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.
Versatile Closet Staples From J.Jill
I’m all for buying new clothes, but as I become smarter in my fashion choices, I realize that I don’t really need a lot of clothing in my closet. In fact, having too many options just makes it harder to get dressed. For this reason, versatile pieces are the way to go.
Last week I wore my black pants 3 out of 5 days (Monday – Friday). At first I was worried that people would notice but then I thought who cares! As long as you look good it doesn’t really matter if you wear a piece multiple times.
With that said, J.Jill has a large assortment of versatile pieces. If you missed my previous collaborations you can find them here and here. My latest box was full of cozy fall pieces in dark tones that are easy to mix and match. Do great minds think alike or what?!
If you to want to master a cohesive wardrobe, you’ll want to keep most of the pieces in your closet neutral with pops of color. Think “capsule wardrobe”.
Versatile Closet Staples
- Accessories: You want your accessories to easily mix and match with the other items in your closet. For this reason, I always have a brown, black, and nude bag in my wardrobe. Vibrant purses are great, but make sure functional options are your priority. Other great accessories to have are scarfs, hats, and jewelry. These are simple closet staples that won’t break the bank.
- Outerwear: I am really into outerwear this season especially ones like the sweater jacket I am wearing. I’m also a huge fan of the open sweater vest and lightweight jackets like this olive green one. Outerwear is essential to changing up your look especially in the colder months.
- Shoes: For shoes, I would recommend a classic riding boot, a bootie, and a dress shoe. Then grab a couple fun options to throw into the mix. If your wardrobe is pretty neutral you can always wear a statement shoe to elevate your look.
- Makeup and Hair: Changing your side part or swapping out your lip color can take your look to the next level. If you’re feeling extra bold, go a step further and watch a YouTube video on contouring or mastering the classic cat eye.
Have some tips of your own on how to be versatile? Please leave a comment.
Shop the Post:
Jacket: J.Jill c/o | Sweater: J. Jill c/o | Jeans: J.Crew | Necklace: Rebekah J.Designs | Tote: Ralph by Ralph Lauren (similar) | Boots: Naturalizer (similar) | Lipstick: L’Oreal (color Blake)
*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.
Photos by The Blogger Photog
Outfit Remix: Ruffle Pleat Cardigan
I used to be obsessed with the cardigan! I seriously had one in every material, weight, and color. One day I decided I was over them and I paired down my collection to just the essentials. I made a conscious effort not to buy another with the caveat that I only could if I needed it to complete an outfit.
When I spotted this gray pleated cardigan (now on sale), all of my previous commitments went out the window – I had to have it! It was the perfect novelty cardigan with feminine pleats and a neutral color palette. After bringing it home, I realized I wasn’t sure how to style it other than one way: white blouse and jeans. I didn’t want my top to compete with the pleats or make things appear too busy.
Once it was no longer summer, I challenged myself to figure out more options for it. I literally tried on every possible option in my closet. This wasn’t too bad since I really didn’t want to style it with any other color than white or chambray.
While a chambray shirt worked, I still wanted my overall look to be soft, so I ended up choosing a white button down with very subtle stripes and gray denim. Going neutral achieved my goal and allowed me to come up with something new. The casual booties also tied everything together.
How would you style this cardigan? Share in the comments.
Shop the Post:
Cardigan: Chelsea28 (now on sale!!!)| Stripe Shirt: UNIQLO (similar) | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: Ann Taylor (another cute option) | Ring: Happiness Boutique (silver version) c/o | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Booties: Bare Trap (major on sale!)| Lipstick: Burberry ( No. 49 – intense plum) c/o
Photos by Jenn of Hello Rigby.
Lace & Pearls – The Girl Behind the Blog
When you follow a lot of blogs, you become curious about the person behind the blog and wonder about their background and lifestyle. I thought it would be fun to share a bit about myself and what inspired me to create this blog.
I live in Seattle, Washington with my husband and our two cats; we adopted them last year when they were four months old. It is my first time being a pet owner and I love it! Full disclosure, my husband and I are both dog people, but with us both being away from home for so many hours a day, it just didn’t make sense to have a dog yet. Last fall, my husband talked about possibly getting two cats and I was tickled with excitement! I still remember the first day we brought them home. We are literally smitten with them.
