baby has functioned as the perfect all-season cover up. Can't wait to give this beaut some miles in my other favorite seasons- fall & spring!

  

 Now I have 23 of the "50 classics"... working on making my short list of the items I will have my eyes open for next, in case a good deal pops up again!

xx

Jessica

getting in control

Since discovering Matchbook Magazine's list of 50 classic go-to basics that every girl needs, I have been thinking more about how to shop with a purpose, and fill my closet with clothes that I love and that will take me from where I am in my life now, to where I will be in the next 5-10 years (click here for my original post) 

To get this process started, I took stock of what I had in my closet. {Parents... STOP reading now} And I was quite shocked. While I do think that I shop more than many of my friends, I didn't think I was in the category of "clothes horse"... but maybe I am!? 

This is what I currently have hanging in my closet and organized in my dresser drawers (Not counting my large box of "costume" clothing, or extensive collection of totes/luggage!)::

Tops:

Blouses 30, tank tops 14, button-downs 9, sweaters 34, vests 3

Bottoms:

dresses 36, rompers 3, skirts 14, jeans 10, pants 7, shorts 13

Outerwear:

jackets/blazers 12, coats 7

Accessories:

belts 17, shoes 34, scarves 11, purses 18
That is 272 articles of clothing + accessories!

Surprisingly, of the 50 classics "every girl should have"... I only had 22! Not even a white button down among the bunch (shameful!) So what is all that other stuff I am keeping? Clothes that I wear once-in-a-while, clothes that don't mix-and-match with many other things in my closet, impulse buys from Forever21...?

Next on my Project: Closet Rejuvenation to-do list is to:

{1.} Clean out what is old, un-worn, wrong size to give away to GoodWill or sell on eBay

{2.} Make a shopping list of what is something I should buy sooner, versus on a longer timeline (from the remaining pieces of clothing on the 50 Classics list)

{3.} Work on "re-mixing" what I have in my closet now

How many articles of clothing do you have in your closet? (Is 272 alot!?) How many of them are from the "50 classics" list? What is on your shopping list for the next few months? Any one piece you think will make your current clothes more re-mixable?

going from grad school to grown-up

While I am currently a grad student and as such the expected wardrobe is tattered jeans, and a baggy T-shirt, I am trying to build a wardrobe that works now in my grad school work as a research scientist, and will also transition along with me as I become a "grown-up". 

I do not have a large clothing budget, but I want to make my wardrobe work for many occasions, be versatile and long-lasting. My solution for this, is to invest in a minimum number of classic staples that will maximize the cheaper, trendier items in my closet that come and go. One of my favorite online reads, Matchbook Magazine, published my now go-to guide for vamping up my closet in their 1st issue. Just looking at this list makes me think of Audrey Hepburn and all of the other classic beauties, the ones where their wardrobe doesn't scream at you, but they always look fabulous, put-together, and timeless. 

Now I just need to go through my closet, do a little purge/take inventory session, then decide which wardrobe basics make the most sense adding to my closet now/soon-ish, and which ones will be "eventual" purchases. 

It is also my goal to one day (sooner-ish rather that later-ish) undertake 30 for 30 remix a ala Kendi Everyday. Her goals of intentional shopping and really using rather than constantly filling ones closet really have resonated with me...