Friday Find

It's Sale Time !

I can't believe it's July 1st already!  It's time for summer to really kick in with fireworks, picnics, trips to the beach and one of my favs...SALES!  July is known as a sale month.  Just as the weather is finally cooperating, retailers tend to "rush" the season a bit with most of the summer clothing on sale (of course not all, but most).  Soon,  you will begin to see pre-fall styles hit the stores and online.  Many retailers have huge events this month such as Amazon with Amazon Prime Day, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins later this month, even QVC has Christmas in July right now.  

Before you set out to take advantage of the great deals I encourage you to do a little planning. I don't think you need a spreadsheet or anything but I do suggest you take inventory of your closet first.  There are some key items you should look at buying, replacing, restocking now.  Here are some of my suggestions:

  1. This is a great time to restock on basics.  Take a look at your tshirts, camis, tanks, white blouse(s).  If there is yellowing, stains, pills, etc it's time to ditch the old and replace with new. 
  2. Think of next year.  If you are a mom you have probably done this for your kid's wardrobe before but it's not a bad idea to do it for you.  For example, Loft is having a huge sale this weekend.  If you love Loft shorts (like I do) buy a pair or two now and save for next year...you will thank me next spring.  
  3. Summer footwear.  Listen, I know shoes (it seems like especially the cute ones) are expensive.  When you find a pair you love and you know you will wear out, now is the time to buy a back up pair and put away.
  4. Fall/Winter.  I know I know - if you live in West Michigan you don't want to talk about it.  But here's a tip - many off price retailers ( think Nordstrom Rack) put out some fall/winter goods in their sale area right now.  Last summer I picked up a gorgeous sweater and paid less than $20 bucks for it.
  5. Go consignment!  2 of my favorite Consignment Shops here in West Michigan are having awesome sales this weekend on summer merchandise.  Urban Exchange and The Conscious Collective are offering a percentage off on all clothing - WOW!  That's like a double sale !!
  6. Now is a great time to buy a new handbag as well.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I think anytime is a great time to buy a handbag.

A couple of things I would hold off on buying right now...jeans.  Unless they are a style on sale I would wait.  The best time to catch your favorite jeans on sale is August/September as part of the Back to School rush.  The same goes for a new "tote" bag or "work bag" which is also considered part of the Back to School Sale madness.  Patience.  The sale will come.  Exceptions to the denim rule would again be the more lightweight styles you see on markdown right now...some of them are offered at a great price!  Just try to hold back on paying full price for denim now.  

My last advice on sale ...don't buy just because it's offered at a great price.  If you aren't going to wear it you shouldn't buy it.  Wait for the stuff you will wear.  If it doesn't fit well (and alterations are either too pricey or won't fix it) don't buy it.  Take a long look thru your closet and take note of what you really need - make a list.  P.S. now is also a great time to pull spring/summer clothing you aren't going to wear and consign now while your favorite shop is still accepting current season goods.  

Need help with your closet?  Contact me directly and let's chat about how I can help you.  Have fun!  Shop Wisely!  

 

Friday Find

So this is a short post people!!  There are sales happening everywhere, it's that time of year.  Here are a few of my favorite picks from the Anthropologie Tag Sale !!  What's your favorite sale happening right now??

I couldn't forget the clothes :)  

I could spend a lot of time talking about why these are my favs but instead you should go shopping :)  This is a great time to replace your favorite jeans, t-shirts, and a cute basic dress.  It's also a great time to replace or build your jewelry collection ...there are some great picks and prices.

I would love to hear your favorite picks !  If you have questions about what's best to buy for you, just let me know I would love to help.  

Did someone say handbag sale?

I opened an email from Nordstrom this morning advertising a handbag sale.  If you know me at all, you know I LOVE handbags!  I quickly went shopping ....in my mind and here are the top choices. 

I would gladly welcome any of these jewels to my handbag collection, what about you?  Head over to  and do a little shopping yourself.  Head over to http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/60140520?campaign=em115636&cm_mmc=EMAIL-_-062016-_-307304-_-115636_hero3_img1&cm_em=387ABE7DCE4AFAE08E3A325E50667290A69F7A9C

 

Friday Find

I am going to a wedding this weekend in Ohio.  I have known about this for some time.  I have shopped my closet as well as many stores in search of the perfect dress.  I finally decided to try renting a gorgeous dress I found on a great website called Rent the Runway.

