Mistake of 2012

I did pretty well in 2012 in terms of limiting my shopping and buying well. I made a few mistakes, but the biggest one was buying this herringbone coat from Mango back in November. It looked so enticing on the blogs, so Marant-esque in its oversized look, but at a ridiculously low price of $50. I thought, if this coat is so popular, it must be good quality. Yes, wishful thinking.

Mango Herringbone Coat

There's no Mango here in Denver, so I ordered it online without ever seeing it in person. It arrived in the mail and was a total piece of crap. Except for a small lining below the collar, it was completely unlined. The material was rough, thin, and shed little white pieces all over. Fortunately for me (and unfortunately for someone else), I was able to sell it on ebay.

It's tough because Denver is pretty limited in terms of shops, so I have to do a lot of shopping online, based on reviews, company reputation, and just cross my fingers. I look at the measurements and measure my own clothing to figure out my size. It's very hit and miss. I'd like to say I want to cut out online shopping all together, but it's just not feasible for me, and some things have worked out wonderfully. I appreciate when stores have free return shipping, but that is rare. Sometimes it's just a big hassle too.

Anyone else have this problem? How do you manage?

Winter notes

Barneys New York Look Book

The Barneys lookbook popped in my inbox this morning and I love the simplicity and wearability of the women's styling in the series, which is called "Forever Faithful" with a focus on classics. This look in particular is so great - simple and yet stunning, no? I've been wanting a pair of black loafers this season. Any recommendations?

Bass Wayfarer

Uniqlo Oxford

I've heard good things about Uniqlo's oxford shirts, but unfortunately, these and a few other items I'm wanting are sold out online. Hopefully they will restock soon.

What looks have you been drawn to this winter season?

Tie dye

Upstate Dress, Image from Bonadrag

An unexpected trend that I've gravitated towards in the last year is tie dye. To me it emits a neutral vibe, perhaps due to the blending of various shades of similar colors, with an added twist (no pun intended). It's also something that can be worn casually to the park, beach or coffee shop, or dressed up for lunch or dinner with a friend or significant other.

Black Crane Dress, Image from Mohawk General Store

Aside from my regular go-to items, I find myself being drawn to tie dye prints as the weather warms up, rather than bright colors and accessories. Also, tie dye has a very Colorado feel to me, so I feel comfortable in it in my new city.

Have you surprised yourself with a trend or style you like that seems unexpected? How do you incorporate it into your wardrobe?

Right this second...

Images: La Garconne

As we are officially in the spring season, I should be getting into color but instead I'm so into these neutral combinations. And I really want a pair of white oxfords! I think they would go well with everything I have, and would be a great staple for spring and summer.

What do you think? Are white oxfords a trend or a closet essential?

Spring ensembles / 1

Madewell shirt, Marni pants, Rachel Comey boots, Clare Vivier clutch

As the weather warms up, I'm putting together some ensembles for spring based on clothing I own. I'm hoping this will help to keep shopping at a minimum, as well as help me be creative about combining different pieces.

This is the first in the series. I think these pants and shirt will be in heavy rotation this spring. They are both comfortable and can be paired with most things. The shirt can be worn on its own as I did here, or as a light jacket over a tank or tee. I also love these pants I got on a trip to Seoul two years ago. The length and fit are perfect, and the white color adds a dressed up feeling to the outfit.

shirt: Madewell / pants: Seoul / boots: Rachel Comey / clutch: Clare Vivier

What items in your closet do you anticipate will get a lot of wear this spring?

Inspiration to reality

Image: Vanessa Jackman

jacket: Florence / shirt: Target / jeans: Levis / boots: Rachel Comey

In my efforts to shop my closet, I've found the internet to be helpful in putting together new combinations of items I already own. Here is one example - I saw this image and thought, I could do a version of this! So it's what I'm wearing today. I couldn't replicate the other details that I loved about this photo - the knit hat and the worker boots. I think they do add a lot.

What inspiration have you found from the internets lately?

I'm putting together some posts of outfit ensembles for spring based on clothing I have. Stay tuned!

Happy weekend

image by me, via instagram

I hope everyone had a great week. I spent the week recovering from a trip to California last week. Hubby had a work trip in Newport Beach and I tagged along. It happened to be my birthday on the last day of the trip, so it was a nice treat to be in LA. I got to eat great food with family, enjoyed a delicious cake (above) and attended a family baby shower.

Also, I had the chance to squeeze in a trip to A.P.C. and Barneys and try on a few things I'd been eyeing online. Some things were disappointing, while others exceeded my expectations.

tops: J Crew, Land's End / bottoms: Gap, BR / socks: F21 / journal: Moleskin / clutch: Clare Vivier

My obligatory travel packing photo above. At the last minute I swapped out the BR jeans for a pair of Sevens. Not shown is a coat, a larger bag I carried and two pairs of shoes. It's always funny going back to California after having lived there and left. The weather was gorgeous and I saw people wearing Uggs, boots and coats. What the?

We've had amazing weather here in Denver, in the 60s and 70s all week. I'm taking full advantage because it's supposed to snow next week.