05 March 2012

Progress


L - shirt & jeans: J Crew / boots: Frye Paige  // M - shirt: Land's End / pants: J Brand / flats: Off Saks // 
R - shirt: J Crew / pants: Seoul / boots: Rachel Comey Penpal

Two things today! First, I found a breton top! I went to Land's End and they had the sailor top that I noted before. The only problem was that the smallest size was a M. I tried it on and it was big, but how could I resist with it being heavily discounted at 1/4 of the original price? I decided to try to shrink it in the wash and if it didn't work give it to my mom. I went home, washed it in warm water, line dryed it, and it's now perfect. The material is reminiscent of the Saint James Meridien top, but with narrower shoulders and sleeves which I like, while retaining a loose boxy fit down below. Other plusses are the color scheme (navy with white stripes), the longer length, and the sleeve length. I think I'm going to be reaching for this frequently. I highly recommend it if you want a lower cost option! Land's End is having a big sale (50-60% off sale items), so now is a good time to check it out.

Secondly, in an effort to remind myself that I have plenty of clothing to wear that works for me and to tame the inner shopping beast, I've been making a conscious effort to shop my closet. I'm rediscovering things I still love and getting rid of those I don't. I'm also realizing what a black, navy, white, grey person I am - evidence above! Neutrals work for me, and so does simplicity. I think I'm beginning to see what people mean when they say they have a uniform. Mine seems to be loose tops with fitted bottoms. I could probably mix and match the tops, bottoms and shoes of the three outfits above, which is great.

What about you? Have you discovered any neglected items in your own closet recently? Do you have a uniform that works for you?

15 comments:

  1. Cute! Definitely mix and match. You'll look great. I love the scarf too!

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    1. Thanks Liza! My mom gave me the scarf for Christmas and I've been wearing it all winter. It's a very soft cashmere and a great length.

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  2. oh you look really good here. lands' end is always my to-go favourite since they always have big big sales and have great preppier basics :)

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    1. Aw thanks, Joy! Yes, the sale was pretty crazy. I dragged hubby back the next day as he's been looking for a puffer, but nothing there for him. There was another plaid button down I liked but it was a size too small.

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  3. Pret a Porter P, I love that you have such a defined personal style, but also a variety of outfits that fit within it. Fabulous.

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  4. Today I rediscovered a pair of grey crepe peg-leg trousers I haven't worn in about 10 months - which is not that long, but I suppose quite a significant absence. My work uniform is a shirt and a pair of jeans and driving shoes or ballet flats - sometimes I switch the shirt for a pullover. It's very basic. I found myself eyeing up trousers in shops recently and decided to give my jeans a break, hence I started wearing my trousers again. I totally support shopping my own closet to curb the shopping temptation. I couldn't have done this years ago because I was still building up my wardrobe then but now I think I've accumulated enough to "shop" it.

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    1. Lin, your trousers sound wonderful. While I've just begun to build my wardrobe in an intentional and thoughtful way and have a ways to go, it's nice to find things that will stay with me and continue to work for me.

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  5. Oh I love that breton top you got! I'd try and shrink as well for that much of a discount - I think it fits you perfectly!

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    1. Oh thanks Katherine! Yes, I'm glad it worked, too.

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  6. It´s a wonderful thing - shopping my own wardrobe. (and a cheap way to shop ;-) Love the Breaton top!

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  7. I have a clothing rack where I hang all my favourite pieces that I wear daily in addition to putting out those items that I bought on impulse and want to 'force' myself to incorporate into my outfits. I love the third outfit of yours with the grey top and white trousers from Seoul!

    Ps. I just followed you on Instagram- I really love that cake photo! I wouldn't mind having that for my birthday!

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    1. Sam, that's a great idea. I need to continue organizing my closet and find a method that works for me. I love my white pants from Seoul. They fit me perfectly, and I can't wait to wear them more as the weather warms up. I followed you back on instagram. That cake was not only pretty, it was delicious - very light and not super sweet. I even liked the frosting, which was light and fluffy - I'm not usually a frosting person.

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  8. My to-go attire is a cotton dress and ballet flats. I love the ease and simplicity of moving around it them.

    I seldom wear jackets/blazers now that I work in a casual environment but i recently found a lace crochet cropped blazer that whispers femininity and grace. I used to wear that with a pair of shorts to roughen things a bit. I hope to wear that again soon!

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    1. justeileen, I like that your uniform consists of dresses. I'm on the lookout for a basic cotton dress as well, especially as we enter spring. I have found it challenging to find something that works on top and bottom, with the right length.

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