Closet Classics: Creating An Effortless Wardrobe

As I've gotten older, I've realized I have been drawn to "style" more than "fashion" when it comes to clothing. I used to love finding trendy "cheap" pieces at places like Target and Forever 21, but now those pieces frustrate me hanging in my closet. Time and time again I am faced with the age old dilemma "I have nothing to wear!" yet my closet is full.

Now that I am almost in my 30's, I crave a wardrobe that is simple, classic and full of pieces that are effortless and always look great. You know me, I'd much rather spend money on something for my house than something for my closet.. which is why I want to start becoming intentional with my wardrobe and stop buying "cheap and trendy" clothes on an impulse.

So, I've decided to start a "Closet Classics" list to keep me on track to creating an effortless wardrobe that works for the age I am now (and will work for years to come!) 

PANTS

Classic Black Pants

Dark Skinny Jeans

Wide Leg Jeans

Casual Medium Wash Distressed Jeans

White Jeans

TOPS

White Blouse

Chambray Button Down

Classic White T-Shirt

Cotton (or Linen) Oxford

Dressy Tank

Tunic

Blazer

SKIRTS & DRESSES

Little Black Dress

Sundress

Day To Night Dress

Pencil Skirt

Flowy Skirt

SHOES

Bold Statement Flats

Classic Black Flats

Casual Strappy Sandals

Wedges

Boots

Pumps

ACCESSORIES

Wide Leather Belt

 Skinny Belt

 Scarves

Leather Bag

Khaki Trench

I created this list for myself to work off of. There isn't a set number of items, and I'm sure I'll add to it as seasons change, etc. There also may be multiple pieces per item (i.e. blazer, tunic, dressy tank). But my intention is to keep my closet as simple and streamlined as possible. 

I also want to note some of my thoughts: 

+ Live Within Your Means: As much as I would love to go out and buy really high quality pieces at Neimans, it's important to live within your means. For me, a splurge is J.Crew or Anthropologie. As I grow older, I will be able to replace pieces with better quality pieces, but for now I'll try to get the best quality for my budget. 

+ Be Ruthless: One fault of mine is that I often buy things and then after a couple times wearing it, I don't like how it fits. I'm going to be ruthless before buying something to make sure that I only buy pieces that fit PERFECTLY and make me feel great in them. 

+ Stop Shopping: I think the best way to be intentional about my closet is to stop shopping. I know, that doesn't make sense. But I mean stop shopping while I'm out and about. When I buy online, I can think things through a little more, and I don't buy on impulse. It also helps to try on the clothes in my own house, so I can really concentrate on whether or not the fit is right. Plus, many companies offer free shipping both ways, which is great!

I'll be sharing my progress with you.. I hope you'll like this new "series"! I got some birthday money from my parents, so I'll be getting a couple new pieces soon. 

Have any of you edited and simplified your closet before? I'd love to hear any ideas/comments/great places to get classic pieces.

New Pics & New Year

Last night I got some new portfolio pictures up on my website of the "pink project". I have loved this project from Day 1 when my client was on board to paint her walls a beautiful, soft pink (I can't remember the exact paint color off the top of my head but I think it was Hint of Pink by BM).

Along with her living room and dining room, I also worked on her playroom. My favorite part are all the books... they became a part of the design when we hung them in acrylic shelves :)

Also, today I turn 29! It's a pretty low key birthday.. but I will be celebrating my favorite way: overindulging on really good food and drinks at one of my favorite restaurants and then eating a red velvet cupcake for dessert :)

A Dreamy Closet & A Mustard Yellow Ottoman

This amazing closet has been popping up in my Pinterest feed lately.. I can't even imagine having a closet like this (and the clothes to fill it!)

Nate Berkus

But it wasn't the closet that caught my attention, it was gorgeous mustard yellow ottoman. It reminds me of the mustard yellow ottoman I selected for my shop!

For those of us who don't have such a fabulous closet, here are some pieces to create a "look for less" that would work anywhere in your home:

Ottoman // Grasscloth Wallpaper // Glass Chandelier // Rug // Door Paint