Outfit No. 3
Day One of the 30 Day’s of Outfits Challenge
Today’s outfit consists of a long black dress from Nordstrom (specifically Treasure & Bond) which I wore with old black Nikes because they are the most comfortable type of shoe I own for me to wear to work. My earrings are clay designed by a lovely woman on instagram under the handle @ochrestone I recently got my hair cut in a “shag” style with curtain bangs and I’ve really enjoyed trying new ways to style all these new layers and shape!
Style Guide: My 10 Wardrobe Essentials
These are the essentials in my wardrobe no matter what is going on in the world or what the weather is or where I am going (rather not going). I believe all of the pieces listed are perfect, and buildable that will last season after season, move after move and time after time. (Thank you Cyndi)
Side Bar
Also, I am going to be including a list of 5 articles at the end of every post that I enjoyed reading and would like to pass them along. In light of the current state of things with COVID-19 impacting communities, small businesses and families I will be including a different organization with every post, as well, to highlight what they stand for and what they are doing to help. All of the info can be found at the bottom of the post, Thank you!
Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are great staples, they are the perfect transition jacket for going into fall and winter. They are lightweight enough to be worn on their own or layered underneath a heavier coat. Anything leather can sometimes be associated with edgier looks, but these babies come in a variety of colors, cuts and styles so you don’t always have to be channeling your inner rocker babe.
2. Blazer
Blazers are another essential in my wardrobe because I personally LOVE adding that masculine touch to my outfits (Have you seen Hailey Bieber?). But, they are very versatile and great to smarten up any outfit. If you are just starting that corporate job or need something in your closet to grab when you are giving a presentation at school. Blazers, like leather jackets, come in a variety of cuts (cropped and oversized ‘dad’ shapes are very on trend) and colors, that can suit the wearer however they choose.
3. Denim
Denim is a great bottom staple to have in your wardrobe because they come in a variety of styles and fits, I have a plethora of high-waisted straight fits in my closet because they are the most flattering for my body. It takes some time to find the right denim for you, I know that’s how it went for me as well. For example, I can’t wear Zara denim but BDG from UO and Paige denim work really well. So please take your time when it comes to finding the right pair, because it will be worth it. Denim can be dressed up or down (like with a blazer or leather jacket) and are easy to throw on any ole day of the week(end).
4. Trouser
Trousers are like denims overachieving sister, they smarten up any look, just like a blazer does, and I argue trousers can also be dressed up or down depending on what you pair with them. You can make a complete suit with a nice trouser and matching blazer, or you can throw on a chunky knit or graphic tee with sneakers for a more laid back look.
5. White Tee and/or Black Cami
Basic tops are an obvious choice for an essential wardrobe piece, and you have your pick of the litter when it comes to simple tops. For me, the starting line up for the foundation of your closet, is a white tee and a black cami. Wear either with jeans, trousers, a white tee under a dress or a black cami with a silk midi skirt. The options are truly endless!
6. Graphic Tee
Graphic tees are another essential because they can add a bit of punch that a basic tee can’t.
7. Blouses and/or Button Ups
If you haven’t noticed the pattern here with my wardrobe essentials, there is a basic, casual item followed by it’s dressier/smarter friend. Blouses and button ups are the top of choice to take your pair of jeans to the next level, or to add the perfect finishing touch to your trousers for your big meeting at work. A fun shopping tip for your buttons ups, is you can always browse the men’s section. I prefer them to women’s because I like a more boxy/straight fit and I never shy away from pieces that are oversized. Blouses, on the other hand come in many textures and silhouettes for any and all occasions.
8. Knitwear
Knitwear is essential for layering, and there are several options you can choose from that can fit your own style. Pullover sweaters, chunky knits, cashmere or open cardigans are just a few key options for this category. Just like leather jackets, they are wonderful for transitioning in and out of seasons, and for keeping over your work chair or taking with you to the drafty lecture hall to keep your shoulders warm.
