Recent Beauty Favs

It's been awhile since I've rounded up my favorite beauty products and I’ve been using some new (to me) products in my daily routine lately. I’m not sure I’ll rebuy all of these when they hit empty – I’ll explain why below – but I have discovered a few holy grail products that I know I’ll be rebuying again and again. My makeup artists for my wedding (who I loved!) swore by BareMinerals so I’ve added a few of their products into my routine since then.

this weekend

how to find a job (while you have one)

The most important part of finding a new job is absolutely not to wait until your current job becomes unbearable. In fact, I subscribe to the idea that you should always be looking for jobs to a) know how your field is evolving and b) to stay apprise of your market value. This way when you do start to think about leaving your current job, you already have a sense of what's out there.

stripes and olive

Old Navy Dress | Old Navy Jacket | Quay Sunglasses | Madewell Bag | BaubleBar Earrings

Pictures by Kristyn of Primp and Proper

There is a hidden gem of a strip mall outside of DC that has become my reprieve from city living. It's a dream for this city dweller --free parking, a well stoked Target, and the best TJ Maxx ever (I bought my Kate Spade wedding shoes there for $40!) Well, imagine my disappointment when I went a few weeks ago to indulge in some suburban retail therapy and I couldn't find anything. Sad, dejected, and having a Cher/All by Myself moment, I decided to stop into the Old Navy in the shared lot to find some retail redemption. I wasn't expecting much but have you been in an Old Navy lately? If so, why haven't you told me?!

I remember reading this article a few years ago and thinking, I'll believe it when I see it. Welp, I've seen it. My eyes lit up like the heart eye emoji when I saw this velvet blazer. And this jacquard open front jacket? So good, right?  I picked up this striped dress knowing it would make for a really easy layering piece. It's only $35, super soft, really thick and a work appropriate length. When I bought it, I imagined wearing it with tights, over the knee boots, and a vest when temperatures cool but it's been unseasonably warm here (it was 84 degrees yesterday!) so I welcomed the opportunity to go sans tights. Tights season is the worst season, ammiright? I also picked up this swing dress and have already worn it under a moto jacket out on the weekends and under a pashmina for work. 

If you haven't already, check out Old Navy. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised with their Fall 2017 lookbook.

PS - Thanks for all your feedback on yesterday's post! I'm glad you're excited about the series, too!

How to find a budget friendly wedding venue

When I was planning our wedding, I found it pretty challenging to find resources that fit my planning needs. Many wedding blog photos were of weddings clearly out of my budget range and the budget wedding resources were pretty unrealistic for me. Suggestions like don’t serve alcohol, or get married on a Friday on a family farm in rural *insert state here* just weren’t options for us. I needed a “how to plan a pretty Saturday wedding on a reasonable budget (without room to go over) for the young professional who has a life outside of planning her wedding”. Turns out, that doesn’t really exist. Or at least, I couldn’t find it. So I’ve decided to write it myself. I’ll share over a few posts advice for planning, saving money, and general advice I gathered along the way. If you have any specific questions -- let me know!

First up: finding your venue.

As many of you know, I’m an event manager professionally so it’s probably not a surprise that I found wedding planning actually really enjoyable. The hardest and most stressful part of wedding planning was securing a venue. In fact, I only cried once throughout the whole planning process and it was while I was trying to find a venue. That being said, once the venue is booked, everything else just falls into place.

To search for and narrow down venues, I used Here Comes the Guide to get a general sense of prices. Hardly any venues list the price on their website so you spend a ton of time sending out requests for info. Here Comes the Guide helped me rule out places out of budget immediately. I also learned the hard way that venues in the Bay Area book up fast. I looked for my venue in late August/early September 2015 and some places were already booking for spring 2017. So my advice is two fold: take some time off to enjoy the newly engaged phase (it is so special!) but be ready to hit the ground running once you’re ready to plan if you’re planning a year out.

