#ootd - my photographer has returned!

Some of you may remember that my husband, also my #ootd photographer (yes, he's a super sweet guy <3), was away for 6 months to go return to school and pursue a new career. He returned home in early February after passing with flying colors, and has already begun employment with one of the largest companies in his new industry. Many congrats to him!!!

And now, after settling down with a new work schedule and finally being able to spend a weekend together between both our work schedules, was able to spend some time to do a #ootd shoot. It also helped that our rainy Vancouver weather let up for an hour and we were able to head outside. 

Work has gotten even busier for me so I don't get home until after dark, therefore, moving forward, I'll try my best to keep up with daily #ootd posts but will try to do a proper shoot and post a 'featured #ootd' post when I have more time on the weekends and me and the husband have more time together. 

So, without further adieu, the return of #ootd! 

Jacket | Michael Kors

Top | Banana Republic

Jeans | Banana Republic

Shoes | The Wishbone Collection

Bag | Lauren by Ralph Lauren Whitby satchel

Watch | Seiko

Necklace | Swarovski

 

 

February comings and goings

Wow, I actually had quite a few items come in this month, but fear not, every single item was a 'love it' piece and I have been wearing them non-stop. 

Comings - 6

• Red Banana Republic sweater with side zip - I actually bought this for Chinese New Year since it's traditional to wear something red to celebrate and start the year off
• Navy Banana Republic sleeveless top - I love navy and find the color is a great base for me to build outfits around and this was super comfortable, a great length to act as a layering piece or on it's own, and also just really basic looking which I like
• Raspberry Banana Republic cardigan - love the color of this, and against navy, it just looks so good. A great pop of color to add to my wardrobe and a very easy cardigan to wear. 
• Pair of casual pants with zip detailing from Banana Republic - these are just super cool and I'm obsessed with zippers lately so these were great, and they were petite so the length was perfect to wear with flats and heels. Just fantastic and sooo comfortable to the point where I don't even feel like I'm wearing pants haha. 
• Gray sweatpants, also with zipper details, and yup, you guessed it, from Banana Republic - I was thrilled to find these and they up my lounge wear by 200%
• Orange satchel from Lauren by Ralph Lauren - I finally broke my bag ban and succumbed to this beauty. It was love at first sight and I've used it every day for work. I even go the extra mile to carry a separate tote to fit my laptop and other things in, just to carry her. 

Current budget left over for this year - approximately $700

February goings - 1

• I sold my Coach Poppy Madras bag to start my 'let go of 10 items' goal from my bag and wallet collection =)

My favourite wardrobe additions in 2015

I think out of all the additions that came into my closet in 2015, my favourites were my: 

• pre-loved Cole Haan Johanna ankle boots;
• Townshoe Loafers;
• Nine West taupe wedges;
• Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack;
• Coach leopard print double-zip wallet my husband gave me;
• Banana Republic ivory and leopard skinny belts;
• all my items from LOFT;
• Franco Sarto peep-to flats;
• Banana Republic cobalt drape pants;
• Banana Republic black and white color-block dress;
• Banana Republic light colored, striped, color-block sweater; and
• Banana Republic black sleeveless top (so simple, but so perfect)

2014 - a catalyst to stopping my frequent bag buying habit

For many, many years I tried to get my bag and wallet purchases under control - I made yearly resolutions and tried to limit the number of bags I purchase per year, but nothing worked.

In 2014, I was thisclose to having a no-purchase year of bags and wallets but caved mid-year and purchased 11 bags!

I was really disappointed with myself but turns out, these 11 bags filled important gaps in my bag collection. 

When I used to purchase bags, I went on simply what I liked and bought it. I didn't think about the function they played in my life, or their practicality. I love all my bags, but the 11 I bought last year, without knowing it, were useful to my daily life. 

Just a reminder, my bag purchases are not included in my budget for my wardrobe.

Why were these bags so important/special? 

Banana Republic clutch and crossbody, used 5 and 2 times respetively

Cole Haan large tote in pebbled leather, used 34 times

Cole Haan satchel in pebbled leather, used 44 times

Cole Haan tote, used 26 times 

Dooney & Bourke satchel and crossbody (another crossbody in 
violet not shown), used 15, 5, 7 times respectively

Dooney & Bourke satchel (nylon version not shown), 
used 25 times, and 43 times respectively

Dooney & Bourke satchel, used 16 times

When I tracked my bag usage, despite only owning them for 1.5 years, these bags were the ones I used the most since I got them. I use them on a regular basis because they are easy to use and their quality is fantastic. I don't have to worry about ruining them, or getting any scratches on them as they are super durable. The calf-hair bags have been my go-to for special events since they go with everything and with the price I paid for them, even if I were to use them recklessly wouldn't be too sad. 

The reason why I didn't use my other bags so much is because they were too expensive and I just cared too much about them. I care about these bags too but the price I paid, wouldn't cause me to cry. In total, I spent approximately $1,059, averaging less than $100 per bag! Since these 11 purchases, I have been able to spend 2015 purchase-free of bags! 

Surprise favourites

Have you ever made a purchase that didn't seem like anything special at the time, but ended up being an unexpected favourite piece? I know my goal is to be making well, thought-out purchases that I love, but sometimes, I just need a shirt.

Then this shirt becomes something I can't part with!

Take for example, this sweater I bought at the Banana Republic outlet - I was looking for a light weight, long sleeved sweater, in light colors so that I could wear across different seasons; this top wasn't meant to be worn for work (I don't have enough tops to wear for the weekends) so I wanted it to be more casually fitted. 

When I first grabbed the shirt I wasn't sure about the stripes or colors but I gave it a shot because I was desperate for casual tops. I tried it on and I still wasn't sure - I wanted a casual fit but after wearing fitted sweaters for so long for work, I wasn't as used to it any more, and the sweater is actually 3 colors (ivory and the stripes are gray and light pink) and I thought it would be hard to match. I bought it anyway. 

The first time I wore it, I paired it with blue, ankle crop jeans, and as simple as that is, it made me fall in love with the top. I don't know why, but I have been wearing it at every opportunity I have. 

White skinny jeans look amazing with it! And even though I bought it to wear outside of the office, it looks great for a business casual outfit with my light slim leg trousers.

Once you pop, you can't stop...

... or something like that.

Last month I went over my wardrobe budget and had decided to stop, however, I accompanied my friend to my go-to shop and came home with 5 new items =S

I went into the fitting room with 30+ items, in my chosen color palette, all with potential to be part of my carefully selected wardrobe, and whittled it down to 6. I carried 6 throughout the store while I waited another hour for my friend to finish, and eventually put down the vest that I had been debating over.

I didn't buy the vest because, as much as I had been wanting one all season, I couldn't come up with any outfits. One of my unspoken rules is that each item I bring in, must be able to go with at least 3 existing items I already own. It was difficult to let go since it was exactly what I was looking for, but I knew it was the best decision.

One of the tops I bought is this soft wash plaid button-up - I love the colors and can't wait to use it as a layering piece under sweaters and cardigans to show the contrasting plaid; it'll also be great paired with my gray pencils skirts and light gray GAP trousers, as well as jeans and cords. This will also be a replacement piece for my beloved J Crew plaid tunic that I purchased in late 2013 (I've worn it to death and am preparing myself to let it go)

Another top I purchased is this black sleeveless top with a zippered back because I didn't have one. I have been looking for one that is comfortable and not see-through. This is perfect for layering and to be tucked into pants and skirts. Love the dressy look and know it will go with any bottoms. I am complete in my search for dressy sleeveless tops in my color palette - navy, ivory, black, and gray.

I am now 20% over my budget for this year and I must take this seriously, and stop shopping. The only comfort I can give myself is that I finally found the perfect black sleeveless top for me. Moving forward, no excuses, and must exercise constraint and avoid temptation! 