9. One Printed & One Simple Dress
You can’t go wrong with a dress in your wardrobe, and I’m not listing a specific kind of a dress (like an LBD) because even though it is an essential piece, it should be up to the wearer on what kind of dress they choose to own. I personally think a nice midi length dress and a short option are great (albeit; essential). A nice midi dress can be worn for fancier occasions, for example the midi dress in the photo I wore for my college graduation and to a wedding. The short option is lightweight for summer and can be worn with tights and boots for the fall and winter. Side-note; if you are not a dress wearer, I highly recommend jumpsuits!
@reformation & @asos I bought the short white dress from a shop in New York that I can’t find online so I have options listed from Asos in the tag :)
10. A Coat & A Trench
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with having a coat and a trench at arms reach in your closet. There are so many coats out there, and coats are the obvious choice when living in mild to freezing cold climates in the winter. Then a trench coat is what you shake out when you see those first hints of spring because they are lightweight and can still be layered if needed.
There you have it, 10 wardrobe essentials that help build a lasting wardrobe. I hope you found this helpful, and while we are inside without a real reason to wear any of these items, you can use this list if you want to venture into your closet for the clean out you’ve been putting off (I know I have) because you might be surprised at how many of these items you already own and can be brought back to life. Also, please check out my daily reads below!
TOP 5 DAILY READS:
CREATIVE LOOK @ starting a new hobby: https://localmilkblog.com/2020/04/slow-living-photography.html
TO INSPIRE SOME THOUGHTS: https://www.manrepeller.com/2020/04/quarantine-best-worst-self.html
TO INSPIRE YOUR QUARANTINE STYLE: https://www.whowhatwear.com/colors-for-mood
Something funny: https://www.thecut.com/2020/04/i-think-about-joe-pescis-rap-career-a-lot.html
This Week’s Organization Highlight is Baby 2 Baby!
“ Baby2Baby distributes basic essentials through a network of other non-profits and social services agencies.”
“Baby2Baby partners with organizations that work directly with children and families living in poverty. If you are an individual in Los Angeles looking for programs to provide help to your family, please see the list below for organizations that may be of assistance. If you are not in the Los Angeles area, please visit our National Network page for a list of organizations we work with around the United States.”
For COVID-19 efforts Baby2Baby has been providing basic necessities to families and children that have been impacted by the virus with school closures, essential working parents, etc.
They have been able to distribute 5.5 million essential items like formula, diapers and hygiene products to those in need
It was started eight years ago by Kelly Patricof and Norah Weinstein, who are moms themselves, and have dedicated their careers to helping families and children in need. Last year they worked with California Gov. Newsom to repeal sales tax on diapers and on January 1st of this year their is no longer a sales tax on diapers in the state of California.
You can read more about what they currently do and have done through this link here
Links to all their social media:
Instagram @baby2baby
Twitter @baby2baby
Facebook @baby2baby.org
Image from the Baby2Baby website
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Style Guide: 'The Print Issue'
Mixing prints, textures, and layers has been a favorite pastime of mine for the last couple years. Especially during fall, I love the richness of color and the different looks you can create with layers and layers of beautiful fabrics, textures, prints and colors. Since I live in Arizona (which remains hot until end of October…) I can’t play with my closet in the ways I enjoy, I’ve had to adapt and live vicariously through Pinterest and cold weathered instagrammers.
Below I have some examples I’ve thrown together from my own closet of print mixing for fall that works with warmer weather, but could be used for (lucky) colder weather climates. Enjoy, and happy mixing!
shoes @adidas, dress @zara (sold out)/alternative, blazer @mango, & bag @nordstrom
Outfit 1:
A graphic t-shirt is a great way to subtly print mix without feeling overwhelmed. You can play with small or large prints, and I always try to choose a print that picks up hues in the graphic image on whatever my base is (that be a dress, shirt, sweater etc.) I kept this look sporty with a pair of sneakers and then added another element of texture with a faux snake skin bag. This is another way to add texture to a look without looking like your clothes vomited on you, the bag is a solid color but has dimension with the material.
