Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #7 – Be the Change You Want to See

This series is part of the 10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.

This post is a deviation from my typical fashion post and capsule wardrobe series, but I felt like I wanted to share something a bit deeper today. Hope you enjoy!

For the past few weeks I have felt incredibly uninspired and depressed. Last month I turned 35, but I don’t really think the age thing is a factor (although I didn’t realize it until I saw it listed somewhere about a week and a half later and thought that I was 34). Oh brother! I seriously didn’t know and neither did my husband.

Be the Change You Want to See

When it comes to my birthday, I don’t really like celebrating and feel super guilty asking people to. I’m an introvert in an extrovert’s clothing and do much better one-on-one. I thrive on deep connections rather than surface ones and struggle with anything else. If I don’t have a deep connection with the people I surround myself with then I’d rather just be alone. Does anyone else feel that way?

This year, my husband had to work late so my birthday was spent alone. Instead of having a home-cooked meal or going out, I stayed in and watched reruns of the Atlanta Housewives and snacked on whatever I could scrounge up. Between this and the last few birthdays I’ve had, I’ve realized that I want the next to be different, so my lesson here is to be the change you want to see. If you’re unhappy with something, change it. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible.

Here are two things I want to work on:

  • Plan my birthday early. This doesn’t mean that my party needs to be epic (who doesn’t want that), but setting aside time to reflect on what I want and how I want to feel is key. Other things I should think about is who to invite and what to do. Not planning my birthday in the past has worked out poorly, so making the time to plan ahead should really help.
  • My weight-loss journey. I’ve mentioned my weight gain in this post but haven’t really shared much details. Every week I do Orange Theory and try to watch my portions, but by the end of the week I’ve sabotaged things. Here are three reasons why I think this is:
    1. Treating myself to a cookie does not mean that my diet is ruined; I can still eat healthy throughout the day and balance things out. It does not mean that I get to binge on everything in sight because I’ve already made a mistake. I need to remember this, underline and bold it. So important! I would seriously be much further along if I did.
    2. Mindset is key. I’ve started Weight Watchers countless times and fail each week. For some reason, I think it should be easy, but deep down I know that isn’t true so I need to throw that idea out and get focused. I have always eaten healthy meals but have the worse time with portion control. I’m just going to have to suck it up and realize this is part of the deal.
    3. My favorite time to snack is at night when I’m on the couch. Since I know this, I try to drink a herbal tea or a high-protein smoothie to help with my cravings, but breaking the habit would be much more effective. I need to stop depending on food to feel content. Going to bed early or limiting the amount of TV I watch is helpful.

Hope this post inspires you to keep on thriving in all areas of your life! If you have similar thoughts on feeling lonely or know what changes you want to see in yourself, share them in the comments.

Shop the Post


Sweater: Banana Republic (similar here and here) | Camisole: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Jeans: J.Crew (similar) | Shoes: Report (similar) c/o Famous Footwear | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Lipstick: Urban Decay 1993 c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

More From This Series:

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #5 – 6 Things I’ve Learned From My Capsule Wardrobe

We are halfway through the 10X10 capsule wardrobe challenge! I have seriously learned so much about myself and my style going through this process. I've learned what works for my body type and what doesn't, and even how to pose better in photos! Curious about what else I've learned? Keep reading for all the deets. We are halfway through the 10X10 capsule wardrobe challenge! I have seriously learned so much about myself and my style going through this process. I've learned what works for my body type and what doesn't, and even how to pose better in photos! Curious about what else I've learned? Keep reading for all the deets. We are halfway through the 10X10 capsule wardrobe challenge! I have seriously learned so much about myself and my style going through this process. I've learned what works for my body type and what doesn't, and even how to pose better in photos! Curious about what else I've learned? Keep reading for all the deets.

This series is part of the 10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.

