Wardrobe Architect Week 2: Defining a Core Style

It’s Week 2!

How did your answers shake out from Week 1? I’m currently working through Sarai Mitnick’s Wardrobe Architect series, and am really loving what’s happening here. I’ve decided to keep it fun and loose for myself, ultimately coming out with the why behind my choices, as well as a well-edited collection.

This week’s worksheet uncovers the looks that make you feel your best, those that don’t, and the words associated with your personal story from Week 1.

Sarai suggests we each have aspects of our style that are closer to who we are and to our own personal realities. Much like hundreds of other women, I’m a blue jean girl. A natural girl. I let my curls loose. When I leave the house, I reach for something simple. And though I love makeup, (so much; I get a natural high walking through Sephora), I don’t wear much.

More personal realities: I run. I sweat. Pet fur is REAL around here. The temperatures in Michigan swing year-round like a pendulum and you’ve gotta be READY.  

So this week, I’ve filtered myself down to five core style words pulled from my personal history, philosophy, culture, community, activities, location, and body:

Timeless

Transitional

Undemanding

Alluring

At ease 

I collected images that represented these words—not just a straightforward representation, but also the moods and feelings these words conjure up. Even places. Next week we'll move from these general ideas to examining the actual elements that make up a consistent style, like color, construction, textiles, and details.

So go get it, girl! 

Read this week's prompt and define your core style over at Colette here.

Wardrobe Architect Week 1

Have you heard of it? It’s the brain child of Colette’s Sarai Mitnick. Fueled by the rush of adding a new linen piece to my repertoire (the Wiksten dress above), I mad googled for my next pattern and discovered Colette and the Wardrobe Architect series. Ultimately, the series guides us in refining our choices and creating wardrobes we love. This summer I’m taking it on as a way to refresh my closet and create a stronger and deeper connection to the things I choose to have in my life. To sew more and buy less. To not only build a wardrobe, but to architect one with planning and clear thinking. Not minimal, mind you… a collection.

Sarai’s series runs over 13 weeks, each week focusing on a new topic of wardrobe planning. I’ve begun this week and will finish just before the Fall Equinox. This week is about individuality and putting to paper how our personal story influences the way we dress. Touching on our personal history, culture, philosophy, body image, climate, and the day-to-day, this week’s worksheet looks at how we’re all different, and lays a groundwork for the exercises to come.

Doesn’t that sound amazing!? Let’s do this together!! Read Sarai’s introduction to the series here, and then head over to Week 1! If you blog your own progress I’d love to see it (give me your link below!). Here’s to a carefully curated wardrobe that’s uniquely ours. Clink.

New Kicks

Aren't these darling? My favorite part is the open heel.

I'm into nudes and pastel-y pinks lately, and since we're still having chilly days (it's forecasted to snow Monday... work it Michigan), these have become the perfect transition. What do you wear while winter lingers?

sweater weather

Before we let Christmas parties and wish lists take over, let's embrace the rest of November, focusing on the last days of cider mills and scenic nature trails. I put together a simple sweater guide to enjoy the rest of autumn by, and carry well into the wintery months.

For the weekend: By now I think it's safe to say I have a weekend uniform. I always end up in a slouchy sweater and leggings, but you know what? It works so well! For everything from snuggling with our pup to running errands around town, it's the easiest way to look pulled together.

Steal from your significant other: Sometimes the coziest things in our closet aren't ours - they're our man's. There have been so many times I've gone out in something of Chris'; not only can these sweaters (or sweatshirts) be unbelievably soft, but you step out looking effortless, rumpled, and sexy with the added bonus of smelling your lover all day long.

For cold evenings: An oversized cardigan is the perfect companion for spending time with a loved one over mulled wine. I wear these over a silk camisole which is fall-into-bed ready when that nightcap settles in.

For the office: To avoid shivers after hours on end behind the computer, I love swathing myself in thick knits. Beautiful cowl necks like this one stand up to cool drafts and look incredibly chic with camel pants and leopard flats.

something for nighttime

There's something to be said about the way it feels to wake up in a little silky thing, the only thing keeping you warm while making your lover's coffee. Imogene + Willie's intimate line has me wrapped around its finger, and I can't wait to slip into one of my own. Sweet dreams...

:: imogene + willie

Bomb Nails

Have you seen Christina Rinaldi's nail art?

My.

I can't stop obsessing over her Tumblr... has me pining for some fun new colors (and would keep my nasty picking habit at bay for a couple weeks).

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sabrina weigt is behind the gorgeous shop the knit kid in berlin. i've been following her shop for a while now and have a serious hunger for every darling knitted piece she comes out with. try to not fall in love.