2015: top 10

As the end of the year nears, it is certainly a time to reflect on what has been & revel at what might be ahead. Tyler & I will be headed out to the woods to ring in the New Year, as we have for the last several years. It is such a wonderful way to reset & mindfully prepare for the fresh year ahead. This is also another way in which my 22 year old self that moved to Nashville 6 years would roll her eyes at me - funny how I used to crave crowds, late nights, & getting a little wild. We certainly plan to have some wild late nights at the cabin, but will be burning the midnight oil fueling our love of board games & dancing in the kitchen in our socks, & maybe just 1 or 2 shots of Fireball.

As I look back on 2015, I am thankful that I seem to be finding balance in my life… & in my wardrobe too. This year brought with it some of my favorite wardrobe additions & I wanted to share with you the top 10. These are all firmly in the I-should-go-ahead-and-buy-another-one-now because I love them so much! 

1. J.Crew Factory striped boatneck tee: I adore this shirt - the perfect weight of the fabric, the slightly boatneck, & the just right length. I actually do own two of these - I purchased one in XS & another in size S. I love both, but think that if I were to get a third (I'm considering it!), it would be a size Small, as it is slightly more of a tunic style. I literally wear this top with everything, & it is such a perfect piece to take on vacation because it is easily paired to create many different outfits. See all the ways I've worn this top on the blog here.

2. J.Crew Factory black & white striped button down (currently sold out in the striped pattern, but I'm hopeful the willy bring it back soon!): This was a piece I spotted & purchased on a whim, but it soon became a much loved top! I wore it here with a tweed skirt, & then again with jeans here. It has also been worn many times with my ripped black jeans (#5 on this list), & I always just feel good wearing it!

3. J.Crew Factory long white shirt: When I first purchased this shirt, I wanted to send it back, mostly because it was slightly out of my comfort zone. However, this has certainly become one of my favorite work shirts, I love dressing it up with scarves, bold jewelry, or just wearing it belted as I did in this outfit shown below. This was one of the times when going for something a little different really paid off (Yes, I am such a wild person that buying a slightly longer white shirt is my idea of living dangerously - watch out world!)

4. Michael Kors cross body bag: Well technically this was a gift (thanks mom!), but it is one of my favorite bags ever! The features I love the most: the chain strap, the perfect orangey/red color, & the padded pocket inside for electronics - that is the exact right size for taking my Kindle out with me (I love having it to read when an available moment pops up).

5. This year I discovered ripped jeans, finally shutting the running guilt trip of my mother out of my head ("I can't believe you are buying jeans with HOLES in them…"). My beloved pair of ASOS ripped black jeans (more styles on sale here) finds its way to the #5 position, but a solid runner up is the pair of  DL1961 ripped white jeans I picked up in 2015 as well. So why buy jeans with rips in them? 1. I think they are comfortable, it actually feels nice to have the wind on your knees! 2. But, I also think it just adds something extra to my outfits. I mean look at the great match up between the Lilly top & ripped white jeans below! See all the ways I've worn my black ripped jeans on the blog here & my white ripped jeans here. 

6. Chicwish black & white striped skirt: Another surprising favorite, although I shouldn't be too surprised as it is a mash up of two of my favorite things: stripes + midi skirts. See all 3 ways I've worn this skirt on the blog here.

7. J.Crew Factory Winnie pants: Ok, in full admission, I purchased my first pair of Winnie pants before this year, but in 2015 I did add another black pair, & a pair of navy (the navy ones are going to have their own special feature next week). These pants are glorified pajama bottoms that I'm allowed to wear to work, it's incredible! To me, these are the epitome of the Audrey Hepburn cropped black pants & they literally GO WITH EVERYTHING! See all the ways I've worn my Winnie pants over the years here.

8. Steve Madden black heels: This is one shoe shape that I know will be in my closet for as long as I am wearing heels. I have had the nude version for several years now (see all the ways I've worn them on the blog) & don't know what took me so long to get their black counterparts. Note - I am on my 3rd pair of this shoe style & every single one has fit me slightly different. This is definitely a pair to go into the store to purchase. I got my last pair at Dillard's & it was a great experience. 

9. Hunter boots: I just gushed about my Hunter boots in yesterday's post, but these are truly a hero piece in my closet. I wear these bad boys at least once a week to walk the dogs, or on my way to work in the rain. Maybe not the most glamourous piece I own, but one that I appreciate so very much when I need them!