Things to consider when deciding on a venue:

\\ DOES IT COME WITH A DAY OF COORDINATOR? IF NOT, IS ONE REQUIRED?
Having a day of coordinator is hugely helpful but also an added cost. Our venue came with a day of coordinator and I saw other venues that required one. I even saw a few venues that required a coordinator to have certain certifications which may limit your ability to hire whoever you work best with.

\\ WILL THE VENUE HAVE ANY OTHER WEDDINGS THAT WEEKEND?
Some places have weddings Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I knew that I wanted to have the complete attention of my venue and I also wanted to be sure I wasn’t competing for time with another wedding. Our venue only has one wedding per weekend which ensured we were able to have our rehearsal on Friday as well as have access to the venue all day on Saturday. We arrived for hair and make up at 9am!

\\ WHAT DOES THE VENUE FEE INCLUDE?
Find out exactly what the fee includes. Some venue fees are only for the space itself; other fees include tables, chairs, linens, staff, etc. If the fee includes table and chairs, find out how many of each size. You will want to factor in the cost of renting and delivering tables/chairs (if needed) into your budget.

\\ HOW MANY HOURS ARE INCLUDED IN THE RENTAL FEE?
Find out how much time is allotted for the actual ceremony and for your reception.You should also find out how much time you have for set up as well as clean up. You may want to have a late night dance party or arrive early to set up yourself. Either way, the number of hours total is important.

\\ ARE THERE NOISE RESTRICTIONS?
Some outdoor venues have restrictions on how loud amplified noise can be played so if you want to dance all night under the stars, make sure the venue will allow your DJ to keep playing.

\\ CAN YOU BRING IN YOUR OWN ALCOHOL? IF SO, IS THERE A CORKAGE FEE? 
Bringing your own alcohol is a huge cost saver. Seriously, it is probably the easiest way to save a significant amount of money. We saw a few places that offered packages that included an open bar for a cost per person which seems tempting but it is a lot cheaper to pay based on consumption. A $30 open bar may seem like a steal for you and your friends, but is your grandpa really going to drink $30 worth of booze? That being said, it is only a cost saver if there isn’t a corkage fee so be sure to double check!

While we’re on the subject of alcohol, can the venue serve liquor (if that's important to you)? Not all venues have spirit licenses so if you want to have liquor at your wedding, be sure to ask about the license available. Some venues will allow you to have a signature cocktail rather than a full bar.

\\ ARE THERE PREFERRED OR REQUIRED VENDORS?
This is a big one, guys. Preferred vendors are great because they presumably know the space well and you won’t have to worry about managing them much on the day of. Required vendors are another thing. It wasn’t a deal breaker to me, but you should know if there are any required vendors in case you have your heart set on another vendor. If the venue does have a required vendor (most often this is a catering vendor), be sure to sign an agreement with that vendor before signing with the venue. Once you've signed with the venue, you will lose a lot of leverage in negotiating contracts because you have to use the required vendor. The eternal optimist in me doesn’t think vendors are looking to price gouge you but negotiating contracts (especially catering contracts) is an easy ways to trim costs. So you don’t want to limit your ability to do so because you’ve signed a contract with the venue and therefore must accept the required vendor’s terms.

//

Do you have any specific questions about finding venues? We loved our venue Las Positas Vineyards but also looked at a ton of other Bay Area venues so if you have any questions -- fire away!

a casual work environment

H&M Jacket | Target Sweater Vest | Clare V. Clutch | Johnston & Murphy Booties c/o

Pictures by Kristyn of Primp and Proper

Remember last week when I super casually threw in the fact that I started a new job? Leaving my old job was a long time coming (more on that in the future) so I'm really enjoying the challenges that come with starting a new position -- learning processes, identifying areas for opportunity, meeting new people, etc. What is particularly exciting is the dress code for my new office is casual business casual or creative casual! So not quite casual like running errands on the weekend casual but jeans are totally acceptable and pencil skirts are not required. Praise a higher being! Getting dressed in the morning has become so.much.easier. 

