ABC's and 123's: Updated fall basics that won't break your budget

Now that August is over and I can smell the change in the wind whipping off Lake Michigan, I have begun to take stock of my fall wardrobe. Weighing what I will keep, what I will donate, and what I will archive (i.e. my bias cut, diagonal hem, geo-print skirt circa 2002 that I know will see another fash moment) is serious business.

This year, my basics need a major over-haul. As shapes have changed over the past 3 years I find myself in dire need of new tees, trousers, tights, oxfords, and skirts and as always, I'm working on a budget.

My first stop for great basics is always American Apparel. The lauded, vertically integrated hipster organization sells A-mazing cotton that wears better than almost any I've bought. I have lived in an egglplant Interlock High-Waist Skirt for the past 4 years and am only now putting it to rest. This year I'm going for a 3 pack of Opaque Tights for $33.00 (love the Mustard, a perfect addition to your autumnal color palet.), a slate California Fleece Tulip skirt for $32.00, and a white, men's Pinpoint Oxford to achieve the ever popular "boyfriend fit" for $54.00. The cost-per-wear break down on these staples is phenom and you can always find your favorite styles.

Next, I'm heading to J. Crew, where I am falling hard for theses khaki, cropped chinos in pebble for $49.50.
Finally, the piece de resistance! At Urban Outfitters, when I tried on the Silence + Noise Open Front Blazer, it was all I could do to take it off and pay the $78 bones it cost to own such loveliness. With the perfect boyfriend fit, it is a forward updated to a timeless classic and I couldn't love it more! (See pic at beginning of post)

At a grand total of $246.50, I will be well into my fall wardrobe update with great classics that will no doubt pay for themselves!

sizzlin' summer style

look how fabulous karla -- from karla's closet -- looks in the striped babooshka harems:



(can you tell that i'm a bit overobsessed with these pants. waiting, waiting, waiting). she also brings up the summer staple that i'm looking to add to my wardrobe...the bodysuit. although scary for someone like me, who stays far far away from anything even resembling body con. it's just so versatile, i feel like it would ultimately end up being the most worn piece in my closet.

like this one from american apparel:

although i also really love the long-sleeved one...i love really really form-fitting long sleeves. i always feel like my arms look so dainty, which is not an adjective that i usually attribute to any aspect of myself.

and then, i'd probably get all obsessed and start getting ones with different patterns! oh my, bodysuit heaven.

this one is a real gem, too.


although in chicago, you can never be sure, it seems like summer is FINALLY here. i'm really excited for the outdoors aspects of summer...already yesterday, i rollerbladed the lake shore path down to navy pier and sat outside on our patio with some dear friends enjoying lots of vino and some wonderful conversation. i plan on making this summer a magical one, sartorially and otherwise.