10. Nisolo sandals: These shoes defined most of my summer outfits (see all the ways I've worn them on the blog here). Not only do I adore the Nisolo brand & what they are doing for conscious consumerism (more on their story here), but these sandals are pure perfection. Perfect color, perfect little ankle strap & perfectly comfortable (tested by a weekend of heavy walking in San Francisco). 

These are my 10 most loved pieces added in 2015. What were the major workhorses in your closet this year?

I'll be back on the 1st to share a 2015 wrap up post, but in the mean time, be sure to follow along on Instagram & Snapchat (username "jesshereandnow") for our weekend adventures in the woods with pugs & friends! Happy New Year!

My Wardrobe "Completers"

So we have been talking about building a "curated closet": shopping for wardrobe staples, cutting out impulse buys, & getting ready to identify closet "holes".

While some people will comment that there is no way that say, khakis should be in their wardrobe staples, I would reply, "don't knock it till you actually try it, on your body, with other decent pieces." You might just be surprised :)

That being said, a closet foundation is going to look slightly different for each woman, depending on her lifestyle choices. But it is with wardrobe "completers" that make your closet YOURS.

And here are my "completers". This is where I add color, personality, and my specific flavor of style.

As you might see, I like button-downs, blazers, a hint of leopard, & A-line skirts.

Along with my 50 wardrobe basics, these 47 items allow me to build & complete a pretty much unlimited number of outfits.

Having put on my wardrobe basics on day after day, I have compiled a list of what I wished I had to "complete" the look. Whether it was a colorful cardigan, statement piece of jewelry, or chic rainboots for those darn rainy days.

Now I have a wardrobe build around outfit equations that I know I love. Blazers with dresses, button-downs with skirts, my boyfriend jeans dressed up with heels or layered with a leopard coat for Winter.

So now that I've showed you mine, what are you wardrobe "completers"

curated closet 102: filling closet holes

One of the goals behind starting this blog was to chronicle my journey towards building a versatile closet that will transition with me as I finish graduate school & into a future professional career.

I certainly do not have it all figured out yet. But it looks like I am not the only one struggling with the notion of a curated closet, filled with things you LOVE not just like.

This realization that we have much to learn from each other, kicked off my curated closet series.

In the first class we learned about how to avoid impulse shopping

And now we are expounding upon one of the points from CC 101: Identifying holes in your closet.

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 I think I can safely say that no one reading my blog (including myself) needs clothes. Sure there are some versatile pieces that if you had, would maximize the use of your other clothes. But how do you pinpoint what these pieces are?

{1.} Get ready to try things on. Fix your hair, put some make-up on, turn the tunes up. When you look good, you feel good & this will make point #2 much easier!

{2.} Put it on your body. No ifs, &s, or buts about it. Sure you loved with when you bought it, but how about now? You won't know until you see it on your body!

{3}. Determine remix potential. While you have on each piece, play dress up in your closet. Consider belting tops, layering dresses, or dressing pants up & down.

Looking for inspiration of how wardrobe basics can be remixed, check out my "wear closet staples" Pinterest board!

{4.} Does it fit? Is it flattering? Really, is it? Turn around, bend over, sit down, stand up. Do you have shoes to wear it with? Can you tuck in your shirts if you want to?

{5.} Can it be fixed? So maybe the hem length is off, or the width of sleeves is no longer on-trend. Consider ways that you could tweak these items yourself (hello Pinterest tutorials!), or swing by a tailor to get an estimate for how much these updates will cost.

{6.} Sort as you go. Make piles of "stay", "donate", "sell", etc. As you compile these sub-sets, make a note of what you are getting rid of, & therefore what might become "holes"

{7.} Toss "closet crutches". Before I purchased the Madewell leopard flats that have rarely left my feet over the past month, I resisted purchasing new leopard flats because I had a 6 year old pair from Target. They were falling apart & I didn't totally LOVE them, but having them in my closet deterred me from replacing them, they were a closet crutch!

{8.} Be brutal. You are building your dream closet. If you haven't worn it, it isn't flattering &/or doesn't fit within what you imagine for your dream closet GET. RID. OF. IT. Maybe you could make some extra cash on eBay or Poshmark in the process!

{9.} List "wardrobe completers". Now you have gotten ride of "closet crutches" & identified pieces that will make your existing items re-mixable, write down these holes that will be "wardrobe completers" & take it with you next time you go shopping!

Maybe it is a casual blazer to layer over Summer dresses, or a colorful skinny belt that will give your tunic tops a whole new life!