Instead of reaching from my classic pumps each morning, I've been reaching for booties like this pair from Johnston & Murphy. The suede and leather are both buttery soft and the heel is just high enough to give my legs length but comfortable enough to wear all day (including my walking commute to the metro each morning). And perhaps most importantly, they go seamlessly from desk to drinks even if you don't work in a casual environment like I do.  Johnston & Murphy has always been committed to reinventing classics so a classic peep toe bootie works for a more traditional office but the grey suede makes gives the shoe a bit of edge for drinks or dinner after work. Win, win right? 

While you're poking around the Johnston & Murphy website, be sure to check out this illustration of their history. Any footwear good enough for the White House is definitely good enough for me.

..........

Thank you Johnston & Murphy for partnering with me on this post. As always you can trust that opinions are only my own.

hello!

Oh my, it has been a long time. No need to count the days because you can all scroll down but we all know its been awhile since I've logged in here. What have I been doing instead?

I got married.

I left the MBA program.

I started a really great new job.

So, I've been a little busy.

But I've missed this little space, and I've missed writing.  I won't be writing/designing much in my new role so I want to maintain this space as an outlet. And here's the thing, sometimes in the blog world it is hard to remember that's all it is -- an outlet, hobby, and a digital archive of my life. It is easy to lose sight of that when engaging in a blog world filled with women blogging with different motivations. Thanks to my little break, I feel refocused and happy to be checking in again. For anyone still reading (hi mom!), thanks! Expect to see some more posts around here though they will probably be more on the personal side.... but with some superficial style posts peppered in :)

xo

20 things I've learned I've learned in my 20's

Today is my 30th birthday. I've been around the sun 30 times and today marks the beginning of my 31st trip. I'm not a huge birthday person (though I love celebrating the birthdays of others) but 30 really crept on me and it's a milestone -- and the first that makes me feel "old". I'll admit, I did spend some time bummin' about feeling old but my 20's were really good to me. && these 30 rides around the sun have taught a me a lot.

So, I'm sharing 20 little life lessons I've learned on my way to 30. 

Share any thing you thing I need to know in this new decade in the comments, will ya? xx

1. Trust the experiences of those who live them and trust not your perceptions of those experiences. Until you've lived them, you're not the authority. I mean this so to generally respect the people around you but given the tragedies of this week I encourage you to keep this in mind as we discuss the oppression our brothers and sisters of color face everyday. 

2. Happiness is a moving target. A friend told me this as I struggled with my decision to move to DC and I've held it close to my heart ever since. What makes you happy changes and moves. Follow your heart to continue to pursue it,

3. Forgive and forget or forgive and don't forget but either way let it go. Let go of the hate, hurt, disappointment, whatever in your heart. It's toxic and will hurt you far more in the long run than the original misdeed.

4. You get what you get and you don't get upset. What you have is plenty and perfect. Let go of this grass is always greener idea.

5. Surround yourself with people that lift you up. There's no space or time in your life for people that don't help bring you higher.

6. Friendships evolve and change and friends come in and out of your life. It's okay for a friendship to sunset. It doesn't take away from the importance of the relationship or what that relationship has meant for your life.

7. If he's into you, he'll text you back. If he doesn't, he's just not that into you. It's really that simple.

8. Be your own biggest advocate. Don't wait for (or let!) anyone else be that person. This is important for both your personal and professional lives and is a lesson I recently learned first hand professionally. Its far more empowering and worthwhile to be your own advocate.

9. Threading is better than waxing.

10. Things happen when they're meant to happen. Everyone's life moves at a different pace and you can't compare yourself to someone else's timing.  Trust the universe's timing.

11. Say no to the people/places/things that don't add value to your life. Learning to say no is one of the most empowering lessons you can learn in your 20's. And it just feel so good.

