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 #3 – My Best Closet Staple

Have you ever bought something that you weren't sure about only for it to end up being your favorite closet staple? That's what happened with this sweater vest. I got it last year from Club Monaco at an end of the season sale. I remember being worried that I wouldn't wear it, but wanted an alternative to my beige one.Have you ever bought something that you weren't sure about only for it to end up being your favorite closet staple? That's what happened with this sweater vest. I got it last year from Club Monaco at an end of the season sale. I remember being worried that I wouldn't wear it, but wanted an alternative to my beige one.Have you ever bought something that you weren't sure about only for it to end up being your favorite closet staple? That's what happened with this sweater vest. I got it last year from Club Monaco at an end of the season sale. I remember being worried that I wouldn't wear it, but wanted an alternative to my beige one.This series is part of the 10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.

Have you ever bought something that you weren’t sure about only for it to end up being your favorite closet staple? That’s what happened with this sweater vest. I got it last year from Club Monaco at an end of the season sale. I remember being worried that I wouldn’t wear it, but wanted an alternative to my beige one. Surprise-surprise, I’ve literally worn it weekly for the entire season! Talk about return on investment, right?

My Best Closet Staple

The best thing about this vest is it goes with everything! I’ve worn it with jeans, dresses, and every top in my closet. It’s my weekly go-to, so of course I included it in my capsule. For this look, I chose to layer this vest over my trusty snow leopard sweater, another great staple! The merino wool is so warm and smooth, plus I love the print. I could totally see the top of this outfit being paired with a faux leather skirt and tall boots. So chic!

Now that the winter sales are winding down, I highly encourage you to invest in a sweater vest for next fall. I’m on the hunt for my spring alternative now, but this one from Nordstrom will be awesome for next year. For the warmer months, I’m leaning more towards this utilitarian style. Military outerwear never really goes out of style whether it’s a jacket or vest, so I’m adding it to my wish-list this year.

That’s why Lee’s 10 x 10 challenge is amazing! It really allows you to identify the gaps you might have in your closet and separate your needs from your wants. I don’t necessarily need a vest, but do know that it allows me to maximize my closet and get more bang for my buck. In my eyes, the vest is a necessary closet staple that I will indeed pick up this spring.

I almost forgot to mention the jeans! These are the same cut and style as the ones seen here, except a different wash and no button fly. The fit is the same, but the material is definitely tighter and not as comfortable as the lighter color. You might not find them as comfortable if you are curvier in your midsection. I might even recommend sizing up. I still love the jeans, but won’t be wearing them as regularly.

What are your favorite closet staples? Please share in the comments.

Shop the Look:

Vest: Club Monaco (similar) | Sweater: J.Crew (similar) | Denim: 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 

Related posts:

  1. Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10
  2. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #1 – Mastering the Half-Tuck
  3. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #2 – Taking Fashion Risk
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #8 – The Lightweight Sweater

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:

Read More »

Related posts:

  1. Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10
  2. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #5 – 6 Things I’ve Learned From My Capsule Wardrobe
  3. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #7 – Be the Change You Want to See
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #10 – Capsule Wardrobe Recap

Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #1 – Mastering the Half-Tuck

I have always been envious of those who wear the half-tuck. I've tried countless times to make it work but it always looked like a hot mess! I tell friends that they need to show me, and they look amused. I have always been envious of those who wear the half-tuck. I've tried countless times to make it work but it always looked like a hot mess! I tell friends that they need to show me, and they look amused.

I am so excited to kick off this series! I have been wanting to do a capsule wardrobe ever since I discovered Caroline Rector’s Un-fancy! I’m sad that she no longer keeps her blog up, but you can still follow her on Instagram.

If you missed my introductory post to this challenge, you can check it out here. I promise, you won’t be disappointed and you might even want to create your own capsule wardrobe! Now let’s get started with the basics.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is 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.

What is the 10×10 challenge?

Take 10 pieces and create 10 different outfits in 10 days. It is the mini version of a traditional capsule wardrobe that was created by Lee Vosburgh.

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, but I’m starting now! 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.

I have always been envious of those who wear the half-tuck. I've tried countless times to make it work but it always looked like a hot mess! I tell friends that they need to show me, and they look amused.

The formula:

  • Tops
  • Dress
  • Bottoms
  • Top layer
  • Shoes (you can choose whether to include in your count)

Accessories don’t count, so load up on as much as you want!

Who should try a capsule wardrobe?

