Make It Do

Okay people, here it is, full dis-closer... I have too many clothes.
Not only do I have too many clothes, I have too many I'm not wearing.  From pajamas to shoes to headbands, it is totally out of control.  Not only is my walk in closet packed to the brim, but my dresser can't close. Plus, my living room and garage are starting to have giant containers full of clothes.  (Lets not even start on the trunk of my car...)
I've been working hard trying to sell and give-away clothes but my progress has been slow.   I've also been better about not buying new things, but clearly something is not working.  But since I've started having actual nightmares about clothes, where I wake up in a panic, something has to change.
I believe that the worst part about all of this is most of the items I'm hanging onto have not been worn more than a few times.  What a waste of money!  I sometimes think about how much money I would have if I hadn't bought so many clothes.  I could of easily, bought a condo, visited Paris, fed a small county among other things.

So, I've decided to do things a bit differently.  I am setting a fairly hefty goal for myself this fall. 

The goal is this, to buy no new clothes for the rest of  2014.  Not a pair of shoes or jeans or a sweater. I already have a bag in my closet of new things I purchased at the July Nordstrom sale and a sweater from J.Crew. I should be set. I realize this is easier said than done. But my closet absolutely needs to be trimmed down. I need to figure out, what I like, what fits, and what I really love and is worth keeping. The point of clothes is to wear them. Wear them until they are worn out. Then you replace them. When I was in Fashion school one of my favorite teacher's was doing a lecture on the 1940s and  told us a quote that stuck with me: 

So I'm going to try to do just this. I'm sure it will be hard, and there will be setbacks, but I'm going to try my best. I'm going to try and write about my progress on here. I will also do my best to be honest if I slip up. As far as my portion on the blog, I'm still going to be showing my fave new items coming into stores as well as my daily outfits, There will just be less new items featured. So here goes nothing guys! xoxo

Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Button Up Shirt: J.Crew

Skirt: Nordstrom

Bracelets: Alex and Ani 

Photo by: Chelsea Yeates Crompton 

Dinner and a Movie

Date Night, dinner and a movie! I've been dying to wear this faux fur vest I bought last year, and I finally found the perfect outfit.  How cozy! Here is what I wore for a date with my boyfriend:

Sunglasses: Fuego

Statement Necklace: Icing by Claires

Skull Sweater: (Rainbow.com)

Rings: BP Nordstrom

Leggings- Threads 4 Thought

Bracelets: Icing By Claires

Faux Fur Vest : Icing by Claire's



Glitter and Gold

What I Wore

Deborah Lippmann -"Happy Birthday" (Sephora)

Nicole by OPI "Future CEO" (Shopko)

Lunch at a French Bakery

There is an adorable locally owned bakery in downtown SLC called Eva's Bakery. It is absolutely delicious! Last week I met a friend there for a lunch and quick catch up session. The bakery is French themed and is packed full of yummy food, pastries and desserts! It's always such a pleasure to eat there. You guys know when I saw this cat sweater I had to snatch it up right meow. ;) The weather was fairly warm that day so I opted for no coat. Not sure I can get away with that much longer!
Here is what I wore:  

 

Cat Sweater: Halogen  (Nordstrom) (Still available)

Black Jeggings: Old Navy

 Moto Boots: Brand Unknown (Forever Young Shoes)

Thanksgiving Dinner Style -Look One!

With Thanksgiving this week Kaya and I thought it would be fun to show you some outfits we think would be great to wear to Thanksgiving dinner. I'll post mine today then check back tomorrow to see what Kaya came up with!
 I love how this shirt is a great mix of two of my favorite things. Peter Pan collars and stripes.
The collar helps keep the look dressy and the stripes add a touch of fun!
When wearing mostly neutral colors its always fun to add a bright color somewhere. In this case I added a bright pop of color with the nail polish. How are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year?
And more importantly, what will you wear there?

Thanksgiving Dinner Look by heidihanson featuring asos jewelry

Oasis peter pan collar sweater, $62 / Warehouse slim jeans, $78 / Forever 21 black platform boots / Kate Spade stud earring set / Asos jewelry / Butter london nail polish

No matter how you choose to spend this day, be it with family, friends, your pets, by yourself, or maybe even working, I hope you get a least a few minutes to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Because after all, that is what the holiday is really about. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Holiday Party

One of my old employers held a holiday celebration to unveil their new gifts for the holiday season.