12. Learn to listen. And then actually do it.

13. Love is awesome and its hard and its amazing and its tough work (then rinse and repeat). But its really, really worth it. And if it's not worth it, let it go ASAP.

14. Ask for help. It doesn't make you look weak or less than. It makes you look taller and wiser. 

15. (My) Mom is (almost) always right. I'm not sure I'm ready to put it in writing that she's always right. Perhaps, that's something I can work on in my 30's.

16. The universe has infinite pathways. Let this encourage and excite you. More importantly, don't ignore all of the doors open to stick to one path.

17. Because everyone is on their own pathway, live and let live.  Don't judge because someone's pathway is different than yours. March to the beat of your own drum and respect that everyone else marches to their own, too.

18. Make your bed everyday. It's really worth it to come to home to a kept space.

19. You're as strong as you say and believe you are. So believe you're a body builder on Muscle Beach :)

20.  Be kind. Seriously, just be a nice  f@%$ing person.

hello weekend!

Happy Friday, Friends!

This week has absolutely flown by! We're wrapping up the end of the fiscal year at work, wedding RSVP's are trickling in and the to-do list is building faster than I'm crossing things off (spoiler: I'm not crossing much off at all...). I'm telling myself that I'm looking forward to a weekend of nothing but deep down, I know its time to start crossing of to-dos. 

In addition to (maybe) crossing off to-do's, I'm trying my first Orange Theory fitness class, shooting with Kristyn, and going to see the Dixie Chicks! Some friends and I bought found tickets on Groupon 6 months ago and I'm so excited! How random, right?

Thanks to Monica, I'm a juice addict. I found this adorable shop in Philadelphia last week while traveling for work and wanted to spend all day there!

These link dump posts have been pretty pervasive in the blog world so I'm thinking about the best way to share some of the interesting articles I've read or a few products that have caught my eye. Let me know if there is something you want to see (or you definitely don't want to see).

• Like every other basic betch out there, I am obsessed with LaCroix. Read about how it gained popularity and landed in all of our fridge's overnight. Side note: where can I get this "LaCroix over boys" shirt?
• Here is a Chloe dupe for $28 if you're not into paying $1800+ for a trendy bag.
• Does anyone bullet journal? What do you think? Fill me in!
• I'm trying my first Orange Theory class this weekend and I'm really excited. I get bored really easily with workouts so I'm looking forward to trying something different. I've heard great things and am hoping to fall in love. There really is no motivation like a wedding dress but you know what, people didn't call me Shallow hAllio in college for nothing..
• Flatforms are growing on me. Why oh why?
• Speaking of why oh why, why are bridal separates (re: the fancy word from crop tops) a thing? :(
• I have a selfish request: I need wedding shoes. Married people -- can you send me suggestions! I want something ~3 inches but comfortable. Did you switch out after the ceremony? 

What are you up to this weekend? Hope its a good one! xx

closet staples, volume 2: shoes

&& we're back for our second installment of closet staples. A few weeks ago I shared with you my favorite pieces of outerwear and that are the pieces I reach for to wear over and over. This post is all about shoes. And coincidentally -- I swear I didn't plan it this way -- a few of the shoes I consider my closet MVP's I also wore in a few out of the outwear outfits. Just goes to show you that some bloggers do wear things multiple ways. :)

First up...

\\ 1. S T R A P P Y   H E E L S //

{original post}

I bought these at Zara a few seasons ago and never looked back. While they are tall and took a few wears to break in, they are my go to dressy sandal. They are easily dressed up or down and make for the perfect wedding shoe. The nude color elongates my leg and matches everything. You cannot go wrong with a nude strappy sandal.

\\ 2. L E O P A R D   F L A T S //

{original post}

Say it with me: leopard is a neutral. Leopard loafers or flats are the easiest way to add a little jazz to an outfit while still maintaining a neutral color pairing. I love these driving loafers but also own two three other pairs of leopard print shoes. Match them with denim as seen here or with black cigarette pants and crisp white shirt at work. I promise the possibilities are endless. I've listed a ton of pairs here all under $75 so they wont break the bank.

