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 #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

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.

Read More »

Related posts:

  1. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #4 – The Knit Dress and Why You Need One
  2. Spring Wardrobe Challenge Outfit #5 – 6 Things I’ve Learned From My Capsule Wardrobe
  3. Wardrobe Building Blocks: Your Guide to a Cohesive Closet
  4. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection

Versatile Closet Staples From J.Jill

J.Jill has a large assortment of versatile pieces. 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?!J.Jill has a large assortment of versatile pieces. 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?!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”.

J.Jill has a large assortment of versatile pieces. 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?! J.Jill has a large assortment of versatile pieces. 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?!

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

Related posts:

  1. Pretty Particular + A Giveaway
  2. Keep Your Feet Dry With Western Chief’s Duck Boot
  3. Rebekah J. Designs AWA Collection
  4. Transition to Fall with J.Jill

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.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.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.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.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.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.

Related posts:

  1. Styling Texture
  2. Pretty Particular + A Giveaway
  3. Lace & Pearls – The Girl Behind the Blog
  4. Outfit Remix: Lace Bomber + 3 Reasons Why You Need a Pair of Grey Denim

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.

Related posts:

  1. Fashion First
  2. Styling Texture
  3. Pretty Particular + A Giveaway
  4. Outfit Remix: Ruffle Pleat Cardigan

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