Full Bloom

Remember when I mentioned a few months ago how I was saving up for a few investment pieces? Well here's the Equipment silk shirt and I am straight up in love.

It took me about two months to save up - I even found it for way less on eBay! So ladies, if you're ever looking to add a few designer pieces always shop around. Shopstyle is like the google of shopping and eBay will always surprise you with something wonderful.

And it arrived just in time to clean up real nice for my dear sweet mama. She always been a fan of me in florals - well, anything that makes me look femme basically. Now the question is, can I avoid spilling anything on this shirt with my niece around.

Let's hope so (fingers crossed).

Shirt: Equipment  Skirt: Amour Vert (similar style)  Necklace: Baublebar (similar style)  Purse: Miu Miu  Shoes: c/o Easy Spirit  Lipgloss: Maybelline's Color Elixier in Breathtaking Apricot via PINCHme

I actually wore this entire look to work last week - the weather has been so uh-mazing for bare legs across the island. But, as you can see the mini skirt is a little too mini when combined with heels. I made sure to switch to flats to keep it PG rated around the office.

As soon as happy hour rolled around though - that was an entirely different story. These EasySpirit heels definitely came out to play.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Shop the look:

Being Basic

Sometimes it's okay to be a basics bitch. In fact, I'm all about it right now. 

I've been trying to reduce and scale back on all fronts: product, lipgloss, bedding, clothes, and shoes (holy crap the shoes). But, I've also been diligent in getting things to the tailor (my best friend essentially) and replacing my well-worn basics, from undies to the classic striped tee, for more substantial basics.

That means better well made pieces to go the extra mile, and if my bank account can afford it - something a bit on the luxurious side (my bank account called and said no way jose). So instead of spending $10 on a white tee every season, spend $30 for one with better fabric that will last all year and maybe the next. By the way Everlane has some of the best tees around.

Yep, let's get rid of the crap + clutter and replace it with fewer amazing pieces. Basically my mantra for the year if you haven't noticed.  

Here are a few other basics that I've been detoxing then upgrading. It might be a good starting block for you too (if we're on this same decluttering kick together):

- socks: we're on our feet all day long, its only wise we treat our feet to scratchy-free material that also allows for breathability. I got my socks down to about 18 pairs.

- underwear (also known as panties): I actually went through my underwear drawer and realized I owned too many. I couldn't even remember the last time I purged them. To the trash went the lace thongs, overworn, and faded pairs, and in came cotton or seamless pairs. I've pared this down to 16 pairs, all mostly from the Calvin Klein (never fails) line. Panty lines have been MIA ever since. 

- bras: one thing I learned while working in bloomingdale's intimates section is to never skip on support. Did you know that 4 out of 5 women wear the wrong bra size? An ill-fitting bra can cause back-pain and ruin an outfit - with that being said get fitted next time you go bra shopping. If this is a little foreign, this article has lots of more bra knowledge. I have a good set of bras (5 pairs to be exact) all from Calvin yet my t-shirt bra was in desperate need of a replacement. Which, of course I did.

- cami/white tee/black tee/striped tee: Find the best quality your money can get you for each (or whichever fits your life) and donate/sell the others. Like I said, Everlane and Marine Layer are great contenders to keep in mind. Both produce shirts in small batches and only with the finest materials while staying aware of their carbon footprint.

- sweatpants: told ya I was basic. But in all honesty, we all need a pair of lush sweatpants that can take our Sundays from 1 to 100 real quick. I found this pair from Nike and have never ever looked back.

- This might be a good time to revisit your "uniform" and replace any pieces you've worn to bits with a few higher quality items that can hopefully stand the test of time.

Feel free to chime in and add your basics (and where from) in the comments. 

P.s. Keep in mind, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither should your wardrobe. Take your time (and budget into consideration) when building your closet.

The Essentials: May 2015

Welcome back to my new blog!! I really hope you all love the new design and how seamless it looks on mobile. There was a lot time and energy put into this baby, and because of how big of a job this was - there are still a few kinks getting figured out, so bear with me as I learn the new blog platform.

Now on to our normal programming :). 

The Brooklyn Half is only a few weeks away (can you believe it!!) so this month is all about easy-breezy comfortable pieces and anything that can make all this training just a tad bit easier. When not in sneakers I definitely let my feet breathe in these white birks - the arch support is simply amazing.

Not only that, I've been waking up at the crack of dawn to get my runs on - this Philips Wake Up Light was an investment but well worth the extra hours I now get out of everyday (minus Sundays). And if you're curious what's with the tupperware - well I've been packing snacks on snacks on snacks from home and saving on lunch takeout.
 

Shop my wants below:
1. French Glass Candle via OneKingsLane.com, 2. It's Not Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be - Paul Arden, 3. Sakroots Yoga Bag, 4. Come Clean Soap 90s Pop, 5. Estée Lauder Little Black Primer, 6. Free Samples + Freebies via PINCHme, 7. Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel, 8. Aerosoles Ballet Flats, 9. NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Villa Lante, 10. Color Club in Cadillac Red, 11. Saucony Guide 8, 12. Philips Wake Up Light, 13. Madewell Shortalls, 14. Arizona Birkenstocks, 15. DailyBurn Fuel 6, 16. Madewell Circuit Dress, 17. Glass Snapware

How are you liking the blog? Any favorites you're loving?