Outfit 2:
This second outfit is another subtle way to print mix by using one item a bold accessory. The dress itself has different elements going on within the pattern, so the prints already play off each other intentionally. So for an added pop, I chose a faux snake print bag in a bright color to mix it up. This dress is fairly busy so I played it simple and casual with white keds, but this could easily be dressed up with black patent boots or simple heels. One thing to keep in mind when wearing a busy dress like this one, is with printed accessories or shoes, keep in mind the tones throughout the outfit. Since this dress is very rich and warm in color, the printed bag doesn’t appear displaced because it it is also a warm toned mustard yellow.
shoes @zara (sold out)/similar, playsuit @zara (sold out)/similar, shirt @nordstrom & bag @vintage/similar vibe
Outfit 3:
For all my Arizona and hot weather friends, here is the print mixing we can get away with until end of October. The playsuit is lightweight, and a linen ‘esque’ material, so it has a little bit of texture. The stripe is a simple print so I chose a bigger and busier one as a layer that doesn’t overpower the stripes, but compliments them. The bag is the simple addition that encompasses the tones of both the shirt and the playsuit, while the woven shoes add texture so the outfit doesn’t fall flat. It also overall completes the summer vibe I was going for. When mixing two prints, always think big and small, and then you can go more simple with your accessories and shoes.
Outfit 4:
This is a more tailored way to mix prints and textures, starting with a statement jacket. The jacket pictured is thrifted from Depop, and I love it because it is perfect on its own or when added to an already patterned ensemble. I chose a small print in the pants, a delicate pinstripe, to bounce off of the embroidered florals in the jacket. That way the jacket is still my statement piece, but they are all a happy family when worn together. The sweater gives it the coziness I wanted, to really hone in on that fall feeling when you’re layered without a heavy jacket or scarf. Lastly, the shoes were simple and structured to keep with the tailored look, and the sparkly socks were just for a dash of fun.
shoes @nordstrom, skirt @nordstrom (sold out)/ similar, top @adidas, hat @nordstrom (sold out)/ similar
Outfit 5:
This last outfit is three prints in one look, and it’s a mix of feminine and sporty (one of my favorite combinations). The skirt is one solid, bold color, but it has a subtle animal print that gives it a little umph when paired with a graphic tee. When mixing with this outfit, my concentration was using bold colors that play off of each other, like the emerald green and bright orange in the adidas logo. You can’t go wrong with referring to your art class color wheel of complimentary colors when putting an outfit together. The hat has both of these colors intertwined with its plaid pattern, and the grey base gives it a nice neutral so it’s not overwhelming. The shoes are neutral and tonal, so they aren’t a distraction when working with three prints. My grounding piece with this outfit was my use of color to create a balanced look.
Outfit No. 02
Daily look no. 2…
Sometimes I dress up for work, and sometimes I wear long shirts and over the knee boots so I can get away with wearing leggings.
Outfit inspiration…
I looked to Pinterest when putting together this look. I’ve been vibing with a warm and earthy color palette. Also, I’ve been enjoying playing with mixing textures. Like with this stiffer cotton canvas pant from Jesse Kamm, a chunky knit and a wool over-shirt from Mango that adds dimension with its check pattern.
Designer Spotlight: Dior; From Paris to the World
A look into the Dior exhibit at the Denver Art Museum…
“Deep in every heart, slumbers a dream.”
- Christian Dior
In November, just around Thanksgiving, I was lucky to break away from work to spend a weekend at home in CO. While I was there I was able to go to the Dior exhibit, Dior: From Paris to the World, at the Denver Art Museum. If I had to choose one word to describe the exhibition… Wow. (Plays Post Malone’s new single).
I want to give a brief synopsis of the what I saw and felt at the exhibit because it was simply stunning, and I learned a lot about the French fashion house. For those who are interested in going it is open until March 17th, then it is moving on to the Dallas Art Museum in May.
First and foremost, the exhibit was curated by Florence Müller, who is the Avenir Foundation Curator of Textile Art, Curator of Fashion. She is a fabulous, French, fashion macaron of a women who deserves her own blog post to talk about what she has accomplished in her career. Back to Dior, to quote the DAM’s website about the exhibition;
“…surveys 70 years of the house of Dior’s enduring legacy and its global influence. A selection of more than 200 couture dresses, as well as accessories, costume jewelry, photographs, drawings, runway videos, and other archival material, will trace the history of the iconic haute couture fashion house, its founder, Christian Dior, and the subsequent artistic directors who carried Dior’s vision into the 21st century.” - Denver ART Museum
A few tid-bits of history that I learned from this retrospective, I have listed below since there was so much it’s easier to speak in bullet form.
