My wardrobe is super simple… lots of solids, a few simple prints and mostly pieces I can mix and match. This is sometimes referred to as a capsule wardrobe. Not familiar with this term? PINTEREST is your FRIEND.
This is the first of a three-part series on fall/winter staples for casual days. In this post, we focus on tops. Next will be bottoms, then a final post with everything else (accessories, shoes, scarfs)! All the pieces mentioned below are super accessible. You can go high-end or low-end, based on your personal preferences and/or budget – the end result will be EXACTLY the same!
PSA: I don’t spend a lot of money on clothes. Handbags and accessories, now that’s a different story! #pickyourpoison #unlessyouarerich
The key to looking chic is to keep it simple. The fewer colors you wear, the more chic you look! #facts Find a piece you like and buy in multiple colors!
(pictures not my own)
Long sleeve shirts. I always purchase these from Banana Republic. They come in many colors; but, my staples are white, gray and black. Add in a white long-sleeve shirt with black horizontal stripes to your list as well as corresponding short sleeve plain shirts.
Boyfriend shirts. For, um… layers! (who wears coats anymore??) You only need two: one camouflage and one jean material. For camouflage, check Nordstrom or Express. My jean shirt is from Target – I wanted plain jean shirt, no fading, no embellishments, no buttons… sigh; but, you can find these anywhere (Macy’s). If you want to be a little more fancy, add a red buffalo check shirt – this one is men’s (couldn’t find a women’s version online).
One button black blazer. This is a must have! Wear it on top of the shirts described above or over a graphic t-shirt for an extra snazzy look. J. Crew
Puffer vest from The North Face. In the absence of a coat this piece really does need to work and will last you a VERY longtime! J. Crew also has some nice ones.
That’s it y’all! You won’t find me in much more than these pieces on the weekends.
Stay tuned for my next post – fall/winter staples – bottoms!
Most bloggers share this kind of information on YouTube. I’ve watched many videos and I’m completely #over watching people take things in and out of bags. đ
Over the past five (5) years I’ve taken at least fifteen (15) international trips and have had many more domestic excursions. Over time I have PERFECTED MY TRAVEL TECHNIQUE. It’s actually a fun experience for me! So I thought I would share all the fabulous items I take with me on trips (or on holiday as our European friends would say đ). Before we start, let’s get one thing out of the way: I NEVER CHECK BAGS no matter where I’m going or for how long. I’ve made a carry-on suitcase and a tote/backpack work for two-week trips to Europe so I know you can do it for a weekend getaway or even a week-long trip (with a little a lot of planning).
Travel mantra: Organize! Everything has a place and every place has a thing.
This is my PERSONAL ITEM (something that will fit underneath the seat). I am currently using the Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack. I absolutely â¤ď¸ it and it holds SO MUCH! How much? Everything you see in the picture above! (click the image to zoom in)
Now, let’s move on to the SUITCASE, also known as the meat & potatoes of travel. I use Bric’s Belagio 21″ Roller.
On one side I pack all of my clothes. Mostly solid/plain pieces that I can mix and match. For every 1 pair of pants I will take 2 shirts (remember to count the bottoms you are wearing!) The trip I’m currently packing for is only 3 days (Saturday – Monday) so I packed 1 additional pair of pants besides the jeans I wore on the plane, 2 shirts and 1 jean shirt. See below for the 3 outfits I made from this combination. (see also Meaningful Holidays)
day 1
day 2
day 3
pajamas, jcrew style đ
Side 1 of my suitcase was pretty easy. Side 2? Not so much! đŠ This is where my mantra REALLY comes into play (O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-Eâď¸). Take a look at side 2 below. This is where I pack everything else:
Looks nice and neat right? That’s because it is! ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE! On the left hand side:
Finally, there’s a sleep mask from J. Crew đ This one is sold out but here’s another good option from Slip Beauty that’s also on my wish list.
non-liquid items
daily smaller-size go-to makeup essentials
tech stuff
On the right hand side is:
Get ready for this super travel tip: my Gucci Soho Disco Handbag serves as storage for all of my underwear, socks, comb, hair bonnet and my prescription glasses! (GREAT way to help the bag keep it’s shape while on the go!)
The Anya Hindmarch In Flight Case has all of my liquids: makeup, skin care, etc. â¤ď¸â¤ď¸â¤ď¸ this bag and the contents EVEN MORE! This case has two sides: Take Off (deepest) and Touch Down (more shallow). I ALWAYS buy smaller sizes of the products I use everyday to take with me. #justsayno to those clear plastic containers that can all contain what can appear to be  mystery liquid. #nobueno đđ˝ I absolutely love all of my things and I want to see them in as close to their original form as possible!!! đ
Finally, I have a Tory Burch umbrella (no longer available âšď¸).
Did you notice there’s no jewelry mentioned? That’s because I don’t wear much. I usually take 1-2 bracelets and it’s on me at all times: a dainty necklace, my pandora thumb ring, michael kors watch, some form of  studs for earrings and my wedding ring – that’s it!
Hi there đ
One button black blazer. This is a must have! Wear it on top of the shirts described above or over a graphic t-shirt for an extra snazzy look. J. Crew
Bri Alys, LLC 