Reader Request: Neutral Wardrobe Pieces, Splurging and Saving

Recently I had a Snapchat friend to request a blog post on neutral wardrobe pieces ... including where to splurge and where to save. She is a mom of three, all 4 and under, so she is looking for easy pieces she can throw together that look chic but are still conducive to playing on the floor with kids and nursing.

camel ruana: walmart

black v-neck: Express (REALLY old)

necklace: kendra scott

jeans: c. wonder

rhinestone flats: off broadway

And truth be told, I am not strictly a "neutrals girl." If you've been reading here long enough, you've seen me wear my fair share of colorful Lilly prints, animal prints, and bold stripes. But there is something simple and classic about neutrals, and truth be told, they are SO easy to pair together that you could *almost* get dressed in the dark, ha!

military vest: target (kids department - I'm in a L for reference)

swing dress: old navy

necklace: laura cox designs

leopard flats: ja-vie

So, where to splurge and where to save. You know I'm all about saving. In fact, I'm only really thinking of one item to splurge on -- jeans! Mainly because I think the cost of a great pair of jeans is justified if you consider the price per wear. 

I have three pair of jeans that I love the most: a pair of C. Wonder jeans I bought in Atlanta (man, I miss that store) on sale for around $60, an elastic waistband pair (more like jeggings) I got for a song at Old Navy, and a pair of Joe's skinnies that I actually picked up at Plato's Closet. That's a great place to find nice designer jeans on the cheap.

ivory textured shell: old navy

khaki shorts: old navy

necklace: laura cox designs

I love to wear black, so I have black tops that are sleeveless, short sleeved, and long sleeved. I also love wearing ivory/winter white and camel. 

Recently I posted about some very inexpensive Faded Glory tshirts that I found at Walmart. I bought several colors but the ones that I wear the most are heathered charcoal gray and a cool military green color (which I totally consider a neutral). 

jeggings: old navy - OLD

booties: target

I don't spend a ton on trendy items (like those $34.99 booties above ... so much easier on the wallet than their Rag & Bone counterpart). I'd rather pick those items up at stores like Old Navy, Target, even Walmart.

I guess the only other pieces I splurge on are jewelry! I think that with a few great long necklaces, a dainty short necklace or two, some nice non-costume rings and maybe some gold bangles, you are set. Oh! And earrings. Diamond or rhinestone studs, one pair of small pearl earrings and one pair of large faux pearls, and a pair of medium-sized gold or gold-toned hoops and you're ... well, golden. 

A pair of funky gold earrings I wear a lot are these Sadie Spear Earrings by Kendra Scott:

Not the cheapest, but great for a Christmas list! They go with everything and make such a statement. 

And of course a shameless plug for my sister's amazing necklaces. Laura has SUCH an eye for color and texture. I'm often wearing a necklace she made. She has great neutral necklaces like the one below, and some awesome colorful wooden bead necklaces that look so pretty over a neutral v-neck and pair of jeans.

triple horsehair tassel necklace

You can REALLY spend a boatload on a statement necklace that is "on trend" ... but that's not really my style. I think Laura's are priced so fairly.

So, in a nutshell....

Cotton t-shirts. (v-neck are my favorite ... feminine, slimming, great for nursing)

A white button-down.

A denim/chambray button-down (I have two, both from Banana Republic).

Skinny ankle-length jeans in a dark wash.

A pair of black workout or yoga pants that suck you in in all the right places (I have both Lululemon and TJ Maxx yoga pants and love them equally)

Black, brown, or dark gray leggings. Thick enough to conceal lumps, bumps, and undies.

Trendy accessories like a plaid blanket scarf, military vest, and booties.

Comfy flats in black, brown, and animal print (Ja-vies are my go-to here).

A few pieces of REAL jewelry to supplement the faux stuff (splurge on nice rings, a pair of real pearl earrings, gold hoops -- Christmas list!)

Pretty, classic makeup -- can't go wrong with long black eyelashes and a wine-stained lip!

What's your recipe for the perfect neutral outfit?

It's Okay To Be (Fall) Basic

Ahh, FALL.

The first day of this glorious season was yesterday, and I welcomed it with open arms and a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Did I mention I sipped it wearing my white shorts and gold boat shoes? Whaaat .... it was hot here! No blanket scarves 'round these parts just yet!

