All I can say is… FINALLY!
I’ve been waiting for what seems like forever to share this post with you — but since I ordered many of my new clothing items online, I had to wait for the SLOW over-Labor-Day-holiday shipping to get the packages to my house.
Then, of course there were so many pictures to take — all of which were taken by Dave, via my iPhone, in about 2 hours, with children being shoveled around in strollers to keep them out of the way (seriously, I wish I had a picture of us taking these pictures!)
It was a crazy process, especially for someone like me who doesn’t necessarily love trying on clothes or getting my picture taken, but I am beyond thrilled with how this post turned out — not to mention how happy I am with my new clothes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. This post took me HOURS upon HOURS to put together so I’m really hoping it is inspirational and helpful to those of you trying to put together a mix ‘n match wardrobe!
Also, I realize the photography (and the model) are not top-notch, but I do think that the purpose of this post is clearly conveyed. For me, that’s more important than how great my hair looks!
First things first. Let’s talk about the stylist I worked with.
About a month ago, I had Jessica of JessMichelleStyle.com come to my house to do a wardrobe analysis (UPDATE: apparently this website no longer works and I have not been able to get in contact with Jess since writing this post.)
I was totally fed up with my clothes and needed some motivation to lose my baby weight. So Jess said to contact her when I lost the weight and we could work together to update my wardrobe.
She charges $150 for the initial wardrobe analysis — which was a crucial step for me. She actually comes to your house and weeds through everything in your closet, asking you a bunch of questions to figure out your style and what clothes you love (read more about that in this post).
She never once made me feel bad about my unstylish clothing choices (or the fact that I had 7 of the exact same t-shirt just in different colors). In fact, she said we could actually work with many of the clothes in my closet and just add in a few updated pieces to change the entire look!
Those few hours spent with Jess in my bedroom closet were probably some of the most eye-opening, why-didn’t-I-think-of-that-before moments of my life (at least when it comes to clothes!)
After talking with her for one afternoon, I now think about clothing (and shopping for clothing) in a completely different way. I’m a much more confident shopper now that I actually know what to look for, what fits me, and what flatters me.
Side Note: I was apparently buying all my clothes WAY too big — like consistently 1 to 2 sizes too big! It’s amazing how much better clothes look when they actually fit 🙂
If you had told me I would ever be working with a stylist to update my wardrobe, I would have laughed in your face. But now that I actually did it, I wish I would have done it years ago — although I didn’t even know this service existed until earlier this year!
I would highly recommend this process for any of you who hate shopping, who feel “blah” in your current clothes, or who just don’t know how to update your look. If you can’t afford it, ask for it as a gift. It was SO worth it for me!
OK OK, Let’s Get to the Clothes!
I told Jess that I was definitely a “jeans and t-shirt” kind of girl… and she said we could run with that. So since I already had a decent selection of pants and skirts, Jess’s primary goal was to find me a few cute t-shirts and some cute COMFY shoes to go with the pants I already had.
I didn’t think she could to it… but boy did she prove me wrong! She managed to create a super comfy, super low-maintenance wardrobe consisting almost entirely of jeans and cute t-shirts, using much of what I already had… so I hardly spent anything out of pocket!
It would be impossible to take pictures of all the different ways I could wear every item of clothing in my closet. However, I now have a mostly mix ‘n match jeans and t-shirt wardrobe that consists of lots of black, grey, white, cream, navy… and a few pops of color to brighten things up.
Below, I’m sharing a few ways I’ve been able to mix ‘m match. And since many of you have asked, I’ve listed out every item of clothing in my closet at the bottom of the post — you’re welcome 🙂
What do you think? Did I do OK?
I just love how I can go from super casual yoga pants and a sweatshirt around the house to cute and “put together” with the same shirt! Not to mention so many of the items pictured above can mix and match with so many of the other pieces in my closet.
