BRIGHT LIGHTS

Hi Friends!

As many of you know from following me on Twitter, life has been a bit hectic as of late. Long story short, I got promoted (yay!), took on quite a bit more work responsibility, and then had a big yearly event that I help plan each year come up right at the same time. Coupled with a focus on just trying to take whatever down time I had available to relax a bit and well, here I am.

I apologize for the lack of explanation officially here, but I wanted to pop in today to both explain myself and tell you about a very exciting feature today!

Are you familiar with Frock Files? Joy's blog is one of my very favorites to read each day - or catch up on when I have free time! It's a mix of drool-worthy recipes & food photos, travel, and thoughts on life. I especially enjoy her "Bright Lights" series that highlights bloggers and their favorite things. I always am introduced to someone new, find a few new things to try, and even make good friends like Mere via the series.

You can imagine how honored I was when Joy asked me to participate! Please head over and check out some of my favorite things, tell Joy hi, and know that after May 9th, I'll be back up and running over here.

XO,

Lauren

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CLOSET

In the last year, I focused on buying nothing but pieces that will be "workhorses" in my wardrobe. When I find myself in a store, staring down a need it right now item, I've done a pretty good job of forcing myself to stand there and actually think about what I'm doing.

It didn't always used to be this way. I used to just buy whatever I liked. Then I woke up and found myself with a closet full of pieces I only sort of liked. And none of it looked good together, which lead to many "I have nothing to wear!" mornings.

First thing's first, you must conquer that closet. Figure out what you actually need to fill holes. Make a list. Keep it on your phone. Shopping and spot a good deal you just can't pass up? I try and ask myself this:

Is it on the list? 

If it's not, why do you need it?

Can you think of at least three different and unique ways you can work it in? 

One item on my list was a black leather tote. Living in a city, I had three requirements of this tote. First, it had to have a zipper top for security. Second, I wanted short handles that allowed me to carry it in the crook of my arm, but not so long that the tote would touch the ground if I held it by my side (short people problems). Third, I knew an optional crossbody strap would allow me to use it hands free if needed. Beyond those basic requirements, I knew I wanted high quality materials and construction and free of trendy hardware so I could keep it for years.

But before it was ever on the list, I forced myself to think of three different ways to use it.

I'm imagining it in the spring with a pair of white jeans, a chambray shirt, and sandals for the farmers' market. Laugh if you must, but this is spring & summer wear here in chilly San Francisco.

I could also picture carrying it for a work function, adding interest to a basic black dress with statement shoes.

And since going out at night in San Francisco requires having a place to stash an extra scarf or jacket for the walk home, I knew it would be perfect for meeting up with girlfriends for drinks. San Francisco is pretty casual, so I tend to wear a pair of dark or black skinny jeans with a fun top and boots made for walking when I go out.

Do you keep a running wishlist of items for your closet? I'm curious to hear if any of you have this same strategy? I think it's saved me a ton of money on purchase mistakes.

The Tote | Michael Kors Gilmore Tote
Outfit 1 | Merona Chambray Shirt | Old Navy White Denim | Splendid Sandals
Outfit 2 | Zara Dress | Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant | Zara Heels
Outfit 3 | Madewell Linen Tee | Topshop Black Denim | DV Dolce Vita Booties

March

This month, I was a pretty good at maintaining my budget. One thing I really like about linking up with Budgeting Bloggers each month is the accountability. How could I call myself on a budget if each month I blow through my budget and then some? And slowly but surely, I am learning to stick with it each month. Last month I even had a surplus!

This month was a bit different. I normally sell quite a bit of my old items that don't fit, are outdated, or just don't work with my current lifestyle. When I do that, I add that in to my budget as money I'm allowed to spend for the month. Generally, this provides at least $100 extra or so. This month I didn't sell anything. Did I want to? Sure, of course. But it just didn't happen.

I also returned the black Edie bag featured in last month's post. It sat in the wrapping for about 3 weeks after purchasing it, and if there's one thing I've learned about myself, it's that if it's not worn or used within a few days of purchasing, I'm not excited about it, and it needs to go back. I exchanged it for this blouse and this cozy shirt that were in the 30% off sale instead, which I've already worn. If I'm being honest, they're more useful day to day. We're all still learning as we go, right?

I also took advantage of a 30% off Madewell sale and picked up another pair of flats. After doing an inventory of my closet at the beginning of the year, I put a pair of tan, go with everything flats on my list, and felt lucky to find the perfect pair on sale.

I ended up about $50 over my budget, and would have been quite a bit under, if it weren't for my handbag purchase, via Poshmark. A tan satchel is another item I've had on my wishlist, and at over 60% off the retail price, this Rebecca Minkoff was hard to turn down. So while last month I had a surplus, I'm going to be starting April with $50 less to my budget.

Do you have a clothing budget? I am encouraged to maintain mine by linking up with these ladies every month.

Merona Heather Sweatshirt | Merona Chambray Shirt | Madewell Elephant Earrings | Rebecca Minkoff Desire Satchel via Poshmark | J.Crew Copley Bag via eBay | J.Crew Jacquard Stripe Sweatshirt | Madewell Holepunch Sidewalk Skimmers | Madewell Elephant Ring | J.Crew Medallion Blouse

MOVE RIGHT IN | BROADVIEW LOFT

Can we all just stop and gaze at this sculpture above the dining table for a moment?

Go ahead, I'll wait.

I'm feeling particularly lusty over this Broadview Lofts residence, designed by Croma Design. If you've been around here long enough, you know I go a little nuts for clean spaces that have touches of warmth via wood or cozy fabrics.

Exhibit A, B, C:

ALL IMAGES  |  INTERIOR DESIGN BY CROMA DESIGN VIA HOUZZ

Luxe or Less - Back To Basics

I subscribe wholeheartedly to the "buy great shoes & bags and everything else will fall together" philosophy. After all, no one looks pulled together hobbling around in shoes that give them blisters. If your shoes are right, you can get away with spending less on the rest of your closet.

At $90, these shoes aren't exactly budget busters. For me, they fall somewhere in the middle of what I usually spend, but they easily pull together both a "luxe" and a "less" outfit. I'm obsessed with finding the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans right now, because I love how they elevate basics and neutrals to an intentional look. These from Joe's have the look and fit I'm after, but these from ASOS have the look at $100 less.

I'm envisioning them paired with a simple cotton tank. I love the softness and drape of T by Alexander Wang, but it's easy to get a similar look for the price of lunch with this version.

Are you into boyfriend jeans? I am saying a silent prayer of thanks as I'm part of the "athletic thigh" club, and happy to have this trend around.