if i could wear the same thing every day...

It would be the most perfect shirtdress.

Landon could even wear the matching shirt.

xoxo.

a classic and simplified wardrobe: saying goodbye.

Of all the steps to a simpler, cleaner, more classic wardrobe, this is where I'm embarrassingly terrible: actually getting rid of things. It was one month ago that I began filling a bag of "probation" items from my closet, so this weekend marked the time to get rid of them for reals. During the probationary period, I only pulled out one t-shirt and one pair of shoes to keep. The rest I never looked through, never thought about, and never wanted to wear. Not bad, right? Until I started to repack and organize the bags (now two) for trashing or Goodwill, and I started to get sentimental again. I've had these trusty, hole-filled Chuck Taylors since the summer of 2002 (I had just finished 8th grade), and suddenly, yesterday, they seemed perfect for a shadowbox (as previously mentioned). But, I went with my better judgment and said goodbye. And I stopped repacking the bags because I knew I'd get irrationally attached to my old comforts...that I never wore...and will never miss.

Step three: Get rid of it. Really, truly, actually get rid of it.

xoxo.

a classic and simplified wardrobe: getting organized.

On to the second step of my journey to a simpler, more classic wardrobe: getting organized. I went through everything in my closet again, purging a few more items, and quite a few pairs of shoes. I also did something really silly but REALLY helpful. I labeled five hangers, one for each day of the week, and planned out my outfits for the week on Sunday afternoon. I ironed each outfit, hung it on the appropriate hanger, and then put the hangers back in my closet in day order.

 It's amazing how this simple step helped me throughout the week. I didn't have those what am I going to wear stresses each morning, and I thought about my clothes much less throughout the week. I even ended up keeping my closet/floor much cleaner throughout the week. I also decided to hang all of my scarves rather than having them folded on the floor (remember, no dressers here).

The lesson for me here is that there is magic in planning. When it comes meals, finances, or my schedule, planning definitely helps to remove distractions of junk food, excessive spending, and wasting time, so why would my clothes be any different? Planning here keeps my focus on what the day will bring rather than what I'm wearing.

Step two is complete: the closet is organized, with hanger labels to show for it.

xoxo.

a classic and simplified wardrobe: first steps.

Good news, folks. I started the journey to a simpler, more classic wardrobe. I'll be honest--I'm making this up as I go, but to start, I've made a commitment to do something every weekend in regard to my wardrobe. It may be purging, planning, organizing, or just some simple ironing for the week (all the while thinking, is this how Grandma would do it?), but I've committed to making this a weekly thing until I've created a healthy system for myself and a classic working closet, as Kendi calls it.

This may seem superficial, but I know that I grow most when things/stuff/distractions are stripped away. When we moved to Texas, having to pack up our belongings and trying to make them all fit into a Ford Taurus was embarrassingly traumatic for me (we're talking sweat, tears, shoving, cramming, and long goodbyes to my cake stands in the wee hours of the morning). Looking back, I don't want to go through that again. I don't want to be so tied to stuff that the prospect of being without a cake stand scares me. The real blessings in life are just too good that to allow myself to be sidelined by dishes, clothes, and the like would be foolish. I'll always have clothes, dishes, and the like, but I don't want them to get the best of me. This is less about what I wear, and more about what I bear.

Last weekend, my first step was to take a good look at my wardrobe and do some more purging. I filled up another large bag of items to get rid of and re-organized my workout clothes. I also moved a lot of out-of-season clothes to my closet to free up more floor space. Would you believe we've survived without a dresser for the past 15 months? It's actually much easier than you'd think. It's also much messier than you'd think. For me, a reusable bag, simple wooden box and some neatly folded piles work just as well. As I purged, I asked myself questions like, How does this fit? How many times a year do I wear it? Will I still want to wear this a year from now? These questions are essential, because I have the tendency to think, But I've had this since my sophomore year of high school, it's practically a collector's item! Or, Someday I'll put this in a shadowbox!

So, step one is complete: cut the clutter.

xoxo.

a classic (and simplified) wardrobe.

Remember the big 30 for 30 blog challenge last year? Lots of bloggers joined in to wear just 30 items from their closet for 30 days. I didn't participate, but I liked the idea of the challenge. It forced bloggers to take an honest look at the potential excess in their closets and get creative. A couple years ago, I "gave up" my wardrobe for lent. I wore white v-necks, jeans, and my trusty rainbows everyday, plus a sweatshirt on cold days and a skirt on Sundays. It was pretty humbling and also had one major side benefit: picking out my outfit each morning took .01 seconds.