Obviously, all of these outfits are geared more towards Spring, Summer, and Fall — but it was hot and sunny the day we took these pictures and I just can’t bear the thought of dressing for winter yet!
Also, I do want to note that most of the items I purchased were via ThredUp and Twice (two used clothing sites I frequently shop). Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing how I managed to get several of my “new” clothing purchases absolutely free (and how you can do the same!)
Finally, since I’ve already been asked why I’m spending money on new clothes now, even though we are hoping to have more children at some point, I think it’s important to mention I DID keep that in mind when adding items to my wardrobe. I have many open cardigans that work well with maternity tanks, and many looser, ruched tops that should work well for the first and second trimesters, before the massive belly appears. 🙂
Now for that list of EVERY item of clothing I own:
I’m always asked, “how many of ______ do you have in your closet?” So I figured a quick listing would be in order — especially considering the nature of this post and the fact that I’ll be talking about clothes clutter ALL week long.
PANTS:
- Jeans = 6 (two pairs are colored)
- Khaki pants = 1
- Capris = 3
- Shorts = 3
- Dress Pants = 2
- Yoga Pants = 3
- Leggings = 2
- Sweatpants = 2
- Athletic shorts = 2
TOPS:
- Tanks = 9
- Plain short-sleeve casual t’s = 7
- Plain long-sleeve casual t’s = 6
- Stylish t’s = 15 (many of these were new purchases)
- Light-weight sweaters = 8
- Heavier sweaters = 4
- Sweatshirts = 4
- Cardigans = 8
- Athletic t’s (long and short sleeve) = 15
DRESSES + SKIRTS:
- Shorter skirts = 4
- Maxi skirt = 1
- Casual dresses = 3
- Maxi dresses = 2
- Formal”ish” dresses = 2
SHOES:
- Flip Flops = 3
- Casual Flats = 5
- Tennis Shoes = 3
- Wedges / Heals = 2
- Boots = 3
ACCESSORIES:
- Scarves = 6
- Bags =4
- Belts = 4
- Various Necklaces
Obviously, I’m not hurting for clothing — however, my goal with this closet makeover has never been to purge my closet to an extreme minimalistic state. Rather, I was hoping to remove everything I didn’t wear and love and add in a few pieces to tie everything together.
I’ve been successful at that so far and am very pleased with how my closet looks and functions. I’m certain I will continue to purge and add in new pieces over the next months and years, but I’m off to a good start — thanks in large part to Jess!
So that’s everything… for today!
I really hope you enjoyed today’s post and are excited to come back tomorrow for more “clothes clutter talk”. I have a lot of fun clothes-clutter posts planned the rest of the week (click here to eventually read them all in one spot).
Now that I’m finished working with Jess, I’ll direct all future wardrobe questions to my 2.5 year old fashionista (seriously, look at that pose!)
Sara says
Hey-
Loved this post and all of the outfits your put together. I am curious where you got your scarves? If you gave a source for those I missed them. I have never worn scarves but I sure love the blue and white one and the stripped one!
Rebecca says
I was cracking up at your V-neck t-shirts comment! I too have / had that issue. Most of mine however were either hot pink or black. It was like my uniform. Haha! Thanks for the inspiration to change things up. This is such a great post that I think will really help so many people feel better about themselves!
Andrea says
Thanks Rebecca… gotta’ love the V-necks 🙂
Krysta says
Love the wardrobe and we have very similar styles. I’m also the kind of girl to get the same shirt in various colors! If you don’t mind me asking – how much did the whole new wardrobe cost you? If I missed it in the post, I apologize 🙂 Thanks for sharing – great post series!
Andrea says
Thanks Krysta!
I actually did talk about my costs in Tuesday’s post. I was able to use some store credit to ThredUp and Twice, and I sold some bags on Craigslist and a few clothes to a consignment shop + ThredUP.