\\ 3. C O M F O R T A B L E   S N E A K E R S //

{original post}

I was a smidge late to the athleisure trend but am so glad I jumped on board. Any excuse to wear comfortables shoes all day is one that works for me. I easily go from working out in these Nike's to running errands. Comfortable and chic is a no brainer, right?

\\ 4. L I G H T   W E D G E S //

{original post}

Summer wedges and espadrilles can be a bit tricky for me. I have stocky legs and clunky shoes can only make them look even more like tree stumps. I got this pair from Payless of all places (shockingly!) and they are honestly some of the most comfortable shoes I own. I can wear them all weekend running errands or out to dinner. They are easily worn pants, shorts, and dresses alike. Finding wedges that won't overwhelm your legs can be tough but lucky for you, I've already done the work for you.

//

What shoes do you reach for the most in your closet?

beauty products i've been loving lately

It's no secret I'm a bit of a product junkie. It's a trait I absolutely get from my mother. Every time I'm home, I look through every medicine cabinet, bathroom drawer, and her vanity table to check out all the new products she has been trying. Her vanity has every type of skin care product you can imagine -- hence why her skin looks so great.  We always exchange make up tips and she gives me all the products she's picked up but doesn't feel like returning to Ulta. Her loss is my gain!

Sharing our favorite new beauty finds is one of my favorite things about being home. And while I don't expect that to change, there is no reason I can't share some of those updates here in the mean time!

1. Eylure Lengthening Eyelashes

I bought these on a whim knowing that I wanted to get better at applying false lashes. I'm so glad I did! These are light to wear, give good length, and are natural looking so you don't feel like a Kardashian. At less than $10, you don't have much to lose trying them out. If you're not sure how to apply lashes, watch this tutorial. I found it really helpful. I prefer these lashes to the ones she uses but the Duo glue is great.

2. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray

I got this in my Birchbox (before I cancelled my subscription. It's just not as good as it used to be, right) and plan to reorder it in full size once I run out. I have naturally really fine, flat hair and need all the help I can get to get any sort of oomph. It takes a miracle product to give me the oomph desired without the stickiness and feeling of product build up. My fine hair sisters, you know what I'm talking about. I spray this at my roots when my hair is damp, brush it through and then blow dry. It gives good lift and you can still run your hands through your hair!

3. Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour

This is another product on a whim. I was on business travel and forgot bronzer so I popped into one of the 1084910 million Duane Reade's in New York. I had seen the product advertised but hadn't read any non sponsored reviews so I figured I would try it out. Duane Reade has a really good return policy so I figured I could return it if I really hated it or I could leave it in my travel bag for touch ups on the road. I was really pleasantly surprised by this product. You have to build the color but its a really buildable formula and the shades are really flattering for my light skin tone. The highlight is a pretty shade that I used on my eyelids on the weekends when I want a little color but not to be done up. If you're new to or intimidated by contouring, check this out!

4. Essie Gel Setter

I got my first ever gel manicure before heading to California a few weeks ago. I loved the look, didn't love the price tag and especially didn't love the damage it did to my nails. My mom recommended this polish and I'm still testing it out. I'm really hard on my nails so I have low expectations for polish. This top coat sets my polish for 4-5 days and I usually add another coat so that it lasts a few more days. I'm used to nails chipping after a day (or even the same evening!) so 4-5 days if fine by me. The product is thick which I love but FYI, it takes a steady hand to apply.

5. Living Proof Dry Shampoo

This is worth every.single.penny. I use dry shampoo more than any other product I own so I've always been hesitant to try an expensive product knowing how quickly I go through cans. This one also came in my Birchbox and I plan to rebuy after I finish this can. I use my drugstore favorites throughout the week but use this one around my crown on second day hair during the work week. I use it sparingly and let the cheap stuff do the hard work. 

