Capsule Wardrobe: Classics

A crisp white button down shirt, or any white top whether jumper or t-shirt is always preferable to me especially paired with skinny jeans.  I have been investing in to more luxury basics lately.  Pieces that will withstand time, as well as seasonal trends.  You know, basically items that will never go out of style.  My ultimate goal is to create a capsule wardrobe that will be able to easily travel with me all over the world. 

Living abroad forced me to pare down my wardrobe extensively, simple because there wasn't space available in my luggage to bring everything with me.  My capsule wardrobe wasn't out of choice, but more so a necessity.  I was forced to live with only my absolute favorite things.  In this series, I want to touch on how I managed to be fashionable off of a fraction of my wardrobe.  Up first, I am focusing on just two pointers in Capsule Wardrobe 101.

1. Basics:  Start with the basics.  A mini collections of thin layering items that can be paired together or with more glam/borrowed pieces.  This items shouldn't be expensive, but they should be of pretty good quality.
2. Neutrals:  Blacks, white, creams, denim, khaki.  Neutrals are key to a capsule wardrobe.  They are super easy to build upon, and they are simply harder to determine if they've been worn repeatedly.  Nothing about neutrals really stand out, and that's exactly what you want with a capsule wardrobe.

outfit details - shirt: The Limited (here); jeans: Forever 21 (here); shoes: H&M (here); earrings: H&M (here, here)

Be sure to check back later in the week for more pointers on building a capsule wardrobe to live by.

Party with a Purpose

Hey guys, so happy to be back on the blog posting an actual outfit.  I enjoy my other types of post, but I know a lot my readers love to see quirky and fun ways I curate outfits.  So babes I am here to deliver ;)  However, if you know me then you know I hate to waste a good look, and there has to be a reason to get me dressed up and in makeup.   This past weekend was one of those rare occasions.  I was invited to a friend's graduation reception, and it was lovely but there will be more about her later.

So about a year ago one of my fashion tutors told me that my sense of style would change drastically as soon as it was no longer dependent upon my previous career.  I didn't believe her at first, but now I am a believer.  My style is so casual and relaxed now with just the tiniest bit of "extra-ness"...(things use to get really over the top and glam back in the day).  But I truly believe that this change is solely based on my lifestyle, and new career choice.   Business casual is in the dim lit past, and boy am I grateful.  There is just never a reason for me to be in a suit, shift dress or a moderate height heel....LIFE IS GOOD.

outfit deets - shirt: H&M (here, here); earrings: H&M (here, here); trousers: Mossimo via Target (here, here); shoes: Stan Smith Adidas (here)  ; tote bag: Boy by Boy (here)

So heading to this event, which started earlier in the afternoon, I definitely didn't want to do too much outfit wise.  Ultimately, I am wearing a pair of tuxedo inspired chinos and a t-shirt, but a fancy t-shirt.  I considered wearing a high heel sandal, but opted to slip on my Stans because Stans are life. lol.  Comfort is key, always.

The event was a reception welcoming my friend Kris Keys back home, as well as an opportunity for all of her family and friends to offer congratulations for her graduating from the London College of Fashion.  She is a very talented watercolor illustrator, and fashion designer.  Or you can just say she's one of the most talented and humble humans ever.  I encourage you all to head over to her website and check out her designs, as well as portraits at www.bykriskeys.com

Have You Seen That New....Erdem x H&M Collaboration

Erdem is the latest brand to collaborate with the high street giant, H&M.  The Collection was inspired by Pet Shop Boys music video "Being Boring"...(yea, I had to google it too), but after watching it I totally got it.  As you can tell from the lookbook photos below, there are serious notes and influences from times from the past.  Beautiful gowns covered in winter florals, some even in a beautiful jacquard.  High collars/necklines and beautiful lace which read Victorian romanticism.  The collection is very English.

This collaboration with H&M is the designer's first offering of menswear pieces.  In this category of the collection, there are great heritage pieces, tweed suits, silk pajama inspired sets, pocket squares and shoes, as well as chunky statement knit sweaters.  All of which could actually be worn by women.  The designer shared in an article that "he would take the Harris suit off of the male model, and place it onto the woman model and it would look great.  So yeah for androgyny and gender fluidity in clothing.  I am basically sold at that point.  Boys clothing is just so simple, comfy and overall better sometimes.

Erdem x H&M

Designer Collaboration

This post was compiled of photos from the lookbook of this collection, which in total is about 85 pieces.  Everything will be made available to shop on November 2.  Be on the lookout for another post with some of my favorite pieces, and direct links to shop them.