July comings and goings

What came in - 9

• 2 dresses from my mom
• Coach wallet - a surprise gift from my husband =)
• Denim shorts
• Ivory skinny belt - I LOVE this piece, easily a new wardrobe staple and favourite
• Black crop top - not super short though!
• 2 non-iron blouses
• 1 short-sleeved blouse

What went out - 8

• 1 pink collared shirt with argyle patterns - I started to feel kiddish in it
• 1 black blouse - the material just made it very hot to wear
• 1 ivory sleeveless top - I love it but this time when I wore it, it seemed like an item that needed a lot of fussing, which I didn't love. I am sad to part with it
• 1 gray hoodie - I think over time I have been shrinking it in the wash, as well as outgrowing it =S x 2 (although that is one less hoodie I own! A category I've been wanting to downsize)
• 1 olive skirt - too big now
• 1 pair of shoes - sadly, a pair of my Cole Haans
• 1 collared shirt
• 1 dress

FINALLY using something for the first time #ootd

Three years ago I purchased a beige blazer, thinking it would be PERFECT for the office during Spring and Summer. Somehow, it did not make its way into my outfits, once. I did try - I spent hours trying to put together outfits and somehow never got it right or felt too self-conscious to walk out the door. I have no idea why - the blazer is perfectly normal and office appropriate. 

Last week I got dressed, walked out the door, and turned back. Without thinking, I grabbed the blazer and put it on, and headed back out. I checked my reflection as I walked and the outfit looked great! I don't know what the heck I was doing wrong before, but I'm so happy that I can finally use it, and wasn't wrong about it being a good purchase. True, it's only been in one outfit, but I think it will be fairly easy for me to produce different variations of it, now that I have something to copy from. 

Behold!

April comings and goings

I would say that April proved to be a successful month - these are some of its highlights: 

• let go of a number of pieces of clothing, including a pair of shoes and a jacket
• purchased some boot trees to take care of and prolong the life of my knee-high boots, of which I may only ever own one pair because of my weirdly large calves (yes, I'm bitter)
• found a fantastic Spring/Summer dress in my current color capsule colors for an awesome price
• added a new favourite - a 'grown-up' sweatshirt that I absolutely LOVE
• turned a scarf from my existing wardrobe into a favourite
• discovered a new outfit by putting together existing items from my closet

Comings:

• Black and white color-block, racer-back dress from Banana Republic
• Gray sweatshirt from Banana Republic
• not directly wardrobe related, but still applicable - boot trees, and socks (something I HATE buying)

Goings:

• 3 hoodies
• 1 blouse
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 2 pair of runners
• 1 casual jacket/blazer
• 1 jacket
• 1 canvas tote bag
• 1 zip-up sweatshirt
• 1 pair of sweatpants
• 1 sleeveless top

That's 14 items! It's the largest number of wardrobe items I've let go of since the Great Purge.

Excitement! - new favourite outfit and accessory!

I thought Mimmy made a really good point in her post comment about the 'odd man out' - "I think I was actually trying to pair it with things that worked against it." This really spoke to me and she had mentioned she decided to pair her piece with neutrals and let the piece speak for itself. 

Here is that same sweater again - 

(Rosie Neira)

And taking into account Mimmy's words, yesterday, I decided to wear it as the showcase piece and made this outfit with it - 

(Banana Republic, GAP, Rosie Neira, Cole Haan, Coach, Pearson & Brown)

I wish I had taken a photo with the outfit on because the colors look way better together, but this is a new favourite outfit I discovered; it uses my color capsule and a 'odd man out' piece to form a decent outfit, but then is taken to a non-boring level by my shoes and scarf. 

(The more I look at it, this cardigan seems to be a shade of gray with some green undertone ... ya, I still have no idea about its color, sigh...)

Now, let me talk about this scarf - I received it from my mom's latest trip to Asia and it's actually landscape. I don't know if you can tell from the photo but it's mountains and a body of water. I don't know too much about it other than it's silk and by Pearson & Brown - if any one has more info on this brand, I'd love to hear about it! It's beautiful and oh sooooooo soft. It's fast becoming one of my favourite items. 

(Pearson & Brown silk scarf; sorry for the poor photo quality, I used my phone camera to do the pano)

The yellow played off of my shoes and the green picked up the undertones of my cardigan. And since I left everything else neutral, both the scarf and cardigan got to stand out. So, thanks Mimmy, for giving me the idea to let the 'odd man out' shine, and also to the girls on TpF for all the talk about scarves lately that gave me the idea to pull this out. 