Marchesa Notte dress from Rent the Runway 

Marchesa Notte dress from Rent the Runway

 

Big surprise... I waited too long to rent and now the size I need is gone for the dates I need the dress.  I went on an emergency run to TJ Maxx and found another option.  (As a sidenote it is supposed to be high 80's on Sunday so that was a factor when looking for a dress.)   I chose 2 different options to try on.  To be honest, I knew before I ever stepped foot in the fitting room which dress would be the best choice but I went in with 2 anyway.  Here were the 2 picks 

On the left is a Calvin Klein simple pleated sleeveless dress in a beautiful shade of magenta or hot pink.  On the right is a sleeveless printed Vince Camuto number.  There is a cream colored sheath underneath a beautiful floral printed ov…

On the left is a Calvin Klein simple pleated sleeveless dress in a beautiful shade of magenta or hot pink.  On the right is a sleeveless printed Vince Camuto number.  There is a cream colored sheath underneath a beautiful floral printed overlay.  

After trying both dresses on I chose....

the Calvin Klein.  Again, I knew before I went in this would be the best choice for me, my style, and the occasion.  Here's why:

  • The fit.  I have a curvy more pear shape and the full skirt along with inverted pleats is flattering for my body type.  It is a fit and flare style and the pleats and darts are placed perfectly.
  • The color.  This shade of pink actually takes away from my paleness a bit... no...really.
  • The fabric.  It's that scuba-like material.  But good scuba :) and it's fully lined.
  • The details.  Again, the pleating and darts are placed perfectly.  The length is perfect, regardless of the season.  The lining - a scuba dress is much better for my figure type if it has a lining.  Last but not least, it has pockets!
  • The versatility.  This dress lends itself to lots of wear in almost all seasons.  Sleeveless now, with perhaps a cardigan or pashmina of sort for a cool evening.  Layer with a jean jacket for a cooler evening or a fall day.  Add tights and short boots for fall with a jacket layered - how cute.  Dare I say you could even put a button down underneath with boots and tights for fall ...yours to decide.   By changing the shoes and the jewelry I am already thinking of a ton of different options with this one piece.  LOVE.
  • The price - you know it's TJ Maxx - $39.99.  It is still available on the Calvin Klein website and it's on hysale :)  http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/18806610

What's wrong with the other dress?  For me, it wasn't right.  The print washed me out - a lot.  The print and silhouette made the options fewer.  As much as I wanted it to work it just didn't.  Still a cute dress.  I think it would be great on someone taller and more slender than me.  Here is one similar http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/vince-camuto-sleeveless-floral-print-sheath-dress?ID=2677913&CategoryID=59981#fn=DEPARTMENT_TYPE%3DDresses%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D73%26ruleId%3D9|BS|BA%26slotId%3D32%26rdppSegmentId%3DCONTROL

 

I am excited for the wedding and here is how I will style the dress for this event.  I will be posting again when I wear it in the future a different way. 

A closer look at the pleating and my shoes and handbag as well 

A closer look at the pleating and my shoes and handbag as well 

 

 

Friday Find -

Jeffrey Campbell "Apfel" slides  

Jeffrey Campbell "Apfel" slides 

 

The beauties above are my Friday Find this week.  I love shoes (no secret) and I have a few brands I love more than others.  Jeffrey Campbell is one of those brands.  I also love "slides", mules, loafers, flats...and this pair is a combo of all those things.  These shoes are perfect for spring, summer, and fall.  (Don't worry, there is a fur-lined version for non-snowy winter days too).  

Reasons I love this shoe:

  • The color - though a true black it has an almost muted appearance
  • The details - LOVE the hardware across the top, as well as the small stacked heel detail, which is so on trend right now
  • Comfort - this shoe is really comfortable.  It has a slight cushion on the inside along with the ever slight stacked heel makes it perfect
  • Versatility - this shoe can be worn dressed up or casual you decide
  • Quality - the upper is all leather and the hardware is a well made heavy metal 

I cannot wait to decide what to wear with these beauties next :)  

 

Denim Dress 2 - Ways

I love my denim shirt dress.  Having said that....I don't like wearing it the same way each time I choose it from my closet.  

Here are two new ways I discovered recently.  You could do a similar look with any shirt dress

The option on the left is great for a brunch or dinner out when you want to be put together but not too dressy.  I love the gold accents that pull from each accessory.  You could easily replace the flat sandal with a strappy sandal or a wedge. 

The option on the left is one of my favs.  I layered underneath with a black tank and a pair of capri leggings (these are Spanx :) ) I have the first few and last few buttons undone to let the black layering peek thru.   The necklaces are resin tortoise and I love them!  The color combination in them pulls both the black accent and the gold/warm accent thru.  The shoes?  Jeffrey Campbell Apfel mules and I adore them.  I love using the same handbag in both looks. The structured style fits perfectly with the first look for a more classic look.  The gold hardware accents, in combo with the accent on the shoes give this look just the right amount of attitude. 

What's in your closet you can make look brand new ???  

