Essentials Worth The Splurge

Throughout my journey streamlining my wardrobe, I have found that effortless essentials are absolutely crucial for making the most of less. These carefully selected pieces work together to create a foundation for a wardrobe that can be mixed and matched effortlessly without a ton of time or thought. While I often tout that quality over quantity is the name of the game here, I also pride myself on only purchasing items that are not only fantastic, but also a great value. In other words, when adding pieces to my wardrobe I think it is critical to strike a balance between high and low, and do so without breaking the bank on any one item. So, in the spirit of this mentality and the influx of spring shopping on the horizon, I want to share the 4 essentials that I think are worth the splurge. In addition to these pieces and why I think they are worth the splurge, I have included some similar options that are available now in case you want to check them out in more detail. Also, stay tuned for a save post coming soon! 

Splurge 1: Purses

My first splurge is without a doubt purses because I own so few making it super important for each one to go the extra mile. I have found that when I invest in a high-quality handbag it not only lasts longer because of the superior quality, but also because I take better care of it. Also, rather than purchasing countless cheaper equivalents of my ideal purse, I have had much better luck and saved more money long term by saving up for what I really want and know will work with all the outfits in my closet. That said, I do not think you should go out and spend a fortune on your handbag just because it is a splurge. Rather, I encourage you to scour eBay, TheRealReal.com and Etsy for vintage or pre-loved designer handbags at nearly half the price of a new one. Not only are these options cheaper, they also add some personality to your look. My only word of caution for going this route would be to do your research, know how to authenticate any designer item before you buy it and do not hesitate to ask the seller as many questions as necessary. 

In total, I have 5 purses and 1 carry-all - a vintage Louis Vuitton crossbody, a Louis Vuitton clutch, a Dooney & Bourke satchel, a vintage Gucci Kelly bag, a J. Crew crossbody satchel hybrid and a Longchamp for travel and those days I need to carry everything and the kitchen sink. Below, I have linked some options that are similar to mine and currently available online in case you want to check them out. 

Splurge 2: Forever Jewelry

My next splurge is forever jewelry. While you know I LOVE costume and vintage jewelry, I have chosen to invest carefully over the years in some key forever pieces that I wear every day. For me, this has worked out fantastically and I couldn't be happier with my minimal collection of pieces which include a simple antique gold bangle that I wear every day and found with my initials already engraved inside of an anchor, a collection of three David Yurman classic cable rings that I wear stacked nearly every day, a small pair of pearls and a simple pair of diamond studs. All-in-all, I think forever jewelry is definitely worth the splurge because these pieces are classics that I know I will wear forever. Also, not only have I thoroughly enjoyed carefully collecting these pieces over the years, but because they required extra thought before purchasing I can say with certainty that I truly love and wear each and every piece enough to justify the cost. 

Splurge 3: Shoes

Like handbags, I only have a few pairs of shoes so I think they are definitely worth the splurge. Not only can cheaply made shoes hurt your feet, they can also wear out a lot faster than their well made, high-quality counterparts. For this reason, I have chosen to invest wisely in a few pairs of shoes that I wear constantly and care for well so that they last ages. In this category I have splurged on my favorite pair of Gucci loafers (which were so worth the money and are by far the most comfortable pair of shoes I own), a classic pair of vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Vara flats and riding boots, Ralph Lauren Riding boots that retail for more thn double what I got them for at Century 21, Jack Rogers sandals, Madewell ankle booties and Stubbs & Wootton needlepoint loafers. Like handbags, I encourage you to scour eBay, Etsy and the like for vintage or pre-loved versions of the shoes you're coveting if their retail price is a little steep for your pockets. Also, with enough searching you can often find the exact pair you're looking for brand new in the box for a fraction of the price like I did with my beloved Ferragamo boots! I'll be doing a round-up of my top eBay and Etsy tips and tricks soon, but in the meantime I have linked some similar items to my favorite splurge shoes below for you to check out. 