6. Sports Research Biotin Softgels

I've been using this biotin supplements for 3 months now and I can see a noticeable difference in my hair as can my hair dresser. I was using the Nature's Bounty supplements for awhile, which I really liked, but I've seen faster growth with the Sports Research softgels. And since its crunch time for  the wedding grow out (less than three months to go!), the difference in price is worth the money.

7. Jose Marin Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot

Oh. My. God. you guys. This is hands down and praise a higher being the best body butter I have ever tried. It smells delicious, leaves my skin silky smooth, is quick to absorb and doesn't leave my feeling oily. It is everything you could want in an argan oil and absolutely worth the price tag. A little (and I mean a little) goes a really long way.

//

What products are you loving right now? Anything I should check out?

pattern mixing with florals and stripes

J.Crew Shirt | Banana Republic Factory Skirt | J.Crew Factory Jacket | Madewell tote | Old Navy wedges | Kendra Scott earrings

Pictures by Kristyn of Primp and Proper

There is something so effortlessly chic and stylish when it comes to pattern mixing -- when done the right way. And I'm sure you already have the pieces in your closet ready to be mixed, you just have to look at them the right way!

Stick to neutral colors when pattern mixing. You know, all my favorites like navy, black, tan. When you're mixing patterns, they key is to use to pieces and patterns in complimentary colors and neutrals are the easiest way to do that. In this outfit, I'm matching the navy in the stripes to the navy and purples in the skirt.

Start with stripes. Stripes are basically a neutral in my book but bonus points for stripes in a neutral color. Stripes are a really easy pattern to work with. Leopard print is another. And leopard print is definitely a neutral. Stick with thin stripes and try mixing with florals or leopard.

Keep accessories the same color. Here I'm wearing a cognac belt and shoes and carrying a cognac bag. The idea is to coordinate your shoes, purse, belt, etc with each other in a complimentary color. You don't want to add another pattern or color or the look may be too busy. Again, neutrals are key here.

A few notes about fit and what I'm wearing here..

• This skirt runs a little big. I'm wearing a medium here. I'm usually a medium or large and the large was too big.
• These wedges are summer perfection. They are comfortable for all day wear -- I'm talking on all day walking back and forth between meetings comfortable -- and can easily be worn dressed up or down. I wear them to work and on the weekends with cutoffs. Oh, and they're 30% off today.
• I know Kendra Scott is a bit ubiquitous (especially in DC) but I think it's worth the money (especially if you can find a sale) to have a pair of her earrings in your jewelry closet. They are a super easy way to add a pop of color and a nice statement to an otherwise simple outfit.

why you should take engagement pictures

A few months ago, I had drinks with a friend who, like me, was planning her wedding cross country. She had shared her beautiful engagement pictures from around DC on social media earlier in the day so when we got together, I asked her if she hired a local photographer for her pictures. She explained how she flew her photographers out to DC because it was more cost efficient than hiring a local photog. I won't share the cost she shared but I will say my last flight to SF was around $400.

I couldn't help it and blurted out, "OMG why?" She asked, "why what?" Here's my chance to redeem myself. I clarified, "why did you take engagement pictures?" What I really meant was, what's the point of that substantial extra cost for an engagement shoot?

Her response? "For the wedding! Duh!" Okay, so she didn't say duh but I'm sure she was thinking it.

I still needed more clarification so I asked, “but, like for what exactly?” She planned to “use them for her save the dates” and “for the wedding”. At this point, I already knew I was going to make my own save the dates and I couldn’t ask again about what “for the wedding” meant so I just let it go. I couldn’t figure out what the point of the pictures was aside from having an entire photoshoot of pictures of you and your significant other. That is lovely (and I’ll say it – a little vain)  but I wasn’t convinced it was worth the cost.

Until now.