We are halfway through the 10X10 capsule wardrobe challenge! I have seriously learned so much about myself and my style going through this process. I’ve learned what works for my body type and what doesn’t, and even how to pose better in photos! Curious about what else I’ve learned? Keep reading for all the deets.

6 Things I’ve Learned From My Capsule Wardrobe

  • Cute clothes don’t always photograph well. Take this sweater for example. It has all of the qualities of a great sweater, but the waistband is not ideal for those who are wide through the midsection. In fact, this type of style makes me appear a lot larger. I’m pretty disappointed since I love this sweater so much and am obsessed with the ruffle collar.
  • Good posture is key. Sadly, my old photographer is no longer shooting and I am in the process of finding a new one. She made shooting a breeze! I could literally just show up and she would suggest poses and keep an eye out for flattering and non-flattering angles. For this shoot, I had to depend on myself and forgot to elongate my neck and posture. My previous photographer would always remind me to think tall and lengthen my neck. When I saw these photos, I realized I had missed the mark and my neck was lost in the majority of these photos. This is key in taking a flattering picture. Always stand up straight and keep your neck elongated as much as possible. You might feel awkward but your photo will look much nicer, I promise!
  • Nude-like lipsticks aren’t always best on camera. Although I love this lipstick, it just fell flat on camera. I realize now that I should have added a gloss on top to make things pop. I kinda look washed out and dead. Now I understand the beauty of heavy-handed makeup when being on camera or on stage. It looks great in real life, but on camera, brighter is probably better.
  • A button down shirt is a great closet staple. Even though I would have avoided it for this particular look, it’s a great way to add interest and stay warm in the colder months. The extra material really doesn’t do me any favors and I should have tucked it in or gone without it. I have two more looks featuring this blouse and probably could have come up with several others, so stay tuned for those.
  • Neutral palettes are easy to work with. When building a small wardrobe, neutral colors really allow you to maximize your closet and interchange your look. I do prefer neutral colors but am not shy of brighter options, so I was kinda surprised that my capsule wardrobe ended up being predominately neutral with touches of black.
  • You don’t need a lot of clothes to look good. I knew this from day one and still stand behind it! After starting this blog about 3 1/2 years ago, I shop less and value the clothes that I own. I might need more variety if my lifestyle was a little different, but for my 9-5 and casual weekends, this is all I need.

How are you enjoying this series? Do you want me to continue to focus on having a small size wardrobe or go back to sharing personal style tips? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Shop the post: 

Sweater: J.Crew | Blouse: J.Jill c/o | Denim: J. Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Shoes: Report c/o Famous Footwear (similar) | Lipstick: Urban Decay 1993 c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

More From This Series:

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #4 – The Knit Dress and Why You Need One

I've never really been a fan of the knit dress, but now I understand why they are so popular. They're easy to style, pack well, and can be dressed up or down. What's fun about this dress is the color-block detail and contrasting blue and white vertical stripes. It's a great dress for now and later! I've never really been a fan of the knit dress, but now I understand why they are so popular. They're easy to style, pack well, and can be dressed up or down. What's fun about this dress is the color-block detail and contrasting blue and white vertical stripes. It's a great dress for now and later! I've never really been a fan of the knit dress, but now I understand why they are so popular. They're easy to style, pack well, and can be dressed up or down. What's fun about this dress is the color-block detail and contrasting blue and white vertical stripes. It's a great dress for now and later!This series is part of the 10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.

I’ve never really been a fan of the knit dress, but now I understand why they are so popular. They’re easy to style, pack well, and can be dressed up or down. What’s fun about this dress is the color-block detail and contrasting blue and white vertical stripes. It’s a great dress for now and later!