My husband and I met in college and have been married for seven years this July. He was my first boyfriend, and after dating for four years, we got married. We bought our first home last March and are having a blast buying furniture, planting vegetable beds, and doing other projects. He works in Marketing & Communications as a web developer and is wise beyond his years. Seriously, is there anything this man can’t do? He’s truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and our love for one another grows each and every day.
Lace & Pearls – The Girl Behind the Blog
In college, I majored in communications and got a job at Nordstrom in their corporate office when I graduated. Before school, I worked at Nordstrom Rack full time and continued doing seasonal work during breaks. When I graduated from college, I worked in the Brass Plum buying office as an administrative assistant. I mostly managed purchase orders and got to make sure our vendors shipped products to us on time. Towards the tail end of things, I made the transition to Nordstrom.com and worked on the front end of the site, loading images and curating style suggestions to customers.
After trying to move up in the company, I applied for work externally and got a job in healthcare. I have been promoted a few times since and am now a project manager. When I switched over to healthcare I really missed being immersed in fashion and hearing about the latest trends. I wanted so badly to have that part of my life back and so Lace & Pearls was born.
My first year, I blogged under the radar, I was scared that if people found out, they would discourage me from what I was trying to do so I only told my mom and a few family members. It can also be tough to balance work and the blog, and there have been so many times where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, but what has kept me going are the relationships I’ve formed, getting to improve my writing skills, and having something that allows me to be creative on a weekly basis.
Well, I think that covers the basics. If you’ve stuck around this long, thank you! If you have any questions for me, please leave them in the comments. I always love hearing from you. Thanks for reading.
Shop the Post:
Chambray: Old Navy | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: J.Crew (sold out)| Ring: Happiness Boutique (silver version) c/o | Boots: Hunter | Tote: Ralph Ralph Lauren (similar) | Lipstick: Burberry ( No. 49 – intense plum)c/o
Photos by Jenn of Hello Rigby.
Spring Trend: Ruffles + Anguay Designs
What is it about ruffles that make them so desirable? Is it the modern update that is super versatile and less structured? Personally, I can’t seem to get enough of the romantic aesthetic. Whatever the reason, ruffles have come full circle and are popping up everywhere.
Before we get into today’s post, here’s a little history lesson. Did you know that ruffles date back to the 16th century? While you might have guessed they were old, did you know that it was men who wore them? Yep, during the 16th century German soldiers wore uniforms with ruffles very similar to those we see today.
Ruffles – How to Wear?
Since ruffles are a statement all on their own, you don’t need much to accessorize them. Simple is best. Of course, I am big on jewelry so I decided to also go with a statement earring. I did, however, keep everything else minimal (e.g., ballet flats, color block tote).
Fashion tip: Let your ruffles take center stage and wear your hair back in a classic pony or an undone topknot.
Don’t stop there! Ruffles go well beyond tops and sweaters. Now you can find skirts and dresses with this frilly embellishment too. Depending on your body type, a ruffle skirt can do wonders. If you’re narrow in the hips, add some ruffles to give the illusion of curves.
Ruffles – Where to Shop?
I have seen this trend at every retailer: Target, Zara, Nordstrom, to name a few. I picked up this sweet polka dot blouse at J.Crew and also bought it in burgundy. The silk material makes the ruffles very forgiving, especially on a larger chest.
The tote is from Seattle brand Anguay Designs. I’m obsessed with the color blocking and external pocket, plus the lining is super cute. Crystal, the designer of Anguay Designs, is launching her Spring/Summer apparel line called Unlikely on April 24th. For a sneak peek, visit her Instagram and definitely check out her site because this girl is going places. If you see something you like, use code LACEANDPEARLS to receive 15% off your order, discount is valid until 12/31/17.
Blouse: J.Crew (similar) | Jeans: Jag c/o (similar) | Earrings: J.Crew (sold out) | Ring: Madewell (on sale)| Tote: Anguay Designs (borrowed) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Smokin Hot Pink)
Thank you Anguay Designs for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits