Lace & Pearls

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

Outfit Remix: 4 Tips for Remixing Your Outfits

Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. When I started this blog, I had an unspoken goal to utilize what I own and not spend a lot of money and I have done surprisingly well. I used to be notorious for growing tired of a piece and getting rid of it without a thought. When I go back through my archives, I love seeing that I still own most of the same clothes (investment pieces) from three years ago!

I realized I love to remix my closet and started to focus more on working with less. I’d take a small wardrobe with beautiful pieces over a large one of odds and ends.

Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans. Take this printed flutter sleeve blouse. The first time I wore it, I went for a business casual look. This time, it’s more off-duty with a pair of distressed jeans and my favorite anorak jacket. I also changed up the hair, lipstick, and accessories.

Flutter sleeve blouse, anorak jacket (military jacket), and distressed jeans.

4 Tips for Remixing Your Outfits

  1. Swap out your lip color. You would be amazed how this simple change can maximize your look. If you’re not a lipstick wearer, try a sheer balm with a hint of color. Another awesome lipstick that is great for every day is this one by Bobbi Brown.
  2. Change your hair. Now, you can be as creative as you like with this, but I would err on side of simplicity. If you always wear your hair in a low ponytail, try wearing it up. Even adding a side or middle part can make a huge difference.
  3. Choose a different bottom. This is a great way to scale your wardrobe and is awesome when traveling. If you have a colored bottom, you can pair it with a printed or solid top and swap out the accessories and voila! You have an entirely new look. I do this all the time and it really does stretch my wardrobe.
  4. Change your shoes and accessories. This is a no brainer and makes getting dressed fun. Adding jewelry, a scarf, or bag can make a huge difference. If hats are more your thing, pick up a couple neutral options so you can mix and match with your wardrobe.

What tips do you have for remixing your outfits? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. Check out my other outfit remixes. 

Shop the Post:

Blouse: J.Crew (similar)| Jacket: Loft (similar) | Jeans: AG | Earrings, and Bracelets: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar c/o| Sandals: Josef Seibel (sold out) | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Lipstick: Lancôme Matte Shaker Lipstick c/o

Related posts:

  1. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  2. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls
  3. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection
  4. Winter Clothes: What to Put Away and What to Keep Out

The Best Denim Brands I’ve Found So Far

I remember when premium denim was all the rage, but now I feel like you can wear whatever you want, with the exception that they must be flattering. I remember when premium denim was all the rage, but now I feel like you can wear whatever you want, with the exception that they must be flattering. I remember when premium denim was all the rage, but now I feel like you can wear whatever you want, with the exception that they must be flattering. I remember when premium denim was all the rage, but now I feel like you can wear whatever you want, with the exception that they must be flattering. I remember when premium denim was all the rage (e.g., 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity), but now I feel like you can wear whatever you want, with the exception that they must be flattering. In order to help you navigate through the difficult task of finding great denim, I have compiled a list of my favorites.

The Best Denim Brands I’ve Found So Far

AG denim. Denim at its finest! Perfectly distressed and aged to perfection.

I can still remember my first pair of AGs. They were a distressed pair of boyfriend jeans that I wore so much the holes became too large and were no longer acceptable to be seen in public.

Another style that I liked was The Stilt Cigarette Leg jean, a traditional straight-legged jean. I wore this style for several years before the skinny came around. I was obsessed! The only reason I started to look for other options was because the leg opening was a little too large when I tried to roll them the way I wanted.

I eventually replaced my Stilts with The Legging Super Skinny. If you’re on the lookout for a great pair of distressed denim, this is the only pair you need. They are super soft and don’t stretch out. The holes also hit me at the knee instead of above or below like some others do.

A pair of AGs will set you back but are worth every penny. I recommend putting away some cash for these ones – you will not be disappointed!

J.Crew Toothpick. I’ve always been a big fan of the toothpick jean. The cut is fitted through the hips and thigh with a super skinny leg. I have large calves so the leg can be a little tight at first but not unbearably so. The inseam is my favorite; it’s very Audrey Hepburn-like with a cropped ankle. This style also comes in a variety of colors and prints, not just the standard blue denim wash.

Loft Modern Skinny (super cute distressed pair). This jean might be my absolute favorite and is affordable too, especially with Loft’s weekly promotions! The quality is a little lacking though and I’ve worn through a lot of pairs. I usually wear them out in the thigh, but will admit that I’m grabbing for these multiple times a week. They come in a lot of great colors and are great for work.

