Always Recycle.

Today, I am going to encourage you to look through your clothing and assess the "in-good-condition" reliable basics you have in your closet.

Any luck finding anything?

Basics are a staple to any wardrobe. They are the building blocks that you can use to build and rebuild countless fantastic outfits. With basics... styling possibilities are endless.

Photographed below, is a great blouse that I found at Old Navy. It's a great and easy fit without the hassle of buttons, yet it still has the look of blouse, not a tee shirt. I'm going to admit, I ordered this shirt in 4 colors (white, black, taupe, and blue). I have two shown below. 

The outfits below are fairly simple, but depending on your own personal style, you can do so much with these basic tops!  I had and continue to have countless styling ideas with just these simple pieces. I hope you check out some of your own basics and come up with new styling ideas after checking this out!

*** P.S. Please excuse the wrinkles in a couple of the photos. Those are from when I first received the tops in the mail; I was so excited to take them out of the bag I didn't even pay attention to the wrinkles before I started shooting. 

Here are Two Different Ways I Wore the Taupe

PLAY

WORK

Use your basics to set the foundation for the look you that will represent you best.

Basics are like a blank canvas. You can create whatever you desire. Using accessories, statement pieces, patterned sweater, good fitting jackets, fabulous shoes, and whatever else your personal style might desire, rock a style that makes you feel like and show off the best you.

Remember that your styling goal should be to feel confident and positive about yourself when you step out into the world.

Oh... and have fun ;)


P.S. If you ever feel so inclined... share with me the awesome outfitting you do on your own. I've seen some creativity out there and I love to be inspired!

"Bin It!"

A few months ago, I mentioned a great concept and company called CottonBin.

This fantastic online company has made me look at my wardrobe in a whole new way. CottonBin is an online "swapping" boutique (think Buffalo Exchange or Plato's Closet... but right at your fingertips), where you send in your gently used clothes, gain points, and then use your points to swap the old out for new-for-you items! After being introduced to this new way of swapping, I was continuously inspired to purge out the old and bring in some new. 

Whether you closet is overflowing, or you're tired of literally having nothing new to wear, CottonBin can be a fun and simple way to revamp your closet. (check out www.cottonbin.com)

While I was having fun weeding through my closet for CottonBin prospects, gaining points, and scoring some great swaps online, I was approached by the Cottonbin owner about my blog. (Yes! This blog!)

She asked if I would be interested in checking out her inventory and styling outfits out of the pieces that clients sent in.  (Ummm... heck yes!)

Needless to say, I said yes. (aka I was ecstatic!)

I was thrilled to spend a whole day with the owner pouring over hundreds of pieces of clothing, mixing and matching items, and trying get the creativity flowing out of me! I wanted to come up with some fun, unique, and stylish ensembles fit for representing CottonBin's awesome inventory.

After our shoot, I was generously given the photos from our day of outfitting. So, lucky me, now I'll be able to periodically share with you all! Maybe they'll even inspire some of your own ideas to meet your styling needs ;)

Listed below is one of my favorite pieces from the CottonBin stash:

The Floral Blazer
(Lush)

Outfit #1: The first outfit is spring ready. Paired with a black dressy shorts, a ruffled blush top, and fun statement necklace, this outfit can be dressed up or down. Pair with black sandals and a more casual looking necklace for a lunch date, or put on some strappy wedges, spice up the jewelry, and you're off to dinner!

Outfit #2: The second outfit can be worn for similar occasions. For this one, I paired the blazer with dark pair of denim skinnies and a ivory ruffle tiered tank. For this, I would do cognac boots to dress down, and nude heels to dress up! This one is totally work appropriate as well. Pair with black or charcoal trousers and you can take your look from the office out to dinner with friends.

So there you have it... the first CottonBin post! Keep your eyes peeled for more to come ;)

  

Be the Change.

So, its been a while...

I know we are close to being halfway through 2014 already, but I hope this new year has brought good your way so far. As the year progresses, I "attempt" to review and reassess some of the goals I made at the beginning of this current year. As so many of you probably did, I came up with some solid goals for 2014, and honestly, I am lucky if I am still sticking to/pursuing them wholeheartedly. 

My sister gave me this
necklace for Christmas.

Where it can be tricky to keep up with all our amazing plans and good intentions, especially with life getting in the way, I have found that one goal in particular has stuck with me since January 1st, 2014. "Be the change." This short phrase has held on over the months. Sneaking into my thoughts when I least expect it, and many time, when I don't want it to sneak in.


What does it mean to "be the change"? 
Perhaps you've heard the quote, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Want to know what that immediately makes me think of? Well too bad, I'll tell you anyway... the first thing that quote makes me think of is all the things that bother me... weird, no? No! 

Let me explain...
It really bothers me when people are disrespectful to one another. 

Sooo... I guess when I'm frustrated/stressed (because it happens... sometimes too often) I shouldn't snap at the people closest to me (or anyone for that matter). Even if someone were to treat me in a disrespectful manner, I shouldn't follow suite because I am changing nothing.

It really bothers me when shoppers leave messes all over the stores they shop at. 

Soooo... I guess I should clean up after myself... maybe even pick up that shirt I see lying on the floor after that other person just tossed there.


I really wish people would be more willing to help others out.

Sooo... I guess I should not be so selfish with my time (I love my free/personal time!), even if that means just taking an extra few minutes when I'm busy to listen when someone else wants to talk.

That's just me.


I have no idea what you want to see changed in the world, but you DO have the power to make a difference. Remember... You can't change anyone else. Its pretty much impossible. So don't try, it will be a lot of wasted time and a big headache that you don't really want. Stop wishing others were less lame and more cool. Be more cool! You have control of only YOU. So be what  you wish others were. Whether its kindness, generousness, patience, understanding, less snoopy, more loving, less temper, more encouragement.

Be that change. 

P.S. As far as outfits go, this necklace was given as a gift from my lovely sister! I am actually wearing her top in the photo, and the scarf is Banana Republic $18. Since this is a styling blog and all... ;)