WhatIWore: Over the weekend my mom made a trip to visit and we had such a good time! Usually we like to do things together like redecorate rooms or take on major projects. This weekend it was the downstairs guest room, and we did all of the painting and window treatments Friday, we did some shopping for fun decorative stuff like a rug and some chairs on Saturday.
The morning started out a little cool, so I wore a new blouse and pair of jeans I picked up last week at Old Navy (today’s post sponsor!). Although I love my high rise flares, I still like a classic dark skinny jean and the pair I had in my closet from pre-pregnancy just didn’t fit like they used to. I went a size up on these (which I like to do in really tight styles) which allows for a little more comfort in the hips/seat but still slim in the legs. I was on the fence about wearing a top that didn’t define my waist, but I also really liked the breezy quality of it and love the print (which also comes in a dress and skirt).
When: August 8, 2015
What: Shades: Blouse: Old Navy, via giftcard Jeans: ‘Rockstar’ midrise, Old Navy, via giftcard Bag: Frye Sandals: Clark’s, gift
Where: Farmer’s Market, shopping with my mom
Heads up! Old Navy is a What I Wore sponsor. Thanks for supporting the brands that make this site possible!
WhatiWore: On my walk to talk these photos, I was trying to think up how to say “it’s the end of the season! I’ve remixed to my heart’s content!” I’m ok wearing the same outfits over and over again. In the “real world” this is how most people get dressed, but I also kind of feel like as a person who runs a fashion blog I have to try harder or be more creative. I mean, that’s how I feel half of the time, or a fraction of the time actually, because what I’m trying to share is what a real person wears to do real things.
So anyway. I just caught my reflection and I thought, screw it! I like this dress! A lot! I’ve worn it tons of times and there’s no link to something similar and who cares! It doesn’t all have to be a show! It really can just be what I wear that makes me feel good or works when I’m running errands or around the house with a baby. And it can be new clothes some days too. It can be both! I’ve been getting closer and closer to this but it’s my goal to continue to march to my own drumbeat even more.
This dress has to be one of my closet all stars. It works year round - alone in the summer or layered with tights and boots for colder temps. It’s also great for nursing, although as we add more and more meals of solid food, I’m able to go longer periods between breastfeeding - which is great!
WhatIWore: Ok guys, I’ve got a hair appointment set for later this week and I’m itching for a big change… and I’m thinking bangs. I like the look of longer, grown out half moon bangs. To me they look mod, boho and edgy at the same time. And I’ve been feeling like a basic b lately, so I could stand to shake things up. I think they’ll work with my fall closet (because anyone who’s had a big cut can attest your clothes feel different with different cuts). Also worth considering: they’re easy enough to pin back.
I’ve done this cut before… first in 2008 and I really liked it. So do I go for it this time?
Now that I’ve outlined my core closet with ten primary pieces, let’s talk a little about how to build out your wardrobe with add on pieces in secondary color schemes.
Think of your secondary add on pieces as brighter, bolder and more seasonal. Ideally they’ll work back to your core closet and mix and match with each other. Not every outfit needs a core piece, but it’s a good solution when you’re short on time, energy, etc.
The possibilities are really endless, so as you start moving into a new year, take stock of what really worked for you in seasons past. Trends are great and it’s fun to try new things, but if you never wear red, don’t feel like you have to buy it when it’s the it color next year. Maybe you’re not into blouses or maxi skirts or whatever. Just take a pass and put your focus towards things that make you feel good about getting dressed.
Now, a little cavaet: I’m not advocating that you throw away everything you own and start from scratch. I do, however, think you should evaluate if your clothes are working for you or just hanging there taking up space. These guidelines are for now to build a better closet and be a smarter shopper with new purchases (whether they’re investments, bargains, thrifted or vintage).
This whole process can seem daunting, so here’s how I’d advise you to move forward:
Start with a Game Plan (or a theme): I’ve been really into the 70s this year, but maybe you’re having a mod moment. Maybe you’ve been dressing like a yoga mom but you really want to be more of a bohemian babe. Just because you’ve been dressing one way for a long time, doesn’t mean you can’t find your true style now.
TIP: a good way to get a handle on what you like (which can either seem like the easiest or hardest thing in the world), is to jump over to Pinterest and start creating boards with what speaks to you. Let that simmer for a while and come back to identify themes. While you might not find exact matches, you will get a mental list of what to keep an eye out for as you shop.
Prints and Patterns Blouses, dresses and skirts are a good place to start! If you’re drawing a blank, think about a few tops that will look cute with your core bottoms (jeans, black skirt, black pants). With skirts, what about a floral or polka dot version of your basic go-to?
Add Solid Pieces that work with Prints I inject the majority of color into my wardrobe via skirts, but I also like getting colorful tees, blouses and sweaters. And when I say color, I don’t mean it has to scream at you. Olive, Navy and Gray are still colors (and will get more wear and rotation in your closet that fuchsia). No offense, fuchsia, I still love you.
Accessorize When you have your go-to bag and shoes covered, you can start being a little less practical (and a lot more adventurous) with your accessories. You can still wear these regularly if you want!
Below are just a few of the many outfit combinations you can build once you add on to your wardrobe with a secondary color palette! Click the [+] for a direct link to shop similar items.
I love this sort of basic utilitarian look for an update from easy yoga pants or jeans with a sweatshirt. Just as comfy, but much more pulled together and stylish. Great for a SAHM or weekend look.
My add on closet is heavy with skirts bceause they’re an item I get a lot of use from and really love wearing! I’ve suggested styles that aren’t too fussy (read: you can easily move around in them) and that veer more to the casual side of the street when paired with tees or easy going jackets.
I love the simplicity of this look, yet it’s still fresh and cute. Any solid colored skirt should pair well with a classic striped tee.
This outfit is a little more modern and perfect for a gal who wants to show off her stems. The denim jacket and chambray work well with the skirt here, but would also be great with black jeans or another type of skirt - patterned or solid.
Finally, a classic sportier outfit when the weather starts to cool off a bit. Wear it early with sandals and transition to boots and a hat once necessary.
Studio Quirk
Hello! I’m Jessica Quirk!
Voted most likely to say “I could make that!”
Sewing & knitting obsessed, loves baking, making and spending time with my family.
I love shopping secondhand first and upcycling fabric into new creations. Check out all of my sewing projects here.
