The Tiny Closet: work

12.21.2015

Winter Inspiration

Creative wise, I've been bouncing back and forth between the tropics and the Southwest. I'm not sure what has got me so perpetually fascinated with both aesthetics (I've never ever been interested in either). I thought by now I'd have been over it and on to some other flavor but it's been a while without any ebb... soooo I'm allowing myself to be guided by these two genres, both in my personal sewing projects as well as in my closet.

I've been itching to wear something, anything with a novel, vintage-like print - maybe a children's print with animals (ideally tropical) so I was ecstatic when I came across this particular print during a routine fabric run. I grabbed it up and decided to make a pair of classic high-waist pants. A cute novel print worn a bit more formal. Juxtaposition is always fun in fashion.

These photos of the print and pants aren't very clear, I know. I think for this post though, I just wanted to show the mood rather than be completely literal. You'll get to see these pants more closely later on in the season for sure (this is, after all, The Tiny Closet and I'll be putting these pants with everything I own!) but for now, I simply want to enjoy this Winter's inspirations. It's all about grainy colors, deep shadows and faded happy prints. Happy Monday :)

Little Touches

Ever since I moved to Southern California and started exploring the amazing Southwest, I've grown a strong admiration for the style, the lifestyle, the colors and the vibe that is all around me. Side affects of this admiration however, include a consistent urge to dress like a cowboy or some bohemian desert mama. Which isn't all that fluid and natural looking when all said and done. So because I have a tendency to get very "themey" when I let my obsessions dress me, I've made a rule to just add splashes of my current inspirations to my daily style, rather then tip the whole bucket over my head and wear everything all at once.

My home-base style is modern minimalism and on a daily basis, I am versed in working mainly with whites, blacks and heather grays. But when I think of the Southwest, a plethora of colors and textures and back drops swirl around in my mind and I want to abandon everything about my personal style.

But my personal style exists for a clear reason. So instead of abandoning it for a crush, I think it's more fun to just incorporate the two.

With lots of turquoise to play with and a big silver cuff, I've taken to accessorizing my inspirations all around my structured, oversize button up and midi leather skirt. The skirt could certainly have been a tan suede piece but black is more me so I tweaked the leather idea. Atypical mixing indeed and so fun to wear!

These Western style cowboy booties are incredibly cool and make me feel a little bad (like Michael Jackson bad) when I wear them with ripped jeans and leather. They also greatly enhance the style of a Fall boot. It seems like the same Fall boot design is running around on everyone's feet this season and these definitely don't fit the mold.

This top is a new go-to as I crafted several for myself from big and tall men's button ups. You can check this one out in another post where I wore it with chartreuse culotte-type pants here. And a different one with jeans and flats here.

I'm gearing up for the holidays this year, and instead of letting it trample over me, leaving me in disarray on January 1st, I want to minimize the bigness, the pomp and circumstance of it all and just add "little touches" of the holiday to my life. I'll be showing this over the next few weeks and I'm excited about it so keep visiting!

Oh and tomorrow marks the beginning of December!

Happy Holidays :)

A S/S Jumpsuit For S/S Occasions

Photo Left - jumpsuit: Diane Von Furstenberg / earrings: Roman Luxe for Karla Deras / flats: Urban Outfitters / bangle: street market Photo Right - jumpsuit: Diane Von Furstenberg / earrings: Whitney Stern Jewelry / coat: Mason / heels: Ivanka Trump

The other week in Silver Lake, after some amazing conversation and a pot of super caffeinated chai tea with a dear friend, we decided to catch up with the Tuesday Silver Lake Farmers Market. There is a stall at the very end of the market that my friend and I die for and, with my heart still racing from that damn chai, I spied a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg jumper, practically begged my friend for it - as she spied it at the same time - and bought it without even trying it on. All within 5 minutes.

But you know, it was worth it.

Although it was definitely an impromptu buy, I've become somewhat of an expert at curating versatile, eclectic pieces for my Tiny Closet that can be mixed with almost anything.

When facing a splurge or impulse buy, the two questions I ask myself are:

1. "Do I have to buy anything else to complete this outfit."

the answer should be no.

2. "Are there at least 5 items already in my closet that I can wear with this?"

the answer should be yes.

For another occasion, I styled a slightly more formal trio made up of suede olive heels and a classic trench. This jumpsuit has the look of resort wear. So even a more sophisticated ensemble looks leisurely.

With all three pieces being as versatile as can be, I was able to comfortably buy this jumpsuit without fretting that it wouldn't have a place. And I've given the other pieces in my closet more purpose and dynamic.

Having guidelines set in place for a Tiny Closet, an impulse buy shouldn't be something to feel bad about. It should be something to celebrate because you're like, pretty much a pro, you know?

***************

In my last post, I mentioned some new plans, a campaign(!) for the Tiny lifestyle. And today, I'm kicking off showcasing how I shop, match, and style all my treasured pieces together, over and over, old and new!

So come back Monday for more on this fun little feature!

Oh the possibilities...

The Tiny Closet

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12.21.2015

Winter Inspiration

11.30.2015

Little Touches

3.19.2015

A S/S Jumpsuit For S/S Occasions

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