I was lucky enough to score a invite!

The event featured new gift items, décor, food and fun! 

It was a great date night the boyfriend.

Here is what I wore:

Shirt: Glam Dollz (Ross)

Pants: Pripe (Scheels)

Heels: Charlotte Russe

Jewelry: Icing by Claire's

Nail Polish: Viper by Estee Lauder (Nordstrom)

Clutch: Love Culture

 

Macy's One Day Sale

Ok guys, I got into a bit of shopping trouble yesterday. Trust me, I was not planning on attending the Macy's One Day Sale. I really wasn't.  The problem  began when I went in to do a merchandising project. Well, the  problem actually began with that elephant sweatshirt. I have loved that elephant sweatshirt since I first saw it a few months ago. The problem was it was $80. Call me crazy, but that seemed a little pricy for a sweatshirt. Let me also tell you that for my job I visit pretty much every Macy's and Dillard's in/near SLC. I visit these stores many times a month. Every time I was at one of these stores I would check on my sweatshirt. Check to see if it was on sale yet and if they still had my size. And today at the Macy's One Day Sale it was FINALLY one sale. Original price: $79.50 Price I paid: $39.80 I really have no excuses for the other purchases, besides I loved them. And in all fairness, I had been eyeing them for quite sometime too. Just not as diligently as I had the elephant sweatshirt.

Heart Blouse by QMack

Original Price: $79.00

Sale Price: $33.18

I love it because it reminds me of something Spencer Hastings

from Pretty Little Liars would wear.

Cardigan by Maison Jules

Orginal Price: $79.00

Sale Price $47.40

I loved how soft it was. Also it was 100% cotton,

Which means its less likely to pill and easy to wash.

(Never, ever, ever buy acrylic. Trust me on this one. Pill city.)

Elephant Sweatshirt by Lucky Brand

 Orginal Price: 79.50

Sale Price $39.80

You guys know I love my animal motifs!

 

 

So what do you guys think? Which find do you like the best? Did you snag anything for yourself at the Macy's One Day Sale?

Lunch Date With My Mom.

Last Sunday I hade a lunch date with my mom, then after we headed over to support my favorite soccer team RSL on their quest to advance in the playoffs. We had lunch at one of my favorite locally owned places, Ret Butte Café. It was a beautiful warm sunny day, but I knew it would get chilly at the game so I choose to wear a pair of my favorite AG skinny jeans with a new oversized striped sweater I picked up when I visited LA a few weeks ago. The booties or shorty boots as I like toc all them I also picked up in California. I loved their rugged look and zipper detail. I knew my mom would hate that the zipper doesn't actually zip. She does. Lastly, as I often seem to do, I then threw on my favorite locket to help dress up my look a bit. Lunch was delicious and RSL won, so I'd say it was a pretty good day!
Here is what I wore:

Locket- Brand Unknown (Similar styles available at Nordstrom)

Sweater- Madewell (Still available on www.Madewell.com)

Jeans- AG "The Stilt" (Similar styles available at Nordstrom)

Shoes- Cathy Jean  (Bought at the Cathy Jean store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach)

Cathy Jean has lots of shoes on sale right now.

Check their website out at www.cathyjeanshoes.com  

Coffee Date

Last week, I got to have a fun coffee date with an adorable friend of mine. I had to meet my friend straight from work. So I needed to look professional and fun! I always love a good cardigan, (have a mentioned that yet? ;)) And the one I wore on this day is one of my favorite purchase from the big Nordstrom sale last summer. I love the bright pick with the oatmeal color. The earrings I bought from Claire's when I needed them for my Halloween costume one year. I surprisingly find my self wearing them a lot! The only problem is if I hold my phone to my ear they fall right off. Anyone have any ideas about how to fix that? I love a good suggestion!
Here is what I wore to my coffee date:

Striped Cardigan- Halogen (Nordsrom)

Button Up Shirt- J.Crew Outlet (similar styles still available at www.jcrewfactory.com)

Jeans- AG Jeans "The Stilt" (similar styles still available at Nordstrom.)

