wardrobe wednesday

Learning to love my closet with Cladwell

Target Moto Jacket (similar) + Knox Rose Tunic (ebay, ThredUp, similar) + AG Nikki Jeans + Freebird Lasso Booties (similar, similar) + Jack Wills clutch (similar, similar)

 

I've always known there are certain pieces in my closet that I'm drawn to - the ones that make me feel pulled together and stylish even when inside I feel like a bridge troll.  And after about four months of using the app Cladwell (which basically helps you inventory your closet and keep track of what you actually wear) I'm learning exactly what are the go-to pieces in my wardrobe. And spoiler alert...it's not the plaid mini skirt or sky-high tweed pumps I convinced myself I needed in a whirl of retail therapy on Black Friday.

 

 

Loose tunics and distressed jeans are at the top of my "most-worn" list and the outfit today is no exception. There's something very easy about grabbing a colorful drapey top (that drapes away from the body and doesn't remind me that I may have eaten a cheeseburger and fries last night) and soft, broken-in jeans to pull together a look. And when I can mix in a few different patterns and textures (hello florals and animal prints!) I'm even happier.

 

Cladwell has helped me to focus on the pieces I truly love and offers lots of different outfit options based around what I currently own. For this tunic alone, it offers more than 50 outfit combos with pieces already in my closet. Here's just a sampling:

Cladwell has also helped me be a smarter shopper, because I'm starting to realize what type of items I love and wear regularly (and which ones need to be purged!) When I can quickly look at my closet stats and see the plaid mini skirt has zero wears, yet the floral tunic has 10, it makes it so much easier to let the skirt go - and replace it with something I know I'll wear! If you're looking for a way to feel less overwhelmed with by your wardrobe, I'd totally suggest grabbing the app (it's free!) and diving in. It takes a bit of time to get everything inventoried and start tracking your outfits, but it's well worth the effort.

And when you're done, you can totally reward yourself with a cheeseburger and fries.

 

 

Concert Tee Chic

H&M Blazer + Dawes Concert Tee + Old Navy Ankle Flares +
J. Crew "Poppy" Flats (sold out but available here)

I’ve always had a solid collection of graphic tees, but I recently gained a few more when my six-foot son went through a growth spurt and bequeathed me several of his outgrown favorites. And since I’m pretty sure they revoke your cool card if you donate a Nirvana tee to goodwill, I happily accepted them. One of my favorite ways to wear them is layered under a more conservative blazer, in what can only be called the mullet of outfits: business on top but a party underneath! 

My beloved Dawes tee is a great base for this longline red blazer (and side note: if you haven’t checked out this band featuring Mandy Moore’s hubby, Taylor Goldsmith, as front man, go download now and thank me later!) There’s nothing like a well-made statement jacket to take a simple tee and jeans to a more legit level. Mine is an oldie from H&M but I’ve rounded up some currently available options: 

1// Alfani Flare-Sleeve Jacket ($23.99) A fun ruffled sleeve adds a festive flare to any outfit!

2// TheMogan Longline Blazer ($32.99) A sleek & elegant look to throw on over leggings or jeans!

3// Lush Crepe Blazer ($29.97) This simple blazer comes in 19 colors so you're sure to find your favorite!

4//Miss Punctuality Blazer ($53.00) An updated classic with tuxedo-style lapels to dress up any tee & jeans!

5// Ruched Sleeve Blazer ($27) The ruched sleeve detail modernizes this blazer & makes it a bit more feminine!

 

If you're in the market for a statement jacket, all of these will easily take the typical mom uniform up a notch. And I'm guessing as long as you avoid the Barry Manilow concert tees, you just might earn cool point with your kids, too! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Kind Of Chinos. Or Khakis. Whatever.

Old Navy Denim Jacket + Universal Thread Tee + J. Crew Boyfriend Chinos +
Halogen Flats (similar, similar)

I’m pretty sure a pair of chinos (or is it khakis?) would be considered a basic wardrobe must-have and yet despite this fact, I’ve historically avoided them. Maybe because joggers and jeans tend to be more comfy (albeit a bit more casual). Or maybe tan pants seem a little scholastic, like they need to be paired with a navy golf shirt and loafers? Or maybe, just maybe, I was irreparably scarred by the 2010 Dockers Super Bowl commercial and the mere mention of chinos conjures up images of men with questionable undergarment tastes walking through a wheat field. 

At any rate, all my preconceived notions of chinos went out the window when I spotted this boyfriend version from J. Crew. Polka dots on pants? Uh, Yes please! I love that this fun pattern belies the pants’ boring lineage. The styling possibilities are virtually as endless as the classic plain version - think stripes, gingham or even tartan plaid - but I’ve stuck with the tried-and true white tee and jean jacket here. 

So I guess, despite my past reluctance, I just might be a chino convert now. Or am I supposed to call them khakis? Well, whatever the term, I know these are my kind of pants!