elevate your spring wardrobe

Zimmerman floral mini dress

As we depart from April into May, I felt inspired by the array of breezy colors and fabrics from the ready-to-wear. The pre-loved luxury accessories I stumbled upon compelled me to put together a few spring outfits that will have us all heading out of the house and planning a beach-side vacay (as soon as we can.) I think it’s healthy to be inspired about life after COVID-19…the places we will travel, the amazing date nights we have to look forward to, reuniting with loved ones, and the fabulous spring ensembles we will wear.

Chanel Chevron Pink Medium Boy Flap

Chanel Denim Chevron Boy Flap

Nothing lifts my spirits more than a spring refresh for my closet. Here are a few looks to inject some color into your wardrobe as we look to lighter and brighter spring days. I adore this floral mini from LoveShackFancy that gives me cotton candy vibes. With the brand’s hourglass silhouettes and girly prints and soft pastels, it is super flattering and feminine.

I think at least one LoveShackFancy piece is a perfect addition any spring wardrobe. And you can really dress up this number for date night with pink rockstuds or these gorgeous padded Gucci heels. What an easy way to instantly elevate your spring wardrobe.

I previously featured a baby blue blouse from Stine Goya, and it is easily one of the best tops in my closet. Stine Goya offers elegant silhouettes in feminine fabrics and are entry-level designer pricing.

Instead of pairing this blouse with an everyday pair of shorts, I picked the edgiest shorts I could find. They would make any outfit a little bit cooler, and I think when you come across the perfect pair of denim that is a bit more high end, it is ok to splurge because denim never really goes out of style. This vintage Chanel clutch would work great with any outfit and is a fun option for an evening bag that isn’t so prim and proper.

And when it comes to evening-wear…I’m happy to share so elevated basics that will turn heads but that you can also incorporate into a capsule collection. While you could consider this bag very statement, it would match with many of my outfits, especially because I prefer cooler colors. Any grey/white/blue outfits would look incredible with this bag. Because it also has silver, it is a great option for dressier occasions.

I’ve always dreamed of having a Balmain skirt, and this one is very up my alley, with the iridescent quiliting. Because it is light and reflective, you can style it with white/pink/lilac tops, as easily as you could with black or grey. This makes the skirt more versatile. Metallics are amazing for that.

And now for the star of the show (at least when it comes to evening attire)…the perfect leather skirt by my favorite new designer. It is a basic yet is so stunning in the style and draping of the fabric, that you really just need some great black boots and heels and a black or white blouse to make it complete. And often when I want to bring the wow factor on a date, I feel most comfortable in a leather mini and great top. A leather skirt is one item that I do believe investing in. But…only if it is the PERFECT leather skirt (for your style).

And with a wow leather skirt, you need a wow handbag…this Fendi logo bag kind of speaks for herself…

Another LoveShackFancy dress that is a little more preppy, but just as easy to style. What a dream team for Summer with the Stella McCartney wedges and either handbag…though I’m partial to the white Fendi. To conclude this post, I want to bring in pieces that capture both classics and trends. A distressed denim jacket, a Chanel tweed number, and a white Chanel boy that you could wear with either jacket. Happy shopping as you introduce brighter colors and elevate your spring wardrobe!

how to invest in your closet

I love a shopping day out (or a shopping day in if you prefer online), however I have taken a little shopping break in February to save more and take a step back from the online purchases. Jump to the end of the blog post for a step-by-step guide of shopping with purpose:)

As someone who is obsessed with fashion and investment pieces, I get tempted by new season items that turn my head….however, now I am more interested in investing in less, but better items. I call this shopping intentionally. There is a big difference between going on a shopping spree and investing in your closet.

Instead of shopping at local boutiques and making an online purchase with every paycheck, I am conscious what I spend my money on. And when you save for 1 month (or 2 or 3), you have more money to play with.

So, let’s say you don’t make small purchases for 2 months. In that time, you may be able to set aside enough funds to get that designer bag that you’ve been dreaming of. And when we do make a big purchase like that, because we have carefully saved, we shouldn’t bash ourselves.

I limited expenses in February so that I can get something special for my birthday in March. I believe, it is all about balance. And if I do splash out on let’s say a designer bag….I will limit my shopping for the next few months.