Oxfords- Not Rated (Journeys)

"Pearl" Earrings: Claire's Boutique

 

Work

I just realized that a few weeks ago I uploaded these photos,

and wrote this entry but forgot to publish the post!

So its a few weeks late, but here is what I wore for a causal day at work:

Shirt: Layers Clothing (Now out of business)

Cardigan: American Eagle Outfitters (www.ae.com) Still available

Jeans: AG Jeans (www.Nordstrom.com) Similar styles available

Boat Shoes: Daniel Gray (www.shoebuy.com) Still available

Hair Pin: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Kitson store in LA)

 

My favorite thing about this sweater is the zipper detail.

I love how a simple thing like a zipper on a pocket, can

take a regular black boyfriend cardigan and make it just a

tad more exciting!

I have way too many cardigans, but I love how unique this one is!

Fall Friday Working

Last Friday I had to head downtown to merchandise and meet with a department store manager. I wanted to be able to move mannequins around while still looking professional and fashionable. It was a little chilly Friday so I was excited to get to wear my deer sweater that I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale last July. (You guys know how much I love an animal motif!) Here is what I wore:

 

Plaid Button Up Shirt -Lucky Brand (I got mine at the Macy's store, but

they are still available at www.macys.com and www.luckybrand.com)

Deer Sweater -Halogen (Nordstrom)

Bracelets -Madewell (Madewell store at The Grove Mall in LA)

Jeans -AG Jeans (Nordstrom)

Boots - Zigi Soho (Still available at www.DSW.com)

These boots are quickly becoming my go to boots this fall.

They are so comfy!

Saturday Run Around

As usual I spent last Saturday busy running errands all over town. It was little cold and rainy that day,
so I decided to wear a warm sweater and boots. I call these pants my "fall floral" pants because although they are floral, then colors seem much more fall then spring to me. Because the pants are such a statement piece I kept the rest of my look simple.  Here is what I wore:

Oatmeal Cable Knit Sweater -Caslon (Nordstrom)

Gold Locket -Brand Unknown

(Similar styles are still available at www.Nordstrom.com)

Floral Jeggings -Zara (Zara store in Las Vegas)

Boots -Madden Girl (Similar styles still available at www.DSW.com)

Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay

Last Friday my pup Stella and I took a trip out to the lake.

Okay fine that's not true.

We took a trip to Kaya's work.

Which has all these things to take your picture in, so Stella and I

opted for the lake scene.

Here is what I wore:

Wish Necklace -Arielle Collection (Nordstrom)

California Necklace- 7 For All Mankind (7 For All Mankind Store in Santa Monica)

Chambray Shirt- Rubbish (Nordstrom Rack))

Eggplant Colored Skinny Jeans- Bullhead (Pac Sun)

Boots- Zigi Soho (www.dsw.com)

Mad for Plaid

Plaid has always been one of my favorite things to wear

There are so many different options when it comes to plaid.

You can wear a little, or wear a lot!

I love plaid because it can be easily  dressed up

or dressed down.

Plaid has had so many great fashion moments in history.

From classic historical tartans

to the Seattle grunge scene,

Plaid has been around for centuries,

and I don't think it's going anywhere.

Here are some fun ways to wear plaid:

 



Mad for Plaid by heidihanson featuring a tube scarf

Fat Face henley t shirt, $35 / Yellow cardigan / Reiss navy t shirt / J Brand super destroyed skinny jeans / American Eagle outfitter / Rag bone / Lands' End navy blue skirt / Pink & Pepper taupe suede booties / Old Navy flat / Not Rated oxford shoes flat / Topshop red satchel bag / Zara messenger bag / ALDO handbag / Kate Spade bow earrings / Brooks Brothers 14k stud earrings / Topshop mid knuckle ring / Bracelet / Witchery earrings, $23 / Necklace / Scarve / H&M tube scarf, $13

Paint it Black -Kaya's 5 Fashion Must Haves for Fall 2013

As you will come to discover, Heidi and I have very different styles.

Yesterday she posted her top 5 for fall.

Here are mine. (Keep in mind, I love color, but all these fabulous pieces are easily interchangeable!) .