Splurge 4: Sunglasses

My last splurge that is totally worth the elevated price tag is sunglasses. I have found that investing in sunglasses ensures that they not only last longer but that I spend less money long term from having to constantly replenish them with cheaper alternatives. In this category I own three pairs that can be worn with every one of my outfits for a different effect and I can honestly say the cost per wear of each has be infinitely justified over the years. My first pair is a pair of RayBan Aviators that I wear constantly. The classic design with dark shades and gold trim is not only timeless and chic but also incredibly durable - I have had them for going on 10 years and they still look brand new. My next pair is from Persol and I love them for their chic tortoise shell rims that instantly add a sophisticated touch to any look. Like my RayBans, these sunglasses are incredibly well made and have lasted for years of constant wear. My final pair is from Dior and they are also my newest (I purchased them in Rome on my honeymoon last year). This pair filled the void in my collection for black sunglasses and I couldn't be happier with them. Like my others, the design of these is timeless and chic and I have already worn them enough to validate the elevated price tag. 

Until next time! 

Transitional Spring Dressing Tips & Collab With Robin Of The Dress Decoded

Today is March 10th which means that the first day of spring is only 10 days away! While it's difficult to contain my excitement for warmer weather, strategic transitional dressing has saved me from jumping straight out of my snow boots and into sandals. To help you do the same, I have put together one of my favorite transitional looks and rounded up my top tips for transitional dressing that I hope will help you welcome warmer weather effortlessly. 

Tip 1: Start With A Classic Foundation & Add Springy Accessories

One of my top tips for transitioning my look from winter to spring is to rely on a foundation of classic pieces in neutral colors that can be layered and accessorized with springy touches. For a warm day in the city I recently paired basic stripes with a classic pair of skinny jeans and topped it off with a bright, fun scarf. The top and jeans created a foundation that can worn across all seasons by changing the shoes and outer layers but when paired with no jacket, classic brogues and a bright scarf it instantly takes on the air of lighter fair. 

Tip 2: Carefully Incorporate Floral Prints in Light Colors

Nothing says spring like floral prints which is why they are my favorite way to transition my go-to winter looks into spring. Two of my favorite ways to do this are by wearing floral scarves and floral blazers. By starting with standard knits in neutral colors, a simple silk scarf in a bright floral print can instantly upgrade your look from the fireside to the flower-filled countryside. Likewise for the use of a floral blazer. Simply by trading my boots for flats and throwing on a floral jacket, one of my go-to winter looks instantly feels spring appropriate. 

Tip 3: Trade Your Snow Boots For Rain Boots and ankle Boots For Ballet Flats and Loafers

My final tip for transitioning your look from winter to spring is to trade your heavy footwear for lighter options. While I may not be able to jump directly from snow boots into sandals, rain boots, loafers and ballet flats help make knitwear and light outerwear feel less winter and more spring. 

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To share additional insight on this topic I am collaborating with the beautiful Robin of The Dress Decoded who not only has impeccable style but also phenomenal advice for achieving classic looks. Robin is without question my go-to account and blog for endless outfit inspiration and tips and tricks. You can read Robin's take on this topic here and if you do not already follow her on Instagram you can do so here - I promise you will love it!

Until next time, happy transitioning!

Closet Clean Out 101

The new year is upon us which means it's time to clean out my closet! As you know, I aim to keep my wardrobe at a minimum and only fill it with classic, high quality essentials that I can mix and match for endless possibilities. To maintain this approach, it's crucial that I clean out my closet at the start of each year with a critical eye. This yearly purge allows me to donate, sell or trash any pieces that are past their prime and to see which pieces are in need of mending or tailoring to extend their lives. Plus, a January clean out helps me create space for any Christmas additions from December and to start planning for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Staying on top of this "one in/one out" mentality each new year ensures I am never left with an overflowing closet of wasted items and can instead enjoy my wardrobe to the fullest. To help you tackle your own closet clean out and start the year off on a streamlined foot, I have outlined the steps I take below. 

