A Capsule Wardrobe

These past few weeks, I've been in a rut in regards to my outfits. Every morning, I stand in front of my closet for 15 minutes deciding what to wear and end up throwing on the closest thing that isn't wrinkled. If you look at this month's search history on my computer, it's: "ways to freshen up your wardrobe" or "working with what you have." I've been struggling to make things seem fresh when the weather/season feels anything but. I think the winter blues are finally catching up with me! After all, my least favorite month out of the year (March) is quickly approaching. 

I read a couple of articles recently about creating a capsule wardrobe. Meaning, a wardrobe made up of key basics that can be mixed and matched to create a whole bunch of different/chic outfits. The idea struck me- could this be what I had been waiting for? It was like a lightbulb moment for me. I realized that re-wearing the same pieces didn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. I could actually make my everyday life a whole lot easier. 

The other night, I took everything out of my closet and evaluated each item of clothing separately. I decided on a color scheme (navy/white/touches of black). When I finished separating my clothes into "keep" and "give away" piles, I had gotten rid of 75% of my closet! It was so scary because my closet looked bare with a ton of space. Here is a picture of one finished part: (note, I also have a large dresser): 

There's hardly anything in there! None the less, I'm glad I took that first step. You can see on the right side, I have a small section for "statement" tops (i.e. anything that isn't within my main color palette). But for the most part, I stuck to white, navy and black. I'm going to experiment with this for a little while, and see how I like it. I figured winter should only last another month or two- so if I end up hating this type of wardrobe, I'm going to go right back to my usual spring/summer clothes once the season arrives around April. But for now, this is a fun test to see what I can come up with! This isn't to say that all of my outfits on this blog are going to be more or less the same. There's a huge difference between nice outfits I post and what I actually wear on a daily basis. The effect I'm going for here, is a wardrobe that can work on an everyday basis. Simple (maybe boring), but still chic. 

You may have noticed the lack of outfit posts on my blog. This is because I have not yet found a photographer to shoot with- my sister used to help me out with these things, but she's gotten busy over the past few months and just doesn't have time/gets annoyed with me always asking for pictures, ha. So, I'm on the lookout for someone to help me! 

This post was kind of all over the place. I hope I got across what I wanted to get across! Basically, I'm trying something new with my wardrobe and plan on providing updates throughout the whole process. 

Some posts that inspired me to take on this project: 

1. How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe 

2. Wardrobe Staples (I found this a good list to go off of) 

3. Creating a 5-Piece French Wardrobe 

Thanks for reading! 

-Ashley Ann 

A Few Things I Have My Eye On

Is it just me, or did basically every retailer release a bunch of new spring/summer arrivals this weekend? I am over-the-moon with everything that's been coming out (especially you, JCrew). My bank account is going to take a huge hit after I order just about everything on the JCrew website! After an entire winter season of not purchasing anything from Old Navy (they disappointed me), I'm happy to say they've revamped their spring and summer collections into cute and affordable styles: all the stripes, swingy dresses, and great rompers. I know this post is titled "A Few Things," but really just about everything released so far has caught my eye.

JCrew // Make every outfit look chic with a pair of cat eye tortoiseshell sunglasses. Throw this classic beach tunic over your favorite swimsuit as you travel to and from the beach! An adorable take on the classic white tee shirt that would look great with jeans and strappy heels. You can't go wrong with a red striped tee- pair this with denim cut offs or navy chino shorts for a casual vibe.  JCrew is finally bringing back their red gingham button down; I'm excited to wear this with just about everything! The subtle ruffles on the collar and sleeves give this button down a stylish upgrade. I've wanted a panama hat for quite some time and this hat seems like the perfect place to start!

Old Navy // A festive romper perfect for the 4th of July or weekend adventures. Tee shirt dresses never go out of style, especially when they're in a classic navy and white striped print. Another patriotic dress that can be dressed up or down- sneaks or heels would work equally as great! The long sleeves on this precious romper would be perfect for a breezy spring day! Wear these cropped flutter tops with white jeans and sandals- they're so adorable, that I ordered the navy AND striped! A mini cross body that can be worn with any outfit. This pleated tee is similar to a JCrew version, but way more affordable and (in my opinion) a better style! Nobody does simple eyelet dresses better than Old Navy- I love this midi version.

P.S. I tried to get more photos from Old Navy, but just about everything is brand new so it's difficult to make a product collage. 

Zappos // Not necessarily new arrivals, but this boater's hat has been on my wish list for a while. And after seeing these scalloped wedges on Mackenzie's blog, I knew I had to find a cheaper alternative. I found my luck with these Chinese Laundry heels! So. cute.

JCrew Factory // A floral mini skirt that has me dreaming of April showers and May flowers. An unique tee shirt with tiny detailing. I could wear this periwinkle striped sweater in the summer with cutoffs and in the spring with white jeans!

Nordstrom // A simple heeled sandal in my favorite pattern. Could these suede sandals be any more perfect and versatile? A fun, quirky clutch perfect to pair with all of your summer sundresses. Classic navy stripes get an upgrade with this breezy linen tee. Just under $50, this shift dress will be your go-to summer outfit. This romper makes a fun statement, while also casual enough to wear out running errands. A unique top that has a different back and front.

I think it's safe to say I'm excited for summer, no? (And it's only February. Somebody help me.) 

Thanks for reading!

-Ashley Ann

Weekly Roundups

via

This week was a bit of a mess. That cold I talked about last week (and said I was feeling better from)? It came back Tuesday night and hit me hard. I guess I had the flu, because I was out of school Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Saturday, I had an all-day school function and today is the Super Bowl! We actually don't have school tomorrow, so I'll be able to catch up on all my work then. And this Friday, we leave for the Bahamas! I am beyond ready to get away for a little R & R. There have been so many great articles online this week, so I'm sharing a whole bunch! Enjoy. 

1. A swoon-worthy apartment in Washington, D.C.

2. This post is inspiring me this month to really take care of myself.

3. Really needed this on-the-go sick day routine this week.

4. A cute little office makeover. 

5. I love these new JCrew sunglasses!

6. Something on my bucket list: trying these rainbow bagels!!!

7. This Parent Trap quiz was too. easy. See if you can get all of them right!

8. Dying over these affordable scalloped heels.

9. What the Gossip Girl interiors would look like today...  

10. I found this article really helpful if you're someone who's not well-versed in politics but still wants to know what's happening in the election!

11. A beautiful islandy outfit in classic colors. 

12. I just watched this movie last night and thought it deserved a shoutout- so scary! 

13. 5 things to try this month. 

14. Omg, the moment I've been waiting for: a Nordstrom x Olivia Palermo collaboration! 

15. This dress could be beautiful in the spring with a sweater, or by itself in the summer.

Thanks for reading! 

-Ashley Ann 

Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

Today I've rounded up a few fun items that are pink, red and white- all perfect for valentine's day! Treat yourself or someone you care about. As for me on Valentine's Day? I'll be in the Bahamas, soaking up the sun on the beach and hopefully getting a massage! 

Striped Shirt // Scallop Wallet // Sunglasses // Pink Pumps // Bracelet // Nail Polish // Scallop Ballet Flats // Candle // Notebook // Beanie // Lip Balm // Socks // Blush 

Also, two gifts I think could be really special? (And more expensive than the ones above)

1. This beautiful cocoon coat in a brand new shade just for February! I already own it in "sand stone." Love this coat! 

2. This elegant set of luggage if you really want to splurge: 

Thanks for reading! 

-Ashley Ann