After all of that, I only ended up spending $40 out of pocket for 2 new pairs of shoes, new jeans, 1 new skirt, 2 new yoga pants, 2 scarves, and about 10 shirts and sweaters! Not too bad!
Terri says
I loved this blog post! It accomplished your mission of being an inspiration. The only problem is now you will have to follow up with even more inspirational mix and match photos for those of us living in the colder climates that will be living in our fleece and sweaters!!! Great job as always.
Andrea says
haha, thanks Terri! Maybe I will need to do an updated post for winter looks — good idea 🙂
Kim says
Thanks for this post – I love “real-life” fashion posts that apply to my life as a stay at home mom. Love your outfits!
Andrea says
you’re welcome Kim! It was a fun (yet time-consuming) post to put together, but the process of writing the post really helped me put a bunch of “real life” outfits together (one of which I’m wearing today!) that work for my, my style, my life, etc.
Meg says
This is great! I love Nora’s pose!!
Katie says
Love this post! YOU are adorable, and what a kickin’ wardrobe! 😀 Thank you a million times for the inspiration! I love how practical and real you keep things, and you do it with class and dignity.:)
Victoria says
Love it…I can totally related to the jeans and t shirt wordrobe. And having the same shirt in several colors! Will be referring to this one again! I was glad to see you could keep your sketchers go walks because I bough them too after your favorite things post on them!
Andrea says
haha — yes the Sketchers definitely stayed! I wear those ALLLL the time!
Lisa says
What a great post, so many awesome ideas! You look amazing in every single picture! The last one of your daughter was so adorable!
Heart and Haven says
LOVE this post!
I’ve been really wanting to update my wardrobe for awhile now. I used to dress so much cuter when I worked a corporate job. However, when I became a sahm I hadn’t found good, comfy, stylish clothing to wear. You’ve inspired me to really want to do this soon to my wardrobe! 🙂
I love how you’ve found some great pieces that are so easy to mix & match, and look great whether very casual or a more put-together/dressy look.
I’d probably post the “looks” pics in my closet to help me remember how to mix & match for the different looks I want!
Andrea says
Thanks 🙂 I can assure you that everything I picked out is still very comfy — otherwise I wouldn’t wear it! I honestly didn’t think I could be both comfortable and relatively stylish (without being “trendy”) but I think we pulled it off! I’m excited!!
Andrea says
Andrea you’re very, very pretty! You are what is making the clothes look fabulous, not the other way around!
Wow, this is a stunning post!
Blessings to you : )
Andrea says
Awwww… thanks 🙂
Susanne says
LOVE this! I love your outfits. I always use my sister as my “stylist” but how awesome that you could hire the real thing!!!
Andrea says
well, I’m sure “sister stylists” are free — so that’s great too 🙂
Debbie says
Fantastic post, Andrea! We have a similar style and I got some great ideas from your pictures.
Jill says
Oh, I’m so happy for you and to see this post! I have no idea how to mix and match, but somehow my closet is full and I have nothing to wear! Imagine that! I’m printing out your post and taking lots of notes!! YOU LOOK GREAT!!
Andrea says
Yes, I can totally relate! And now that I know you’re printing this post, I suddenly feel a little more self-conscious about how I looked!
Raquel says
I was sooo excited for this post! I really might have to try the stylist route when I finally get to my goal weight. Did she shop/for with you or did you guys just come up with a list of things to buy? I loved that she worked with second hand clothing as well.
Andrea says
Well I was SOOOOO excited for this post too!
I’m sure if you work with a stylist they would have many different options. Jess had TONS of different services she offered as well as discounts if you purchased multiple services. Shopping was one of her services and she would either go with the client or on her own and bring the clothing to the client (sounds heavenly, huh!?)
And yes, she was all for thrift shopping via consignment stores, Twice, ThredUp, etc. She was a major bargain shopper like me!
Kayla H says
Seriously, you do not know how helpful this post was! Thank you so much for all your hard work! 🙂 It is much appreciated.