Runners Up

  • Banana Republic: cute styles with a moderate price point.
  • Gap: love their skinny denim but they do stretch out.
  • Madewell: their skinny fits similar to J.Crew, but I still like J.Crew’s better. They also have a hint of stretch and are longer in length.
  • Old Navy: the Rockstar is awesome and super affordable but does fade quickly in the wash and the material is very thin.

Fashion Tip: another great place to find denim is at your local thrift store. They usually have a large variety of gently used denim at a great price point.

What are your favorite denim brands?

Sweater: Marshalls (similar) | Jeans: Jag c/o (similar) | Earrings: Ann Taylor (similar) | Bracelet: J.Crew (similar) | Ring: Madewell | Purse: Old Navy (similar) | Shoes: Paul Green | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Smokin Hot Pink)

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  2. How to Stay Warm and Stylish in the Winter
  3. Style a Bomber Jacket in 4 Easy Steps
  4. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls

Wardrobe Building Blocks: Your Guide to a Cohesive Closet

Have you ever considered starting over with your wardrobe? Use these wardrobe building blocks to revamp your closet and start fresh!
Have you ever considered starting over with your wardrobe? Use these wardrobe building blocks to revamp your closet and start fresh! Have you ever considered starting over with your wardrobe? Use these wardrobe building blocks to revamp your closet and start fresh!Have you ever considered starting over with your wardrobe? Use these wardrobe building blocks to revamp your closet and start fresh!Have you ever considered starting over with your wardrobe? What would you change? Would you reinvent yourself or stick with the classics? Blank slate or not, you can always choose to revamp your wardrobe. Consider doing an assessment and figuring out your personal style. Then, fashion your closet with these wardrobe building blocks.

Wardrobe Building Blocks: The Basics

  1. Classic tee: A simple t-shirt can go a long way. On days that I struggle deciding what to wear, I grab a simple tee, a statement necklace, and a sweater. Tees are also great for wearing with skirts, under a blazer, or with your favorite pair of denim.
  2. Blouse: A blouse is my go-to for looking put together, even on my most casual days. What I like most about blouses is that they are super forgiving, especially those that are silk or chiffon. Even ones that are made with polyester hang so much better than cotton. I have a full chest and midsection and I don’t like to wear anything that is fitted through the waist. A blouse is great for covering flaws. Plus, it goes with everything!
  3. Jeans: A good pair of jeans will be your best accessory. At the same time, a good pair of jeans doesn’t have to be super expensive. I encourage you to check out different retailers and find a brand and/or style that works for you. I’ve found that my favorites are AG, Loft’s Modern Skinny, and J.Crew’s Toothpick.
  4. Pants: Depending on your lifestyle, I recommend having several pairs of pants. They are great for work or for days you want to look more polished. My favorite pant is the Winnie from J.Crew Factory. I have them in 5 colors and they are incredibly comfortable.
  5. Dresses and skirts: Dresses and skirts are great for the office and even better for special occasions. You never know when you’ll need a dress. Take my advice and have several dresses in your closet that can work for most occasions. I hate when you have something come up and you don’t have the right dress so you go to every retailer imaginable only to end up settling for something mediocre.

Wardrobe Building Blocks: The Essentials

  1. Coats: I used to be a coat-a-holic. I had more coats than I could count! I love them so much and when you live in a climate like Seattle, they seriously are a must-have. I recommend having a dark coat and a light coat. I have a black and white coat and a solid camel colored coat so depending on what I’m wearing that day, I can choose one over the other.
  2. Jackets: When the weather is nice, have a couple of lightweight jacket options. There is nothing worse than getting your outfit just right and not having the right jacket to go with it.
  3. Shoes: Have a wide variety of shoes. I recommend having at least two of each type, especially if they are comfortable.
  4. Accessories: Whatever your preference, be sure to pick up a couple of accessory options. Figure out what works for you! I love jewelry, but not everyone does. If you’re more of a scarf person, pick up a few in various colors and prints. If your style is more minimal, think about picking up some dainty layering rings or a simple pendant.

After you finish collecting the basics and essentials, I would suggest starting to incorporate some nice wild cards. Pick up a standout dress or an amazing shoe. You deserve it!

Fashion Tip: Having too many options will make it more challenging to get ready so focus on what you really want or need. Also, think about what items give you the best return on investment. Quality pieces will save you more over time.

Here are some other posts to help guide you in developing a cohesive wardrobe.