I always recommend saving for the one item you truly love, instead of a handful of items that you sort-of like. At the end of the day, we still want that big-ticket item. Of course, I would only recommend on splashing out on a big-ticket item if it fits with your style and is practical and versatile. By being patient with ourselves and shopping mindfully, we can shop less frequently but slowly acquire our dream closets.

Now a few step-by-step recommendations before you make long-term fashion investments.

Define Your Signature Style!

This determines everything…what you declutter in your closet, the repeat purchases, the gaps any your closet (and what your lifestyle requires), as well as the new investments you will introduce into your closet. This is an entirely different blog post, but as a starting point, consider your fashion role models. Whose style do you admire and why? What is it about their style that is so captivating? Refer to Pinterest and Instagram and create an account with photos that inspire you. The common element in these photos you saved are a greeting starting point to discover your signature style. For me, I have this obsession with leather jackets. I also adore girly floral dresses and silhouettes. The mix of these two…feminine and edgy, is my signature.

Declutter/Cleanse Your Closet

1. The point of this is to realize how much you already own. A closet declutter/cleanse may be in order if your closet is stuffed to the max and you don’t see how you could fit much more into your closet. Another sign that you need a deep declutter is when all hanging space is covered with hangers, and you cannot easily distinguish individual items from one another.

   Evaluate your repeat purchases

2. I’ll share examples from my own closet…I have great blouses in my closet but lacked basic tees and v-necks that I could wear under a leather jacket and layer. I also own dozens of leather jackets (it’s kinda my thing), but I didn’t own a single trench. Realizing what items are your shopping go-tos, because they resonate with your style and you have fun purchasing them is important. It makes you recognize your shopping habits and makes you think twice the next time you feel like splurging on an item you buy on the regular, I would suggest making a list of your most re-purchased items- even add how many you own of that item. It’s a serious reality check.

Take Inventory of the Gaps

3. Make a list of the holes in your closet. Take this with a grain of salt, as you contrast your over-purchases items to those that you never purchase. Maybe you have 50 party dresses but not an interview-appropriate one. Or maybe you have 80 pairs of jeans but only a few dressy blouses. The cleanse will indicate the holes, or areas that you are missing in your current closet. Filling these gaps should be your focus next time you do shop, instead of re-buying your 15th pair of aviator sunglasses. When we do fill these gaps, getting dressed becomes easier.

Consider Your Financial Goals

4. Is this the year that you want to put a down payment on a house or upgrade your ride? Think of all the big, amazing things that you could bring into your life if you eliminated shopping for a short period of time. Every thing we purchase adds up and we usually don’t realize how much we spend in the course of a year, when we buy that dress this month and buy a handful of items a few months later. Not to say that you can’t shop- but be mindful. Would you rather buy a few clothing items that you might like within a few years time, or invest in a practical item that will enhance your quality of life and re-sell down the road? If you do have big goals for 2020, I suggest taking it a step further and creating a vision board reflective of your goals with aesthetic imagery that leaves stars in your eyes. You need that visual motivation they next time you feel the impulse to shop.

Create a Fashion Vision Board

4. Maybe you have smaller or shorter-term goals for 2020. This is is personally the most fun for me:) Dreaming of a Chanel bag or those perfect pair of Louboutin heels that go with every outfit? If you review your purchases over the past year they may actually exceed that 1 amazing item that would dd value to your closet and style. I create a fashion vision board, taking photos from magazines and my favorite online shops to inspire me to save for the right pieces. Every time I think how fun it would be to go shopping at my local mall, I refer to my vision board and stay strong. One or two items that you will love for the next 5 years is SO much better than buying a handful of clothes you’ll be tired of in a few months time. The fashion vision board is also useful if you are unsure about investing in a specific item. After looking at it every day on your board for a month or two, do you still love it? Or are you bored and see some flaws in the silhouette or style? When you do step back from shopping (at least 1 month) you can save and invest in your closet and specific pieces that you will value long-term.

how to look stylish on zoom

As classrooms and offices turn to Zoom to maintain some sort of professional engagement, how does that translate as it pertains to our style? I think it makes looking put-together a bit easier, as only your top half is viewable during the Zoom call. So, we could literally be wearing a silk blouse on top and sweatpants…and nobody would know!

