This Week In Review

Scroll through to see how I've made the most of my simple wardrobe this week.

Workwear Wednesday: Can-Not-Live-Without Office Essentials

Sheath dress: I wear this jumper style with a shirt underneath, with a blazer or sweater and it's easily accessorized

Black flats: I gotta be able to move, and these help me do that.

Scarf: Somethin' fun

Button downs: Chambray and silk aren't your average everyday office tops.  Make sure to choose well-tailored tops to keep them from being overly casual.

Striped tee:  A classic black and white stripe makes getting dressed a breeze and fights off an overzealous a/c.

Black slim pants: Stretchy and appropriate.  Make sure they're in a suiting material.

Dark wash jeans: Casual Friday?  I'm set.

Black skirt: I love my ponte skirt.  I have a wool pencil skirt that I wear in the winter, but since winter is about 2 weeks long where I live, this ponte skirt sees a lot of action.

Pearl studs: Always appropriate and go with everything.

Watch: Gotta know what time it is!

This Week In Review

Scroll through to see how I've made the most of my simple wardrobe this week.

Workwear Wednesday // Having a "Uniform"

The word "uniform" can elicit images of school uniforms or uniforms at fast food restaurants or grocery stores... that's what I used to think anyway.  However, I have molded my definition of uniform to mean a standardized style of dressing.  This week has shaped up to be a week where I'm thankful that I've somewhat created one.

My uniform is my wardrobe.  It's my standardized style of dressing.

A couple of months ago, I did a huge wardrobe purge.  Not so much huge, but really hugemongous.  This is not a new concept for me; in the past I had done several of these, only to get lured back by trendy or seasonal items.  This time, it's for keeps.

Now, this is not to say that I haven't purchased anything - there were some "holes" in what was left after the purge.  I am making a personal commitment of mindfulness when it comes to adding items to my wardrobe.

If you'd like to view my currently wardrobe (not the "minimalist" version of it), scroll through the below slideshow.  It does change from time to time.

I built this wardrobe around what I like, what I feel flatters me (subjective!), and what I can really move in.  I don't feel comfortable in v-neck tops, short skirts, super high heels, most blazers and tight clothing.      I have also purged anything that I can't make at least 5 outfits with.  I'm a big fan of neutrals and *gasp* black (so many people think that black is depressing or universally makes you look slim, but used responsibly, it's super chic), so that's what I've got.  If I want to incorporate a trending color, I try to do that with a silhouette I often wear (like a long-sleeved tee - it goes with anything!)

What you'll see, generally, is slim cut bottoms, pencil skirts, button-downs/long sleeve tees and my third piece (jacket/vest), a few dresses, and tasteful, simple bits of jewelry.  Some weeks I have "sub-uniforms" of all dresses or button-downs + skirts or long-sleeve tees + pants (all rounded out with flats and a third piece).

If I had some advice to give, it's just what you've always heard.  Wear what you like, what feels good and what you feel looks good.  If you find a good button down that fits you perfectly buy a couple (but not 8).  And we all know how time consuming jeans shopping is, so if you find your "it" pair, buy a couple; one in a dark rinse and one in black or white or maybe a trending color if you're brave.

This week in the office, it's been bananas.  Half of our office has had "life" happen to them, so we're all hustling to make our ship sail smoothly.  Some people would get stressed about that, but it's really a chance for the rest of us to bring our skills and leadership to the table to truly shine.  And to do that, hard work is called for.  I have felt like a train wreck the past few days, so having a condensed wardrobe helps me keep me on track by not having to spend time concocting and outfit and keeps my focus on work-related issues and not what I'm wearing.

All this from a girl who likes clothes.

Sometimes, yeah, I get restless with my wardrobe, but then I reflect on all the positives and then it inspires me to try new combos of what I already have.

This Week In Review

Scroll through to see how I've made the most of my simple wardrobe this week.

Six For The Mix: Fall Wish List

After a careful assessment of my wardrobe, I've found some holes that need filling.  Plus, it's nice to get a few things at the season change to help mix it up a little.  Here are my "Six for the Mix":

1. A twinset. A twinset can be pretty versatile.  It can of course be worn together, but you could wear the cardigan with a button down or other blouse while the shell can be worn like a sweater vest over an oxford button down.  Or you could wear a blouse with the shell and sweater.  With a little imagination, I'm sure you could come up with even more options. Try to choose a color that coordinates with your base wardrobe color.  Since mine is black, and I love this shade of blue with gray and black, this is a good choice for me. (J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, $62, and Shell, $48)

2. A lined wool pencil skirt.  Although I steer clear of animal fibers coming in direct contact with my skin, I do like the structure that wool gives a pencil skirt.  And, with a lining and tights, there's almost no chance of the itchies.  In the climate in which I live (the Florida panhandle), this skirt is only limited to the coldest it gets here, which only lasts a month's worth of days or so.  However, this skirt will last years and years and years. (J.Crew Factory Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Wool, $59.50)

3.  Mid-heeled oxfords.   I don't currently have a moderately dress shoe in my arsenal.  I just haven't found the right ones.  After reflecting on an earlier post on black shoes, I have decided that these are the ones.  They can take me to work or holiday party.  These are of a fairly classic style, on trend without being overly trendy, so they can last for some winter seasons to come. (Naturalizer Jodell, $79.99) 

4. iPhone 5 case.  As soon as I pre-ordered my phone, I was immediately on the hunt for a cute, durable phone case.  I soon found this lil' darlin' on the Nordstrom site.  After weeks of waiting, I was so pleased to see that it fit perfectly and wasn't fragile.  I bought a Lightning port to 30-pin port adapter so that I could listen to music through my car's speakers and at work on my little speaker.  Disappointingly, the case didn't accommodate the adapter and I had to take my phone out of it adorable little case.  Maybe this one will.  And since tortoise is my animal print of choice, it's worth a shot.  (J.Crew Tortoise Case for iPhone 5, $29.50)

5.  Long-sleeved tee in a trending color.  This spring and summer it was all about mint.  Now it's all about bordeaux.  This is an inexpensive and practical way of incorporating a trend into your wardrobe. (J.Crew Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve Tee, $26.50)

This Week In Review

Scroll through to see how I've made the most of my simple wardrobe this week.