I'm thinking of doing a similar, but more long term challenge with my current wardrobe. I have a lot of things that I only wear once or twice a year, which has me asking, are these really worth the space and trouble? Probably not. So, I'm going to start paring down my wardrobe, holding onto the pieces that are versatile, classic, and that I really love. The rest? Adios. I'm hoping to get down to 50 or less (which, saying it now, still sounds pretty ridiculous and first-world...) I've already filled a large bag for Goodwill and I have another full bag on "probation" (meaning that if I don't wear anything that's in the bag in the next month, it's gone). 

My inspiration for this idea came from a few different places. First, my constant drooling over the Hatch Collection (and I'm not even pregnant). Hatch only sells 18 pieces, but they're super cute and really versatile. 

Second, Ina Garten. This lady has some serious class, and a signature look. I love that her personality and passions shine more than her clothing. And her popped collar is just screaming at you as if to say, "Yes, I'm this awesome, and Jeffrey knows it too."

Third, on my trip back to Portland earlier this month, I only brought a tote-size purse with me to avoid a ridiculous $30 fee for a carry-on bag. But, I was able to fit four days worth of outfits, plus running clothes, running shoes, my laptop, a book, water bottle, toothbrush, and a quart of blueberries in my bag. The trick? My outfits consisted of different combinations of a black maxi dress, striped sweater, black tank top, collared shirt, and white shorts.

All of this has me thinking that less is more. That keeping classic pieces and letting the rest go would not only bring ease to my morning routine, but more importantly help me take a deeper look at the ways I tend to live in excess. This is just another opportunity for me to trust God's provision over my own, in an area where I'm prone to feeling like I'm constantly trying to keep up. 

via

via

xoxo.

[top photo via]

not that i have the budget, but...

...if I did, I'd shop at LemLem, Emerson Fry and Herriott Grace.

I so appreciate the handcraftedness of these beauties, and I applaud their makers (I love seeing the real faces behind companies like these!).

[shown: Hana Pocket Bag, Maru Loop Scarf, The Ankle Strap Heel, Maple Rolling Pin]

xoxo.

the prettiest shoes around.

Portside Boots

 How fun are these shoes from The Supply Room (found via this pin)? They're quite spendy, but I love how unique they are. Some of them are handmade, too. 

Striped Platforms

Cholas in Gold

Beige Slip-ons

Mallard's Oxford

Super cozy looking slippers!

Adorable, right? Which pair do you like best?

xoxo.

inspired: downton abbey

Do you love this show, or do you love this show? It's no secret that it's one of my favorites. I especially love the costuming, with all the gorgeous dresses, fun hats and flattering cuts. I found some modern pieces inspired by the patterns, textures and colors of Downton Abbey...

Clockwise, from top left: Belt // Necklace // Hat // Dress // Shoes // Dress

xoxo.

just dropping in to say...

...that I've very much in love with these shoes.

xoxo.

the anthology: keeping cozy

With my Cold Hands, Warm Hearts package en route to Amanda, I've got cozy gloves, hats and scarves on my mind! Which is your favorite?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

xoxo.

[top image via]

the anthology: fall colors collected

May I present...the colors I'm 100% loving this fall. I know they're also 100% conventional, but can you blame me? Camel, deep orange and mustard will always have my heart!

Without further ado, the colors:

Woodsy (and Papery) Camel + Chocolate...

Heart Wood Board | Kraft Paper Wedding Programs

Rich Mustard...

Knitted Cardigan | Wrinkled Mustard Bag 

Pumpkin Spice...

Modern Living Room | Butternut Squash and Crispy Sage Pizza

And a hint of GOLD...

Gold & Wood Platter | Sweet Bow Gold Necklace | Leather Mouse Pad

What colors are you loving this fall?

xoxo.

P.S. Full disclosure: While I am loving fall, I have to admit that I compiled this post while listening to Michael Allen Harrison's Christmas Albums, which are really hard to keep stashed away once November comes (I promise his music is much better than his hair).

P.S.S. I'm also over here today.

let's take a walk...

...down memory lane.

One year ago today, I posted about my big ol' Browning calves and asked desperately for some suggestions...

...and y'all (I'm Texan now) pulled through and gave me the confidence to buy a pair...

So I'm reminded tonight of one of the 198,782 reasons why I love blogging. Love it. Where else can you get 24/7 wardrobe advice?

xoxo.

channeling mister rogers.

Well, hello neighbors and happy Monday! I'm pretty excited about today's post, because it's full of  inspiration from the man himself: Fred Rogers. That's right, I'm going way back to elementary school, when things were simpler, neighborhoods seemed sweeter, and we were constantly reminded that we were special.

