Wardrobe Upgrade- Keep it Simple

Like I touched on in my last post,  I’ve been wanting to switch up my style a bit. I don’t know if it’s getting older or moving to new place, but I’ve had a recent desire to completely overhaul my wardrobe. Over the last year or so I realized that though the clothes I have are great, I have a big chunk that are just ok. They’re not great quality, they’re not versatile, they don’t showcase my current style to the fullest, and they certainly don’t “Spark Joy”. So this year I’m looking to really take stock of my wardrobe and transform it into something that serves my current style.

Capsule Inspired

For the the past few years I’ve been really inspired by capsule wardrobes. As someone that constantly reaches for the same few outfits every season, it seems reasonable to have a smaller closet full of high quality versatile items. While I don’t plan on curating my own capsule, I do want to incorporate some of the basic capsule tenets into my wardrobe. Mainly quality over quantity, having more versatile quality basics/ pieces,  and having a wardrobe full of pieces that you love and wear. While I’m not going to completely purge my wardrobe, I do want to continue to eliminate items in my closet that I don’t love as I transition quality/ more thoughtfully acquired items into it.

The Vision

So what’s the style you’re going for? you might ask. Well I’ve come to the realization that the outfits and styles I’m drawn to the most are simple classic pieces with a little funk/retro/vintage/edgy flare. As I get older I’ve realized I want a slightly more sophisticated wardrobe, but also one that has fun and isn’t afraid to mix in trends. The problem is that my wardrobe lacks some good quality basics. These basics are an important part of any wardrobe but especially one that you want to curate around chic simplicity. Needless to say this is going to be a long ongoing process, but I hope to have a more curated and easier to navigate wardrobe in the end.

Inspiration

What Now?

So now that I have a basic idea of where I want to take my wardrobe the first thing I need to do is invest in some quality basics. Basics are the building blocks with which I hope to build my new wardrobe. My plan is to go through my closet and take inventory of what basics I already have, what basics I’m missing, and which pieces I need to replace. Then I’ll have a a good list of the pieces I want to acquire. All of that will be coming up in a future blog post, so keep an eye out for that one!

Skirting the Issue

Skirting the Issue

Skirting the Issue by cleopatrajonez featuring a zipper skirt
  

     Since about mid-March I’ve been scoring the internet and local retail/thrift stores for the perfect summer dress. Unfortunately I haven’t found anything I’ve liked enough to buy. In fact I’ve been having a pretty dismal time trying to find dresses in general that I like.  Luckily though great skirt options have become abundant. So, I couldn’t help myself from splurging on  few skirts for summer. Here are a few of the skirts I’ve been drooling over lately. 

Thinking outside of my style comfort box

leather and sheer

      Maybe it’s the extreme heat or all the flouncy skirts I’ve been wearing so far this summer, but for some reason I’m craving neutrals, blacks, leather and sheer. I’ve been thinking about my wardrobe and I’ve found myself craving slightly edgier pieces.  This sort of look is a little outside what I usually go for, as there is no color and lots of black, but I kind of love that. I’m having visions of neutral sheer blouses with skinny black pants and leather, things I wouldn’t have pick previously. These visions aren’t exactly season appropriate, it seems a bit looney to be thinking of leather in the recent heat wave we’ve been having, but I can’t help when inspiration hits. Plus, a lot of these looks could work for summer given many of the tops are sheer or light weight. I’m trying to save some money so these things will have to wait for a little while, which is fine since they’re really mostly fall/winter appropriate. But when labor day sales hit, watch out!

Summer Wishlist

Summer Wishlist

Summer Wishlist by cleopatrajonez featuring a lace dress


With warmer weather, green grass and buds on trees I find myself pining for the long warm days of summer. Of course this also means dreaming up outfits for those warm summer days and nights. The list above is a collection of things I’m currently looking for in thrift stores, possibly DIY projects and some items I’m contemplating buying retail. This set is maxi free because I’ve recently acquired two maxi skirts, so they’re no longer on the top of my look-for list. 

1. Lace dress. I haven’t been sure whether or not to get a lace dress for awhile. Now I’m kind of sold on the idea and am on the look out for a cute lace dress.

2. A Cute pair of wedges. Though I have a pair of cute thrifted wedges I’m still on the lookout for a nice pair of strappy wedges. I’m also looking for some more flats since most of mine have seen better days.

3.  Retro inspired Glasses. Though I still love my current glasses I’ve been pining for a new pair for a while. I’m pretty into the retro inspired styles that are trendy at the moment. I figure since my current glasses are pretty classic I can go for a trendier look. At first I wanted a wayfarer but now I’m leaning towards the half-rim wayfarer-esque ones above. 

4. A cute and easy summer dress. I have a bunch of dresses but I’m always on the lookout for a fun flirty summer dress . Basically a dress that’s light and breezy and works well from day to night. 

