In general, I spend an equal amount of time going through clients’ closets as I do shopping to fill any ‘gaps’ we find – but at the beginning of a season, shopping takes precedence. When the weather turns, my clients are ready to fill the holes in their seasonal wardrobes, whether it’s a need for new work clothes, preparing for an upcoming trip, or simply rounding out their weekend looks. And last month was just that – many shopping trips devoted to making strategic decisions as to what will work for each client’s lifestyle, body type and budget.
When I’m shopping with (and for) clients, I consistently keep in mind their unique styles and needs – but if I’m lucky, there are amazing pieces in the stores that can work for a few of my ladies. Oh yes, they each will wear them differently, in their own special way – but the foundation of a great wardrobe can start with the same styles for various people – and many women also enjoy similar ‘pop’ items, as well.
Check out what my clients bought last month, along with info as to why I picked it and why I love it. And if you’re so inspired – happy shopping!
THIRD PIECES
In case you don’t know, a third piece is what often pulls a look together. It’s what you throw on in addition to your top and bottom (or over a dress). So whether it’s a cozy cardigan, a tailored blazer, or denim jacket – it’s what can complete your outfit. I currently love this open front cardigan from Banana Republic. It can be hard to discover a cardigan that hits at the waist (to accentuate a narrow part of your figure), and isn’t a traditional button-up crewneck shape – so this one is a definite find. And this other cardigan from Nic + Zoe is one of my perennial favorites. For spring/summer it comes in this slightly sheer fabrication, an ideal lightweight layer for the season.
A few of my clients needed to enhance their tailored work wardrobes, so white blazers (like this Halogen open front and Mural one) are perfect warm weather options. More traditional blazer options we found include this nicely fitted Jigsaw jacket, and this more casual knit blazer with ruched sleeves, from Eliza J.
TOPS
Tops are the ideal way to add color and print to your outfits – so that’s what we did in May. I had good success with tops at Banana Republic (which I haven’t had for a while), so I was happily surprised. This red stripe blouse is super fun – I love the bold color, the pieced stripe, and the waist tie. This black/white knit shell was an unexpected discovery as a great option to a regular blouse – and you don’t need to tuck it in! I also really like their new short sleeve sweater in lightweight merino wool, with a subtly sheer shoulder detail. And the print wrist-tie blouse is a fashion-y way to cover your arms in warm weather without a third piece.
For a few hits of color, this Sanctuary tank and cap sleeve top fit the bill. I love that they’re as easy to wear as a t-shirt, but the slubby fabric and chiffon trim make them much more than basic – and they come in a fun selection of colors, too.
And for a dose of texture I turned to this Vince Camuto pleated blouse, to add interest for my clients who prefer neutrals.
DRESSES
Dress shopping last month ended up being about prepping for the office or getting ready for vacation. For ultimate versatility, I love a solid knit dress, like this reddish-orange one from Classiques Entier. I have three clients that, over the course of a few months, bought the navy version (now sold out), but this one also comes in black if you need a new LBD.
My clients that work in more casual offices have the pleasure of being able to wear a dress one way at work, and then another way on the weekend. This Leith faux-wrap knit dress goes under a white blazer for workdays (see my client’s complete look here), and then under a denim jacket on weekends. And the same goes for a Boden green print dress – wear it with heels Mon-Fri, and then with sandals Sat and Sun.
For my clients heading out on vacation, we picked this fun Alice + Olivia floral print dress and this easy lace-up striped woven dress from J. Crew (that doubles as a pool cover-up!)
BOTTOMS
Although often not the most exciting things in your closet, a versatile wardrobe of bottoms is essential. And since pants are one of the more challenging pieces to find for many women – it’s worth it to devote the time needed.
For my clients needing new options at the office, ankle-length pants are ideal. You can wear them with heels or flats – so no more ‘which shoes do I wear with which pants’ days. These navy scalloped-hem pants from Banana Republic are a fun spin on the silhouette, while the charcoal ones are crazy versatile. I also like this style from Halogen at Nordstrom – they were a great fit for a client who has a hard time finding pants, and they come in white, as well.
For weekend-wear, casual pants from Sanctuary are a solid choice – especially if you’re not into wearing shorts all weekend. And for my client who loves a little unexpected fun – this navy full skirt by Eliza J was a great find (on sale).
If you need to round out your wardrobe, but need some expert advice while hitting the stores, email me and we can spruce up your summer wardrobe, too!