Inspired by the photos above, I put together some inspiration boards, in case you're looking to channel your inner neighborly self. You can click on any item to view the original source, but I'll post the links as well.

It's All in the Neighborhood
1. Classic Trolley
2. Collegiate Cardigan from Target.
3. Bennett Chino from J. Crew.
4. I'm Proud of You by Tim Madigan (read it, it had me sobbing).
5. Champion Organic Lace Up by Keds

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

1. Fisherman Sweater from J. Crew.

2. Neighbor Card by twopaperdolls on Etsy.

3. When a Pet Dies (by the man who knows our feelings the best).

4. Sweetheart Skinny Jeans from Old Navy.

5. Come on, Brogue Flats from ModCloth.

And when you really need a pick-up, watch this. 

xoxo.

i bleed tweed.

Hi friends! In honor of back-to-school time (today's Landon's first official day as a grad student! Eee!), I'm bringing you one of my all-time back-to-school favorites: TWEED. I love tweed, and as a matter of fact I've got a few tweed shift dresses in my closet just waiting for cooler weather. These picks would be killer for fall, and will also allow you to channel your inner Mad Men at the same time...perf!

1. Tweed-le Dee Bow Hair Clip from Ruche

2. Tweed Walkaway Shorts from J. Crew

3. Tweed Ballet Flats from Loft

4. Family and Fun Dress from ModCloth

5. Tweed Pumps by Bandolino

Anyone else longing for fall and the clothes that come with it?

xoxo.

P.S. My parents come today! Yay!!!

i adore: these boots.

as seen on living with mr. johnson. 

unfortunately, landon says "quarter-birthday" presents don't exist. 

yes, i asked. 

but can you blame me? i love a good topsider.

xoxo.  

missing the white v days.

my roommates and i on a regular day, unstaged, just rockin' the white v.

in light of all this 30 for 30 business [limiting your wardrobe to just 30 items of clothing for 30 days], i have to be honest about a couple things:

1. i've been reading the daybook and kendi everyday perhaps too consistently. but what can i say? they make me feel like getting dressed for work isn't that hard.

2. i miss the white v-neck days.

 at point loma, the staple clothing item was a good, clean pack of hanes men's v-necks. i'm going to estimate that roughly 86% of female students wore them regularly. wear them from bed time to class to workout to the library and to bed again...they get an A+ in versatility. i miss those days when i could roll out of bed, switch out my pjs for jeans and a white v-neck, slip on my rainbows and head out the door.

i also wore just white v-necks and jeans [and the same skirt and sweater for church each week] for lent one year. that was a bit more like 4 for 40 instead of 30 for 30. anyway, the point is i'd love to wake up tomorrow and wear a white v. it's like chicken soup for your closet. or something.

xoxo.

sunday lovin: problem solved.

after whining about my calves, i decided to give the skinny jeans quest a final try...and alas, success! huge thanks to mary for giving me the tip about target's inexpensive and nice-and-stretchy-for-the-calf-endowed jeggings, and to renee, for always believing my calves had it in them to squeeeeeeeze.

i'm now happily boot-tucking.

xoxo. 

ps. the giveaway ends tomorrow! better get to entering! :)

pss. i forgot [the first time around] to thank my bff maryn for answering my frantic dressing room texts. you're the best, mar!

jeggings vs. calves

jeggings, left..............me, right.

so i have calves. big ones. they're known as "the browning family calves" around here. 

and i think they're starting to take a toll on my wardrobe.

the flexing was totally unintentional, but it proves my point.

i've drooled over the look of skinny pants...

madewell

sydney

...but i've tried them on multiple times and come to the conclusion that they are my 21st century corset (aka i can't breathe in them). so up until now, i've only had visions of tucking my boots into my jeans. but i'm thinking it might be time to  give them another try. jeggings just might be the answer (or a complete disaster, i'm not entirely sure), or maybe just a nice straight cut that is tuck-worthy but not too tight. 

suggestions welcomed.

xoxo.

i adore: boots + sweaters [+ bicycles]

loving the look of anthropologie's outfits on the go. they're so feminine and cozy. 

small victories [my first inspiration board].

i was feeling rather inspired by the colors in these beautiful ceramic bowls i spotted on poppytalk handmade, hence my very first inspiration board. 

i love the mix of soft colors, they remind me of fall without being candycornish.

[click to enlarge]

clockwise[ish] from top left: purse | sweater | knobs | blouse | bedding | coat | booties | cardigan | candlestick | shorts | colander | dress | paper vases| pitcher | la cocotte pot | chair | herb pot