A

paint it black by kaya-nielsen featuring silk scarves

 

Number 1- black leggings. I wear black leggings vastly more than anything else during fall and winter. They go with everything, keep me warm, and help polish off my silhouette.

 Number 2- Cardigan Sweater Easy to layer, warm, and classic. Don't be afraid of buying these in trendy colors or patterns.

Number 3- Black knee high boots. I'm in love with footwear, and this is my go to boot for fall. Again, black goes with everything, the shape is flattering, and they can easily be dressed up or down. Number 4-square scarf. There are so many ways to tie a scarf, have fun with it! Square is my favorite shape because it has so many possibilities. Have fun with the color, use that as your bold accessory if you don't wear a lot of jewelry.

 Number 5- black peacoat. This is the finishing touch when pulling your pieces together. It adds a touch of simple sophistication, and can be worn with just about everything in your closet. Use a fun broach on your coat, or colorful scarf to add some interest.

Fall Fun! -Heidi's 5 Fashion Must Haves For Fall 2013

Hi everyone! I hope you had a great weekend!

To start the week off Kaya and I each wanted

to do a post that shows our own individual must have

pieces for Fall 2013.I posted mine today,

and be sure to check back for Kaya's post tomorrow.

And make sure to have FUN with fashion this fall!

Top 5 For Fall by heidihanson featuring slip on booties

Old Navy fox sweater / Madewell blouse / Current/Elliott colorful skinny jeans / Slip on booties / Earrings

For my 5 pieces I wanted to show some easy ways to add
some fun pieces to your fall wardrobe. All the things I picked are easy add-ons to any wardrobe.

A statement necklace can dress up anything for a simple t-shirt to a cocktail dress or anything in between.
Check out The J.Crew Factory Store or Etsy for some great affordable options for statement necklaces.

My absolute favorite trend right now is animal motifs. I have way to many sweaters with little critters on them. They are so great to throw on to help cheer you up on those gloomy fall days.

Chambray shirts are so fun and they go with so many things! They have been my favorite to pair with  colored skinny jeans.

Last Spring I searched EVERYWHERE for the perfect pair of gray booties, and now you can buy them at so many places in any price range. They are a fun style to have when you don't want to wear just black or brown boots. The bootie style is great too, because you can wear it with jeans, dresses or skirts.

Printed skinny jeans are a fun update to colored skinny jeans.
Wearing a bold pattern on your legs can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but their are always more subtle options to choose from. Try something printed in a traditional  denim wash if you feel nervous to give it a try.
 

French Hen

Yikes!

I have a confession.

I think I am OBSESSED

with the J.Crew Factory French Hen!

They had the hen sweater at

the regular J.Crew store last year.

Sadly, it sold out before I could get my hands on it.

I simply can't get over how cute it is.

I mean, its a hen wearing a beret! (Tres chic!)

So now I officially have the cardigan, crew neck sweater, and iPhone case.

The sweaters are still available at:

http://factory.jcrew.com/

 

What animal motifs can you not wait to wear this fall?

Seattle Streets

On my recent trip to Seattle last week 

I wanted to wear something comfortable and casual

for a long day out sightseeing!

I always love the classic look of stripes,

and this purse in one of my favorite vintage finds.

 

 

 

Here is what I wore:

Sunglasses- BP (Nordstrom)

Dress- Rainbow (www.rainbowshops.com)

Belt- Rainbow (www.rainbowshops.com)

Wedge Sandals- Charlotte Russe (www.charlotterusse.com)

Purse- Vintage Find, Salt Lake City

 

Nautical Looks For Fall



I have always been a huge fan of nautical inspired looks.

I have more anchor print, stripes, & boat shoes

then I can count!

Here are some fun nautical inspired

pieces that work great for summer and

easily transition into fall.

If you haven't yet, try out something

nautical in your wardrobe!



Nautical Looks For Fall by heidihanson featuring gold chain pendants

Boyfriend Cardigan

One of my favorite wardrobe staples is the

boyfriend cardigan.

It's a great transition piece to help take some

of your favorite summer

pieces into the fall.

It is comfy, cozy, and is great for lots of different body types!

Here are some great affordable (all under $100) options I found that

are currently available online.

Check them out!

 

Boyfriend Cardigans by heidihanson featuring a lightweight boyfriend cardigan