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4.05.2018

Style After Style: a Versatile Tunic

This maxi, deep-v tunic is a versatile gem and is in my capsule wardrobe.  I can wear it year-round (partly because I live in L.A.) because it truly goes with everything.  Truly I've worn it with everything - these shots above are just several of my favorite looks.

But I've never worn it with shorts or a mini.  So today I am featuring the latter:
The Tourist tunic (by yours truly - and pssst, it's available in the shop!) paired with a very cool T by Alexander Wang scrunchy knit mini... and some chic understated suede heels.

So, so simple.  Slip it all on and goooooooo.

And speaking of going... I couldn't keep from sashaying my butt off in this chic lil' getup.
So from lounge knit midi pants to leather, to vintage jeans to boyfriend jeans!  And now a softer feminine feel.  Maintaining ultimate simplicity of course.

Hope you liked this third installment of my new Style After Style series debuting the ease and versatility of a tunic.  Next week, I'll be pausing the series to feature my Spring season capsule!

So come back next Thursday to check out my new seasonal inspirations!
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3.29.2018

Style After Style: The Maxi Skirt

As my 2nd restyling feature, I picked a piece I rarely wear but for event/avant gard occasions.  This Robert Rodriguez maxi circle skirt called to me years ago and I haven't tired of it since.

With mesh paneling, a cropped front and geometric embroidery, I found a skirt that was masterfully designed and executed.  That's my sewer's perspective, lol - but as a curator of artful pieces, I highly covet this one and so appreciate it's uniqueness.
I don't have many photos of myself in this one, considering how long I've had it, eek!  But as you can how I've styled it over time above, it's a rather season-less skirt.  Perfectly dramatic (and full coverage I might add) for Winter with tights and a fitted top.  Then for Summer with a crisp tank and printed slippers.  And finally...
a Spring/Summer look.  All black with a cropped textured print, a pop of color, and gold accessories.  As I shot this in the Arts District the other day, I did feel like I wasn't wearing an outfit for just walking and coffee (which is my usual go-to leisure activity when I'm not home).  But it just depends on personal style.  Some women wear stilettos to the airport so of course I can chill in this getup while sipping a pour-over.  I just wouldn't.  I would wear this on a date at the museum with Theo, or at a wedding.  It's funny, I actually am planning on doing both of those things.
I've been designing simple cropped bolero-type jackets in The Tiny Closet Shop.  Mainly using African mud cloths that I always keep stocked.  I thought it would be a creative touch to pair one with a huge skirt and a simple lace cami.  I love it!  But the jacket is definitely still in design...
All you petite ladies out there, don't be afraid to wear a maxi skirt! - even if it's practically floor length.  Simply keep the shoes and top super simple and the top better be cropped!  It lengthens you.  Heels are best with such a whale of a skirt buuuut if ya know me, you know I don't give a hoot about the rules.  These days, there aren't any rules anyway so wear what you love.

Anyway, I aint gonna lie, mama felt saucy in this ensemble.  All black, a bit of lace, a spicy red shoe, big hair....  I felt like I was back in Spain watching flamenco dancers putting on shows in the streets of Seville.
So all black for Spring is certainly not festive, I know.  I've never been into pastels but I was delighted to see that a couple of the leading colors for Spring 18' is tomato and paprika!  I love a good orangey red and for Spring, both go quite will with a plethora of pinks and pale blues.  Just you wait!
I hope you liked this 2nd installment of my Style After Style series!  

This series really is the roots of The Tiny Closet.  Styling and re-styling is the name of the game when you're working with 28 pieces year-round.  After 6 years of rocking a tiny (sometimes minuscule) closet, I'd say I've gotten good at what I do here.  But what's great about restyling is there is always another way to wear your clothes, another ensemble to put together, another perspective.  And I still love talking about it.

So join me next Thursday for another Style After Style feature! 
And see what I pick next :)







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3.22.2018

Style After Style: The Midi Skirt

 Today marks the kickoff of a reprised series of Tiny Closet re-stylings!  You may remember a couple years ago when I collaged blog posts of pieces I'd worn in the past and put them together to show how I'd restyled them over the years.

I am beginning this series again for the Spring season where I'll be newly restyling pieces in my closet that I've featured before - but in all new ways.  Style After Style.

Because like, that's what the Tiny Closet is all about.

I'll start with my beloved leather midi skirt.  This mama is gorgeous, beautifully made and actually, was able to fit me through thick and thin and always made me feel chic and modern (even though it's technically vintage as it was made in the 80s).
I've worn it through every season but Summer with oversize tops, heels, flats, hoodies, you name it.  The above photos feature my most diverse looks.  

I have my personal favorite ensembles but I this present look I slipped on is my new fave.
Not gonna lie, it's been freezing in L.A., but I was excited about this look and wanted to share the restyling a bit earlier than the season is permitting.  Perhaps this will give you ideas on how to rock your own midi skirt!  

Because actually, midi skirts can be pretty awkward.  The hem has got to hit you perfectly.  Not to mention, the fabric is a huge factor: too thick, you're frumpy and wide looking.  Too stiff, you look like you're walking around in a paper bag.