5. Black and white striped T. I’ve been looking for a while for a chunkier black and white striped T-shirt. I plan to pair it with my new maxi skirts for a cute and casual look. So far I’ve had no luck at the thrift store and am tempted to buy the one above from Zara. 

6. Collar. Collars have been trendy or awhile but for one reason or another I haven’t acquired any clothes with collars or any detachable ones. I’m currently looking for a detachable one that tickles my fancy. I’d love to find a really cool vintage one or a cheap one. I’ve also seen some really cool peter pan collar DIY’s that I might try as well.

7. Chambray button down. I’ve been looking for a chambray button down for the last month or so. This is another thing I plan to pair with my new maxi’s. I’ve found some in thrift stores but none were perfect, so the search goes on. The one above is from Old Navy and I’m slightly tempted to buy it, but I still have that voice in the back of my head that knows I can find one for cheap at the thrift store. 

8. Colored Pants. I didn’t jump on this trend when it emerged this fall but I’m now ready to embrace the look. I got some cobalt pants from Target that I love and now colored pants have made it onto my list of things to look for at the thrift store.

Mad for Mad Men

Image Via AMC

If you like television like I like television, which is perhaps a bit too much, then you’re probably just as psyched for the return of Mad Men today. I didn’t actually start watching Mad Men until 2010, I’d heard so many good things about it and its style but just hadn’t put in the time to get into it. Anyway I totally got sucked in and quickly caught up on seasons 1-3. So, when I heard last year Mad Men wasn’t returning until 2012 I was bummed.  Though I tried to quell my thirst for the Drapers with sub-par 60’s dramas (*cough* Pan Am *cough*) there’s nothing like the real things, and I’m glad It’s finally back! So of course I had to do a Mad Men post in celebration of the 2 hour season premier tonight.
     
        Mad Men is pretty well known for it’s style so what better way to celebrate its return then through a post celebrating the style of it’s leading ladies.

Betty Draper

 First up is Betty Draper ex-wife of Don, disgruntled housewife, and WASP. In other words the ultimate 1950’s housewife. Mad Men is of course set in the 1960’s but Betty’s style is most definitely informed by 50’s fashion, including the classic 50’s circle skirt silhouette. When she’s not in a skirt or dress she goes full WASP in her classic equestrian chic look.
And of Course what would a Betty Draper post be without disheveled Betty.

Anyway here’s my take on Betty’s look. This is actually my Halloween costume from 2010 when I went as a 50’s housewife.  Betty’s look is very 50’s housewife with pearls, circle skirts, cardigans and heels. She is always dressed to the nines and never skips a beat, even when she’s sad Betty.

Cardigan and Skirt: Vintage  Shoes: Urban Outfitters  Necklace and Earrings: Target  Bracelet: Marshall Fields (before Macy’s took over)

Joan Holloway aka Joan Harris

 The second and probably most iconic look of all the female Mad Men Characters is Joan. Sassy, in charge and sexy Joan is the office Marilyn and always dresses the part. With Christina Hendircks’ fabulous curves Joan’s style is sleek, tailored and sexy. Joan is an ace at knowing what works for her body. Unafraid of color Joan’s look incorporates bold color with slim silhouettes that accentuate her tiny waist and lovely curves.

I have a couple looks that would work for Joan but I haven’t blogged them yet and want to save them for future posts. This entry from the skirt challenge, though, works equally as well.  What makes it very Joan to me is the pencil skirt, bold color and highlighted waist. When letting out your inner Joan highlighting your curves is of the utmost importance as is incorporating solid bright colors.
 Shirt and Skirt: Thrift Shoes: Urban Outfitters Necklace: Target

MARGARET ‘PEGGY’ OLSON

Finally we have Peggy the smart, modern, working girl carving out a place amongst the men at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Peggy’s style is very 50’s school girl but seems to be evolving into a bit more of a mature style, with a few school girl touches. Despite being in her 20’s her style is fairly Juvenile. Peggy is often shown in more muted tones with bold, simple patterns and higher necklines.

Peggy’s style is the hardest to translate for me but I think this dress works well. Peggy doesn’t work as many brights solids as Joan but she’s sort of the middle point between Joan and Betty. Peggy incorporates both full and pencil skirts, bright and muted colors and a variety of patterns. Though it’s a tad brighter than Peggy’s general palate and the neckline is a bit lower then Peggy’s normal ware I think this dress works fairly well for a Peggy look and it’s also my OOTD for today. 
excuse the floors that need to be sanded

Dress: ASOS Scarf: Thrift Shoes: DSW  Bag: Thrift (originally from Target)  Scarf: Vintage
And just for shits n’ giggles I had to add a picture of my favorite male character and silver fox on the show, Roger Sterling. Le swoon. 
*all Images via google images and AMC
Whose style do you like the best? Which TV characters do you wish you had full closet access to?