Whether you are ready to tackle your closet now or plan to have a future date identifying "wardrobe holes" pin this handy guide you get you started!

Have you seen my Wardrobe Staple List that started it all? 

Check out the original post here & my shopping recommendations here.

Next week I will be sharing the "wardrobe completers" that I identified since first posting my 50 Wardrobe Staples shopping list!

Right now, I have my eye on some layer-able silk tanks for with skirts now & under cardigans later!

What "wardrobe completers" are you shopping for to pull your existing items together?

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $50 gift card to Lisa Leonard's fabulous shop {here}!!

dream come true

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10
These 10 wardrobe staples above represent "Jessica the Wallis Woman" & Wallis has many more classic pieces for everyone - without busting the budget!

Have you heard of Wallis? They are the fabulous sister brand of Topshop that just jumped the pond & is now available in the States.

I love Wallis because they have clothes for real women - all body types, & budgets! 

It was a dream to compete in the Wallis blogger blazer style-off.

And guess what?!

I am now in the running to be Wallis' first US Style Ambassador.

What. A. Dream! 

This is kind of like running for class president 

(or in my case treasurer, I have always been good with money... spending mostly).

I think I would be the best 8th grade class treasurer US Wallis Blogger Ambassador because I represent women of all ages looking to build a closet full of classic, quality & versatile clothes, while staying on a budget.

As the Wallis Ambassador I would get to be the US face of the company in the coming year, 

AND (& this is a huge AND) travel to London for Wallis' UK fashion press day (ermahgerd!!!)

So - I am standing here with my homemade posters saying "Jessica is the Best-ica" asking you to vote for me!

 I am actually a little behind on asking for your sweet sweet votes, but I know that you ladies can make up for lost time!

You can vote once every 24 hours from now until April 9th (at midnight)

So please bookmark my page, share it with friends & get to voting!

Thank you, thank you, thank you

(I have some sweet giveaways lined up for you this month to show my appreciation!)

@jesshereandnow is in the running to be the first US @WallisFashion Ambassador & needs your help! Vote here - http://ow.ly/jChwh  (<-- click to tweet this!)

Sunday Shopping: "THE Bag"

Well, I can finally say that I am happy that I did not get "The" bag that has been making the blog rounds lately. Of course, a quality leather tote is totally a wardrobe staple, but I found an option that beats the pants off that Madewell one... cheaper & from an super awesome company.

Meet my new obsession: Nisolo's Lori leather tote 

(& her sassy sister JoAnne)

First off, What is Nisolo?

Nisolo is a socially conscious company co-founded by one of my high school friends & based right here in Nashville. This amazing company supports the beautiful work of Peruvian leather artisans (meet them here) & brings quality goods (shoes, belts, accessories) to your doorstep.

Think globally, support locally delicious goodness!

Next, holy cow these bags are gorgeous!

Now the most difficult decision: Should I go with the classic all leather Lori or spring for a cheerful fabric lined JoAnne.

Which would you choose?

where have all the bootcuts gone?

{ What I Wore: J.Crew white button-down // Citizens of Humanity Jeans - Dita Petite Cut // Old Navy flats // 31 bits necklace (worn wrapped as a bracelet) // Purple Paparazzi necklace }

{ Get the Look }

silky white button down {$64.50, exact} + bootcut jeans {$22} + classic ballet flats {$19.94} + green statement necklace {$37}

This is my 3rd look featuring my beloved white button down (see my date night & casual weekend outfits from earlier this week for more white button down inspiration).

This might be my favorite way to wear this closet staple - letting it shine in all its gorgeous simplicity. Paired with dark denim & bold jewels, the white button down is easy polish on any outfit!

Besides my white button down, another favorite article of clothing (that gets not nearly enough love on the blog) is my pair of COH bootcut "Dita" Jeans. I got these jeans back in college when I worked at a local Arkansas boutique. At the time they were a SERIOUS splurge, even with my employee discount. But they were the first pair of off the rack designer denim that I could wear that day. No tailor middleman needed. These jeans are made for "petite" ladies under 5'4" (check) with a little bit of curves (I've got what I call "baby curves"& I like them)... & they have only gotten better with age (now at the perfectly broken in stage some 6 years (!!!) later)

Why do these boot cut babies not get much action on the blog? You tell me - when is the last time you saw a boot cut pair of jeans in the spotlight?! Ever since the "skinny" jean & "jeggings" came on the scene, tighter cut styles have been my GO TO pants, but my first love - the flattering boot cut Ditas - will always have a place in my heart.

