Thanksgiving Outfits You Already Own

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to revisit one of my old posts all about dressing for the holidays without breaking the bank. So, in the spirit of doing more with less and opting out of impulse buying, today's post is all about Thanksgiving outfits you can easily recreate with items you already own.

That's right, rather than hit the shops for a last minute outfit (on top of everything else you already have to do!) I encourage you to shop your closet this Thursday and get creative with layers and accessories for a look that feels brand new but didn't cost you a dime.  

Simple Dress + Blazer

First up is one of my faves for when I want to feel slightly dressed up without being uncomfortable. By pairing a simple dress (your LBD is great for this!) with a fall-themed blazer, you're left with a look thats equal parts comfortable and put-together. To elevate the look even further you can add your favorite festive flats and a great necklace. 

White Shirt + Jeans 2.0

The classic white shirt and jeans is one of my favorite combinations because it serves as the perfect base for just about any look. For the upcoming holiday I love to wear this combo with some bold jewelry and a great fall shawl. The final look is cozy and comfy but still elevated enough for the occasion. If you need an extra layer you can even throw a blazer on top of the shirt and wear the shawl draped over everything. 

Sweater + Pants

If my Thanksgiving activities are on the dressier side I love to pair one of my super soft sweaters with a well fitting pair of pants and great silk scarf. The best part about this combination is that these separates feel just as comfortable as a t-shirt and jeans but look like so much more. Plus, you can easily pair it with festive heels and some standout jewelry to take it up another notch.  

Sweater + Skirt + Blazer

Another combination that I love to wear throughout the fall season is a cozy sweater, flowy skirt and blazer. When also paired with riding boots this look is everything I love - comfortable, cozy and a little equestrian. Alternatively, you could throw on some tights and switch the riding boots for heels for a look thats even dressier.

Before I go, I've linked the corresponding video for this post below for you and would love to know what you're wearing for Thanksgiving. Do you have a go-to look for the big day? I'd love to know in the comments below and hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time,

Audrey

10 Basics Every Woman Needs

The foundation to a wonderful wardrobe is basics, so today I'm sharing the 10 that I always have on hand.

These pieces are not only classics, but when mixed and matched (with different accessories and shoes) can be worn year-round for an endless array of looks. So, whether you already have your own basics or are looking for a place to start, I hope this list helps you streamline for wardrobe so that it works for you rather than against you.

I've outlined these pieces below and also filmed a corresponding video embedded at the end of this post, so without further ado, let's get into it. 

White T

My first essential is a white t. I love a white t because it can be dressed up or down and worn with pretty much everything under the sun. When looking for the perfect white t I recommend finding one in 100% cotton with either a u-neck or v-neck because they tend to be the most versatile necklines. Also, I like my white t's to have short sleeves that aren't too short so that I still feel covered. I've linked my favorite, go-to white t's below. 

White Shirt

When it comes to wardrobe basics the white shirt reigns supreme. This piece is the ultimate basic because it take you seamlessly from the office to the weekend without skipping a single beat. When looking for your perfect white tee I recommend finding one in 100% cotton (non-iron is great if you're short on ironing time).

Beyond cotton, I also recommend finding one that has some kind of seaming or piping so that it flatters your shape. Before jumping into my favorite white shirts I want to offer an honorable mention to the white silk shirt. Even though I didn't include the silk shirt in this list, it is definitely a necessity for me and deserves at least a mention on this list. 

Striped Shirt

Next up is the striped shirt. Perfectly Parisian and nautical, the striped shirt is an essential for when I want to feel chic with minimal effort. I love to wear mine with jeans, shorts, skirts, blazers and more for a look thats equal parts casual and chic. When choosing a striped shirt for my wardrobe I look for one in cotton that is either 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve because that tends to be the most versatile for me. I've linked some of my faves below for you but recommend checking everywhere for your perfect striped tee. 

Classic Sweater

A classic sweater is another essential for it's versatility. Not only can this staple be dressed up with a great skirt and statement necklace, but it can also serve a wonderful topper for everything from sundresses to swimsuits. When choosing a classic sweater I love cashmere in a neutral color and love to wait until my favorite retailers are having sales so I can get the biggest bang for my buck. Below, I've linked some of my favorite options on the market now starting as low as $70! 

Basic Blazer

By this point it should be no surprise that I LOVE blazers! Herringbone, navy, basic black, elbow patched, I love them all and think you can never have too many. That said, if I had to choose only one blazer forever it would be a basic black or navy number that can be worn with everything else in my closet. When choosing your perfect, year-round blazer I recommend finding one in a lightweight wool and a neutral color that compliments the most items in your closet.

Also, while gold buttons are nice I would recommend starting out with simple, understated buttons. That way, you can wear your topper without worry that the buttons will compete with anything else in your outfit. 