Anyone.

Why should I try a capsule wardrobe?

Planning a vacation, feel stagnant in your wardrobe choices, want to save money, need to declutter your life? All of the above?  A capsule wardrobe can help you with all of these.

My goal:

  • Prove that you don’t have to spend money to look stylish
  • Show different ways to rework your wardrobe and change things up
  • Help you identify gaps in your wardrobe
  • Inspire you to try a capsule or declutter your life by pairing down your wardrobe

I have always been envious of those who wear the half-tuck. I've tried countless times to make it work but it always looked like a hot mess! I tell friends that they need to show me, and they look amused. Tricks to mastering the half-tuck

I have always been envious of those who wear the half-tuck. I’ve tried countless times to make it work but it always looked like a hot mess! I tell friends that they need to show me, and they look amused. If it’s so easy then why does J.Crew have a tutorial on it?! Here are three fail-proof tips, now tested by yours truly:

  • Wear high-waist jeans: I understand that some people aren’t keen on a high-waist jean, but I’m here to tell you, never say never! In the past, I’ve tried the half-tuck with a low rise jean and it just didn’t work for me. Once I found these beauties, I had a change of heart. They are super flattering, even in the midsection. Rejoice!!! A high-waist jean takes the guesswork out of the half-tuck in my opinion. Just grab the front of your shirt, tuck in the front and voila! You look beyond fabulous.
  • Look for a short hem: The more material you have to tuck in the more problematic. Plus, who wants to be bothered with a long hem? It will just add extra bulk to the front and sides.
  • Keep the top thin: These camisoles are thin (available in four colors) and come in a good length, making them super easy for mastering the half-tuck.

Shop the Post:

Sweater: Madewell (similar) | Camisole: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Denim: J.Crew | Booties: Paul Green (similar) | 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 

Related posts:

  1. Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10
  2. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #3 – My Best Closet Staple
  3. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #2 – Taking Fashion Risk
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #4 – The Knit Dress and Why You Need One

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 

Related posts:

  1. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  2. Outfit Remix: 4 Tips for Remixing Your Outfits
  3. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #1 – Mastering the Half-Tuck
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #2 – Taking Fashion Risk

Outfit Remix: When Good Outfits Repeat Themselves

You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them. See original outfit post here.

You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them.You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them.Oops I did it again! For some reason, whenever I wear a black and white top, I always struggle with how to style it. Since I lack imagination when it comes to a monochromatic look, my go-to is always a pop of color. The obvious clothing choice was this cranberry color cardigan. It was only until after this shoot that I realized I had worn almost an identical look 3 years prior, during my first year of blogging! At least I’m consistent.

Repeating this outfit got me thinking about the steps to defining your personal style. I’ve been in the process of pairing down my wardrobe, primarily due to weight gain and not liking a lot of excess in my closet. I realized there is no sense in having a bunch of stuff in my wardrobe that doesn’t fit!

You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them.

When Good Outfits Repeat Themselves

Assess your lifestyle and get rid of the excess. What do you spend most of your time doing? Are you a stay-at-home mom? College student? 9-5 desk job? Depending on your lifestyle and what you like to do on the weekend, having a fabulous wardrobe might not be ideal. Why have a massive selection of cocktail dresses if you rarely go out? Be realistic and only keep what you need.

Get more of what you love. If you’re a homebody and crave comfort, maybe you should splurge on a nice pair of leggings and some cozy knits. If you prefer a more classic style, fill your wardrobe with gorgeous closet staples like a silk blouse or blazer. I love denim as much as the next gal, but my work doesn’t allow for it. Instead of having a closet full of premium denim, I only have 1-2 pairs that I rotate on the weekend.

Be prepared for those one-off events. If these events are far and few between, keep it simple and only have 1 or 2 nice dresses instead of 10.

What tips do you have for defining your personal style? Share in the comments. For similar post read:

Shop the Post:

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (similar) | Blouse: J.Crew (this one is cute) | Denim: J.Crew | Bracelet and Necklace: J.Crew (old) | Shoes: Paul Green (similar) | Clutch: DSW | Lipstick: Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick (Rich Raisin) c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

📷’s by Hello Rigby

Related posts:

  1. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #3 – My Best Closet Staple
  2. Spring Trend: Ruffles + Anguay Designs
  3. Outfit Remix: Lace Bomber + 3 Reasons Why You Need a Pair of Grey Denim
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #8 – The Lightweight Sweater

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