Give us shape!
Give us drape!
Oh, and give me a slit so I can move like a normal human being.  My cat-like reflexes and incessant 4-lane jay-walking demands it.
I decided to wear a very cropped tee with this waist-sitting skirt.  It's my own design and practically aerodynamic.  That's why I wear a bralette with it always.  

My vision for this ensemble since I RARELY show this much skin?  Definitely a fun date with my Theo.  Dressing for my husband is always loads of fun because I can step outside my modest style, get sexy and still feel cozy.
Minimalism is always fun though.  I am wearing three pieces (counting my shoes) that can be beautifully highlighted with small embellishments.  Like full brows and big hair.

If anything is going to do the talking, I want it to be me.  If the midi skirt is wearing you, you're doing it wrong I say.  And that's a bit of a challenge for a gal like me because I'm 5' tall.  Everything tends to look like it's wearing me instead of the other way around.  So that's why I tend to not do too much after getting dressed.  Just the really important stuff.
And the really important stuff works!
So, I hope I've shown that with midi skirts, there really is so much one can do!  Not just pairings and stylings but events!  From dinners to work conferences, to museums, concerts, cocktail parties, happy hour, brunch with the girls - alright, alright, you get it.

To check out the other ways I've styled this leather midi skirt, click on any of the below links! :


Join me next Thursday for an all-new "Style After Style" feature!
and have a beautiful day!
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3.15.2018

Styling Intuitively

When I go super casual, I of course try to balance it with a great hair style, a bright, fresh face and a pop of accessory of some kind.
Because it's surprising how fast a jeans-and-tee look can go from fun and casual to frumpy and dodging an ex in the grocery store.  
And "casual" doesn't mean you don't need to put at least a little somethin into it.  

Seeing street style photos of celebrities looking drop dead fabulous in regular looking getups - it aint the clothes or their beauty.  We are all gorgeous first of all.  It's their inherent style that makes us wild with envy and style goals.  It is style that is lead by intuition.  Because that's what it is.  Simply knowing what works, really well, for you.
I talk about "effortless" quite a lot.  And really, all it is is intuition.  Good style can be seen in anything - even if all you're wearing is a bath robe.  Or maybe jeans and a tee.  

It's much less about the labor.  

The majority of street style shots proves this: candid photos of women who simply style themselves intuitively.
I mean, I think we all agree that no one wants to work hard at looking good.  Plus we shouldn't even have to.  It was never about that anyway.

Come visit again next Thursday where I'll be starting a new series of posts on the versatility and plethora of styles in minimalism and a Tiny closet!

Oh!  And there's a sale going on at The Tiny Closet Shop (plus a couple restocks of favorites!)
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3.08.2018

Alluring Basics

There tends to be a narrow view of "minimalism" and "capsules"...
Maybe because the aesthetic of minimalism is always marketed as blank or stark.  Monochrome arrangements with black, white and grey as the featured colors.  As the only colors.  

And then with capsules, which is supposed to be a small collection of clothing that you wear year round - they tend to be made up of predominantly black, white and grey pieces as well.  And as much as I love that trio of colors, I've never resonated with wearing them all year long, day in and day out - blah.

Very few women do!  

And so the minimalist lifestyle with its capsules and uniform-like closet staples continues to be misunderstood and avoided.  What a shame.
Because this minimalist outfit right here is my kind of basic uniform.

Aside from my strong opinion that yellow is always a good idea, who said basics and all-season colors had to be black, white and grey?  Yes, those shades match with everything - but at what cost people?!  
Yes, capsules are focused on utility and efficiency but that's not all they're about.  The most perfect, efficient closet is useless if you don't want to wear the clothing.

Like most women, I enjoy bringing out my natural coloring with different hues and prints.  I also have different moods and dress for different versions of myself (like we all do) - so I need diversity and versatility.  My point is...

Your capsule closet can be whatever you want it to be.  And your endeavor into minimalism doesn't mean you throw away everything and go on a clothing fast.  If you love plum, leopard print and florals - well those can be worn all year long and make for incredible "basics".  You know why?

Because you love them, that's why!
This month I'll be continuing to touch on the diversity of minimalism and how inclusive it really is.  The Tiny Closet is my closet, where I show my way to live as a minimalist and work with capsules.  But minimalism has many faces and is as individual as each of us.  So I'll be featuring different looks as a fun exploration of this niche lifestyle.

