9 pieces | 9 outfits… summer!

It's no surprise WHY these 9 for 9 posts are always well received.  We all want to simplify, we all want to make getting dressed fun and easy, we all want to look and feel our best… and I would bet that for most of us we don't have a ton of time or money to make these things happen.  My 9 pieces | 9 outfits posts pull together what we all desire most for our wardrobes. Beauty and simplicity.  The holy grail in getting dressed each day.

When pulling together a seasonal wardrobe (or even packing list for a trip) that mixes and matches easily the key is to choose a tight but flexible color scheme. For today's summer version I chose chambray, white and a pop of color as the basis of the looks (you could swap this yellow skirt for pink, red or green if you aren't into yellow).  The color scheme is tight blue/white/yellow but also flexible in that these colors got well with a multitude of other colors or pieces you always have in your wardrobe. You won't ever get stuck making outfits when you have plenty of neutral and flexible pieces on hand. Then adding in simple and beautiful accessories to pull the looks together is the final piece of the puzzle. Always have on hand some beautiful shoes, handbags and jewelry to make the looks come to life!

I hope you enjoy these summer looks! And for you die-hard 9 for 9 fans (I know you are out there!) read on for a great resource I have pulled together to help make getting dressed each morning even easier…

the 9 pieces:

yellow skirt, white shorts, denim shorts, white dress, chambray dress, cream tank, navy blouse, chambray tank, jacket

the accessories:

shoes - striped espadrilles, brown sandals, black sandals, gold sandals

bags - brown cross-body bag, 'ciao' clutch, navy satchel

misc - necklace, bracelet, 'xo' earrings, scarf

So now for the extra goodies!!! I've put together an awesome e-book featuring the five most popular 9 pieces | 9 outfits layouts of all time.  One for each season (summer, fall, winter, spring) PLUS one season-less layout.  The e-book contains five full layouts in an easy to print format to have on hand.  That equals 45 total outfit ideas!  FORTY FIVE!!! It's sure to make getting dressed SUPER easy and fun year round… for more information and to get the e-book click here!!!!

(or click below!)

spring staples at all price points!

There are a few wardrobe pieces this time of year that are absolute staples to have on hand. These are the pieces that get worn over and over again and really become the foundation for your spring wardrobe.  These pieces work great with the trendier pieces you may choose this spring and also are great for the sometimes cool, sometimes warm weather that the spring season throws our way.

Shop these pieces below at all price points… so that no matter your budget your closet will be set for spring!

striped top: steal, spend (shown), splurge

white jeans: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

field jacket: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

sunglasses: steal, spend (shown), splurge

classic tee: steal, spend (shown), splurge

boyfriend jeans: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

clutch: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

cross sandals: steal, spend (shown), splurge

sneakers: steal, spend (shown), splurge

striped dress: steal (shown), spend, splurge

delicate necklace: steal, spend (shown), splurge

summer sweater: steal, spend (shown), splurge

business casual capsule wardrobe!

I have been out of an office environment for so long now that I feel really out of touch with the whats and hows for business casual wear.  But by far one of the most asked for request that I get from readers is "how to dress for a business casual environment?"

So today I threw my doubts aside and really, truly asked myself "What would I wear if I was headed back to work? What would my work wardrobe look like?".  There are myriad ways to interpret "business casual" and really each and every office has their own spin on it.  Here I chose really bare-bones simple and classic pieces that would work in any office environment. If your office is more creative, then I would add in some more color or pattern or bold accessories or shoes. If your office is more casual then definitely add a few pairs of black or dark skinny jeans to pair with the heels and blazers or even a nice t-shirt to layer under blazers and fun necklaces. Or if your office is more "business" than "casual" I would add a few suits (navy and black are a good place to start) and maybe a more formal bag.

This here is my own interpretation on business casual. It's the pieces that I would likely invest in if I were to head back to an office for work in the near future.  I really worked to choose simple pieces that are classy and classic, but that also mix and match well. When you work outside the home it can be difficult to balance your "work" wardrobe with your "weekend" wardrobe so here I chose a few pieces that might overlap a bit.  It's easier on your pocketbook that way and more fun.  No one wants to feel like they can only have fun with clothes after hours.

bottoms and dresses:

navy trousers, cream trousers, grey slouchy trousers, red skirt, black pencil skirt, striped dress, black wrap dress

tops and blouses:

polka dot blouse, grid print blouse, navy sleeveless top, white sequin top, blank tank, pale pink sweater

blazers and outerwear: 

black blazer, chambray blazer, cream tweed blazer, trench coat

accessories and shoes: 

necklace, ring, bracelet, belt, bag, silver flats, black pumps

9 pieces/9 outfits - winter to spring 2015!

By leaps and bounds the 9 pieces/9 outfits posts are my MOST popular posts around here.  You gals love 'em - and so do I!  To see all the posts click here for the archives.  Since winter is in it's twilight and we are all pining and wishing for spring I thought I would do a small capsule that was still perfect to wear this winter yet, but that also had a little hint of spring within it!

Capsule dressing seems to be all the rage these days… if you are a capsule dresser, these pieces are perfect for you. If you aren't into the capsule thing (I'm on the fence) these pieces are very capsule-esque in that they are great for mixing and matching but with less of a commitment of a full on capsule. Either way these pieces are SUPER easy to wear and can be dressed up or down for whatever your wardrobe needs may be this winter into spring!

the pieces: 

white jeans, boyfriend jeans, ponte leggings, striped duster jacket, black vest, grey sweater, white tuxedo top, pink sweater, cream sweatshirt

the accessories:

top row, from left:

tag necklace, black flats, cross body bag, brown ankle boots, bucket bag, sneakers

middle row, from left: 

strippend weekender bag, sneakers, lip gloss, necklace, brown ankle boots, leopard clutch, leather strand necklace, heels

bottom row, from left: 

riding boots, earrings, double ring, zipper bag, sneakers, scarf, ring, nude flats

9 pieces | 9 outfits… fall 2014!

One of the most popular series here on the blog is definitely the 9 pieces | 9 outfits posts.  This fall I had fun pulling together some classic pieces with some great trends to create an easy to wear capsule wardrobe for fall.   I love the laid back vibe this season has with comfortable sweaters, track pants, tailored jackets and simple and gorgeous shoes.

I hope these 9 pieces and 9 outfits give you inspiration on how to mix and match your wardrobe and key pieces this fall.

the 9 pieces: denim jacket, grey blazer, lavender blouse, white sweater, black sweater, striped top,  distressed denim, track pants, black coated jeans

the accessories: 

top row, from left: camo flats, leather tote, necklace, black flats, boots

middle row, from left: handbag, leopard flats, necklace, black ankle boots, camo flats, clutch

bottom row, from left: tassel necklace, leopard flats, scarf, leather tote, sneakers, bar earrings, cuff bracelet, black flats

To see all the 9 pieces | 9 outfits posts - click here!