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... ;)

Yea or Nay?

 Today was gorgeous...

and lovely. I was able to spend all afternoon having lunch and strolling by the beach with my sis. This small leisurely break in day was just what I needed amid the craze of the holiday season. While out enjoying the sun, I was lucky enough to get in a few quick photos, thanks to my sis.

We had a great time, being back together, messing around with the camera, and shooting a new outfit. However, after looking over all the photos of the day, I decided that I'm actually not the biggest fan of the outfit I made for the day. I have worn this sweater countless times. When I first laid eyes on it, it was definitely the print that first caught my attention. Though I can be known to shy away from print, I felt like this one was a classy looking piece that could easily add a little fun to the right outfit.

Today was the first day I ever tried it with a belt. I am not sure if it was the belt or how the sweater photographs, but something wasn't sitting right with me when I looked over the final product. After I assessed all my photos, I felt that the belt definitely made the ensemble look a little more costumey... if that's even a word. I finally came to the conclusion that the look just wasn't "me".

Check some of the photos below. I removed the belt to see if I'd like the look better. Let me know what you think! To belt? Or Not to belt?

I love this necklace! A simple little bday gift to myself. Its so delicate and pretty. I am really simple when it comes to jewelry. I think this is a staple I can wear everyday. Much like my rings also seen in this photo. 

(Please disregard my unmanicured nails... I really should do something about that.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this day with my sis. Love every minute with her! So thankful for her and her love and patience for me. Not only are my photos way more fantastic when she's behind the lens, but I have so much more fun when we're together. What an awesome thing to have someone as wonderful as she is in my life... and to be able to call her my family. I am beyond blessed.

Just a tiny update! I realized that my blog settings were not allowing people to comment on my site unless they had a blog themselves. How lame! I went ahead and switched that, so feel free to to send your outfitting questions my way OR if you wouldn't mind let me in on some of your style inspirations... I'd love it!

Outfit Breakdown

Sweater Ross Vip $26

Black Mini Dress H&M $10

Leggings Gap $12

Boots Cathy Jean $35

Bag Marshall's Olive + Joy $24

Necklace TJ Maxx ??? $16

Closet Raid!

It didn't even know what was coming...

I recently had the chance to raid my next model's closet. And let's just say, it was definitely a successful mission. My mystery model was looking to do some purging, but more importantly, she wanted me to take the very clothes that stare at her from her closet every day and turn them into new outfits. Challenge accepted! I get that when we see the same clothes over and over, it can be a daunting task to try to imagine and come up with different ways to put these older pieces together. Sometimes, all you need is a fresh pair of eyes, preferably a pair that also has a love for outfitting ;)

That's were I come in. We started by pulling out items that were rarely worn. If it was something dated, uncomfortable, or ill fitting... it went in the bye-bye pile. If it was an article of clothing that wasn't her style, reasonable for her daily lifestyle, or something she hadn't worn in ages... it went in the "Bin It" pile. 

*Side Note: I just recently I received an exclusive sneak peak to this fantastic fashion swapping boutique called CottonBin. Instead of having take photos of your own clothing and then barter for cash, CottonBin will send you a prelabeled shipping bag so you can just pack up your clothes, send them in, and obtain points to shop in their online boutique. Simple & Brilliant! 
(Request your own exclusive invitation today! https://cottonbin.com/register)

After the purge, we moved on to the fun part. Outfit making! My beautiful model needed some casual work attire, plus some fun outfits for being out and about, while still looking put together.

Here is I came up with:

Casual Work or On Trend Fun.

The main piece to this outfit is the great fitting navy dress shown in both photos. Its structured and detailed beautiful so that it can be worn with heels and a blazer for a business meeting, or for a more casual work day as shown below.

In this photo, the dress and scarf are
 paired with a great kahki jacket and
cognac wedge booties.

Here the dress is paired with a plaid printed

scarf, a boyfriend gray blazer, and leather 

cognac boots.

Day Out or Night Out.

Here we have a fun tribal print skirt... one of witch was driving my model nuts! She'd tried this skirt with what seemed to be, just about everything in her closet. She wanted to wear it as a pencil style high waist, with a cute top tucked in. However, the construction of the waistline of this piece was just not allowing the look she was hoping for. So, we tried something different.

Here I paired the same skirt with a simple, yet
elegant ivory blouse, a black leather jacket,
leather studded heals, and Kate Spade
Christmas gift that was able to add
a little pop of color to the ensemble. 

The photo is a little blurry, but you can see
the violet and gold pattern b&w skirt.
First, I pair it with just the black top,
but it was in need of a little something extra.
The gold scarf did the trick without looking too
matchy-matchy.

Casual & Classy.

This next outfit is pretty much the same, except for the shoes. But notice, the shoes pretty much change the whole feeling of this outfit. The classic nude pumps make this classy outfit look a little more sleek, while the booties give a more playful, ready for fun, vibe.

Favorite.

This last outfit was never tried on, but while my model was sampling outfits, I eyed these key pieces lying on the bed, thew them together, and snapped a photo... voila! A fun chic outfit ready for a night out with friends. Love the patterns together and the pop of color in the scarf.

