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Transitional Twill Topper

 The Cotton U-neck - Everlane

It can stay chilly in the Midwest until well into May but many of us are already thinking about spring and some transitional outfits.  The clean lines and beautiful drape of this cafe au lait twill coat lend it to both office and casual wear.  Styled here as a weekend outfit, I paired the coat with my new favorite jeans and a black tee.  The olive bootie-styled sandals look great with the blacks and denim but will be useful come summer paired with navy, tan or cream. The fun fringe bucket bag finishes the look!

 

Apres Ski


This March I will be spending a long weekend at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek resort in Colorado thanks to free nights rewards from the Chase Hyatt Credit Card.  Thank you The Points Guy for all your great tips!  Making the reservation got me thinking about what I could wear for apres ski that would be warm, comfortable and chic.  This is one outfit I came up with, based on a combo of things already in my closet and new pieces.

  • North Face Metrolina Parka or Jacket ($195-290) – Bought this about a year ago in parka form.  It is SO warm!!! The black fabric has a slight iridescence to it which gives a bit more special of a look.  Love that you can remove the hood, wear it plain or with fur trim for different looks.  I’ll be using this for years!
  • Sorel Tofino Boot ($160) – Received as a gift last year – the faux fur trim adds fun to this waxed canvas and rubber-soled boot.  Warm, dry, classic!
  • Three Dots Chunky Knit Turtleneck (SALE $118) – Also works with jeans or a skirt.
  • Hue Ponte Leggings ($29-44) – Bought earlier this fall and have been wearing them to death.  Comfy and don’t stretch out.  Great for travel!  Love the heavier weight, they’re warm and look a bit more pant-like than the light cotton blends.
  • Elizabeth & James Antler Hoop Earrings and Ring (SOLDOUT) – cute nod to mountain life.
  • Julianne Shearling Tote (SOLDOUT) – Have always wanted something shearling and I love the urban meets rustic vibe of this roomy tote.  

Read the Trip Tale!

Wardrobe Building: Where to Begin Investing?

So, you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your wardrobe but are wondering how to start investing your hard-earned dollars!  

A great place to start is by focusing on pieces with low cost per wear ratios.  Cost per wear ratio is calculated by taking the price of the item purchased and dividing it by the number of times you will wear the item in a year.  For example:

  • $500 special event outfit at 2 wearings per year = $250 cost per wear
  • $500 seasonal handbag at 65 wearings per year (5 days/week for one 13-week season) = $7.69 cost per wear
  • $10 blouse bought on sale/impulse with tags still on a year later = $10 in the trash
Low cost per wear pieces often include:
  • Shoes and Boots
  • Handbags and Small Leather Goods
  • Jeans
  • For professionals: A suit in a dark color (black, charcoal, navy)
  • For cool climates: Outerwear
  • Sunglasses
As you elevate your personal style, choosing to invest in these items first makes a ton of sense as you will get repeated wear and a variety of styling options out of these pieces.