I hope these blouses, cardigans & accessories will give you some Zoom-spiration as you head to work “virtually.”

Another great accessory trick is to go for earrings that will brighten your face on days when you’re feeling tired. They also instantly make a super simple outfit more exciting.

A cozy cardigan is always a great option. Easily layer a black v-neck with this sophisticated check cardigan. Because only part of your outfit will be seen on Zoom, your hair and makeup will determine how presentable you look.

Our head-shoulders is 80% of what people see on the screen, so we should put a little time into looking extra polished. Consider straightening your hair and opt for a stylish hair barrette to pin back loose locks.

Brand Spotlight: No.21

NO. 21

Because we’re all spending more time at home, I am able to add more content on my blog and I thought it would be interesting to occasionally highlight new up & coming brands.

No. 21 offers elevated casual pieces with an edge, from snake print shorts to a leopard biker jacket. I’ve included some of the standout pieces from No.21 below, so you can browse the brand for yourself.

I love the brand’s concept: bridging the gap between the casual clothing and the high fashion world. That’s ideal for me, especially because I live where people dress super casual almost all the time. But loving fashion as much as I do, I look for those pieces that express my signature style and can be incorporated into my lifestyle.

The price tag of No.21 items are similar to those you would find on Net-a-Porter or Farfetch. Prices range from an eyelet blouse ($425.00) to a shearling trench ($1,207.50 on sale.) Typically you can find amazing pieces from newer brands for a better price and find really innovative styles that our tried and true brands aren’t offering. No.21 was launched in 2010, so it has established a core audience, and the prices reflect that.

No.21 gives us that high-end feel in styles that are wearable. The brand offers high quality fabrics in fresh silhouettes that will be both the classics and statement pieces in your closet.

#stay home luxury sale

A few of my favorite finds from The Luxury Closet’s new-in. From statement Balmain blazers, to bohemian Chloe dresses, they have a great selection that will elevate your wardrobe. As you self-isolate at home and shop online, keep your eye out for those investment pieces that you will have for years to come. And if you are investing in your closet, why not get those pieces at 40% off?

self isolate in Zimmerman

I am in love with this dress, which I purchased with my birthday in mind from TheRealReal. They have an amazing selection of Zimmerman pieces.

Though my birthday happened at the onset of the Corona crisis, I still got dressed up in one of my favorite new closet additions…a gorgeous floral number from Zimmerman.

Because my birthday was prior to the stay-at-home order, my mom and I went for some fresh air at Bridge Street Town Centre, a hub of eateries and shops, though sadly all the businesses were closed due to COVID-19. I was in good spirits, however, sporting my new Zimmerman & spending quality time with my mom.

This pre-loved dress was a fraction of the retail price and came brand new, with a Saks Fifth Avenue tag. I think this is a perfect example of how we can shop quality and get great value if we are open to shopping pre-loved.

This brand is exactly what I envisioned for the occasion. In my humble opinion, no brand compares to Zimmerman when it comes to silk pieces and feminine silhouettes. This 100% silk dress is lined.

Though it is a floral dress, the soft and subtle print compliments my warm complexion. The matching belt gives an hourglass silhouette.

I own several dresses from the brand, mostly in this style, because you can easily throw a leather jacket over the dress and style it with wedges in the summer and booties in the fall. This dress definitely expresses my signature style, as it day-to-night appropriate, is in a breathable and lightweight fabric, and has a soft color palette. It’s not an in-your-face floral print…the perfect transitional piece.

If you a find a piece you love at TheRealReal that has sold, you can add that item to your wish list and be notified when it comes back in stock. I recommend the long-sleeved 100% silk blouses and dresses. The lightweight fabric layers well and will take you from one season to the next. I will pair this with my BlankNYC tan suede jacket in fall.

I don’t intend to shy away from COVID-19. instead I want to provide a place where I can still share fashion content amidst this crisis and provide inspiration for when the dark clouds of COVID-19 lift and our lives go back to “normal.”

This is just the first post of many in the Corona Couture series…though the rest won’t feature such an uplifting background.