Had so much fun going through another closet and mixing and matching my way throw endless outfits. Hope you enjoyed just a taste of what was discovered. Maybe this will inspire you to see what hidden outfit ideas are just waiting to be found behind the closed doors of your own closet. Feel free to let me know what you discover and how you wore it! Love seeing individual style... I am inspired by it every day.

Happy raiding!

So Cal Christmas

Well, "sunny and 75" can pretty much describe our Southern California Christmas this year... except it was more like sunny and 80 degrees, but whatever. My immediate family still has yet to celebrate our "official" Christmas, because one key member wasn't able to be here on Dec. 25th this year. That's okay, days are just days, its when you have the ones around you that matter most that makes any day special. 

Now, on to the clothes!  

The weather has been way too warm lately and shouldn't even have the right to call itself winter! However, though we've faced temperatures ranging from 65-85 degrees during the day. The nights have gotten a little chilly. My choice outfit for this post is casual and comfy. It pretty much goes with what I have been doing for the past few days... lounging, watching movies, and hanging out with family.

These are night photos. So, they are not as pretty and bright as I'm used to, but they give you the idea of the look. Notice... layering darling! When warm days turn into cool nights, layer will be your best friend. Here, I have on a short white mini dress (which I usually use as a bathing suit cover in the summer. Summer to Winter... see what I did there ;). I paired the mini dress with black leggings and boots. As it got more chilly I just kept adding. A light sweater, a soft scarf, some finger-less gloves, and a cute hat (which you can see in the photos below). Easy, effortless, and comfortable. You can add or discard layers as the weather, or your environment (outside to inside) changes. If I were to be outside very long, I would have just added a black coat for extra warmth, but for the short period of time I was outside, this was perfect.

These finger-less gloves are a fave when cold weather hits.
 I have another pair in grey!
This hat adds a bit of color without drawing extreme amounts of attention.

Olive crossbody bag. Goes with pretty
much everything.

Stayed with grays, blacks and whites. I added
a little color with my hat and bag.

Accessories, even if subtle and simple, always add a little something special to every outfit.

So there you have it. Warm to cool all in a days work. I'll and post another trial later on with this same concept but change it from casual to more work appropriate attire. 

Hope you all reading this had a wonderful Christmas, whether you celebrated on Wednesday or haven't gotten the celebration in yet, my prayer is that you had people around you who love you and who you love.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday season!!

Outfit Breakdown

Hat: Gap $12

Sweater: Banana Republic $15

Scarf: Payless $10

Gloves: Gap $12

Mini Dress: Banana Republic $11

Leggings: Gap $12

Leather Boots: Cathy Jean $60
Bag: Marshall's Olive & Joy $24

Well now, these are few of my favorite things...

So, I was just going to put up a "winter outfit" post (as in Southern California "winter"), but when I put my outfit together, I realized I grabbed a few of my favorite cold weather pieces. So, I figured I'd just share these favorites with you! If you can't tell, I've been pretty excited about the cool weather. And that excitement, mixed with great accessory and clothing finds, can make for pretty fun outfit planning ;)

For those of you who do not know, last year I was on the constant hunt for a leather (sans the leather) jacket. 

Well, last year I found one! And a great website which made it all possible. Check out ideeli.com and sign up to check out what they have to offer. If you're looking for something special, or enjoy designer pieces, ideeli runs flash sales that last anywhere from a couple days to a few hours and will have great discounts on whatever they are promoting. 

The color looks much more "purple" in this photo than it does in real life.
Its much closer to a maroon color and it mixes well with earth tones.

For instance, I found this fantastic faux leather Kenneth Cole jacket in a lovely grape hue for $40 on ideeli. Fantastic! 

It's always a gamble purchasing items online, but  when I bought it, I fortunately had already seen a similar jacket to this one in the Kenneth Cole store. Thus, I had the chance to try it on. I loved it! (obviously.) And still do! I continuously find myself pulling it out of my closet to wear with everything this season. 

When looking for a leather style jacket, I had constantly looked for a black or tan one. However, when I laid eyes on this lovely grapevine color, my eyes were opened and my style horizon, broadened. ;) I think its great how the grape can go with subtle more earth tone hues that I constantly find myself wearing.

Oh... and did I happen to mention I love scarves?

Found this lovely scarf at Nordstrom for $20! This is a definite favorite from my closet. I feel like I'm daily pulling it out to throw it on with whatever I am wearing. (I guess I actually may wear it a bit too often... but shhhhhh don't tell! ;)

This infinity scarf always folds elegantly.

Always have on my favorite rings.

These BOOTS.

A fantastic Marshall's find! Rocket Dog... $39.99.

Love the laces. Love the color. Love the distress.

Super comfy. I pretty much wear them all the time.

 Well...

that's all I've got. Loving the chill in the air. Loving the layers. What are some of your favorite pieces that you just can't help grabbing out of your closet? Are they seasonal? Or just a must... always? Feel free to share your inspirations... or your comfort musts!

Outfit Breakdown

Jacket: ideeli Kenneth Cole $40

Scarf: Nordstrom David & Young $20

Top: Sun Diego Billabong $12

Jeans: Marshall's Nine West $25

Boots: Marshall's Rocket Dog $40