Andrea says
Good, I’m so glad. You are welcome! I was really wondering if it would be worth ALL the work I put in — but I knew it would also be helpful to me to put a few outfits together.
JoAnn C. says
I have two Ruched T’s I am bored to tears with. Why didn’t I think to add a scarf?! So simple, so practical. Thanks. This is such a fun post.
Andrea says
haha — “bored to tears” haven’t heard that phrase in a while!
And yes, scarves are my favorite accessory because they can be very inexpensive (I will never pay over $10 for a scarf — usually less than $5) and can be worn so many different ways. Plus, in the winter, they keep you warmer and they are much “safer” than beaded necklaces when you’re constantly holding little kids. A good scarf can liven up almost any outfit!
Andrea says
WOW!!! What a fantastic post. Thanks SO much to you and Dave for all of the time and effort it must have taken. There’s nothing like a great bunch of pictures to really make your point. I love seeing all of the different ways to use simple pieces. Thanks so much 🙂 And thanks for your previous decluttering posts – my daughter and I have done some serious culling and I couldn’t be happier about it! We really appreciate you – Thank you!
Andrea says
Yeah, Dave does deserve a big Thank-You — but I got him Culver’s ice-cream so he’s happy as a clam 🙂
Glad you’ve been decluttering — doesn’t it feel great?!?
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
First of all, you look fabulous, Andrea! I need to go through my wardrobe too, post baby, especially now that I’m staying at home. I like how your t-shirts are all a little different and dressy, yet still so comfortable. That’s what I need more of! I have some credit at Twice but haven’t placed an order yet. You just inspired me to place an order yet this week!
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
So, I have to tell you Andrea, that I just placed my first order! I found a 50% coupon on facebook, so just saved $442 on my first order of 12 items – 10 new tops and 2 dresses. Plus, I had referral credit, so a free order of new clothes for me. I can’t wait for them to arrive! Thanks for the motivation to update my SAHM wardrobe, too! 🙂
Andrea says
wow — that’s amazing Kristen! and just an FYI, if you make future orders, you can order from their App and you will automatically qualify for free return shipping in case you don’t absolutely love everything you get. I actually just placed an order (some for me, Nora and Simon) today and once I got all the items in my shopping cart and applied my coupons and credit I switched to my phone to actually submit the order.
Just a little trick I learned that has saved me a bundle in return shipping!!
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
I will have to remember that – although I think that is for Thred Up? I ordered from Twice this time. Thred Up will be for my next shopping trip! 🙂
Andrea says
oh duh… you’re right. Twice ALWAYS offers free return shipping 🙂
Jen says
You look great – relaxed and put together all at the same time! I’ve been adjusting my wardrobe through something called Project 333 (www.theproject333.com) and it’s been helping me focus on what items I truly love and what items I really don’t wear and can purge. As I get close to the end of this project, I’ll be left with just the items I love and can then look to add in new items that fit with these existing ones. Thanks for your inspiration, and also for sharing info on Twice and ThreadUp – I wasn’t aware of these options!
Andrea says
Thanks for your kind words and the project 333 link. I have heard of that concept, but I didn’t know it was a website. I’ll have to check it out!
And yes, you should definitely check out ThredUp and Twice. You can get $10 of free clothing from each site!
Kelly in Oregon says
You are adorable! I didn’t know about Twice and ThreadUp – I will definitely be checking those out and looking forward to your post tomorrow!