 

Friday Find

This week's find is the result of a recent and necessary trip to purchase some needed foundation pieces.  I believe strongly (on the same level as leggings are not pants) that what you wear underneath your clothes is just as important as what you choose for your outfit each day.  I did an entire post on this some time ago.  http://www.yourclosetyourstyle.com/musings/?offset=1436553720876   

So, with the new season here, I needed to evaluate and replace where necessary.  This is a season full of lightweight fabrics, sheer fabrics, shorts, tshirts, strapless dresses, off shoulder tops and dresses, and more.  Be sure you are stocked and ready.  Here's a quick snap of what I purchased on my trip to Soma.  

Take a look at your foundation stock and be sure that you not only have what you need, but that it fits properly.  Has it been awhile since you've been properly fitted for a bra?  Please, do yourself a favor, go and do that before you purchase another bra.  

A guideline for some basics

 

 

 

 

Friday Find

Okay, so I would be the first to tell you...Forever 21 is probably not a place I do a lot of my shopping.  Actually, I do none of my shopping there.  But, alas I was attending a planning meeting for a future event at a consignment shop and out of the corner of my eye I spotted this beauty.  

Isn't she awesome??  I know you can't see all the detailing but it's fab.  The fabric is a "twill-satin" texture.  The color combo of cream and gray is so classic and timeless.  The elbow-length sleeve makes this piece wearable almost all four seasons.  

How I plan to wear this:

Now:  Layered with a cami and perhaps capri length leggings and mules.

I would also pair this with wide legged trousers in denim or gray and a chunky sandal...so cute!

Early Fall:  Layered with a long sleeve shirt  in either gray to blend or perhaps with a pop of color - something like a chartreuse.  On the bottom I would do a skinny jean, jegging, or even opaque tights.  Depending on the occasion either boots or my favorite Mary Janes.

Winter:  Layered with the turtleneck  or perhaps a white blouse.  Add skinning jeans as my bottom and boots.  

Spring:  Layered with a longs sleeve blouse in a gorgeous, light color, I am thinking pink or Lavender.  Tights and flats or Mary Janes.

I love finding treasures that have endless possibilities, don't you?  I also love the fact that at 50-something I can take a piece from a "younger" store and make it fit my style.  

Now, it's your turn.  Go discover a treasure like I did.  

Friday Find

It seems as though all my posts lately are somehow related to the weather...argh.  Here in West Michigan as hard as it's trying, spring just can't quite catch a break.  During these "in between" seasons I love the versatility of a dress.  In the warmer part of the pre-season you can pair a dress with sandals or open-toed shoes at least, then for the colder days perhaps boots and a jean jacket.  My Friday find allows for both of these scenarios.

 

This is the La Bonita Dress I recently purchase at Loft and she is my Friday Find.  

I love this dress because:

  • Color - though I am not usually a fan of navy, I love this shade
  • Details - I love the scroll work down the front of the dress, placed strategically to flatter anyone
  • Sleeves - I love the versatility of being able to wear this dress off the shoulder or with the sleeves pulled up on the shoulder
  • Versatility - I love the different looks you can get by simply changing the accessories.  This dress will also carry you through 3 seasons in most parts of the country which is awesome!

The left side version is perfect for a date night dinner on a warm summer night or perhaps a day trip to a flea market.  The right side version is perfect for a summer concert on a cool evening or I would easily wear this to an event in the fall.  You could get additional looks with this by changing the accessories again say a choker and wedges for lean towards more of a boho look.  Again...options...I need options.  

Shop your own closet for a treasure such as this...if don't see one it may be time to go shopping!  

Friday Find

My Spring Closet!

I think really, for sure, here in West Michigan we have finally walked away from winter and colder temps.  (I think).  I have most of my closet changed over now to spring/summer and I have to say...it's pretty good.  I mean I am NOT saying I won't be making a few more purchases, but overall it's pretty good.  What I love most is the fact that all the stuff feels brand new :)  Do you know why?  I did a great job of the closet change over last fall.  I packed up spring/summer 2015 according to my rules when I do a client's closet.  I packed one container for consigning, one for keeping, I donated what I no longer wanted and trashed a few pieces that were good for none of the three.  That prepped me for this year and made the moving much easier.  I was able to simply take the "consign" container directly to one of my favorite shops.  I didn't open it and try to talk myself in to keeping what I really knew I wouldn't wear.  

Now, I have a short list of some replacements to staples I need to refresh like white and black tshirts and camis, one pair of chinos and a pair of black flats.  I also have a "dream" list of some pieces I would like to invest in and a list of a couple of trendy things I would like to purchase.  

The fun is happening now because I get to go in my closet and shop!  Reinvent outfits, find new ways to wear pieces I have kept, and accessorize in different ways to refresh.  

How does your closet look?  Feeling like you have something to wear everyday?  Need some help??  Contact me soon for a restyle and let's get you loving your spring closet.