style philosophy: wear it three ways

April 09, 2015 by allie in get dressed

We all know how this time of year goes: one day we wake up, it's 55, we get a huuuuge boner for Spring, and next thing we know we're running through our favorite store scooping up anything that exposes our limbs faster than you can say "pollen count." Along with add ons and base dressing (these are terms that I believe I made up), I am a whole hearted believer in wearability of every piece in your arsenal.

We've talked about it time and time again, but you have to stop, drop and think when you're considering adding something to your wardrobe this Spring (and any season, for that matter). One of my favorite mental tests is to imagine three outfits with the piece in question. This is an easy feat when you're buying purported classic pieces (white tees, jeans, blazers, etc), but it's a bit more difficult when you're holding a standalone piece. Let's walk through this together.

The piece in question is:

Milly Tank, $154

Dope, right? Yet specific. The inclination is to take this home, make a complete outfit, and then leave it at that and never wear it with anything else. Trust me, I do it, too. "I'm not sure how to wear this" is one of the prime reasons that clothing is taking up precious real estate in your closet. Do not let it happen! Follow the three way (hehe) rule.

// pants // shoes (25% off with code SPRING25) // necklace // belt //

Look 1: date night / girls night / etc: Pair the shirt with jeans and strappy sandals. Tuck it into jeans and wrap yourself in a brown belt ; this adds intrigue and interest. Finish off with a long pendant. Enjoy!

// skirt // shoes // blazer //

Look 2: Work wear. Challenge yourself here. Grab your favorite blazer and that printed skirt that you only wear with a black button down and make something happen. Clogs are not out. Please buy these.

// bag // shoes // pants //

Look 3: Just because it's Saturday AM, doesn't mean you can't look FTD. These sandals are the 2015 Birkenstock (lofty proclamation but I'm going for it). You can never have too many fancy sweats and you absolutely need a bucket bag, no matter the size.

Any questions?

xoxo,

one shirt, three ways

October 21, 2014 by allie in get dressed

Getting dressed should be the easiest thing you do all day. Seriously! Not one to quote the Kardashians, I once heard an interview with Kourtney Kardashian, where the interviewer asked her how she always manages to look so stylish with two little ones; I loved her answer. It was along the lines of "It takes as much effort to throw on leggings and boots as it does sweats and sneaks." I love that idea; I believe in that philosophy so hard, I think of it all the time and I try to impart its wisdom on my clients. Don't muddy the waters, just wear what you like. The easiest way to do that is to have a foundation of great pieces that leave the guesswork out of getting ready. Like this shirt. Check it out:

Polka Dot Blouse // Jeans // Cropped Pants // Skirt (another alternative)// Sneakers // Ankle Boots // Top-Siders

First of all, I know what you're thinking. Is that blouse really a classic piece? Break. Your. Own. Rules. Do you love it? Does it go with everything (Spoiler: yes. see above)? Is it super wearable? Yes. Classic! Secondly, I'm loving neutrals for fall. I would wear the heck out of those white pants to a client meeting.

The takeaway here is to have a bunch of items - not all, but let's say 5 - in your closet that can be worn casually, to work, and for night time (top siders with a skirt for date night?? yes.). You have 5 items like that, and you have 15 different outfits...and I'm not even good at math.

Friends...tell me! Do you have adaptable pieces in your wardrobe? Which is your favorite? Oh, and don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!

one shirt, three ways

January 17, 2014 by allie in get dressed

Happy Friday! Court and I are constantly talking about pinching pennies and saving dough and one of the ways you can do that with your wardrobe is to reduce, reuse, recycle! If you've got a good foundation of basics, they can carry you through any situation. Take a plain, striped tee. Classic, very necessary, and oh so transitional.

Check it!