my everyday style: cardigan weather!

This is the time of year that I begin to wear as many layers as I can in order to avoid my winter coats.  It IS exciting to break out the winter coats… but we will have plenty of time to wear those later this winter. For now at least I am trying to rely on cardigans, jackets, blazers and sweaters to ward of the growing chill in the air.  I have a feeling this may not last for long though…

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Cardigan, Banana Republic - 40% off today!

Top, J.Crew (similar or similar or similar)

Necklace, J.Crew (similar or similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Shoes, Sole Society (similar or similar)

Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Clutch, J.Crew Factory

splurge worthy basics for fall/winter!

A well rounded wardrobe is all about balance. Finding the perfect pieces at high and low price points helps to build a great closet while still watching your budget.

Over the years I have found that there are certain items that are always worth the investment.  For quality and for style… these ten pieces will never fail you!

leather shoes… I've never regretted any of the quality leather shoes I have bought.  Sure they are a little more money, but they will end up being much more comfortable and longer lasting.

leather gloves… a great pair of leather gloves is not only a gorgeous addition to your closet, but a warm one!

chambray top… I wear mine chambray top so much that the cost-per-wear is probably the lowest out of all of the pieces in my closet, even though it's at $80.

leather boots… for long mid-west winters a pair of boots that is warm, well made and beautiful will be an asset for your wardrobe.

blazers… many of the blazers I own are several years old and they still get worn a ton.  Invest in great cuts that fit well and you will have them for years to come.

cashmere sweaters… this is something I hope to invest in this winter, beautiful cashmere can last for years when cared for right and will always add an extra touch of femininity and class to your wardrobe.

warm winter boots… warm winter boots that you love will pay you back ten-fold on freezing cold winter days. These will keep your feet unbelievably warm and you won't look like an eskimo wearing them!

leather bags… a real leather bag will last forever. Literally.  I have a collection of a few bags that I know I will keep forever or that hopefully I can pass on to my daughter. I've never regretted spending money on a beautiful bag.

winter coat… treat yourself to a gorgeous wool coat this year.  You can dress it up or down and it's another piece that you will have for years and years to come.

denim… I love to go high and low with jeans. But I always make sure there are at least a couple of kick-a$! jeans in my closet at all times for days when my ego needs a little boost or I have somewhere to be that I want to feel my best.  Madewell's skinny-skinny is my current favorite - but you should find your own favorite!

my everyday style: blazers and scarves!

I blinked and we are already heading into the second full week in October. Where did September even go? Before I realized it, it's bundling up season.  While I don't necessarily look forward to winter, I do love breaking out the layers like blazers and scarves.  There is something quite exciting about it.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Scarf, Lole

Blazer, Gap (similar or similar)

Striped Top, J.Crew (similar or similar)

Jeans, AG "Prima"

Shoes, Madewell (similar or similar less expensive)

Watch, Daniel Wellington - ℅ 

Awesome Fall Staples with Elle for Kohl's!

Today I am featuring another awesome Kohl's brand for you here on the blog.  If you missed last weeks highlights of the Elie Tahari for Kohl's launch… definitely check it out!

Kohl's Elle line focuses on runway inspired pieces with feminine silhouettes and attention to detail.  These pieces are perfect for everyday wear - you can dress them up or dress them down - so they are great for the office or the weekend.    Here are my top picks from the line… there is something for everyone here!  These items would make for amazing basics for your fall wardrobe.

top row, from left: peplum jacket, boyfriend jeans, bow heels, 'oui oui' top, fur/houndstooth jacket

bottom row, from left: fit & flare striped dress, white peplum blouse, cable knit sweater, ponte legging, bow-back blazer - you have to see the cute detailing on the back of this sweater!

This post is sponsored in collaboration with Kohl's and Popsugar. All opinions are my own.

my everyday style: lady like blazer!

This blazer always makes me feel a little lady like.  Add a silk blouse and a bold necklace and it's a done deal.  I love how a little blazer can instantly make a look feel pulled together.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Blazer, Gap (similar or LOVE this one!)

Blouse, J.Crew Factory (similar)

Jeans, AG

Shoes, Madewell (similar or similar or love these too!)

Necklace, J.Crew Factory

Bag, J.Crew Factory

my everyday style: graphic tee + blazer!

It's officially blazer season… as deemed by me! :)

And what better way is there to break out all your favorite blazers from last year than to pair them with all the graphic tees you amassed this past summer.  Graphic tees and blazers were made for each other.  Not to mention this handily brings your summer wardrobe right into fall with a snap of the fingers.   Pretty great right?

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

"masterpiece" tee, J.Crew - on sale! (or similar or similar)

Blazer, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar or similar)

Flats, Piperlime 

Bag, Madewell (similar or similar)

Sunglasses, Warby Parker

the damage… september, 2014!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. For 2014 I chose 5 items because I am working on making my closet a more curated place and also to try to put an end to the constant closet clean outs where loads of clothes get sent to charity - but I have failed pretty miserably at the 5 things goal. It was a lofty goal I experimented with this year and I guess you win some you lose some, but this was in the "lose" category for sure. Oh well, just keeping it real here for you gals!

 For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

September was a bad month for shopping for me… I came away with a few great pieces but I mostly did my shopping online this month - which isn't necessarily out of character for me - with little to no luck. I returned a TON of stuff that didn't fit or I didn't like - which is very out of character for me.  I hate returning stuff and rarely, rarely do. I like to make final decisions in the fitting room.  Not only is it a huge pain to run to a million stores (again) to return or pack up boxes to return I always just feel disappointed doing it.  I hate to send back a gorgeous jacket or pair of jeans when they don't fit.  So overall it was a weird shopping month. I feel like I am a little behind on my fall wardrobe because of it.

Let's take a look at the pieces I did buy and keep this month…

Black Drapey Sweater, LOFT, $54.50 with coupon $29.50 (worn here)

White Lace Front Sweatshirt, LOFT, $59.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Grey Jeweled Sweatshirt, LOFT, $54.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Grey Button Back 3/4 Sweater, LOFT, $44.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Space-Dye Blouson Tank Dress, LOFT, $54.50 on promotion for $21.80 (worn here)

Scarf, Zara, $29.90

Total Spent: $169.70 (saved: $127.70)

Thoughts on the budget: Obviously when shopping doesn't go as planned and there are returns it can be good to be under budget!  And last month I was quite over budget - so it does even the budget out a bit.  I am thankful for that.  LOFT always has great promotions and I took advantage of them this month for sure!  There are a few stores where it never makes sense to buy an item full price… LOFT is one of those, they have so many great deals.

Thoughts on the pieces: I didn't mean to buy only from LOFT this month (with the exception of the scarf). But I really love their offerings lately.  It's no surprise that I am into neutrals lately and this shopping month proved that as well.  I am sure you gals will ask, so these are the items I returned: these boots, this jacket, these jeans, this jacket.  These items would have definitely put me over budget and for October I am deciding if I should re-order in different sizing or not.  Stay tuned!

Do you share your monthly shopping budget on your blog? I would love to read it - share in the comments!