A Valentine to My Wardrobe Essentials

A few weeks ago, I came across a post on closet essentials, and it just irked me the wrong way a bit. It listed a v neck tshirt and a motorcycle jacket as one of the must haves a wardrobe should have, and I thought to myself, "Not me." 

Yes, it is meant be a guide, but at the same time, I worry that those kinds of posts promote this particular idea that these essentials that the post listed out are the be all to end all, and continues to promote this fast fashion culture. 

So I figured I would ignore that post, and figure out what my own essentials are. Will they be an inspiration to others? Maybe not. But it's more about the thought process and thinking about why something becomes an essential, not just because of the type of item, but more about the quality, construction and the fit.

Talbots is quickly becoming a staple brand in my closet, and I love how it is slowly creeping into my wardrobe. They are really rocking it these pst few seasons, making good quality clothes that work for a wide demographic. The quality is great too, which makes the pieces worth the investment, and becoming such an essential part of my wardrobe. 

A Stripey Valentine's Day

It's Valentine's Week, everyone! I am saying week because while I did not have enough time to do things like decorate my house, I was thinking about other ways to subtly celebrate and have fun, while doing my best to stick with No Shop February.

Valentine's Week is extra special for me because it is also the week of my dating anniversary with Mel - it will be twenty years on February 12!

Once January was over, I sat down to evaluate why it sucked. Like I said before, it can be sad coming down from the haze and sparkle and excitement of the holidays, and there is nothing on that level to look forward to in January. But February? Valentine's day.

This year, I am actually making Valentine's for Julian's class at playschool, Galentine's for a party I am attending on Saturday, date lunch with Mel on Valentine's Day, and then after mentally going through my closet, realized that I have Valentine's related outfits for the whole week!

Reflections on No Shop January

No Shop January is over and while I didn't quite go cold turkey, it definitely forced me to pause and think back on what I purchase, why I purchase it and what influences me to purchase things.

Wore this sweater to work, weekend and out with my sister to Death & Co. Long term style win, 

even though the purchase happened in January. Earrings are vintage (my mom's from the '80s!)

I am committing to a No Buy February along with some others to help continue developing the habit of not running to a store every time something goes on sale, and definitely trying to take stock of what I have already and coming up with new combinations.

That Colorado Life: Patagonia Jackets

By the end of my first winter in Colorado, I was sprinting across the parking lot at my school in the early mornings without a jacket when it was going to be in the 60s, but my first winter was a fluke. Subsequent winters have proved to be more "typical." It's why I traded in my Subaru Impreza for a Nissan Rogue - with all the snow especially in my neck of the woods, I needed more clearance.

I also needed a good jacket - one that can keep me warm, look stylish, and work with the crazy Colorado temperature swings. And work for outdoor activities as well.

J.Crew January 2020 Sale Picks

J.Crew is having a big weekend sale, and some of the things I've had my eye on along with classic staples like the tissue turtlenecks and investment pieces like the Regent and sweater blazers are on sale!

These are the things I have my eye on for the future, since I am still committing to No Shop January (and window shopping is always fun, as well as styling new outfits):

(one) • (two) • (three) • (four) • (five) • (six)

One: Hooded Sweatshirt - this color just makes me so happy, I love the combination. One of my color weaknesses is definitely an orangey-red coral and this pop against the stripes is fun and classic at the same time (and while it is also in navy, I am drawn to the marine stripe). 

Two: Bell Sleeve top - I love me a good bell sleeve with a textured top and this hits all the checkboxes for me (though I would have to try it on and see how the length works). 

Three: Striped Boyfriend Sweater - I have figured out that for me, anything that is labeled as "Boyfriend" is falls into the "loose but tailored" category for me and isn't so form fitting, which is what I like. 

Four: Leopard print leggings! This would be so fun with a Dudley Stephens Park Slope or Cobble Hill Fleece. I also really like the camo too. It's a fresh change from black leggings - I'm curious to see how they are fit wise. I am glad they are high-rise! 

Five and Six: These slim-wide legs look awesome because they are a welcome departure and change from skinny jeans all the time. I am trying to diversify my pants selection, and definitely plan to try these on. They would go great with Tippi sweaters. 

With these out, it makes me definitely look forward to J.Crew in the Spring! 

No Shop January: Camel, Camel, Camel

I know it is technically the third week of January, but since I was off from school until January 6, I am calling this Week 2 of No Shop January since I plan my outfits more for work.

After last week's hiccup I am definitely staying away from the big weekend sale that J.Crew is having (but I do have some picks and a wishlist, so stay tuned!).