Step 1: Empty Your Closet and Drawers

The first step in a quality closet clean out is to completely empty everything. Remove all the clothes from your closet and drawers and lay them neatly in piles on your bed to sort through. I like categorizing my clothing in like piles to make the next steps easier - i.e. blazers with blazers, t-shirts with t-shirts etc. This helps the next step move more quickly and feel less overwhelming. 

Step 2: Try Everything On

The second step in this process is definitely the most time intensive, but it is critical to ensure that you have a successful clean out. To make this step as painless as possible, I typically put on music or a movie to keep me from feeling trapped in the task and go to town trying everything on. To help me keep everything straight in my mind, I try on like with like - all of my t shirts or blouses and then move to blazers and jackets followed by pants, skirts and shorts and then finish with shoes and bags. I also try to try on blazers with shirts and sweaters underneath so I can accurately evaluate how they wear. Finally, while trying on each item I try my best to evaluate it with an honest, critical eye and ask myself a series of questions before making a final decision. These questions are as follows.

1. Do I love it? 

2. When was the last time I wore it? If I haven't worn it in the past month or so and it isn't out of season, (i.e. a spring piece I haven't worn in a few months because it's January) then it goes. 

3. How many other items can I wear it with? I like to be able to mix and match as much as possible so it is imperative that all of my clothes can be worn with at least two other pieces. 

Step 3: Sort Your Clothes Into 5 Piles - Toss, Keep, Donate, Mend or Tailor and Revisit

As you go through step 2, sort your clothes into 5 separate piles for the third step. 

1. Toss: This pile is for anything that you no longer wear and is beyond repair for resale or donation. 

2. Keep: These are the items you love and do not need to be tailored or mended. These are typically the essentials that you come back to time and time again and are the first to pop in your mind when you envision your wardrobe. 

3. Donate: This pile is for anything you either no longer love or doesn't suit your current lifestyle, but is still in good enough condition to be loved by someone else. 

4. Mend or Tailor: This category is self-explanatory but is crucial for maintaining a well-rounded, timeless wardrobe. Whether an item has a small tear, you have lost or gained weight or it just needs a little oomph to be perfect again, tailoring and mending helps to extend the life of your wardrobe without having to buy a bunch of new items.  

5. Revisit: In this pile, put any items you don't instantly go crazy for, but can't part with yet. I like to put these items in a suitcase or at the back of my closet and then revisit them a few weeks to 2 months later. During this waiting period, I can usually distance myself enough from the piece to re-evaluate objectively later. Another thing I like to do when I revisit this pile is to honestly gauge how many times I thought about each item while they were out of sight. If the answer to this question is none, I know it's time to say goodbye. 

Step 4: Put It All Back and Plan for Tomorrow

The last step is certainly the most fun and rewarding. Now that you've successfully sorted the items that you will keep, toss, donate and mend, you can effectively evaluate where the holes in your wardrobe are. It's at this time that I pull out my pen and paper and list out what I need to extend the versatility of my existing items, as well as which classic and trendy pieces I need to keep everything current for the upcoming seasons. Once I'm confident that my list is complete, I put everything back in the closet and dresser and start mentally preparing outfits while I enjoy my new organized wardrobe. 

 

Until next time, happy closet cleaning! 

Travel In Comfort (And Style)

When it comes to traveling, comfort is key. Whether I'm flying for two hours or eight, I prefer lightweight, breathable pieces that allow me to move and sit with ease, while still looking put together. To accomplish this goal without a lot of thought, I stick to a fail proof "uniform" of stretchy skinny jeans and cotton t-shirt. To round out the outfit and keep me warm on the flight, I either throw on a blazer or cashmere cardigan depending on the season and where I'm headed. For footwear, I like to wear either riding boots or ankle boots and socks. This combo ensures I can walk (or run) comfortably to my flight while also protecting my feet from the airport floor when going through security. 

Navy Long Sleeve T: J. Crew / Navy Blazer: Brooks Brothers / Jeans: LOFT / Scarf: Hermes / Boots: Salvatore Ferragamo / Purse: J. Crew 

Until next time, safe travels!