The Knit Dress and Why You Need One

  • Get ready quick. It takes the guesswork out of getting ready. Depending on the weather, you can either go bare leg or wear tights. Then top things off with your outerwear or a lightweight sweater. You can also get creative and style this dress with a cute pair of sneakers, wedges, or flats.
  • Wear on multiple occasions. What’s great about this dress is that it works for the office by adding a lightweight blazer, you can wear it on vacation, or even when running errands. The lightweight material and length make this dress super flattering and comfortable. Perfect for wherever the day takes you!
  • Great for vacations. This dress is perfect for travel since it won’t take up much space in your luggage. It will also pack well and need very little ironing, especially if you roll the dress instead of folding.
  • It makes you think outside of the box. It’s like the modern take on the little black dress but a bit more interesting. You can wear it as a skirt (shown here), with a vest (today’s post) or with a lightweight jacket. It would also look cute with a tied waist blouse or a white denim jacket.
  • You can change up the overall look and feel with accessories. Wouldn’t this dress look so cute with a floral or striped scarf? I like the idea of mixing prints, especially in the warmer months.

If you are in the market for a knit dress, look no further than J.Jill for some cute spring essentials. They have a plethora of great options.

Are you a fan of the knit dress? Share in the comments.

Shop the post:

Dress: J.Jill c/o | Sweater: Club Monaco (similar) | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Booties: Paul Green (similar) | Purse: Ted Baker (similar) | Lipstick: Urban Decay 1993 c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

More From This Series:

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #2 – Taking Fashion Risk

Let's get to the point of today's post - trying something new and taking a fashion risk! Even though it was outside of my comfort zone, I styled this dress as a skirt and look how good it turned out. Let's get to the point of today's post - trying something new and taking a fashion risk! Even though it was outside of my comfort zone, I styled this dress as a skirt and look how good it turned out. This series is part of the10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.

I’m not the biggest fan of dresses or skirts. I wear them in the summer, but pretty much steer clear of them in the colder months. I have a handful of reasons for not loving them but the three reasons that stand out the most are:

  1. Finding a comfortable shoe that is stylish. I seriously don’t have a single pair of shoes that don’t bother my feet! I primarily stick to comfort shoes since I have tendonitis in my big toe. I wear something cute for photo shoots, but in real life it’s riding boots and Hunters.
  2. I don’t like stuff around my waist. My stomach is the widest part of my body, so wearing a skirt or a structured dress is not very comfortable. I only wear them when it’s an absolute must or in the summer when it’s warm. I usually have to talk myself up quite a bit to wear a dress. Once I do, I enjoy them, and by the end of summer it does start to feel like second nature.
  3. I hate looking stuffy like I’m going to church or a desk job. I feel like everyone else looks so cool and stylish when they wear dresses and skirts, but not me! See my attempts HERE HERE and HERE. These turned out pretty good, but I feel like the black tights might have made me look a little too dressy. It also helps that all of these dresses are from J. Jill and are knit so they are very forgiving! A knit dress is also more casual, which is more me.

Let's get to the point of today's post - trying something new and taking a fashion risk! Even though it was outside of my comfort zone, I styled this dress as a skirt and look how good it turned out. Let's get to the point of today's post - trying something new and taking a fashion risk! Even though it was outside of my comfort zone, I styled this dress as a skirt and look how good it turned out.

Taking Fashion Risk

Let’s get to the point of today’s post – trying something new and taking a fashion risk! Even though it was outside of my comfort zone, I styled this dress as a skirt and look how good it turned out. 🙂

What I like about this look:

  1. The dress is super comfortable and stretchy, a great length, and non-constricting. You probably wouldn’t have guessed that it is color-blocked?! Visit the link to see the entire dress. It’s ideal for a capsule wardrobe, as it’s extremely versatile. I know I’ll wear this dress through summer and again in the fall with tights.
  2. The sweater is adorable! I am obsessed with the ruffle collar. Isn’t it the sweetest?! It also comes in three colors so I would suggest adding at least one of them to your wishlist. I know the pink color is going to be super popular.
  3. It’s versatile as mentioned previously. I’m able to go bare leg or wear tights and still be comfortable. I love how I was able to make this spring dress more transitional and wear it with my winter booties.