Post World War II was a crucial time for the brand, Christian Dior saw that people needed hope and a better world. He created beauty and elegance with the idea of the ‘flower-woman’ and so came the infamous hourglass silhouette after the masculinity of war.
His first show was called the ‘New Look’ and showed it in his town home in 1947.
Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano and Raf Simons were all creative directors of the brand after Christian Dior’s untimely death in 1957
Yves Saint Laurent was Dior’s assistant before being appointed his predecessor in 1957.
Gianfranco Ferré caused a lot of uproar when he was appointed head of the house, because he was an Italian designer designing for the French.
Maria Grazia Chiuri followed Raf Simons, who was the first woman to be appointed to the house, since it was founded by a man. She brought her own experience on being a woman in a demanding industry with a family to her collections. She created the new Dior woman who is “fragile, desirable, but self-confident with true inner strength.”
Ms. Chiuri’s first ready-to-wear collection paid homage to all creative directors of the brand from 1947 and on. She created a modern fairytale, inspired by the original ‘flower-woman’ Dior created.
“Around the world Dior is Dior. Many people don't know that there were many designers at Dior, i think we have to respect this heritage but at the same time we have to move this heritage in the future. I look around, I take a lot of inspiration but at the same time my idea is to make this element contemporary for modern women.” – Maria Grazia Chiuri
It was a beautifully curated exhibit with amazing collections on display. It gave each creative director of the brand their own “room” as you walked through the wing. You could easily see the progression of techniques, fabrics and inspiration for each designer that worked for the house. They also had special areas that looked at garment construction, shown with a whole wall of white muslin samples, a room with gowns that Dior custom made for celebrities at various award shows, and an area with famous photographs featuring Dior couture (like the famous image of Dovima with Elephants by Richard Avedon… I die). All of this was complimented with a soft soundtrack of birds chirping, a babbling brook and a light breeze blowing through trees, which was wonderfully calming as you made your way through.
“I tried to show that fashion is an art. For that, I followed the counsel of my master Christian Dior and the imperishable lesson of Mademoiselle Chanel. I created for my era and I tried to foresee what tomorrow would be.” -Yves Saint Laurent
One of my favorite parts was at the beginning of each collection, throughout the timeline, they had the original sketches, mood-board’s and line reviews on display. This was where you could really see a progression through the eras of Dior and how every creative director they had, including Christian Dior himself, brought their own flare and spirit.
“I don't see Dior as something that could become mine. I see it as a dialogue with the women who wear it. I want to stay connected to them rather than to an abstract brand.” - Raf Simons
All the pieces were beautiful; I unfortunately was terrible at recording what dress went with what collection. But I did take a lot of pictures to share this great exhibit with you all. All information about the Denver Art Museum and the book that Florence Müller was a co-author on (that you know I purchased from the museum gift shop) called “Christian Dior Designer of the Ages” is listed below.
Denver Art Museum link: https://denverartmuseum.org/
Dior: From Paris to the World link and tickets: https://denverartmuseum.org/exhibitions/dior
“Christian Dior Designer of the Ages” link: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Dior-Designer-Florence-M%C3%BCller/dp/0500021546
Outfit No. 01
Go to look for running errands on a slow Monday afternoon…
An outfit for running errands before coming back home and putting on comfy clothes.
It’s all in the details.
This purse is a vintage Dooney and Bourke from my moms closet (heh heh). My frames are from Warby Parker that I’ve had my prescription put in, which was the easiest process ever. Then the necklace is old Madewell.
As far as my outfit above goes, I am wearing a long knit cardigan from Zara that is incredibly soft, and versatile! I wear it both as a layering piece and as a dress, and feel like I’m swimming in a sleeping bag, it’s so comfy. I layered over top a cowl neck sweater from Antrho with voluminous sleeves that I got for Christmas a few years ago. Last but not least, I am wearing leather, Jeffery Campbell slides with a nice gold chain detail.
Sadly, none of these specific items are available anymore :( so I have similar options linked below to recreate the look!
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