Stylestance

What I Got/What I Gave

2012-02-27T07:43:00.001-05:00

Got this super-chic silver skirt from the always top-quality Ann Taylor.
Gave away yet another ill-fitting blouse from my closet. Why did I used to think oversized was a good thing? Feels good to pare down and focus on fitted items.

Ann Taylor Kavi Bubble Jacquard Skirt here.

What's your latest got/gave story?

Style + Substance: The Simple White Blouse

2012-02-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Lately I'm all about simple, well-fitting outfits that are based on slim bottoms like straight black pants and pencil skirts. A top I find to be the perfect accompaniment: a trim white blouse. Polished, relaxed and chic, easy as that.

J.Crew silk blouse here.

What pieces are you finding essential lately?

What I Got/What I Gave

2012-02-23T11:44:00.000-05:00

Got this Ellen Tracy Denim Pencil Skirt from Macy's.
Gave an ill-fitting oversized blouse (from when I inexplicably thought oversized was good).

What's your latest got/gave story?

Quality over quantity (generally you get what you pay for).

2012-02-22T10:09:00.002-05:00

Find clothes you love and then wear them to pieces.

2012-02-21T19:35:00.001-05:00

Style + Substance: The Little Black Pant

2012-02-21T15:09:00.009-05:00

Maybe because they instantly bring a casual Audrey elegance that a pair of jeans simply can't. Maybe because they're equally at home with ballet flats or pointy pumps, a cozy cropped sweater or sheer blouse. Whatever the reason, the Little Black Pant is for me an effortless way to get dressed and look 'dressed'--right up there with the Little Black Dress.

The popular J.Crew Cafe Capri here.

Style + Substance: Cashmere

2012-02-09T14:48:00.006-05:00

You name it, I'll wear it in cashmere. The cashmere pieces (gloves, scarves) I've invested in prove to me that little luxuries can add a lift to your day. And I'd rather buy one cashmere sweater than 10 that are not nearly as luscious (thus saving my money for the good stuff). J.Crew cashmere baby blanket here.

Style + Substance: The J.Crew Peacoat

2012-02-08T11:25:00.007-05:00

One thing I've learned as I (and my closet) have matured: it pays to invest in classics. Although I've tried less expensive versions, I keep coming back to the lush J.Crew Peacoat I bought years ago.

Which makes me realize: why keep buying more coats when I should wear and enjoy what I already have?

Is there an item in your closet that made you realize the same?

Stylestance Cheat Sheet

2012-02-07T07:20:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite uniforms lately:

slender black cropped pants + blouse + cardi + pointy kitten heel

Clean, classic and easy to put on in the morning.

Do you have a favorite uniform these days?

Closet Stylestance: Waist Not

2012-02-06T10:39:00.010-05:00

Game changer: an organized closet that actually makes shopping your closet a fun and pleasant experience. I recently purchased this belt organizer at Lowe's, and it has made all the difference. It feels luxurious to simply slide it out and have all my belts in clear view. It's even been known to inspire an outfit or two. J.Crew belt above is here.

Any closet secrets to share?

Stylestance Guide: What I Got, What I Gave

2012-02-03T10:16:00.002-05:00

Got:

Floral chiffon blouse in pinks/oranges, fresh for spring

Gave:

Ill-fitting tunic I was wearing as a too-short dress

What's your latest got/gave story?

Stylestance Hall of Fame: Geoffrey Beene

2012-02-01T15:02:00.005-05:00

100% of net profits from every Geoffrey Beene purchase goes to charitable organizations. One. Hundred. Percent. What more can I say?

Style + Substance: The Sheer Blouse

2012-02-01T14:11:00.010-05:00

It's as practical as it is pretty. Lately I find a chiffon or sheer-ish blouse works with everything from jeans to little black pants to pencil skirts to shorts. At once dressy and relaxed, it instantly elevates a casual look or softens a classic.

Not only will I be holding on to my sheer blouses, I've actually found myself collecting them.

What's one piece you just can't let go?

Stylestance Hall of Fame: TOMS

2012-01-31T16:12:00.004-05:00

They started it: the idea that a company could give away one thing for everything you buy. TOMS has expanded their line to include eyewear, and their philosophy still rings admirably true: for every one item you buy, they give one to a child in need. TOMS calls it One for One™ and here they show us how it's done.

TOMS Sequins Wedge here.

Style + Substance: The Pencil Skirt

2012-01-27T18:20:00.011-05:00

While the idea of Buy One, Give One may sound daunting, it's a great way to assess our closets and edit things down to our most versatile, useful and flattering pieces.

For me right now, the pencil skirt is indispensable--working with any top (casual T to fancy blouse) and any shoe (low to high). This is one piece I won't be giving away at the moment.

What's one piece you just can't let go?

Clothes in Your Closet You Don't Love?

2012-01-27T11:55:00.002-05:00

Give them to someone who will. Here's just a sample:

ClothingDonations.org

Goodwill

Salvation Army

Purple Heart

Welcome Back Stylestancers!

2012-01-26T21:14:00.002-05:00

I'm thrilled to be back with a new approach to Stylestance--focused more on substance than style, more on giving than getting. I'll still be highlighting philanthropic designers and clothing companies, with greater emphasis on what we--you and me--can do as individuals to make a difference. Streamlining our closets while giving to others. Doing good while looking good. Sound good?

First up... please read the pledge in the right sidebar and let me know if you're on board!