I think when it comes to this autumnal bliss, you either fall in one of two camps:
1) You really don't give a hoot, I mean it's just a season, or
2) IT'S FALL Y'ALL and it's time to EMBRACE ALL OF THE BASIC FALLNESS

And if you are in that latter camp, I'm here to tell you that it's okay. It's okay to be Fall Basic.

basic / bā-sik (urban dictionary): 
an adjective used to describe any person, place, activity 
involving obscenely obvious behavior, dress, action.

Here's why I don't have an issue with being Fall Basic: it's cheesy, it's fun, it shows enthusiasm for what is a really beautiful time of year. So, go forth, pick your basket of apples, munch your cider donuts, button up that plaid lumberjack shirt, wear leggings to work, singlehandedly keep Starbucks in business, have your pumpkin patch photoshoot, and monogram your pumpkins (carving is so '90s). 

I dig it. 

And dress the part.
I sure as heck am going to.
I do have a few wishlist items this season. Here goes:

Soft Camel Sweater: A cashmere sweater is a bit of a splurge, but they can last a long time with good care. And the luxurious feel is worth owning one or two, in my opinion! Loving this camel version, and I love the navy and heather charcoal colors it comes in, too.

Dark Flare Jeans: I used to have the most amazing pair of AG flares. Tight across the bum, fitted in the thighs, and then the perfect (not-too-crazy) flare. I rocked them as a senior in college and felt so good walking to class with my pointy-toed heels. I wore them so much that they developed a hole that grew and grew until they were bordering on offensive, and now they still exist -- but as cut-offs. I am definitely willing to embrace this trend again. The flares in the photo above are the exact wash I'd want.

Worn Gold Studs: I am loving this worn gold finish ... less flashy than shiny summer earrings, more muted. Available here, and $20 -- would also be a great gift to pick up for the upcoming holiday season for a mom, sister, or girlfriend.

Cozy Plaid Scarf: Comfy cozy, yes please. I'm not a fan of all plaids (some color combos just don't do it for me), but I love this pattern. Available with free shipping here.

And if you're looking for more of an oversized blanket scarf, I also found some really pretty ones for more than half the cost of the above scarf on Amazon here, but looks like they take a little longer to arrive ... may be worth checking out, though! The "brown red" is my favorite color combination there.

Tortoise Sunglasses: In a crazy moment this year, I sold my C. Wonder tortoise sunglasses (boo). I miss them. I like chunkier sunglasses for fall, and these bad boys are only $12. With a 16-month old who loves removing my sunglasses all day every day, that price point is perfect for me.

Essie Polishes + Gel Setter: Okay, full review coming soon, but let's say that I'm a fan of Gel Setter. This gel-like topcoat gets an A+ rating from me so far (on Amazon here) and I love these two muted polish colors: Au Natural (on left, here) and Sand Tropez (on right, here). I think Au Natural would be so pretty on toes too, and I'd gladly give up my fuschia and bright red for this tone.

Tell me ... are you Fall Basic?
What's on your Fall Basic Bucket List?
You know you have one.

* affiliate links used

Those Shoes!

I fell in love with the Halogen flats from the Nordstrom sale immediately.

Too darling. Way too darling.

Of course I am now justifying the purchase with a moodboard. #standard
(oh, and all of these items are currently on sale at Nordstrom -- free shipping & returns)

Outfit One

jersey wrap dress // semiprecious stud earrings // wide cuff bracelet // flats

those semiprecious stone studs are less than $18!

Outfit Two

black blouse // kendra scott elle earrings // skinny jeans // flats

Outfit Three

yellow and white blouse // stud earrings // black ankle pants // stone bangles // flats

Hover over links below for prices on all items.

Sidenote, both of those blouses are less than $50, AND the semiprecious stone stud earrings in outfit one are such a steal. They are $17.90 currently and are available in five different stones (here). With free shipping, this is the type of little gift I love to pick up to save in my "gift drawer" for a girlfriend's birthday that pops up on me.

So, I'm thinking the spotted flats are pretty perfect, no? Versatile and inexpensive ... my favorite combo.

Which outfit above is the most like your style?


This moodboard saved on my MY STYLE Pinboard if you'd like to repin!

