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.

Inspiration

Image: Closet Visit

Ever since I saw Momo Suzuki featured on Closet Visit I've been captured by her simple and yet clearly defined sense of style and aesthetic. Not only is her clothing and home so artfully simple, but her responses to the questions emit the same elegant simplicity.

Image: Closet Visit

I'm still in the process of honing my style but I hope one day it can be as streamlined and cohesive as Momo's style. Today her home is featured on Mohawk General Store's blog. Also, her spring collection is now available! I have one of her dresses and cannot wait to wear it again when the weather warms up. Her pieces are very soft, 100% cotton, and at a great price point. I've been drawn to the color yellow this season (weird!), and I love the long dress in flower, but on a practical level I'd probably end up wearing the one in cloud more.

How about you? Is there someone that inspires you lately?

EDIT: Jeana Sohn just posted photos of herself wearing more of Momo's newest pieces here. I don't think I could pull off any of the looks, but they look gorgeous on her. 

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?

Breton shirt

Saint James unisex Meridien II at J. Crew

In recent weeks I've come across of a variety of fashion/style blogs - not the mass media types, but personal, individual bloggers who post thoughts on fashion and detail their own journey of editing and refining their closets. It's been very enlightening. As a result, I've been inspired to edit my closet and pair it down to a handful of quality basics that will age well and get much use. I'm realizing what a mess my closet is, and what an impulsive shopper I am. As a student with limited funds, I find myself shopping out of boredom and then buying something because it's on sale. Also, I notice that I tend to be drawn to novelty items rather than building a closet full of interchangeable items that I can wear frequently. I want to come up with a list of things to begin building my new and improved closet. It is far from where I want it to be but, deep breath, take it one step at a time.

So I begin my endeavors with the Breton shirt. I love stripes (lots of inspiration at La Mariniere). I think stripes are classic, go with everything, while adding that special something. An examination of what I have currently in stripes:

• H&M 3/4 sleeve cotton top (white w/ navy stripes): this shirt is pretty comfortable but at times too thin (especially in the winter), and I find the 3/4 sleeve annoys me. I usually have to layer this with a cardigan or sweater because it's thin, but the sleeve then scrunches up above my elbow when I put on the sweater. Also, I have a long torso and the length is slightly shorter than I would like.
• Tommy Hilfiger long sleeve pima cotton (white w/ navy): this shirt is actually very well made. It's soft and fits loosely, is a good length, and is great for winter. But it's a little too thick for summer, and difficult to layer because of its thickness.
• J. Crew short sleeve tee (white w/ black): I really like the material of this shirt, and the cut. It's a fitted style but not tight, and the material is a thicker cotton, not the flimsy cotton/modal blend. However, this is a perfect example of a bad buy - there are holes on one side of the shirt with a ribbon that laces through and ties. This completely annoys me and detracts from the "basic-ness" of the shirt.
• J. Crew sweatshirt (grey w/ white): This sweatshirt is comfy, and I think it's a great casual piece for summer - a nice thin sweatshirt to layer over a tee and cutoffs. Too casual for winter.

my striped shirts 

Thus, I've concluded that I need a basic striped shirt that goes with everything, can be dressed up or down, is comfortable and classic. I've been searching for a breton shirt on the nets and here are some options I've come up with:

• Saint James Miniquiers: This seems like such an ideal shirt. I've read rave reviews about its quality. However, I tried on the unisex Meridien (pic above) at J. Crew yesterday, and couldn't find the right fit. The XS was too large, and the XXS was not only too short (again, long torso issue), but a bit too boxy for my narrow and flat chested upper body. I don't know if the Miniquiers would hang differently as the material of the Meridian is stiffer, or if it would get better with wear and over time, but at first glance I don't think this would work for me. Maybe the ladies' version would work better? If only I could find a place to try it on.
• Wood Wood Abril: I discovered this on Assembled Hazardly and I think it looks perfect on Amanda. The slim fit would work and I like the longer length. Unfortunately, I'm a little late on this and it's sold out.
• Land's End Sailor: This could work - if I can find it and try it on that would be ideal. From the photo though, it looks like it might be short on me.
• Edith Miller: I've read great things about the Edith Miller striped tees. They look thinner than some of the other options. I think it would be nice to have a thinner shirt as well as a thicker one.

Any thoughts? What is your favorite Breton shirt?

shirt: AE / jeans: Levis / boots: Beatrice Valenzuela / scarf: gifted

Hubby's friend is coming into town and we are headed to Breckenridge tonight! The boys will be snowboarding and skiing, and I will be sipping on tea and reading a book. Here's what I'm wearing for our short road trip. Lately, I've been pulling out this belt I've had for years, but have not worn in years. I think it's from Express or Limited from over 15 years ago! I've been experimenting with tucking in my shirts and I like it.

Going out

jacket: from italy / shirt: J. Crew factory / jeans: J Brand / bag: Tommy Hilfiger / boots: Rachel Comey

I got this leather jacket in the street stalls of Florence in 2007 - it's super soft. The bag is a Tommy Hilfiger that I got at a clothes swapping party in 2001. It's not the fanciest bag but it goes with everything, has convenient front pockets, is lightweight, and durable. It's the perfect size and my everyday bag.

Navy and black

v-ncck & shirt: J. Crew / pants: Gap / shoes: Rachel Comey penpal / bag & scarf: mom 

Today's outfit is a classic simple look - a navy and black color combo, with a pop of brown. On top I'm wearing a striped tee, navy merino wool v-neck tunic and a grey cashmere scarf from my mom. I've been wearing this scarf almost every day this winter. It's soft, warm and goes with everything. Bottoms are Gap slim cropped pants, which are both comfortable, the perfect cut, and can be dressed up or down. Ankle boots, and a bag passed down from my mom. I'll top it with a short black wool coat when I go out. 

A look back

It's interesting to look back at old posts and see what I wanted back then, and whether I still want those things now. There are some things that were trends that weren't really my style, but others that I still resonate with:

- From this wishlist (Dec '09), I still want: leather satchel, comfy basic tunic & trench
- Still love Clare Vivier's bags (Oct '09)
- Still want a black & white check shirt (Oct '09)
- Still eyeing the Virginia Johnson scarves (Oct '09)

Recent purchases

aran sweater: vintage / jeans: Levis / boots: Beatrice Valenzuela

The Aran wool fisherman sweater I got on Ebay was in perfect condition, and fits great - slightly slouchy and a little long, but not so oversized that I'm swimming in it. I opted for this over the shrunken fisherman sweaters at retail stores this season because of my long torso. This one is super comfy and warm, and I know it will last forever. I searched long and hard for a fisherman sweater and got lucky, especially as it's always risky to purchase without trying something on. It was also a great deal at $9.99 + $10 for shipping. The high quality of this sweater is hard to find these days - it was hand knit in Scotland. I'm also wearing my Beatrice Valenzuela botins that I received in the mail yesterday. They feel a little tight but they are supposed to stretch out about half a size so they should be the right size after some wear. I think they will be perfect for non-snowy cold Colorado days. And lastly my Levis black jeans that I bought 3 years ago for $30 which only get more comfortable over time. The overall theme of this outfit is comfy.

Biker boots

I had been eyeing these boots online and then I saw them today when I visited A-line boutique for the first time. They were on sale, but unfortunately, a half size too big.

It's been too long but I'm going to try to revive this blog! I think I may post outfit photos, mainly to help me see what they look like and to help me think through what I'm wearing.