more of a good thing… (pssst! the Nordstrom Clearance event is almost over!)

The Nordstrom Clearance event is almost over and if last week's picks weren't exciting enough I have another fresh crop of slashed prices on your favorite brands and styles.  The most amazing thing about this sale is that all these gorgeous fall goodies that are on sale will be great investments for the winter… so you can have your proverbial cake and eat it to with this sale!

Beautiful handbags, shoes, sweaters and accessories… this sale has it all.  But it ends tomorrow and stock will start running low - so check it out soon!

1. dress 2. sunglasses 3. denim 4. scarf 5. belt 6. watch 7. bag 8. faux fur vest 9. flats 10. camo messenger bag 11. sweater poncho 12. boots

This post is brought to you in partnership with Shopstyle and Nordstrom.  Thank you for supporting the retailers that make this blog possible. All opinions are my own.

the minimalist packing list (how to fit everything in a carry on!)

The other day I posted on Instagram how I was packing super minimalist for an upcoming trip.  You guys wanted some more details and so here is how to fit everything on a carry on or just pack super minimalist for an upcoming trip.  With these ten pieces you can go for 3 - 5 days depending on how many outfits a day you need… if you just need one outfit a day these pieces could mix and match into ten outfits (or more!).  If you need one day and one night look, these ten pieces could last 3-4 days or more.

These are my minimalist packing tips:
- Be sure to choose the most versatile pieces in your closet to pack.
- Don't pack a piece unless you can envision multiple ways to wear it with the other items packed. No one hit wonders allowed!
- Choose neutral pieces that will mix and match easily for your entire trip.
- Use jackets to keep warm and as a layering piece to create a new look with a top and bottom that you have worn already.
- Creatively layer to make new outfit combinations, think of all the under and over possibilities that you can.  For instance, beyond the standard 'tee under a blazer' look you can use a sweater to drape over your shoulders for a new look or try a tee underneath a button front top.
- If you won't have access to laundry facilities, choose dark pieces that won't show wear or dirt during your trip.
- Let shoes, accessories and jackets add new life to pieces you've worn already.  Try unexpected combinations like sneakers with a blazer or pumps with a tee to change things up a bit.
- Always carry baby wipes or Shout wipes for any spills or potential stains - the quicker you catch a stain the better!
- And lastly, always wear your bulkiest items on the airplane or in the car. It frees up more space in your suitcase that way!

Did I miss anything? What would you add to this list of tips?

above: striped tee, jeans, army jacket, chambray top, black dress, black jeans, white tank, black blazer, black sweater, t-shirt, leopard flats, black pumps, sneakers, necklace, ring set, watch, bracelet

It's the fall Nordstrom clearance event!

The fall Nordstrom clearance event is here and it's officially time to get your shop on!  Featuring top brands, the fall's top trends and up to 40% off fall merchandise - it's definitely time to stock up.

And with pieces like boots, jeans, sweaters, outerwear and accessories you will be saving big on pieces that you can wear all through the winter. Here are my top picks for the sale… it's hard to chose a favorite but I am always partial to boots and denim on sale.  What are your favorites?

This sale goes through November 11 - but hurry, because your favorite pieces will sell out quickly!

1. MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Blade' Chronograph Bracelet Watch, 40mm

2. MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Keaton' Slip-On Sneaker (Women)

3. Rebecca Minkoff 'Spiked Enamel' Fringe Drop Earrings

4. MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Dylan' 58mm Aviator Sunglasses

5. Tory Burch 'Eloise' Riding Boot

6. Nordstrom Chiffon Back Cardigan

7. MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Deconstructed Laura' Tote

8. J Brand Mid Rise Crop Skinny Jeans (Fury)

9. Nordstrom Signature Two-Tone Cashmere Sweater Coat

10. Steve Madden 'Elusion' Half d'Orsay Flat

11. Tory Burch 'Kerrington Mini' Crossbody Bag

12. rag & bone/JEAN Zip Detail Skinny Jeans (Kensington) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

13. Nordstrom Crystal Cluster Statement Necklace

14. Sam Edelman 'Zachary' Cutout Ankle Cuff Suede Pump (Women)

or, shop the pieces below…

This post is brought to you in partnership with Shopstyle and Nordstrom.  Thank you for supporting the retailers that make this blog possible. All opinions are my own.

my everyday style: a wool camel coat!

Of all the investments I've made for my wardrobe I think that a wool camel coat is the one that earns the most dividends.  I try to add a new coat (or two!) to my closet each winter and I never regret it.  And for some reason, this simple coat is my favorite of the bunch.  A warm and beautiful coat can really dress up any outfit.  Not to mention help pass the dreary winter days that we are in for over the next couple of months.   

I particularly like a belted wool coat like this one to define my waist, even while wearing several layers.  It feels lady like and slim while still keeping me warm.  