2011 asos purchases

2011 asos purchases

          
             Since I’m newly re-unemployed I’m going back to my “don’t buy any new (non thrift/ secondhand) clothes until employed” pledge. I may have to cave and buy a couple pairs of pants at some point, but I’m gonna try and look for them awhile in thrift stores first. Anyway while I was still technically employed (last week) and Asos was having a sale, I decided I should go for it and buy a few last minute pieces I’ve been drooling over for a while. As you can see this year I’m all about the statement Jewelry, which is good since one of my weaker fashion skills is accessorizing. I’m hoping to step up my accessorizing game this year and, of course, channel Liz Taylor as Cleopatra as much as possible. I’d been drooling over the statement necklace ever since I saw it on Asos and since it was on sale and back in stock I decided the time was right to buy. The earrings weren’t on sale but are so cute I couldn’t resist. The mesh shirt is a bit of a departure for me, especially since it’s January and cold. I bought this black forever 21 dress a couple years ago, as a bit of an impulse buy, that I really like but it’s sleeveless. I don’t mind sleeveless but this is a short black tube dress and wearing it as is just didn’t feel very me. I’d been looking for a good sheer/mesh shirt to put under it but hadn’t found anything good, so when I saw this online I knew it would be perfect. I still have to try it on with the dress and make sure it works though. There was another item, a mesh bodysuit, on Asos that also would have worked. But, years of Dance leotards and  less then fond memories of bodysuits I wore when I was 5 deterred me from buying it. I figured this shirt would get me more mileage, it’ll work well with the dress, as a shirt with a tank top underneath during the summer and possibly with a blazer during the winter. Anyway if I hate it with the dress I can always return it and get the bodysuit (same price). Finally I’ve been lusting after this red knit dress for a while. It has a 50’s cut to it and seems a little Cleopatra to me. I think with a statement necklace and some cute shoes it’ll be fabulous. Anyway you should be seeing these in outfit posts as soon as I receive them and I’ll let you know how they are in person.

          So after my few months of relatively little thrifting (gasp) I’m getting back in full gear for the new year. First though, I think I’m gonna go through my closet and see what I can donate and try to come up with creative way to wear stuff that’s I already own but rarely wear or haven’t worn yet. I love thrifting but I’m gonna try and spend as little money as possible, period, until I get another job. I’m also gonna try and be more selective while thrifting. I’m usually pretty good at this but there’s always room for improvement. So that should keep be busy for a while and hopefully drum up some content for the blog as well. 

Recently Aquired

Recently aquired
     
            Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I got a new to me computer and have not been able to find the disk for my camera’s software and have been a bit lazy to use the other computer to post. But, I will definitely post my new year’s outfit and blog more in the new year.  I haven’t really acquired much fashion-y things lately. I’ve been waiting for after Christmas sales, been trying to save money and haven’t been to many thrift stores. Anyway I figured I’d give an update on the things I’ve recently bought/ received for Christmas.
1. In November after lusting after this Asos dress for a while, I finally caved and bought it as a birthday present to myself. It had been sold out in my size for a while so when it came back in stock, in my size and on a weekend when they had a 20% off coupon code I just couldn’t resist.  It’s sparkly and fun and I’m totally in love with it.
2. If you haven’t noticed I’m going through kind of a Cleopatra phase, which basically means I’m obsessed with statement jewelry and simple solid colored dresses. When I saw this necklace on A Beautiful Mess, it was just too perfect. Very Cleopatra. But, it’s a bit pricey so I asked for it for Christmas and I got it! It’s definitely my favorite gift this year and I’ll be working it into an outfit post soon.
3. As you know my mission this fall was to find knee high boots. While I’m still in search for more lovely boots I finally made a purchase earlier this month. I found these boots on Payless.com while casually surfing and immediately liked the style and price. I haven’t been able to wear them much, the pitfalls of a work uniform, but you’ll definitely be seeing them soon.
4. I finally caved and bought the Nasty Gal draped across dress. I ended up getting it in Melon, which wasn’t my first or second choice but the only color I liked left in my size. I’m still not 100% on the color but it’s pushing me outside of my color comfort zone and it’s growing on me. I do, though, love the cut of the dress and was pleased to find that the deep V doesn’t drape as deeply as shown in the above picture.  It’ll be fabulous in the summer and I’ll try to figure out a way to wear it in the winter as well.
5. This summer I became obsessed with Melody Ehsani Jewelry when browsing the jewelry section on Karmaloop. These earrings were available in the summer but by the time I got any money they were out of stock. Luckily the designer has them for sale on her personal site.  I asked for them (in gold) for christmas and got them. They’re huge but super cool and totally go with my Cleopatra phase, I mean they have king tut on them!

Anyway I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or just a good December 25th. I probably won’t be posting until the New Year so I hope you have a fun New Year’s Eve and I’ll be back January 1st, 2012 with a new outfit post!