An engagement shoot is included in our wedding package (which by the way I didn’t find was an across the board offer while researching photographers). Because I wasn’t sure why we should take pictures and we weren’t sure when we could even take them, I negotiated adding the shoot onto our day of wedding package. When Aaron and I were home a few weeks, we met with our photographer and decided we should just take the pictures. And I’m so glad we did.

Below are my top three reasons to take engagement pictures

1. GET COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA

I am very comfortable in front of a camera. Hello, I’ve been slapping pictures of myself on this blog for a few years now! Aaron is not so much. It was important for him to get comfortable posing and taking direction. It was just as important for us to feel comfortable together.  Some shots are natural – you’re walking, talking, laughing – others are not so much when you’re posed or laughing into each others eyes. You have to loosen up and you don’t want your wedding day to be the day you’re figuring out how to loosen up in front of a camera.

2 - GET COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

The same idea applies for getting comfortable with your photographer.  Unless you’re a Kardashian, there is very little natural about the situation of having someone follow you around and take pictures of you. You want to get to know that person and feel comfortable being yourself in front of the camera. After we got comfortable with our photographer, we were able to tell her things like, this is my better side, or I don’t feel comfortable in this pose,  etc.

3 - SEE WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE IN PRINT BEFORE THE BIG DAY 

Our photographer shoots in digital and film which we love and is part of the reason we hired her.  Getting the pictures back highlights the differences between the two and now that I know that I can ask her to use film for certain parts of the wedding and digital for others. Now that we have pictures back, I can see that I’m not comfortable with kissy pictures, or that wearing false lashes make my eyes pop. These are all things I couldn’t have known without seeing how our engagement pictures turned out. And they are all things I will keep in mind for our wedding day.

At the end of the day, you don’t want to be testing anything out on your wedding day.  Engagement pictures are really good practice for the big day. If they come with your package, take advantage! They come with the added bonus of having a few pictures of you as couple that aren’t drunken, iPhone selfies. Or is that just us?

closet staples, volume 1: outerwear

Hi! Happy Monday! How was your weekend?

Mine was super low key which was just what I needed. Aaron was out of town this weekend so I had the whole apartment to myself. I obviously love living with Aaron or else I wouldn't have said yes but let's be real, I don't mind having the apartment to myself once in awhile. We share an 890 square foot apartment. It is beautiful and I love it, but it is close quarters and a weekend free to spread out and play couch commando isn't the worst thing in the world.

Our apartment doesn't offer much in the way of storage and closet space. Much to my dismay, and perhaps Aaron's, we have to share our one walk in closet. City living at its worst....and serious first world problems.

Because of our limited space (and the limitations placed on me by my bank account), I stock my closet with pieces I can wear in multiple ways. In a series of posts, I'll share with you some of my favorite closet staples -- the pieces I wear regularly and all in different ways.

First up, in no particular order,  is outerwear.

\\ 1. M I L I T A R Y  V E S T //

{original post}

A green cargo vest is easy to wear over jeans for casually running errands or over a dress for brunch. If you're like me and try to follow the rule of three (wearing three pieces to complete an outfit), a vest is a super easy third layering piece. 

\\ 2. D E N I M  J A C K E T //

{original post}

I've been rocking a denim jacket since I was a little girl. Seriously. I've always had one in my closet. If I think what is a quintessential Nicole piece of clothing, the first thing I think of is a jean jacket. It is the perfect functional layering piece.

\\ 3. L E A T H E R  J A C K E T //

{original post}

It should be no surprise to you that a leather jacket is on this list for me. In the fall and winter, it replaces my denim jacket as the outerwear piece I reach for the most. I wear it casually over leggings or as seen here to balance out a feminine skirt.

\\ 4. T R E N C H  C O A T //

{original post}

A neutral trench coat is a classic and will never go out of style. I picked this trench coat up on a super sale at Banana Republic which was a steal, but happily would have paid full price. I wear this on the weekend as seen here or during the week when commuting to work over work clothes. The key with a trench is to invest in tailoring so it doesn't look too boxy and overpower your frame.