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:

Coat, J.Crew Factory (similar or similar)

Scarf, J.Crew Factory 

Chambray Top, J.Crew Factory (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Boots, Coach (similar)

Bag, J.Crew (similar)

keep warm. stay stylish.

November is here and it brought with it the standard cold temps… I almost think of November as winter, but technically it is still late fall.  Either way you are going to need a little extra something to keep you warm and stylish in the weeks and months to come.

I always love stocking up on a few new cold weather essentials this time of year to make sure that I am looking and feeling warm.  I tend to wear scarves from now until March all day long, so a few new ones in the stash are a must.  I happen to always be freezing.  I always like to make sure I have a hat and gloves on hand too just in case.  These stylish pieces will make staring down the long cold winter a little brighter!

top row, from left: grey scarf, red plaid scarf, white with red embroidered scarf, neutral hues scarf

2nd row, from left: black & white plaid scarf, pink & black plaid check scarf, burgundy infinite scarf, cream and taupe two-tone scarf

3rd row, from left: pale pink with jewels hat, black & white striped hat, grey pom pom hat, fair isle hat

4th row, from left: burgundy calf hair gloves (love!), fair isle mittens, camel fingerless gloves, grey wool gloves

my everyday style: it's plaid from here on out!

This is a fall outfit of favorites… these four pieces: leopard shoes, distressed jeans, plaid top and army jacket are probably four of my most worn pieces in my closet.  So combining the four of them into one whopper look is a win in my book.

On a personal note… today is my son's tenth birthday! It's so cliche but I feel like we just brought him home from the hospital to our tiny little first home in Eastown, Grand Rapids yesterday.  With all his teensie tiny baby blue clothes and huge swings and carseats and highchairs that filled our entire home.  Now he is turning into a little man that is thoughtful, athletic and a little (or a lot) crazy! His tenth year on this Earth also marks ten years since I became a mom.  It's crazy to think back how young and clueless I was, and in a lot of ways how simple life was back then.  They say little kids, little problems and I always thought that was silly.  But it's true.  Standing on the edge of the teens as a mom is somewhat scary… but also exhilarating.  Our family's sweet little past and our hopeful future is exciting  to think about. Someone's getting lots of extra hugs today… I'm sure he will just love it (wink!).  

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

Details:
Jacket, H&M (similar or similar less expensive)
Plaid Top, J.Crew (similar, similar or similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar or similar)
Shoes, Madewell (similar or similar less expensive)
Bag, J.Crew (similar or similar less expensive)
Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox (I'm totally hooked on Rocksbox! Check them out!)

the damage: october!

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. I haven't even really tried to keep to the 5 pieces lately… it just wasn't working for me.  This "goal" will for sure be revised for 2015.

 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.

Let's take a look at the pieces I purchased this month…

J.Crew, Buffalo Flannel Top, $89.50 paid $62.65 (seen here)

Old Navy, Cable Knit Sweater, $49.95 paid $44.95

Old Navy, Distressed Black Skinny Jeans, $34.50 paid $25

J.Crew, Side Zip Sweatshirt, $78 paid $54.60 (seen here)

Old Navy, Boxy Dress, $29.94 (seen here)

Gap, Legging Jean, $69.95 paid $34.97 (seen here)

Gap, Always Skinny Jean, $69.95 paid $34.97 (seen here)

J.Crew, Striped Turtleneck Top, $55

Coach, Black Ankle Boots via TJMaxx (similar to shown), $119.99 (seen here)

Piperlime, Dolce Vita Flats, $129 paid $71.99 (seen here)

Total Spent: $534.06 (saved: $191.72)

Thoughts on the budget: For the month of September I was way under budget and October way over. Everything evens out right!?!? As 2014 comes to a close (hard to believe) I am already thinking of how I will budget for 2015.  Or if I will.  I need a plan and I will definitely work to figure that out over the coming months.  This month there were a few things that I bought in the stores that I could have gotten a better deal online. I hate when that happens and it reminds me why I love to shop online. But a good find like those Coach boots couldn't have been found online. So smart shoppers always have to do a little of both.  Overall I think I got ALOT for my money this month.  Three pairs of jeans, two pairs of shoes, a dress, two sweaters and two tops.  That's a lot of clothes for $500.

Thoughts on the pieces: I had some stock up to do for jeans this month.  A few old pairs got put in the Goodwill pile that were old and worn out or just didn't fit great.  It definitely felt good to get some new jeans in the rotation.  Besides that I had some fun finding some warm fall and winter pieces now that the cool weather is here to stay.  I also found these amazing boots at TJMaxx (where I should really shop more often!) and am thrilled with them.  For the price and quality they were a steal.  The leather is butter soft and they are really comfortable.  This month was a great month as far as investing in some winter pieces I know will get a lot of wear.

All past "the damage" posts can be found here!

Are you budgeting your clothing purchases each month?