Andrea says
Thanks Kelly — and yes, check out ThredUp and Twice. It’s basically $20 of free clothing for you! ($10 from each site)
Sandy says
First off, LOVE the new wardrobe and Nora is just TOO cute in that last pic with her ‘pose’. She’s such a cutie! This is a great post and ever since you mentioned working with the fashion consultant I’ve been taking a good look at my wardrobe and trying to purge things that I didn’t really love, plus have really thought twice about buying something ‘new’ unless it’s something I feel I will wear a TON and will replace something old or outdated in my current wardrobe. This has been a challenge for me, as I’m one who doesn’t like to feel like I’m wearing the same thing all the time….especially during the colder months that seem drag on forever! I want to say ‘thanks’, too, for being honest about exactly how many items you DO have in all the major wardrobe categories, as I’ve seen so much about these capsule wardrobes and honestly don’t think I could survive on so few options without going nuts! It appears you’ve found the perfect balance of having mixable/matchable pieces which allow you to create LOTS of cute options without going to the extreme. Something that seems much more ‘attainable’, in my opinion. Well done!!
Andrea says
Thanks Sandy – and yes, I was actually surprised by how much clothing I had (especially since I have PLENTY of room left over in our normal-size closet).
I don’t think I could ever truly do a capsule wardrobe, but I also don’t want to get my wardrobe down to that few of pieces. I have no reason to live that ‘minimalisticaly’ so I’d rather have the freedom to have a few more items to choose from in the morning 🙂
Jean says
Really loved this post. I think it shows that even with a casual wardrobe, it works far far better if you think about what you like and plan and shop accordingly. I am trying to do this as I only need a mostly casual wardrobe now. Thanks for such a great example. A long time reader, first comment I think. Nora is so fabulous, reminds me of my daughter as a child, she is now one very stylish amazing lady. Thanks again.
Andrea says
Thanks Jean! I’m finding more and more that even casual clothes work better if there is a plan (you know how much I love planning!)
And yes, I think Nora is going to be very into fashion. She is already so interested in clothing (obviously not from me) and is always wanting to pick out what I wear or change her clothing into something different.
Deni says
So inspiring, Andrea and thank you for sharing this with us! All of your choices are classy and respectable which is so important for us Mom’s. I love them all, but my favorite is the little jean skirt…so cute! As for the models, Mom is lovely and Nora is a doll 😉
Andrea says
Thanks Deni! I have 2 favorites, the jean skirt and the coral jeans — they are SO soft and stretchy. I could probably wear them to bed 🙂
Debbie says
Thank you for this post! Looks like a very comfortable wardrobe and very versatile. This makes me jealous of your being able to work from home. I must research for a stylist in our area and see if she can help me condense and consolidate my wardrobe to fit my lifestyle. Nora is cute!
Lauren says
This is great! I think if I dig around in my closet I could find some similar cute outfits without needing to purchase much. The next step for me would be actually WEARING the cute outfits. As a stay-at-home mom I feel like nobody sees me anyway so I might as well just wear yoga pants and a t-shirt. If I at least wore a cute t-shirt then I could swap out the yoga pants for jeans when leaving the house and I’d look better with minimal effort. Thanks for the inspiration!
Pamela says
Andrea, you look FABULOUS! Your short hair is just lovely on you, and the cute clothes — you are rockin’ it!!!!!
Becky says
Excellent post! I definitely want to do something like this after I have my baby. I love all of your outfits!
Tammy @ Skipperclan says
I LOVE this post, thank you so much! First, you look great and I love the way you laid out the different options with key pieces. Second, you have made me realize I really don’t own a lot of clothes!! I have one pair of jeans and one pair of shorts that fit, more dresses and skirts because of my personal style but tops – I really, truly need to budget and shop for more. I can imagine the time it took to put this together but it will save me tons so I appreciate it so much.
Andrea says
haha — I actually have more clothing now than I have in the past — but it all fits and I like it all 🙂
I had to laugh when you said “I only have one pair of jeans and one par of shorts that fit” does that mean you have others in your closet that don’t fit? Or are you “good” and purge the items that don’t fit??
Oh, and I KNOW you’ll love tomorrow’s post — all about how to get new clothes for free (or almost free)!!
