Lace & Pearls

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

8 Closet Staples You Need Right Now

The biggest challenge to shopping your closet—outside of getting things organized —is having the RIGHT closet staples, including jeans, tops, and dresses.What I’m Wearing – Blouse: Loft (similar) c/o  | Vest: Talbots via thredup c/o | Jeans: J.Crew (similar) | Shoes: Superga c/o J. Jill | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Ring: Nordstrom BP (similar) | Earrings: Ann Taylor (almost identical) c/o | Tote: Cuyana c/o | Lipstick: Burberry Bright Plum No.49 c/o

The biggest challenge to shopping your closet—outside of getting things organized —is having the RIGHT closet staples, including high-quality jeans, work pants, the perfect T-shirt, blouses, blazers and jackets, skirts, and dresses. Having these key items available will prevent you from scrambling the next time you’re celebrating a special occasion, attending an event, or getting ready in the morning.

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Related posts:

  1. 8 Wardrobe Tidying Tips That Will Change Your Life
  2. Outfit Remix: How to Dress Preppy
  3. Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10
  4. My Top 6 Preppy Spring Essentials

5 Reasons For Saying No

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to take a day trip with my blogging buddies. Unfortunately, it was my only day to rest and as much as I wanted to hang out and bond, I knew if I decided to go it would derail me for the entire week.

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  1. Fashion First
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  3. 5 Year Blogiversary & A Blogging Break
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Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #9 – 5 Reasons to Start Your Own Capsule Wardrobe

In honor of the Spring Wardrobe Challenge coming to an end (only one post left!), I thought it would be helpful to revisit my goals and what I wanted to accomplish. This will hopefully inspire you to start your own capsule wardrobe and rid yourself of unnecessary items.In honor of the Spring Wardrobe Challenge coming to an end (only one post left!), I thought it would be helpful to revisit my goals and what I wanted to accomplish. This will hopefully inspire you to start your own capsule wardrobe and rid yourself of unnecessary items. In honor of the Spring Wardrobe Challenge coming to an end (only one post left!), I thought it would be helpful to revisit my goals and what I wanted to accomplish. This will hopefully inspire you to start your own capsule wardrobe and rid yourself of unnecessary items. This series is part of the 10X10 Spring Challenge. For more information on what it is and how it works, click here.

In honor of the Spring Wardrobe Challenge coming to an end (only one post left!), I thought it would be helpful to revisit my goals and what I wanted to accomplish. This will hopefully inspire you to start your own capsule wardrobe and rid yourself of unnecessary items. In case you missed it, also check out this post on 6 Things I’ve Learned From My Capsule Wardrobe.

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 #6 – Transitional Outfit For Spring
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #10 – Capsule Wardrobe Recap

Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #6 – Transitional Outfit For Spring

The weather here in Seattle is not quite warm yet and even though there have been some glimmers of spring, the temperature is still cold. This is why having a few transitional outfits on hand is key! Last week we had a high in the 70s and I had to think fast when it came to my clothing. The weather here in Seattle is not quite warm yet and even though there have been some glimmers of spring, the temperature is still cold. This is why having a few transitional outfits on hand is key! Last week we had a high in the 70s and I had to think fast when it came to my clothing. The weather here in Seattle is not quite warm yet and even though there have been some glimmers of spring, the temperature is still cold. This is why having a few transitional outfits on hand is key! Last week we had a high in the 70s and I had to think fast when it came to my clothing.

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

The weather here in Seattle is not quite warm yet and even though there have been some glimmers of spring, the temperature is still cold. This is why having a few transitional outfits on hand is key! Last week we had a high in the 70s and I had to think fast when it came to my clothing. The mornings tend to be cool and the afternoons are warm, so it’s super helpful having an outfit with multiple layers.

Transitional Outfit For Spring

You are probably tired of seeing this vest, or maybe it’s just me (see other two looks here and here). Having an outer layer that is functional and cute has been great for days when the weather is unpredictable. As the day progresses, I can remove the vest and still have a cute blouse underneath. It has seriously been my best closet staple to date, but I am a little excited to put it away for summer. Plus, it could use a good dry cleaning!

I’m also still loving these button fly jeans (buttons not shown). They have been so popular that they sold out, but this non-button fly option is still available and they’re also available in this lighter wash with button fly I would snatch them up before they’re gone too! They fit true to size and are very comfortable.

I just can’t say enough good things about this blouse! It’s seriously so cute and comfortable. I’ll definitely be wearing it throughout the warmer months and again when it turns cold. The pocket detail and red threading are subtle, but I love them so much. It would also look great with a pair of leggings and sneakers if that is your style. Throw on a denim jacket and you’re good to go!

I do wish I had tied the front of this blouse or tucked it in for a cleaner and more flattering look. I originally had it tied at the waist, but wasn’t sure how I liked it. After seeing the photos, I would have left it tied. This is another lesson I’ve learned from having a capsule wardrobe and documenting my looks.

Shop the Post:


Vest: Club Monaco (similar) | Blouse: J.Jill c/o | Jeans: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Booties: Paul Green (similar) | Purse: Ted Baker (shop spring version) | 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 #5 – 6 Things I’ve Learned From My Capsule Wardrobe
  3. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #9 – 5 Reasons to Start Your Own Capsule Wardrobe
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #7 – Be the Change You Want to See

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 

Related posts:

  1. Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10
  2. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #2 – Taking Fashion Risk
  3. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #7 – Be the Change You Want to See
  4. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #9 – 5 Reasons to Start Your Own Capsule Wardrobe

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