Tweed Jacket

The tweed jacket is another topper that I can't live without. When I'm in the mood for a jacket but don't want to wear a blazer, the tweed jacket is perfect. Not only are these classic staples chic, but they can easily be dressed down by pairing them with jeans and a light blouse for a sophisticated yet casual look. When looking for your perfect tweed jacket I recommend finding one in a neutral color (black, cream, white) and don't hesitate to look everywhere - mainstream shops, department stores, second-hand shops etc. Also, if you find a great option that seems to be lacking in wow factor, don't hesitate to take it to a tailor and have some amazing buttons added down the front and on the sleeves. 

Black Skirt

If I listed all the ways I love the black skirt we would be here all day so let me just say that this is another non-negotiable for me. I love to wear mine with my striped shirt, white shirt, white t, tweed jacket, blazers and more. When choosing your perfect black skirt I recommend finding one that comes just above or at your knee and in a style that flatters your shape - whether that be pencil, a-line or flare. 

Classic Jeans

Finding for your perfect pair of jeans is often easier said than done so I recommend hitting the shops and trying on as many pairs as possible. Beyond that, try and find a pair in a medium to dark wash because its the most versatile. Also, try and find a pair (or have a pair tailored) to your ankle so that you can wear them easily with flats, boots and heels. I've linked some great options below for you that I've tried and loved but what works for me may not work for you so don't hesitate to check every brand under the sun for your perfect pair. 

Little Black Dress

If you saw my earlier post, you know that I rely on the LBD for year-round wear. As with everything else mentioned above, the little black dress is a wardrobe staple for me because it can be dressed up or down for endless outfit possibilities. For me, the perfect LBD has either an a-line or fit and flare style and comes in a lightweight material that can be easily layered for both warm and cool weather. Below, I've linked some fantastic options available now in case you're on the hunt for your own LBD. 

Party Dress  

While you could certainly wear the LBD for a party or more formal affair, I like to have a designated party dress on hand for those moments I want to feel a little more special. The one that I have on hand is navy and lace and features a nice pencil style that can easily take me from dinner to a cocktail party and the theater without skipping a beat. In fact, this is the very dress I wore for our rehearsal dinner and love it dearly. I've linked some similar options below in case this particular silhouette suits your fancy.  

That's everything! Those are the 10 basics that make up the foundation of my wardrobe. To really stretch these pieces, I love to mix and match them with different accessories and shoes so in the coming weeks I will be sharing my essentials of those as well. In the meantime I'd love to know what your essentials are! Let me know in the comments down below and I hope you have a great weekend.

Until next time,

Audrey

$10 Silk Scarves?! Silk Scarves For Every Budget

Happy Friday!! After I finished my "$70 Cashmere" post last week I started thinking about the other wardrobe essentials that I love to save money on. Naturally, my mind immediately went to silk scarves so today's post is dedicated to some of the best options on the market starting at just $9.99!

Below, I've linked my favorites available now but I also recommend checking vintage and second hand shops as well as eBay and Etsy for some amazing finds. 

Before I go, I'd love to know if you wear silk scarves. Do you have one you got for a great deal that you just love? Let me know in the comments and happy scarf hunting!

Until next time,

Audrey

How To Style A Shirtdress For Fall + A Lookbook

I love shirtdresses. Whether I'm styling them with sandals and a straw hat or a blazer and boots, theres something so effortless and chic about a shirtdress and I love to wear them year-round. 

Earlier this year I shared how I like to wear my blue and white striped shirtdress in the spring, so I thought today I would share how I've been styling it this fall. 

When it comes to making a shirtdress work for fall I think rich rustic accessories are the key. Because the classic silohette and color palette of this dress can easily work for spring and summer, I paired it with deep brown and green accessories to anchor it, and keep it from feeling too light. The pieces I chose in this instance are a simple fedora, classic leather belt and brown flats but you could just easily pair it with black if that's what you have. 

 

Plus, you can even swap the flats for riding boots and top the whole look off with a blazer as the temperature drops. 

Below, I've linked the exact items I'm wearing or similar alternatives in case you're on the hunt for a great shirtdress, classic belt, clutch or flats. I've also put together a quick lookbook of the last three looks I've featured here. You can view the video below, or over on my YouTube channel.  

Before I go though, I want to share a quick review of the Everlane Modern Point flats that I'm wearing here. I got these lovely shoes last year for Christmas and have been extremely pleased with them. As with most of the Everlane pieces I have acquired over the years, these flats are high quality, comfortable and classic. They fit true to size for me and luckily didn't need any breaking in before they were soft as butter.

My only word of caution would be that as with all pointed toe flats, the tips can become scuffed quite easily so keep that in mind before you purchase if you're a stickler for scuff-free shoes. 

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Capsule Pieces: Ralph Lauren Shirtdress

Accessories: Vintage Dooney & Bourke Belt (Etsy has some amazing options!), Louis Vuitton Clutch, Old Forever 21 Fedora

Shoes: Everlane Modern Point

Until next time,

Audrey