one shirt, three ways

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!

blazer daze

Morning friends! So, I get a lot of requests to do posts on classic, go-to, budget friendly pieces. You know, the "10 items you should own by age 30" or "5 classics every woman should own" roundups. Truthfully, aside from feeling like I'm just doing what every other blogger does, it is my firm belief that these classic items are fluid, not strict. What I mean is, depending on the closet, the classic pieces may change a bit. One girl may find herself in need of a leather jacket, another a pair of really great slacks. But I aim to please, so today I'm bringing you a roundup of incredible blazers. I will say this: I don't think every woman needs a black blazer. Every woman needs a great blazer. Mine is navy blue with sleeves that (intentionally) fall past my wrist. I encourage you all to find something a little different than just plain black. Here are my suggestions:

left to right: one // two // three // four //  five // six //

Classic means, to me, never go out of style. How do we achieve that while still staying true to our sartorial selves?

Things to consider:

1. Cut: One button or two? Or none? Suit, moto or schoolboy? Let it be whatever you feel best in.

2. Color: Stay in the navy / black / grey family. USUALLY. Muted colors will definitely stand the test of time (as opposed to bright colors or color blocked blazers).

3. Material and texture/pattern: Go wild. Velvet, wool, houndstooth, pinstripe, herringbone, etc. Don't bother with questions like "will it match!?" Believe me...YES. It will match.

Okay...thoughts? Yes to this roundup? Yes to more like it? Tell me about your go-to blazer...

xoxo,

how to: identify classics you already own

Almost daily on the internet, one could find any number of articles about classic pieces (or as my SIL calls them, HQB's - high quality basics) that every woman should own.

These articles are important, don't get me wrong! But, as with any exercise, you have to start by looking in before you can look outward (can I get an Amen??). So, before you start trolling the web for white button downs and blue blazers, let's scope out what you're already workin' with.

1. Don't judge your wardrobe. So many times with clients I hear "I know, I know, I don't even know why I own that..." before I even say anything. Hold up a sec, friend! Quit doling out judgement and put on your thinking cap. The good stuff is in there, you just haven't thought of it yet. Obvious: the  Polo button down from HS with pit stains. Yes, it's RL, and yes, it gets donated. Not so obvious: that weird tunic that you love but have no idea how to wear. Put it on, and start imagining what it would look like if it were shorter, tighter, without that appliqué rose. Got it? Now put it in the save pile and take it to be altered stat.

2. Classics don't have to be black and white (PUN). Though black and white do go with everything, don't feel the need to rid your closet of every other color. Those silk jammie pants from a couple years ago work great with a chambray button down, at the beach, and with some heels for going out. They're patterned and loud, and that's a good thing.

3. Your jewelry is part of your closet, too. You don't need 75 H&M statement necklaces. What do you wear out of those 75? What did you wear in the last month? Keep those, and then ask yourself if any of your friends would wear what you plan on selling / donating. Every time I clean out my closet, I invariably find stuff that my best friend Gill would love. I've been right every time (she has the most wonderfully imaginative sense of style ever).

4. No, you don't need an LBD. If you're an actress, you might not ever wear a blazer. A blazer is a classic piece of clothing, but don't get one just because every article aimed at the corporate gal says you need it. If it makes more sense for you to invest in an amazing pair of heels that you can wear to auditions, then do that. Don't let society pigeon hole you (steps off soap box).

5. Less is more. Build your closet. As with anything, stay true to your style. If you're a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal, get some amazing Rag & Bone denim. If you wear dresses every day, hit up a department store and treat yourself. The goal is to invest in pieces that you'll still wear in 10 years, or will eventually be stolen out of your closet by a daughter, son, niece or nephew.

photos by Ashley Caroline Photography.