Tammy @ SkipperClan says
Oh no, you got me! YES I have a couple other things that don’t fit but nothing is more than 10 pounds away and it’s about 15 items including dresses. We had a stressful summer as his transition from active duty military to retirement didn’t go as planned so I just started focusing on my health again after we moved into our new home. We have a 16 foot long closet and he is using almost all of it. This series is perfect timing for me 🙂
Andrea says
haha — no biggie 🙂
it’s not all bad to keep a few “too small” items as motivation to lose a little extra weight!
Siobhan says
Such a fun post! Thanks so much 🙂
Jen T says
OMG! How stinkin’ cute(r) are you? Love all of these choices and thinking I need to hire someone!
Paulette Smith says
Oh my word, look at Nora’s foot! How does a 2.5 year old know how to do that?!? It must be in the DNA or something. She is something else and so utterly adorable! Andrea, Leanne nailed it in her comment. I so “get” you…shopping, trying on clothes…the whole process is exhausting to me! Thank you for all your work!
Andrea says
I know, Dave and I were both cracking up over this photo 🙂
Melanie says
Great post and so helpful! I was really looking forward to this one. Now…to work on my closet :)!
Abby says
Andrea, you look amazing! I’ve been eagerly awaiting this post. Purging my closet isn’t a problem, but buying new stuff – gulp – that’s a big step. How cool that you were able to find so many things through Twice and Thred Up … Seriously, this is SUCH an inspiration to a style-challenged, work-at-home mom!
Andrea says
Thanks Abby. And honestly, I would consider myself “style challenged” too – so if I can do it, you can too!!
Jennifer says
How fun!
One thing I think is really important is having a very clear idea of what you like, what suits your life, and what that means practically for what you buy/make to wear. Sometimes I think many of us are more picky than we realise, and it takes a little work to dig around and verbalise exactly WHAT we like and WHY. It feels a bit frivolous, too. But always, when I finally pinpoint something like, ‘I hate too-short tees so I shouldn’t buy them anymore!’, it really helps making decisions and stopping me from buying things I won’t wear for some nebulous reason.
Also, for those who don’t want to hire a stylist, there are worksheets and blogs online that can give you ideas to go through for some fashion self-coaching. What comes first to mind is the Wardrobe Architect series on the blog Coletterie, a sewing blog. There are worksheets to fill out with inspiration, thinking about your lifestyle, what you like, etc. I found it really fun and useful! Obviously it doesn’t give you in-person feedback, but helps in taking you through things.
Leanne says
1. funnest post ever
2. we have very similar styles
3. you totally nailed how to look “put together” as a stay at home mom
4. your looks are affordable and suitable for a wide variety of sizes and ages
5. you inspired me to lose my last 7 pounds of baby weight (6 years later… ahem…)
Clothing is a way to reflect inner happiness and confidence! you look amazing and pinned a bunch of your pictures on my pinterest fashion board! thank you for all the work you did!!!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Leanne — it was a really fun (but very time-consuming) post to write as well.
Stacy says
Love this! I’m very casual too and sometimes feel frumpy because I just throw on a t and shorts…and I know most of my clothes are too big. I’ve been wanting to purge my closet for awhile and get some new things, so I think I will! We have a very similar style, so this gives me some great ideas to look for – as well as we are doing IVF to have another baby, so I can get some cardigans & tops that will grow with me. Thanks so much for sharing!
Patti Trevino says
Love this post! Thank you for sharing….great ideas and looking forward to the rest of this week! You look darling as always Andrea !
Andrea says
Thanks Patti 🙂
Courtney says
Love it! You look great! Pardon me while I go purge my closet! What an inspiration, just what I needed! Thank you!
Jane says
Oh my, she has “it”, doesn’t she? What a cutie!
That must feel so refreshing to have a wardrobe plan! Even taking the time to think about the different combinations. It does inspire me to put a little more effort into my attire rather than grab the first t shirt on the rack!
Andrea says
Thanks Jane! And yes, it does feel great to have a plan and to know that so many of the pieces in my wardrobe work well with other pieces!