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Tweed and Lace

DC based fashion and lifestyle blog

The Formula to a Classic Spring Style

March 14, 2018

Coat: Ted Baker, Sweater: Everlane, Jeans: MOTHER, Sneakers: Tretorn, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters Bag: Cuyana

March always feels like it should be spring but it’s actually mostly winter weather and mother nature likes to trick us with a few last minute snowstorms this time of year too (eye roll/sigh). Our minds are on spring dresses but 30-40 degree weather ain’t gonna cut it! Regardless I’ve personally been trying to focus on building a solid classic wardrobe that will get a lot of everyday wear all year round. I have so many dresses just hanging in my closet but I pretty much wear jeans, knits, jackets, and flats most days. I’ll transition to dresses eventually but for the most part I feel the most comfortable in classic pieces that I can wear multiple ways day after day.

If you’re also trying to build a solid classic wardrobe filled with staples then I’m here to help! Building a classic wardrobe takes time. No need to buy everything all at once. Chances are you already have a few of these items checked off you list. Perhaps there are some gaps or some upgrades that need to happen. My rule of thumb when it comes to buying anything is to instantly love it the moment you put it on, confirm that it is flattering on your body, and decide how much wear you will get out it.

1. A Wardrobe of Jackets: I put a huge emphasis on building a wardrobe of jackets. They are the most versatile item you will own which is why I highly recommend you invest in a few good ones especially if you live in colder climates. They go a long way.

  • A Neutral Coat or Trench: When the weather is colder (30-45 degrees) wear a wool coat in a classic color. I love this camel coat that I’m wearing and also love a black one and a grey one. Once the weather hits (50-60) I’d wear a lighter weight jacket in a softer tone like this one (I wore it in green this post) in khaki, green, or navy.
  • Utility Jacket: If you don’t already have one, you’ll get so much use out of these. I wear mine with denim and dresses. You should buy a olive green one like this one first. I also like this hooded one and recently blogged about this grey one in this post.
  • Jean Jacket: If you don’t have a denim jacket then you’re living under a rock. They’re so crucial when layering them with dresses. I like this on under $25 at H&M.
  • Leather Jacket: This one isn’t as necessary as the above but I wear mine a lot and if you have an edgier style then picking up a leather moto will go a long way. I own and love this black Madewell one and also like these lighter suede motos (I own one in brown).

2. Long Sleeve Knits: I’ve mentioned this a few times but this was recently a void in my closet until recently. I’d much rather have a handful of simple knits than trendy blouses I hardly wear. If you’re a casual girl like me then you must buy a few great knits this spring. I wear them a ton on their own with jeans and layered under jackets.

  • Crew-Neck Sweaters: My current favorite place to buy knits are Everlane and H&M. Buy a black, camel, grey, and cream to start then build from there.
  • Cotton Knits: Once the weather gets warmer, transition to cotton. I love my tees from Saint James, Club Monaco, and Lou & Grey. I also like this Splendid one and this one from Monrow. They are all great quality so it’s worth spending the extra money on them. I can’t tell you how often I reach for mine!

3. Modern Button-Down Blouses: There’s nothing like a crisp blouse as a chic layering piece with jeans, skirts, or shorts.

  • White Blouse: You can’t go wrong with a white blouse especially for spring. This one from Everlane is super simple.
  • Blue Blouse: I love throwing on a striped blue button down with denim. So casual and comfortable yet chic at the same time. I like this one from Rails.

4. Flattering Jeans or Slacks: Buying jeans is rough for most people. It takes a lot of trying on, returns, and finally coming to terms with what works for your body. Think about the feature from your waist down that you want to accentuate (hips, butt, legs, ankles) and then determine what type of wash will work for you. Also, I’ve recently decided to pay more for my jeans because

  • A Skinny Jean: Everyone should own a dark wash skinny jean. Period. They are flattering on anyone and everyone. I recently bought and love these 7s pair.
  • Crop Jean: I’m 5’5” so most cropped jeans work from me and I love a crop jean for spring. It allows you to show off your ankles and pretty shoes. I have been loving a cropped flare this season and would recommend these MOTHER jeans that I’m wearing above. The material is SO comfortable. The moment I put them on I felt like I could sleep in them – they are SO comfy.
  • Wide-Leg Jean or Slack: Wide-leg slacks are back! They are also super flattering on almost everyone. You need these Everlane pants. I bought them last year and am obsessed!

