basics

Merry Sales: Shop with Purpose

Merry Post Christmas Sales! Whatever didn’t sell for the holiday is now on deep discount. This applies to more than just the holiday decorations. Retail is preparing to unload all their winter wear as they will be displaying “Resort 2020” in the next month! What does this mean for you? Take advantage of these sales to fill your closet with whatever you need to get you though the rest of the winter season.

So with so many sales the hardest part might be “where to begin?” I have some suggestions and examples here to help you start to break it down. Instead of shopping aimlessly, have a plan. Look at your wardrobe and figure out where the holes are. Of the key pieces you need for your lifestyle, what are you missing or need to replace? See below for a few “key pieces” for almost any wardrobe to get you started!

Work-wear: Whatever your job, there is a chance that on occasion you need to dress up a little. Or maybe just look more put together than the athleisure that you live in. I’ve always found that a simple neutral blazer can go a long way to pulling together a look, especially when you feel at a loss for what to wear. Depending on how formal you need to dress, you can pair a blazer with jeans for a more casual look or pair with a shift dress for a more professional look.

BR Unstructured Wool Blend Knit Blazer

BR Unstructured Wool Blend Knit Blazer

The Versatile Dress: A simple dress can be accessorized in multiple ways so as to fit any number of occasions. To find a dress that will work as a great base layer in your wardrobe, choose a neutral tone and a simple silhouette. You might be surprised to see that I have chosen a leopard print as my example but in fact, this is considered a neutral tone as it can paired with so many others. Keep jewelry to a minimal and pair with nude pumps for a low key affair. Add a little bling and color for something more exciting!

BR Print Midi Shirt Dress

BR Print Midi Shirt Dress

The LBD: This is a must have staple in all wardrobes. The little black dress fits so many occasions and never goes out of style. Keep this dress in your closet from one season to the next for any impromptu occasion you might have. Whether you are in need of a last minute cocktail dress, have a dinner invitation for work, or attending a theater performance, the LBD will get you there in style!

BR Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress

BR Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress

The Cozy Sweater: Chances are your closet is full of sweaters, especially if you live in New England. But do the sweaters you have live up to your expectations? Do they fit your lifestyle? How long have they been in your wardrobe? Sometime we hold onto to sweaters longer than we should. If we get use out of a sweater, it can wear over time. Sweaters are one piece we will be continuously adding to our wardrobes every year. Something warm, simple and with a touch of detail could be just the piece you need.

J. Crew Crewneck Sweater with jeweled buttons

J. Crew Crewneck Sweater with jeweled buttons

The Statement Blouse: Whether you are dressing for work or a night out, this blouse can become a staple in your wardrobe to help get you through the next few months. Pick a color and style that flatters you. Then start pairing it with everything in your wardrobe. From jeans, to a pencil skirt, to dress pants or a suit, this simple blouse can take your wardrobe to almost any occasion. The versatility of this blouse is what makes it such a key ingredient to your wardrobe.

J. Crew Open V-neck Top

J. Crew Open V-neck Top

The Coat: In this case, the coat is a perfectly simple one button topcoat. But coats in all colors, styles and fabrics are on sale right now. Depending your lifestyle, find the coat that will be the most versatile in your wardrobe. Where do you go on a weekly basis? Are you outside much? Do you need a heavy coat or will something lighter work better? I encourage you to get the coat that you will get the most use out of. Only you can determine what that will be. While I know that you want to find a coat that will fit over all your other layers, you also want to find a coat that will “Fit” you properly. Where possible try on multiple sizes to determine the best fit for you body.

J. Crew Daphne Topcoat

J. Crew Daphne Topcoat

A Little More on Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week was just about a month ago. While it’s been an incredibly hectic month, I’m still thinking about everything I learned and all the amazing styles I saw. I still have lots to share with all of you. Here I have included a few highlights from the show.

So first things first… what to wear!?! I have to admit that picking an outfit for the show wasn’t easy. I didn’t previously own anything by Tibi so it was more about what would be considered appropriate… turns out pretty much anything works… it’s more about showing off what you consider stylish. Most attendees wore their favorite outfit by the designer. The rest took it as an opportunity to push their personal fashion boundaries. For me, it was about being comfortable and true to my style.

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I wore a navy blouse with pleated peplum detail paired with off white culottes and nude pumps. I chose to wear statement earring and keep other jewelry relatively simple.

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The Tibi Show for Spring ‘19 showcased a gorgeous array of colors with a few choice prints including this lavender floral print pictured below. Tibi loves monochromatic looks. The brand’s signature style is clean and classic with versatility and comfort top of mind. Tibi stays true to their brand base and layers in trends accordingly. Form structured oversized jackets to flowing skirts, the Spring’19 pieces were perfectly on trend and a delight to their loyal following.

If you’re not familiar with the brand, it’s worth your time to check it out. The pieces work well from day to night and can make for great basics in your wardrobe. Most of all I love the quality of these items. They are made from rich, comfortable fabrics that move with you.

I have clearly become a fan of the brand. I now own a few pieces and will be keeping their new arrivals on my radar when my wardrobe is looking for something new!

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In the market for a new Tee?

I love a soft cozy t-shirt. But I didn't always feel that way. There was a time when I almost never wore a t-shirt. I was much more comfortable in a structured top. I found t-shirts to be too form fitting. It just wasn't my style. 

Then I found a t-shirt with structure in a slightly thicker cotton fabric. This was more in line with my style and something I started to try. Then a couple of years ago, I found the J.Crew Vintage Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt. This tee had a nice deep V-neck that was form flattering on me even though it came in a much lighter cotton fabric. I fell in love with it fast. I found that I loved the soft vintage feel of it. And I started to appreciate the ease of a t-shirt.

I started shopping around for t-shirts. I found that I preferred certain styles, necklines and fabrics. I found that a flattering tee can be the answer to wardrobe hassles when looking for something simple and casual. I also found that my carefully chosen t-shirts could be dressed up or down for the right look. I realized I could layer on jewelry or a cardigan to get the style I was looking for. 

So here is my advice: Shop around for the t-shirt that flatters you best. There are plenty of options available. Find the fabric, neckline and color that works best for your body and skin tone. Don't settle. Finding the right tee is essential. It can simplify your wardrobe and make for a great standby piece. 

Below I've highlighted a few of my current favorites. Happy shopping!

Banana Republic Supima Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt

Banana Republic Supima Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt

Banana Republic Crew Neck T-Shirt

Banana Republic Crew Neck T-Shirt

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

J.Crew Supersoft Supima raw edge V-neck T-shirt

J.Crew Supersoft Supima raw edge V-neck T-shirt

J..Crew Factory Flutter Front T-Shirt

J..Crew Factory Flutter Front T-Shirt

Banana Republic Supima Cotton One Shoulder T-Shirt

Banana Republic Supima Cotton One Shoulder T-Shirt