On My Radar

Getting older means a lot of things, but for me it means choosing where I spend wisely. Making smart choices isn't always about buying the cheapest option, but rather the best option for yourself. You've probably seen that quote that says "buy the best and you'll only cry once," and I truly believe that. I am buying a lot less these days, and saving up for quality pieces to build my wardrobe with the classics. Where to start can be a daunting task, but luckily there are some great lists out there on how to stock your closet (I took my inspiration from this one in particular). While I won't be acquiring everything at once, I am taking baby steps to build a classic wardrobe that will serve me for years.

Accessories: Skinny Belt, Matching Lace Bra & Panty, Tortoise Sunnies, Opaque Tights, Shawl, 

                     Leather Bag, Evening Clutch, Tote, Black Swimwear 

Bottoms: Dark Jeans, Skinny Black Pants, White Denim, Trousers, Flared Skirt, Pencil Skirt,

               Maxi Skirt

Jewelry: Gold Watch, Pearl Necklace, Diamond Studs, Statement Necklace, Pearl Studs

Shoes: Sandals, Ballet Flats, Sneakers, Loafers, Black Pumps, Tall Leather Boots

Tops: Striped Boatneck Shirt, Silk Cami, Long Sleeve Tee, Polo Shirt, Dressy Tank, Tunic, Wrap 

          Sweater, Cashmere V-Neck, White Button Down Shirt, Silk Shirt, White Tee, Cashmere  

          Cardigan

Outerwear: Navy Blazer, Wool Coat, Leather Jacket, Denim Jacket, Trench Coat

Dresses: Comfortable Maxi Dress, Little Black Dress, Sun Dress, Shirt Dress

If you made a list of closet staples, what else would be on your list? I would love to know how you would further expand upon this list!

Wardrobe Staples: Jewelry

You may be noticing that I have a theme lately when it comes to my wardrobe: staple pieces. I am really into building my wardrobe around key pieces that are really versatile and timeless. With clothes, I've stepped up the quality of what I'm purchasing because it's right for me, but when it comes to accessorizing the budget-friendly possibilities are endless. 

I spent a few months gathering accessories to create my day and night time looks that I can really wear with anything and on any occasion. For day I like a nice watch, small studs, one small ring, perhaps a bracelet, and small necklace. At night if I am feeling more adventurous I tend to pair a bigger necklace with fancier studs, a fun bracelet, and a cocktail ring.

Jewelry is a really personal thing, and there isn't a wrong way to wear it. My philosophy is "keep it simple," but I do envy people who can pull off more elaborate looks. What are your go to pieces when it comes to jewelry?

Quality Over Quantity

Lately I've been thinking a lot about staple pieces when it comes to my wardrobe. I'm tired of having a full closet with "nothing to wear," poorly made/ill fitting cheap clothing, or things that I don't want to wear anymore a few seasons after purchasing. I've never been huge on trendy items, but I am guilty of having one too many "going out" shirts that haven't seen the light of day recently... or ever. The truth is I don't go out like I used to, and when I do I'm probably just dressing up items I wear on the regular with accessories. 


I'm pretty picky when it comes to what I like to wear. Fortunately/unfortunately I still care about my appearance, and as I've gotten older it's becoming more and more my reality. Gone are the days of dropping $150 at Forever21 for me (there is nothing wrong with purchasing clothes at Forever21 I am just at a point in my life where I would rather save money and invest in pieces I can have for the long run). Sure I came home with 12 items, but those weren't quality pieces that I was adding to my closet. Instead I'm opting for pieces I can build upon, mix and match, and when cared for correctly use for years to come. 

I came across this great list "50 Classics for Your Closet" from Matchbook Magazine and think it's one of the more universal compilations out there. I already had a lot of items on the list, but it made me hopeful that pretty soon I will have everything I need for a classic base wardrobe that I can build upon for years to come. This list helped me cut down on shopping, clean out and declutter my closet, and got me thinking of investing in my clothes (which is ultimately investing in myself). As the quote above states, I buy less and make better decisions about what I do buy. What are your closet staples? I'd love to hear all about them!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I might be the only one and I don't care if I am, but I am really over summer. DC has been miserable and this is coming from someone who has lived in Louisiana... it's plain awful here. We're having a really strange weather day since it's only in the mid 70s, but it reminded me how much I love fall here and how excited I am for September to get here. 

Fall is my favorite time of year. Football/tailgating season is back, sweaters and boots are appropriate, and everything is pumpkin or cider themed (really what's not to love???). I especially love my wardrobe staples for the cooler months. I think last year I really started to think of closet staples and investment pieces rather than super trendy cheaper items. I really believe in quality over quantity these days when it comes to your wardrobe. Why buy something you don't love and won't love for another year? I rounded up some of my favorites for fall. These pieces are versatile, can be dressed up or down, and can be mixed and matched in so many ways. What are your staple pieces for fall? Are there items you just can't live without?