Grouping that odd man out

Do you own an item that looks great but somehow seems difficult to wear? I have a cardigan that looks great but the color isn't something that I personally find easy to match. I think it's taupe? or perhaps olive? I'm not even entirely sure ... (note to self: learn colors). 

None the less, the other day I was heading out the door when I decided to grab a cardigan for the sudden drop in temperature. Without thinking, I grabbed the closest thing to me - this: 

(Rosie Neira)

Looks great right? I love the detailing, it's non-scratchy comfort, its length - just love it, and since I adopted a neutral color palette, figured it would be fine. Then I finally got a look in the mirror and I don' t know if it was the color, the great detailing, it's length, but for whatever the reason, it did not look fine with my dress, which was this:

(Rosie Neira, Banana Republic)

Even though I have a much better idea of my style, and have recently chosen a color capsule, minimizing the daily struggle of getting dressed, there are still items in my closet that don't really have a place to go. I love them and do wear them but they usually look like an after-thought. I started envisioning my closet and realized that this color would actually look pretty great against purple; especially, against a certain purple dress I own - this:

 (Rosie Neira, Banana Republic)

Note: I know I said I'm poor at colors, but I swear, this dress is a rich purple and I have no idea why it's photographing blue (I even double checked with my husband, who agrees with me). 

Currently, my closet is organized by like-colors, but to make better outfits, I have decided to hang my 'odd man', hard-to-coordinate pieces with the item it would go best with. That way, if it comes down to the wire and I still can't figure out a nice outfit, I will always have a go-to option.  

April purchases

Last week I went to Banana Republic for a little window shopping and came home with two great finds!

 

I mentioned in a past post that I have issues with wearing items that tie around my waist, due to a short waist. I should note that, while those don't work, dresses with an elastic waist work wonders for me. I love this one because it's light weight and sleek looking, and my favourite thing in the world for dress and skirts - POCKETS!!! This item is not fussy in cut or color, and I know it will look classic for years to come. I look forward to pairing it with bold color shoes, and pulling a sweater over top when the temperature drops.

I LOVE this sweatshirt. I've already broken it in and can already tell it is going to be a favourite. I love so many things about it - the feel of it, the lack of a hood, the price I got it at ($8.99!!!), and especially the finish - I don't know if you can tell but it has a slight sheen/metallic look to it (it's called a 'foil' sweatshirt) and it just looks so much more grown-up than any other sweatshirt or hoodie I currently own. It has made me want to clear out more of my sweatshirts and hoodies. 

Both items are in-line with my color capsule and will work for multiple seasons, as well as professional and casual outfits (I love the pairing of the sweatshirt with a skirt - maybe an idea for business casual Fridays); I'm so pleased!

Recent bags in rotation - tons of rain, but I'm worry free!

The last month we have been experiencing non-stop downpour, and these are the 3 bags I chose to tackle the horrible weather.

Coach Madison "Julianne" Op-art tote - despite being hot pink, I reach for this bag a lot when I can't think of what bag to use. Its canvas material gives me peace of mind since I don't need to panic and baby it in the rain, and the detachable shoulder strap makes it really easy for me to go hands-free to hold my umbrella.

Banana Republic "Scalia" tote - I bought this bag as my 'public transportation' bag and it has not failed me. This bag is HUGE and with all its compartments, works really well for work. Taking public transportation means I have to be quite prepared for our temperamental weather and at a moment's notice, I can pull out the scarf and gloves I have stashed away, or put away my jacket if it warms up. The compartments keep my documents neat and separate. Even though it is leather, I don't have problems using this in poor weather because it is so tough and I swear, any marks that are made on it gradually disappear over time. The only down-side is that it gets a bit heavy, but the wider straps and generous drop counter that a bit.

Valentina mustard convertible hobo and crossbody - I found this at my local Winners 5+ years ago and it has been one of my best bag purchases. Not to mention I got it on clearance - I think I paid around $50 for it, and it's made in Italy. The leather is pebbled so it can withstand a lot of abuse and since it is convertible, when I have to unexpectedly hold an umbrella, it is so easy. Even though it looks like it puddles and it would be difficult to find anything in it, it actually has some interior compartments that alleviate that a bit. A zippered pocket, one cell phone pocket, and then a larger slip-pocket. Its color makes me one of my faves to pull out for fall.