Hunt For The Elusive "Cool" One-Piece

Last night I sat on the couch with Ian previewing the items that are part of Amazon Prime Day. This day boasts "more deals than Black Friday" -- okay Amazon, you have my attention now.

Amazon Prime is worth every penny ... especially in those newborn days, it certainly has proved its worth. As a new mom, running errands (something I always enjoyed) suddenly seemed near impossible and not worth the hassle. But, during a 2am nursing session, making a quick decision to try out a different brand of baby wipes or a different bottle brush suddenly seemed E-A-S-Y. All I had to do was click "add to cart" and my items were shipped free to me and on the doorstep in two days -- sometimes even the very next day.

So, if you are not an Amazon Prime member, but want to take advantage of some of the Prime Day deals today, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial HERE. If you don't feel like you'll keep it, order as MUCH as you want within that trial to reap the benefits, and then cancel. But, if you're like me, justifying the yearly membership will be a piece of cake. We order so many things using our free 2-day shipping ... coffee, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, diaper genie refills, phone chargers, books, baby gear, etc!

Amazon also has a rocking apparel department. Currently I'm on the hunt for a "cool" one-piece suit. Something that is sassy and sophisticated, but something that stays put. A suit that says I still care about fashion but a suit that says I am a mom ... of a busy toddler. No Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunctions at the neighborhood pool, no sirree.

I'd love your vote on the below options that are all part of the sale today. Today (July 15) only, they are an additional 30% off of the Amazon price, applied at discount. Plus, I can try on in the comfort of my own home (NO flourescent lighting) and send back -- for free -- the ones that don't fit. I am definitely taking advantage of the sale today to pick out a few suits. Not going to let this great sale and free shipping/returns pass me by!

1: Ted Baker // 2: Ted Baker // 3: Ted Baker // 4: Ondademar

5: Nanette Lepore // 6: Trina Turk // 7: Trina Turk // 8: Kenneth Cole

I also just spotted this incredible option ...

Maaji Ride At Night One-Piece Suit

Comes with a removable strap, too.

Oh, and for a coverup, I am loving this cute option from Tbags. Made in the USA!

And, not from Amazon, but at more than a TENTH of the price, this cute option from Choies.

  

So, what's your pick from the Prime Day Sale?

1: Ted Baker // 2: Ted Baker // 3: Ted Baker // 4: Ondademar

5: Nanette Lepore // 6: Trina Turk // 7: Trina Turk // 8: Kenneth Cole

Which one do you think looks the most like me?
Which one would you pick for yourself?

My New Chambray Dress + Other Purchases

Yesterday I popped into Old Navy on my lunchbreak to take advantage of a great sale they were running. I'm all about some light wash chambray this summer. It's great for these HAWT Charlotte days, and any fabric that holds up well after multiple washes is definitely a win in my books.

Note: If you are shopping online, use coupon code SHOPSMART for 35% off today and 30% off tomorrow. You can also get 20% off clearance with coupon code JACKPOT.

The best part about these promotions is that I was able to use BOTH of those codes at checkout when I did a little additional shopping online. It applied the 35% off of my non-clearance items and the 20% off the two items that were on clearance. I feel like it's so rare these days to be able to combine coupon codes at checkout. Even though my adjusted cost was under $50 after discounts were applied, I still earned the free shipping since my original total was over $50.

This is the dress I came home with yesterday ... LOVE the simple style and the fact that I can throw it on with flip flops for an easy day at home.

Chambray Sundress

online here

And if you are in to "mommy and me" styles like I am, then this little baby-sized number is a no-brainer.

Chambray Baby Sundress

online here

Their classic light-wash chambray shirts are my favorite. I own two of these shirts, one a full button-down and one that just buttons down halfway.

Light Wash Chambray Shirt

online here
also available in darker wash

And here are the other items I ordered since they were not in the store in my size. I ordered the palm print shorts in two sizes so I can see which is a better fit.

Black Jersey Swing Dress

online here

(click over to the regular or petite sizes for the black ... not available in tall)

Flat Front Stretch Twill Shorts

online here

also available in black

Palm Print Cami Romper

online here

also available in black

I'm so excited for my order to come in so I can see how the dress, romper and shorts fit! Until then, I will definitely be wearing the heck out of my new chambray sundress.

sundress /// short-sleeved romper /// chambray top /// sleeveless romper