The Tiny Closet

11.09.2011

New Hairstyle

Getting ready this morning to visit my mother for another sewing project, I happened upon a new hairstyle. I've never worn a side bun before but I was so excited that my hair has become even long enough for such a style that I just went with it! I usually like height in my hair as I'm so petite but I was loving the classic chicness of this side bun and it actually inspired my outfit for today.

As I've said before, I like monochromatic ensembles. But texture is key. A knit, some leather paneling and then to top it off, some glossy flats.

I love this cowled collar so much, it doubles as a scarf. Very warm and cozy.

The Taryn Rose flats are beautifully made. While the designs of this brand is overall, not my style (very very modest and classic, similar to how Talbots used to be in the 90s), the quality however, is impressive. And this particular pair is blingy and modern enough to be my cup of tea.

Side Note: When working with a Tiny Closet, quality really matters for shoes in particular. Cheap shoes get ruined light years faster and when they're ruined, I'm forking over money each time because without them, my Tiny Closet just got tinier...

I realize I'm done running laps to the shoe cobbler throughout the year saving cheap shoes. I'd rather spend more to get a lot more.

Anyway, I cursed and groaned through my sewing project today but in the back of my head I was loving this outfit. And my new side-bun style :)

Sweater Dress:

H&M

Leggings:

H&M

Flats:

TarynRose.com

Bag:

Rebecca Minkoff MAB / BagBorrowOrSteal.com (outlet)

If you like what you see, don't forget to comment!

Shades of Gray

Last night, my guy asked me at the last minute to assist him in a few auditions he booked for this morning for a web series he is directing. Callbacks starting at 9:30... Um, okay hun!

We are serious night owls so waking up extra early is rare and saved for emergencies and special occasions (ridiculous right? I know). So, in an effort to maintain my regular beauty sleep I had to cut out my morning jog, blessed long shower and a new makeup idea I was looking forward to experimenting with. Oh well. Times like this one is when a signature look comes in handy! A style for your hair, nails and outfit that's quick, easy and most important, flattering. You can get up and go and still look fashionably put together.

My Signature Look:

I like gray, can you tell? In fact, I pretty much only wear gray. Many, many shades of it as you will soon see. Boring? Never. I have learned that if you really only like one family of color, being dynamic with texture is key. Also, gray goes with pretty much everything and if you're working with a Tiny Closet like I am, you know its most important to have clothing with range and longevity.

If you have a small closet, then having clothes or colors that don't match with at least 60% of the rest of your closet is even more limiting.

I have a few vibrant pieces for each season but these days, whatever item of clothing I purchase, I make sure it goes with like, 100% of what I have already.

I do however love crazy, colorful nail art. This morning I wore KleanColor Pastel Blue & Pastel Purple.

Scarf:

2 yards of knit fabric / Nancy's Sewing Basket (more on this later)

T-Shirt:

Zach Godiva Tee / AllSaints

Cardigan:

American Apparel (mens)

Jeggings:

Asos.com

Heels:

Forever21

Bag:

a gift I received at Vince Camuto's Fall fashion show at Nordstrom (great metallic tote!)

Chainmail Cuff:

custom made as a gift from freelance jeweler, "Riaria" in NYC

If you like what you see, don't forget to comment!

My Tiny Closet

Well, I'm just going to come out and say it - I'm unemployed. Before 6 months ago, I was in e-commerce retail and enjoying my decade long habit of weekly shopping, sale events, makeovers and satisfying my "have-to-have" clothing lust. Then came the dj record cut and the party stopped. No job, no money to spend.

Walking through downtown seeing all the new bags and shoes and fall clothing in the windows got harder and harder. I stayed home. At my computer all day emailing resumes and staying up to date with the fashion world, I began to hate everything in my closet. And having cancelled my hot yoga membership, I even started hating how I was beginning to look in my clothes. Ugh. Things had gotten gloomy.

Then a month ago, I decided to snap out of it. I looked at myself and thought - I am 28 years old, I'm healthy and happy and I am broke as a joke. Lets make this work. So I began documenting and listing things I had found that got me closer to enjoying my limited means - coming up with great ways to not only make do but even improve my style. Its gotten to be so much fun that I decided to chronicle my adventures and experiments.

To get myself out of my funk, this was my first list:

1. Go for a jog.

Get out and sweat. Sweating clears my pores and jogging tones my legs. Both are free. Yes please!

2. Go organic. Like really organic.

My department store face regimen was getting ridiculously expensive. I decided to find the ingredients my face needs at the grocery store. Whole Foods is wonderful for such an adventure.

The cleanser I was using was a version of Black Soap. My combination skin loves BlackSoap so I now get it in bar form made by hand by a group of women in Ghana (fair-trade). Its cheap and can be found anywhere in the states though. During Winter months, my face gets really dry so I sweep on a thin layer of Jojoba oil before washing with BlackSoap. It counteracts the soap's drying affects.

My skin also loves apple cider vinegar. I mix it with water in a bottle and pat it on my face. I don't use cotton balls - the rubbing induces redness, which I don't need!

Lastly, my moisturizer was hard to break down into active ingredients. A girlfriend of mine actually gave me a moisturizer from LUSH Cosmetics, Enzymion. First ingredient is lemon juice and its famous for its matte finish, which is great for those shiny noses. I tried it and it was grand! I don't use a lot at all though so when it runs out, I will buy the $4.95 sample pot - lasts a long time.

For the Fall and Winter months, I mix it with pure coconut oil to give my face a bit more moisture and protection.

So, instead of spending upwards of $150 on face care alone, I now spend $50

and the products work just as well.

3. Style your f*ing hair.
Wash it, brush it, style it - do something! Done hair makes it that much easier for me to feel put together before I've put on anything at all.

4. Wear perfume.
Even when the weather is gloomy and I don't have plans, a cheery ladylike perfume gives my day a bit more formality and urge to do something.

My fiance has always bought all of my perfumes. Its a special treat. But when I am curious about a scent, I get samples. Tons of them. And boy do they last!

5. Go places, if not to just see the sights.
I am a city girl through and through. But with lack of funds, brunches, happy hours, dinners and lattes are spread far apart these days. I still get dressed and walk around though. I make notes of new restaurants opening, cafes I haven't visited, and future places to go. Walking with a friend makes this even more fun- before I know it, I'm chatting up a storm and having a great walk. For free :)

So, this list really helps me stay focused on the important things. Looking great! Ha, but more importantly, doing these things reminds me that clothes don't make the woman. A healthy body, clean skin a little perfume and some enthusiasm will make just about any ensemble look fabulous.

God, I'm turning into my mother...

Thanks for reading!

The Tiny Closet

Pages

11.09.2011

New Hairstyle

11.08.2011

Shades of Gray

11.07.2011

My Tiny Closet

Search

Archive: