Capsule Wardrobe Outfit: Transitioning To Winter

If you read my "Winter Capsule Wardrobe Planning" post, then you know that I like to wait until after the holidays to fully switch over my closet for winter. Even though I'm avoiding a full closet switch up for a few more weeks, I've been slowly but surely adding and removing a few key pieces. With this transition in mind, today's capsule outfit combo is a mix of old and new with some great items that are currently on sale. 

Outfit Details

Striped Shirt, Medium Wash JeansCamel Coat, Black Sunglasses, Classic Watch, Red LipstickEveryday Loafers, Crossbody Purse

Until next time,

Audrey

A Simple & Festive Holiday Look

Happy holidays! Even though this time of year is the absolute best, trying to come up with a festive (and warm) outfit can be difficult so today's look is just that.

 

Featuring a cozy cashmere sweater and lacey skirt, this outfit stays warm with the simple addition of some thick tights and a faux fur stole.

What's even better, you can easily top it all off with a classic overcoat for a look thats equal parts festive and fun. 

 

Capsule Pieces: Everlane Sweater, J.     Crew Lace Skirt (Old, similar here and here under $20)

Accessories: Louis Vuitton Clutch (Similar here), Zara Faux Fur Stole (Old, similar here), J. Crew Crystal Earrings (Old, similar here under $35), J. Crew Gold Link Bracelet (Old, similar here and here under $11)

Shoes: Chanel Ballet Flats 

Until next time,

Audrey

Currently Coveting: The Perfect, Cropped, Straight Leg Jeans

Happy Friday! Following my "Winter Capsule Planning" post I started thinking about all of the research and time that went into narrowing down the items I hope to add to my wardrobe this season.

As I do with each capsule, I spent the last few months taking note of what worked, what didn't and what seemed to be missing from my wardrobe in order to maintain a simple, classic closet of versatile pieces.

All-in-all this process now feels like second nature but it hasn't always been that way. In fact, getting to this point has taken me years and plenty of hits and misses.

So, in an effort to save you from making the same mistakes I did I will be starting a new series called "Currently Coveting." Through this series I will share the thought process behind each new addition, the various iterations of that piece that I look into, and which one I ultimately settle on.

Edit, Edit, Edit

To begin, I want to revisit why an ongoing evaluation of your wardrobe is essential. As you know, maintaining a wardrobe of high-quality, classic basics that can take you throughout the whole year requires patience, commitment and a true understanding of your personal style and life. If you haven't reached this point yet, or are having trouble maintaining focus, you can read some of my fail-proof tips and tricks here.

Once you have a firm understanding of the silhouettes, fabrics and colors that suit you best, you can start perfecting your core basics and adding or removing shoes, accessories and trend driven items as they wear out, your climate or job changes and seasons and trends come and go.

Edit Your Closet to Sell, Donate and Buy For The New Season

As you edit your closet each season and decide on the pieces you want to add, it's important to choose wisely before filling that valuable spot in your wardrobe. To do this myself, I try and practice a "1 in, 1 out" rule, while also limiting the overall amount of items I purchase by trying to select pieces that are well-made and will last more than just 1 season - without spending an arm and a leg either. To demonstrate just how I do this, let's start by focusing on my hunt for the perfect, cropped, straight leg jeans this season. 

Research

The first step I take before purchasing a new item is to research, research, research. The first part of this research includes loads of Pinning to narrow in on color, shape and fit that I prefer for the item(s) in question.

Below, I've included some of my favorite inspiration pics for the jeans I hope to add, but you can see more over on Pinterest if you're interested.

In the case of these jeans, I started by isolating that I wanted a pair of non-stretchy jeans in a medium to dark wash.

Next, I honed in on the fact that I preferred a medium to high rise (based on what I know suits me the best). Armed with these parameters, I set my budget. In this instance I would like to spend no more than $100.

Finally, I turned to trusted bloggers, editors and influencers alike to isolate the individual products that are met with rave reviews and endless styling options. Once I've done this and have a handful of specific products I'm interested in, I begin the hunt. 