Sweater: Madewell (similar)| Denim: Madewell | Tee: Nordstrom | Necklace: J.Crew Factory (here’s another cute option) | Bracelet: Pretty Paricular c/o | Booties: Bare Trap (similar) | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  2. How to Stay Warm and Stylish in the Winter
  3. Style a Bomber Jacket in 4 Easy Steps
  4. Winter Clothes: What to Put Away and What to Keep Out

Adding Stripes to Your Wardrobe is a Must

Wearing stripes is nothing new, but I'm here to tell you why you need to incorporate more of them into your wardrobe. If you're ahead of the game, kudos!Wearing stripes is nothing new, but I'm here to tell you why you need to incorporate more of them into your wardrobe. If you're ahead of the game, kudos! Wearing stripes is nothing new, but I'm here to tell you why you need to incorporate more of them into your wardrobe. If you're ahead of the game, kudos!Wearing stripes is nothing new, but I'm here to tell you why you need to incorporate more of them into your wardrobe. If you're ahead of the game, kudos!Wearing stripes is nothing new, but I’m here to tell you why you need to incorporate more of them into your wardrobe. If you’re ahead of the game, kudos to you!

I’m not much of a t-shirt wearer, but I do tend to dress on the casual side. Stripes don’t necessarily have to be dressed down. They can and should be one of your best closet staples.

Adding Stripes to Your Wardrobe is a Must

Easy to find at all price points. No matter the price point, you can always find a striped tee. Look at your local thrift shops, high-end retailers, and even your big box stores for this item.

You can wear them every season. Striped tees come in a variety of options from luxury smooth cotton to vintage-like materials. Play with the different textures and fabrics to change up your look.

They play well with others. Think of your stripe as a neutral. You can pair it with a different print for a fun fashion-forward look, or style with a pop of color. Be creative and pick up some stripe options that are vertical, horizontal, and abstract. Stripes are anything but basic.

They work for almost all occasions. See this business casual look that I wore recently. Striped tee + blazer + heels = forever fail proof. You can wear a striped dress, skirt, or my favorite combo: a striped tee with colored denim. Top off your look with a pair of killer heels or sweet ballet flats.

Fail proof on those “nothing to wear” days. Here is another striped look I wore on the blog. Need more inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for hundreds of style images.

Sweater: Nordstrom (similar) | T-shirt: Loft (similar)| Denim: Loft (similar) | Necklace: Loft (old) | Purse: Micahel Michael Kors (similar) | Booties: Nordstrom | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

📷’s by Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. 8 Wardrobe Tidying Tips That Will Change Your Life
  2. Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls
  3. Tips and Tricks for Flattering the Midsection
  4. Black & White

Stock Up On Winter Items Before It’s Too Late

Chunky sweater with black pants. Chunky sweater with black pants. Chunky sweater with black pants. Chunky sweaterAs retailers are gearing up for Spring, I can’t help but notice all of the sales. Don’t be last in line on some great items that you can stash away for next year. Did anyone check out the ShopBop sale? See anything cute? I feel like ShopBop can be so overwhelming. To help guide you with other winter sales, I’ve put together a Winter item checklist.

But first, I recommend that you read this post, and then take inventory of your winter wardrobe. You don’t want to miss out on some great opportunities. The nicer items are going quick, but there is still some good stuff out there.

Winter Items Checklist

Winter coat. My favorite clothing item is a winter coat. If you invest well, you can wear your coat for several seasons. I got this coat a few years ago and J.Crew still carries it! With the occasional dry clean, I’ve managed to keep mine looking new.

Knee High Boot or Over the Knee. I’m looking for a black riding boot to replace my old pair. Anyone else thinking about giving the Over the Knee boot a try? So many of my favorite fashionista are rocking this look. I think these are pretty cute. What do you guys think?

Classic handbag. Not that this needs an explanation, but I’ll give you a pep talk just in case. A good bag can make or break an outfit. Even if you just wear rags, a nice bag will work wonders. I’m not super big on having the latest “it bag,” but do have my favorite brands for whenever I swap out my everyday tote. My favorites are Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Rebecca Minkoff, and Foley + Corinna.

Sweaters. You can never have enough sweaters when you live in Seattle. I’m a sweater-a-holic! Love them so much. I have rounded up some super cute ones for the fashionable connoisseur.

Denim. Denim is a year-round staple. Everywhere I look, they are being marked down. Look to your favorite brands and see which styles/washes have been reduced in price. My go-to brands for denim are AG (favorite cut: The Legging Super Skinny), Loft (favorite cut: Modern Skinny), and J. Crew (favorite cut: Toothpick).

What winter items are you pining for? Share in the comments.

Sweater: Loft (now on sale) | Jeans: J.Crew | Booties: Nordstrom |Brooches: Nordstrom Rack | Lipstick: Wet n Wild (Stoplight Red)

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Related posts:

  1. Black & White
  2. Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe
  3. How to Layer in Between Seasons
  4. Unintentional Capsule Wardrobe + Spring Wardrobe Challenge 10×10

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