This week's theme, if there was one, was definitely "Things I Have Not Worn In Ages." Another theme is "camel, camel, and more camel":

Monday:

Tried something new with my classroom selfies - taking one in the "fluffy chair!" Its the Button Chair from World Market (similar) - when Mel and I got new armchairs for our living room, I decided to bring this to school and make a cozy corner. Sweater is from J.Crew Factory; I haven't worn the sweater all season, so took the opportunity to layer it with the chambray shirt, which is a great length for the sweater. Jeans are Madewell (on sale! Size down one size), Chelsea Boots Nisolo (definitely size up). I felt like using my Faure Le Page tote bag this week so changed up my work bag. 

Wednesday: 

This is a J.Crew outfit from head to toe! I love cuffing the sleeves of my blazers - this one is the  classic Regent Blazer, which I love and part of the weekend sale but again, have not worn it all fall or winter for some reason.

Tissue turtlenecks are becoming such a staple in my wardrobe! This one is in Cerise, and I also have Navy and the stripe (tip: size up in the printed tissue turtlenecks - the SA at my local J.Crew said its something about it being multi-colored that makes it snug compared to the solid ones, which are TTS). 

This outfit was inspired by Caitlin of Lemonade Press who talked about adding pops of color during the winter months - the coral red of the turtleneck definitely does the trick and brightens up a dreary day. I am wearing these with the lace pants, which is one of the best purchases I made in 2019. I think I could have sized down to a 10 even (I am a 12/14). They are so comfy and chic - even my principal commented, "Cool pants!" 

Friday: 

 This sweater is from LLBean - I love that it's oversized and still tailored and again, camel! It is currently sold out - I got this in November 2016 and have since seen it come back in subsequent winter seasons. Talbots has several sweater ponchos similar to this (and on sale), and I LOVE this one from Ann Taylor in the Rich Camel (again!) which after discount is on sale for $30!

I have ignored this sweater for the stupidest reason: the pilling. This sweater does have pills but I remembered at the last minute that I have a sweater stone so took it to the sweater and it looks so much better! I need to depill the whole thing but it was enough at 5:30 in the morning to get me through the day. I might even wear this sweater again with a tissue turtleneck layered underneath to change it up.

While I was aiming to go for things I have not worn in awhile, the camel color theme was definitely as surprise! Well, maybe not, ha - it definitely highlights what is the second most common color in my wardrobe after navy. Are there any colors that are predominant in your wardrobe or are constantly drawn to?

Why I Walked Away from Goyard (and Love Fauré Le Page)

Still chugging along with No Shop January here, despite a small hiccup. Mel and I are talking about summer travel, so it might mean that I will have to extend No Shop January to the Spring to save money for the summer.

No Shop January is teaching me to hold off on that impulse and love what I have in the closet before I run out to get another sweater of the same style (or that fourth tissue turtleneck, when three are perfectly fine).

On the other side of the spectrum, there are times when you want to save your money for a really big item, say to celebrate a milestone, or to get an investment piece. For me, that's luxury French bags. It sounds silly, but I call them Fancy French Bags (FFBs). I love the dedication to quality, the craftsmanship and the heritage behind it.

No Shop January: Style Update Week 1

I have a confession to make.

During the 75FLASH sale at J.Crew yesterday, I made a purchase. I bought the Beaded Clasp sweater.

But that was it. I was tempted by other things since the prices are so good, but I stuck to what was on my list.

Fancy Feet: Birdies Songbird Slippers

Every year since I was about 29, I have always treated myself to something special for my birthday. The first time I did it was when Kate Spade just came out with their collaboration with Keds, and I got myself some special gold glitter sneakers. Since then, they have come out with so many other colors! I have my eyes on the navy glitter ones in particular.

I love those shoes because they are fun but comfy; I do not wear them on a regular basis, but rather on special occasions: the first day of school (makes me stand out a bit amongst the other teachers since we all have to wear our school shirt), the holidays and when I go out. It's definitely a great alternative to heels, for sure!

 This year, I totally went extra and got myself a pair of the Birdies Songbird Slides in blush velvet with the pom-pom. My friend in the Netherlands gave me a referral code for $20 off and I had heard of them through her and because Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex wore them for a walk in the woods.

Black Friday: For What You Were Planning Already

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all run up on my birthday this year, so I stocked up on long-eyed for essentials, but also treated myself a bit too. I mainly was at J.Crew because I've been shopping there for 20 years - I know the fit, the style and with only one J.Crew in my area now, I need to be a bit more watchful with what I purchase. Plus, 50% off regular prices and 60% off sale was such a good deal.

Outside my local JCrew the morning of the Pre-Black Friday event. I LOVE the outfit on the mannequin
(leopard and camel and fun details, oh my!), but had to pass on it, unfortunately. Next time!