What shape jeans are your favorite? 

Have you been cheating on your skinnies with any other pair lately?

Who's with me to bring the boot cut back!?

white button down: pumpkin spice

{ What I Wore: J.Crew white button down & utility jacket // Choies skirt c/o // Charlotte Russe booties // Nars "heat wave" lipstick }

{ Get the Look }

white button down {$39.50, exact} + orange skirt {$49.99, exact} + woven tights {$25.00} + wedge booties {$15.50} + utility jacket {$42.97}

When Fall is just around the corner, my girlfriends and I start talking about PSLs. PSLs, or Pumpkin Spice Lattes, define Fall around these parts.

Now that Spring is just a few weeks away, what are you craving?

New skirts in bright colors define Spring for me, & my wish list keeps growing!

My Spring shopping list includes this laser cut leather pencil skirt, this sweet hi-low number, & a feminine-feline leopard bell skirt.

What defines your Spring wardrobe?

*I am rocking my white-button down this week to show you doubters just how versatile this wardrobe staple can be... check out my first date-night look here.

white button down: b&w

{ What I Wore: J.Crew white button down // Urban Outfitters blazer // Target leopard skinnies // ShoeDazzle silver pumps // vintage clutch // Nars "Heat Wave" lipstick }

{ Get the Look }

white button down {$39.50} + black blazer {$49, exact} + leopard skinnies {exact pair, on sale for $8!!| + silver pumps {$23.97, exact} + red lippy {$26.00, exact} + silver clutch {$16.99}

White button-downs are not only for corporate meetings - in fact, they can be totally transformed for date night outings.... the perfect blank slate in your closet!

I like to loosen up a few buttons & pair this basic with a sleek blazer, printed skinnies & pumps that POP! (boy approved too!)

Mini moment caught in the action of my self-timer, checking a message from my man!

Have you rocked your white button-down for a night out?

How do you take this wardrobe staple from work to play?

Today I am linking up with MarionBerry Style for her Trend of the Month Challenge: Black & White. See the other fab b&w looks here.

wardrobe staples: white button down

I understand that every woman has different needs for the go-to pieces in their closet & the wardrobe staples that work for me, might not work for everyone else.

That being said, I think there are a few universal pieces, that if you don't think you need them in your life, then I don't think you know about their potential. 

Case in point : the white button down

Yes, this piece is synonymous with professional attire, but it is SO MUCH MORE!

A white button down is the blank slate of your closet - perfectly paired with pencil skirts, leather leggings, under sheath dresses. Tied, tucked, & layered over or under. This is one piece that can go from work, to date night, to play without even batting an eye.

feminine glam // effortless chic // modern cool // trendy edge // pretty classic // laid-back polished

I wore a white button for the past few days - the same one - and no one even noticed because it is such a chameleon!

I can't wait to share my favorite white-button down looks with you!

Let me know, are you a white button down believer, or do I need to work extra hard on you??

My white button down believers - how do you rock this wardrobe staple?

**interested in checking out the other 49 staples that are must haves in my closet? Read more here.

The "Forever21 Effect"

I am thrilled to have so many new faces around here & I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about my focus on building a functional & versatile wardrobe. I think this first & foremost starts with filling your closet with classic staples.

In the past, my shopping habits could be described like a squirrel gathering nuts for an imminent Winter, but unlike those adorable woodland creatures, I didn't actually need any nuts clothes.

But boy did I want them. 

And while defining the staple "holes" in my personal closet has helped me to shop smarter, it has not totally cured my shopping addiction.

Case in point, I have been drooling over this chic Madewell leather tote for MONTHS, but the price tag has prevented me from clicking "purchase" on this bad boy.

 Madewell transport tote $168.00 

In my mind, $168 is either ONE bag, or EIGHT things from Forever21.

I suffer form quantity-over-quality-itis. 

polka dot pencil skirt $17.80 // studded peplum top $17.80 // polka dot skinnies $24.80 // lace skirt $24.80 // cropped floral pants $22.80 // heart print blouse $19.80 // D'Orsay pointed toe flats $19.80 // scalloped flap purse $24.80

So what would YOU do?

Purchase the expensive staple that will mix & match with many things in your closet, & last for years to come?

OR stock up on the trendy "fast fashion" pieces, that will be fun this year, but probably not be touched again next season?

** I have nothing against Forever21. I think "fast fashion" has its time & place, but can often be a distraction from my game-plan to build a carefully curated closet.

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):