Thank you for visiting!
Come back next Thursday for another new look, same closet.
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3.01.2018

New Resort Look

In an earlier post, I mentioned my attempts to build a few resort looks using mainly the pieces I already have in my closet.  I decided to make a pair of loose, cropped peg-leg pants... honestly, I can't say I'm in love with them.  Which is why I won't be adding them to my Spring capsule (or any part of my closet).  I just didn't have enough time to make them like these pants here that are not cropped.  
Anyway, they were fun to wear for this shoot to show-and-tell with you but I will be returning to the design to perfect it.  This turtleneck, a Tiny Closet design, I'm attempting to wear as much as possible while it's weirdly freezing cold here in L.A.. (yay!!) I never get to wear turtlenecks, which is my second favorite neckline (deep scoop necks are my #1 jammmm).  And the color I can't get enough of.  It's proven to be perfect for my resort looks - I've always felt resort wear looks bronzy, warm and golden.  But that's me.
This leather weekend bag from 2 Rivers is hands down my favorite work bag.  I love the company and their quality and style.  Simple, understated and very well made.  I talked all about this particular bag here.  It's a gem and will be with me for years to come. 
 I'm also excited to talk about another bag  from 2 Rivers as I teamed up with them again for Spring.  More to come on that one :)

These tropical pants really did do the trick for adjusting a previous resort wear look into a second.  And this top is brilliant for trips as it goes.with.everything..  It is still available at my shop (psst - it's also in olive!) so check it out and shop it now if you're transitioning into Spring and want a warmer look.

Happy 1st of the month!  March will be a fun one with all-new releases in the shop and new looks on the blog.  So keep visiting and come back next Thursday for a new post!
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2.22.2018

Fancy, Feminine Loungewear

I have a way of making virtually any article of clothing I come across sleep-able.  Because why would you wear it if it's not so damn comfy you could sleep in it?  I know it's not what most women consider when shopping but that's certainly one of my core guidelines.
Everything I wear has an air of leisure.  I want to look polished and feminine always but I don't think I should try too hard at it.  And boy do I need to be comfortable to be confident in whatever I wear.  
So why not sporty loungewear?  That's certainly comfortable.  And I did try my best to hop aboard the Oprah-endorsed "Athleisure" train but... you can't sashay into Bottega Louis for a $25 salad and a glass of rosé in Nikes and a hoodie no matter how tailored it is.  It's just not the same.
Ha, but for those interested in getting more acquainted with a higher-end loungewear look, I usually follow these guidelines:
  • Instead of leggings, I opt for peg-leg pants or harem pants.
  • Skip the sweat pants and go for chambray or linen joggers.
  • Palazzos, gauchos, loose mid-length pants?  All great options for loungewear.  And can be paired with any top.
  • Instead of a tee shirt, slip on a camisole or a tee made of linen, crepe or silk. 
  • Skip the sweatshirt and grab an oversize thin cardigan sweater (preferably in cotton or wool)
  • Pair a flat mule with any linen or cotton dress
And forget the rest.  

It's simple, effortless and feminine - and when you get home, you don't have to tear it off in the doorway with a dramatic relieved sigh.

Happy Thursday to you :)  Thanks for visiting!
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2.14.2018

Romantic Minimalism

I almost forgot... about Valentines Day! 

If you've been following me for a while, you may know that I LOVE this day.  A day of love?  What could be better?
A day to show those who are close to you that they're loved.  By you!  Lovers, friends, family, and secret crushes - Valentines Day is hands down, my favorite holiday.  

 It's also a fave because I love chocolate.  And though candy is the cornier side to this day, like Halloween, the chocolate runeth over - and can be easily attained for free at front desks and lobbies.  Mmmm.
Anyway, I think I love this day so much because I have such fond memories of it from childhood.  My mom would give me a goofy sweet card with homemade cookies or she'd bake a cake.  And my dad would send a dozen roses to my school addressed to me from a "secret admirer" - love dad.

Now in my 30s, those fun Valentines traditions are long gone.  But they've left me with rose-colored glasses when looking at this day each year.  

Still, I celebrate love daily and every time Theo and I go out on a date, I feel like we're still dating.  As a Christmas present, my mother got me a simply stunning bag from Strathberry.  I had mentioned to her that I wanted a tiny little bag for my date nights.  Instead of the beauteous lugs I have for work.  It's not very romantic shuffling through fabric swatches and invoices when reapplying my lipstick at dinner.
So she surprised me and let me pick the color of my new MC Nano shoulder bag.  In the spirit of date night, I of course chose ruby red.
And it's perfect.
 And I also thought it'd be perfect to debut today.  

That being said, this brilliant red is also a fabulous statement color for everyday.  And you know me, my wardrobe isn't a museum - I want to live in my clothes!  Sure this bag will be special for special occasions buuuuut, say for instance a fun day out where I'll only need my phone, Visa, and lipstick?  This MC Nano mama will go with just about everything I own.  Boom! 
 And speaking of going with everything - my Tourist Tunic in white (from The Tiny Closet Shop) is pretty much the coolest thing I own besides my hopeful collection of vintage Levis.  In a place like L.A., it's a seasonless statement piece and considered a basic.  White tees don't have to look like white tees.  I love putting a statement  spin on trusted everyday pieces like a t-shirt and jeans.
I don't have any plans for today.  Not only is my husband half a planet away, my overwhelming workload has left me isolated and draaaaaaiiind.  Last year, I celebrated my love for my work and my professional partnership with Theo - but this year, I find myself needing a vacation from this "devotion" to my business.

I hope you're enjoying your week, and if you're not (like me) treat yo'self to a special Valentines treat, just for you.  Or share it if that makes the treat even better.

Thanks so much for visiting!  And happy Valentines Day to you :)
See ya next Thursday!





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