Late Fall Wardrobe Staples

Since having little ones, long shopping excursions are a thing of the past, so about twice a year I scour the internet for a few seasonal items. Yes, it is a pain to shlep to the post office to make all those returns, but in the long run I end up finding exactly what I need, and don’t get sidetracked by anything that might tempt me from store windows. :)

Capsule wardrobes are really appealing to me, and although I don’t strictly adhere to one, I naturally lean toward an edited closet. As I’ve gotten older and my daily life has become simpler (i.e., no need for several weeks’ worth of work attire), my style has become laser focused: relaxed but polished, urban but comfortable. Here are a few favorite cooler-weather items I’ve added to my wardrobe this season:

Utility jacket / It took me a bit of trial and error to find the perfect utility jacket. This one is so comfy but still has structure, and is light enough to layer over a sweater. I’ve already gotten so much use of it!

Crew neck sweater / Target does it again. This sweater looks and feels more expensive than it is, and it’s been the perfect fall basic.

Detailed leggings / While these technically cross over into athleisure, they are so unbelievably soft I can’t care. The ruched detail on the side makes them a bit fancier (and they’re currently on sale!).

Black booties / These flats add polish and structure to any outfit, but are still functional enough to run after toddlers.

Everyday necklace / I’ve never been a jewelry person, but I love this tiny, minimal necklace for every day. (Tip: whenever purchasing inexpensive pieces, I always look for “gold-filled” over “gold-plated” – they keep their shine.)

Tomorrow we are driving 13 hours (!) to spend Thanksgiving with the Mr’s family. I hope you have a very happy holiday week, and find lots to be thankful for. xo

Loving: Sevenly

anchor-braceletHow sweet is this delicate anchor bracelet? It would look lovely with a stack of gold bangles, watch, or just on its own. You can find it at Sevenly, a brilliant company that donates $7 from each purchase to a different charity every week. Isn’t that lovely?

I hope you had a beautiful Labor Day weekend. We certainly did! Southern California has been in the throes of a heatwave recently, so we spent our time lounging by pools and going to the movies. It will be tough getting back into the work week! xo

Comfy Summer Style

casual summer style

Now that summer is here (and we’ve had the best weather since I’ve lived here), we’ve really been taking advantage of the weekends because of the Mr’s training schedule (he’s gone during the week) – baseball games, picnics, beach days, concerts in the park…

All this summer fun calls for simple, comfy pieces that can be mixed and matched easily. Here are a few things I’m wearing / hoping to wear this summer.

From left:

Linen pocket tank // Cropped matchstick jean

Straw fedora // Denim vest // Lace skirt

Gold watch // Gold leather sandals

Linen racerback tank // Striped maxi skirt

I’m really looking forward to a relaxing, summery weekend! Happy happy Friday.

(ps – I’m still on the hunt for a pleated maxi skirt, so let me know if you have any suggestions! xo)

Stitch Fix

stitch-fix

Have you heard of Stitch Fix? It is a brilliant styling service that for 20 bucks will send you five pieces chosen for you (based on an online profile you fill out). Whatever you decide to buy, the fee is applied to your total.

Here’s a peek at what I kept from my first shipment. It’s such a lovely color, and not something I would have normally chosen for myself, but I’m quite pleased with it.

They also offer gift cards, which would be perfect for a sister or friend. You should check it out!

Necklace from Pigment.

Darling Magazine

Darling-Magazine

Have you read Darling Magazine? You should. I received a copy from a friend who contributed to the spring issue, and it is such a joy to read. It covers topics of daily life, food, literature, travel, work, beauty, and style while compassionately redefining what it means to be a woman in today’s world of materialsim and merciless expectations. It is empowering, uplifting, enlightening, and gorgeous all at the same time.

Their blog is equally amazing and a daily dose of beauty and inspiration, but there is just something about flipping through the thick pages that makes it come alive. Check it out! xo

Darling-Magazine

Found! A Good Chambray

chambray-shirt

A few weeks ago, I mentioned I was on the hunt for the perfect chambray shirt. I am happy to report that it was recently found (and purchased :) here.

It is the perfect light and breezy color, and has a drapey, almost silky feel that is so comfy and flattering. It runs a little large, so I recommend a size smaller than you would typically wear.

I was lucky enough to catch it on sale, so the price tag was just right! I highly recommend this one.

Any other chambrays you’d like to share?

Spring Style / Maxi Skirts

maxi-skirt

I am so glad maxi skirts are a big hit this year. They are the perfect blend of effortless, elegant, and comfy (and how gorgeous is the white pleated one on Jennifer Lawrence? To die for!). I’m looking forward to finding one or two affordable options for spring and summer. Here are a few ideas to start with.

If you’ve found any you’d like to share, please do!

Clockwise, from left: Jennifer Lawrence in Paris / fuchsia skirt / striped skirt / Ted Baker color block skirt

(ps – more ideas on Pinterest!)

A Good Chambray is Hard to Find

chambray shirt

I have been in the market for a good ol’ trusty chambray shirt for quite a while. It’s such a versatile, comfy piece that I can imagine wearing to death all spring and summer long.

I recently purchased this one, but felt it was too stiff and boxy, and not true to size (a small swallowed me, which is unusual). So I’ve been on the hunt – here, here, here, and here. And although the price tag is steep on some of them, I think I’ll get my money’s worth if it’s a good fit.

Does anyone out there have a perfect chambray they love to pieces? I would love suggestions!

For the Love of 30 Part 2: Manly Gifts

cords boots and mug

While handmade is nice and always appreciated, here’s a peek at the manly gifts the Mr. got for the big 3-0. I wish I could take credit for these stylish-yet-practical picks, but it was all him.

1. J. Crew cords His self-proclaimed new “old trusties.” Classic and comfy.

2. Ecco boots Lambskin lined and waterproof, yet chic enough for a casual dinner date.

3. REI mug To keep his coffee warm on early mornings.