Other notables…

The kitty bag, keeps things fresh and care-free. While the necklace is the perfect final touch. I’m also wearing a new lip color, Urban Decay 1993, which I would categorize as a nude brown. I really like the color for everyday; it’s a little dark in photoshoots, but otherwise has great staying power.

I will definitely be wearing this look for as long as the season lets me, and will try my best to continue to take fashion risks, even small ones!

Have any tips for dressing down a skirt or dress? Share in the comments.

Shop the post:

Dress: J. Jill c/o | Sweater: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Purse: Ted Baker (similar) | Lipstick: Urban Decay 1993 c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10

After cleaning out my closet, I barely had anything left! This is when I thought about creating a capsule wardrobe: minimal, neutral, and basic. I like the look on some, but it's not necessarily my style, although I've always wondered if I could create a capsule wardrobe for myself that was more on the feminine side.Since gaining over twenty pounds, the majority of my clothes no longer fit, but instead of holding onto everything, I went ahead and put most of my closet on consignment and gave the rest away. I understand that getting rid of things can be scary, but I’ve always been very focused on keeping my closet in order, so I knew it was the right decision for me. Plus, if I lose the weight, I know that I’ll want something new and that makes me less worried about feeling remorseful.

Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe

Getting your closet together is no small feat! It actually took me several months. The clothes that I put on consignment had to be dry cleaned and properly packed, then the items that weren’t in good shape were donated. Accessories and shoes went to ThredUp or Poshmark, which I’m still in the process of finishing up.

After everything was cleared out, I barely had anything left! This is when I thought about creating a capsule wardrobe: minimal, neutral, and basic. I like the look on some, but it’s not necessarily my style, although I’ve always wondered if I could create a capsule wardrobe for myself that was more on the feminine side. Once I was committed to the idea, I revisited my favorite capsule blogger, Caroline Rector of Unfancy, and saw that her and Lee Vosburgh had just finished the 10×10 challenge.

What is 10×10 Challenge?

Take 10 pieces and create 10 different outfits in 10 days.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A small wardrobe made up of versatile pieces (30-40 pieces) that you love. The catch – you can only swap out your items every season (three months). Caroline’s capsule included 37 pieces for three months.

After cleaning out my closet, I barely had anything left! This is when I thought about creating a capsule wardrobe: minimal, neutral, and basic. I like the look on some, but it's not necessarily my style, although I've always wondered if I could create a capsule wardrobe for myself that was more on the feminine side.Spring Wardrobe Challenge – My Take

Instead of going the traditional route, I thought it would be fun to do the 10×10. As luck would have it, the next challenge is starting Friday, March 30th, so look forward to joining me on my journey! Instead of doing 10 days in a row, I will be sharing one look per week for the next two months using only 10 pieces (shoes not included). I will also tag my outfits with #stylebee10x10, #Spring10x10, #10x10Friends and do a full blog post on each look.

Challenge Goal: At the end of this challenge I want to save money, ignite creativity, feel content, and make more intentional purchases.

My Small Wardrobe Theory

As long as you look good, do you need to have a lot of clothes? Say you have three lipsticks that look great on you. Between the three of them, you’ve got a look for every day, a statement color that wows, and a classic red to throw in the mix. Do you really need 15 lippies? The shelf life will expire before you can even wear them all!

Just like clothes, you primarily wear your favorites and the others are neglected or you grow tired of them. Wouldn’t you prefer to have a closet full of your favorites that get equal wear? No more spending money on unnecessary items or countless mornings trying to figure out what to wear.

The pieces: click the images to shop. Some of these items aren’t my exact pieces, but I did my best to choose similar items.

Have you attempted your own capsule wardrobe? What was your experience like? If you’re hesitant to start one, what are the reasons? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

You might also like: Outfit remix category , 8 Tips for Defining Your Personal Style , Wardrobe Building Blocks: Your Guide to a Cohesive Closet

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

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