Hunt

The "hunt," or actually trying on all of your contenders to find a winner is easily the most time intensive and often frustrating part of this whole process. Unfortunately, it's also the most important because it helps ensure that I only purchase pieces that I love and will wear.

To make the most of this step, I like to narrow in on a few shops that carry 1 or more of the items I'm interested in. Then, I head on over and try them all on - in various sizes and washes keeping in mind that hems can be taken up if the fit is great everywhere else.

In an ideal world this process ends with me finding the perfect item to fill the spot I'm looking for, but in the instance that my search comes up empty and none of the pieces I selected work, I will either go back to the beginning and select some new contenders (preferably that will address the issues I had the first time around), or I will make the decision to pass on the item all-together if I  decide that it may not suit me and my lifestyle after all.

Where I Am In My Quest

Currently in my search for the perfect, cropped, straight leg jeans I am on the "hunt" stage. So far, I have completed my research and have narrowed it down to 6 styles. First up is the pair of Levi's I mentioned in my "Winter Capsule Planning" post. After searching high and low online and reading rave review after rave review, I was able to try these jeans in person. Unfortunately, while I thought the overall effect was great, they ultimately didn't work for me and my wardrobe so I've moved onto the remaining options.

Next is a great pair of straight leg jeans from TopShop. Even though I've heard great things about TopShop jeans, I've surprisingly never tried them so I have a few pairs in my queue for this season. The next is this slim, moto pair, also from TopShop and this dark wash pair. The fifth and sixth pair are from Madewell and offer the same slim cut, straight leg fit that I'm looking for in both a dark and medium wash.

I'm hoping to get out and try these soon and will be sure to check in if and when one of them makes the final cut. In the meantime, I'd love to know if you have any jeans in this cut that you love. Also, what items are on your list this winter? Let me know in the comments below.  

Until next time,

Audrey

Gift Guide For Him: Under $200

Happy Wednesday! Today's gift guide is all about the men our lives. From dads to husbands, boyfriends, brothers and everyone in between, shopping for the men in our lives can be challenging so I've put together a gift guide of classics that are sure to delight men of all ages. Plus, these goodies all clock in at under $200 so you won't break the bank before the new year. 

1. First up, is a classic cashmere sweater that he can wear for years. This beautiful option from J. Crew comes it at under $150 and comes in a great array of colors. If you're looking to spend even less, Everlane has a wonderful option for just $100.

2. Next up is the classic leather duffle - something everyone man can use in his classic closet but also makes a lovely gift for the jet-set women in your life. This particular option is not only perfect for weekend getaways, but is also beautifully made and features the loveliest shade of brown that will only get better with age.

3. When it comes to accessories, few things are as essential as a great pair of sunglasses and this pair is a great option for men of all ages. The tortoise shell is perfectly timeless and the shape is ideal for any outfit - dressy or casual.   

4. Like a great pair of sunglasses, a timeless watch is an ideal accessory for any man's wardrobe. This classic option is simple and timeless, and will look just as great with a t-shirt and jeans as it will with a three piece suit making it a great investment - for under $90 no less! 

5. No man's desk is complete without a classic pen and this beautiful one is both sleek and timeless.

6. The art of classic shaving seems to be gaining popularity, making a "shave essentials" kit the perfect gift. Rather than purchase one that's already compiled, I love to buy the pieces individually to ensure that everything is of the best quality. For the one pictured, I love this classic dopp kit, this wonderfully made razor, and this brushless, luxe shaving cream.  

7. Another great gift option is a classic belt that he can wear with jeans, pants and shorts alike. This rich brown one (also comes in black) is the perfect size and finish for just that - making it a great gift for the well-dressed man in your life. 

8. Last but certainly not least is a pair of loafers that rival the iconic Guccis we all know. These rich brown loafers from Cole Haan are equal parts classic and modern and feature the same beautiful construction of their more expensive counter parts at a fraction of the price.  

I'd love to know in the comments down below what your go-to gifts are for the men in your life. Let me know, and I hope you have a great rest of the day!

Until next time,

Audrey

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