5. Neutral Bag: I am not a huge collector of bags but when I do buy they are always neutral. I love a tan or soft creamy color for spring!

  • Crossbody Bag: I mostly own crossbody bags ever since they came in style years ago. They are so easy to tote around. Cuyana is a recent favorite of mine.
  • Tote: For someone who needs to carry around a lot of stuff, a tote is a great bag to have. Again, Cuyana has a lot of great options.

6. A Versatile Flat: I’m a comfort first girl so investing in a great go-to flat that can go with any outfit is so important.

  • Sneaker: I’ve become sneaker person in recent years. My favorite pairs: Converse, Superga, and Tretorn.
  • Slides: I own and love these sandals.
  • Loafer: Something to wear to work! I like this classic Madewell pair.

7. A-Line Dress: Whenever the weather finally starts to warm up, you’ll need to be ready to wear all your favorite dresses. Aline styles are super flattering.

  • Solid White: I am obsessed with this Ulla Johnson dress or this one from Anthro.
  • Solid Black: I really like this option from Anthro.  

8. Timeless Sunglasses: A good pair of aviators are the way to go. The ones I’m wearing above are cheapies from Urban but these Ray-Bans will never go out of style.

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Leave a Comment · Labels: Casual, Fall, Outfits, Spring

The Best Free People Sweaters for Winter

January 8, 2018

Sweater: Free People Park City Pullover, Jeans: Levi’s, Booties: Dolce Cita Cassius Suede Bootie (on sale!), Lipstick: Mac Nude Lipstick in Whirl

Hello, hello! How was the weekend? I am pretty sure it was freezing every where so I’m sure you spent a lot of time indoors like we did. We did go out to dinner of Friday night but we immediately wished we were snuggled up at home ha! Needless to say we hurried home after we finished our meal. I don’t know if it’s the cold weather or the fact that we are getting older but I would much rather cook at home, share a bottle of red, and lounge in comfy pjs on a Friday or weekend night than go out. I guess the winter time just makes me want to relax at home. I honesty love having an excuse to just lay low for a while until spring/summer pick up and our schedules start to get busier.

It’s around this time of year where I pretty much only want to wear sweaters like the one I’m wearing. It’s just too cold to think about a complicated outfit  and all I want is to keep warm and comfy. Can you agree? These sweaters make getting ready in the morning effortless and easy. I also love how they easily layer under winter coats.

Free People is my favorite brand to shop sweaters. They offer a nice mix of sweaters that are on trend, good quality, cozy, and don’t itch! Really what more could you want? I always feel ‘oh so boho chic and cool’ when I’m wearing a Free People sweater which feels good. Of all the sweaters I own, I wear my Free People sweaters the most. I also want to reiterate the quality of them. The prices can be a tad much much but I still have and wear sweaters I bought years ago from the brand. Have I convinced you that you need a Free People sweater yet? Ok, well if you’re still on the fence I linked a bunch of favorites below. Also, Macy’s always has great sales of Free People sweaters and Nordstroms tends to have a decent selection and does markdowns often and price matches quite often!

Hope you have a great start to the week. Stay warm out there 😉
Shop Free People Sweaters:

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Leave a Comment · Labels: Casual, Fall, Outfits, Winter

An Afternoon in Downtown Charleston

December 4, 2017

Jacket: Sanctuary (similar here, here, here), Sweater: H&M (similar here), Jeans: Lucky Brand, Shoes: Frye (also love these), Bag: Lo & Sons

Oh how the weekends go by too fast don’t they?! We had lots going on including finding our Christmas tree last night. There’s nothing better than coming home to a pretty lite up tree after a long day at the office. We haven’t decorated her yet but plan to either tonight or tomorrow night.

These pictures were taken in Charleston, SC while we were there over Thanksgiving weekend. Charleston is seriously the dreamiest city. It has everything I would ever want – a cute city, beaches nearby, good food, and warmer weather. Brett and I have dreams of ending up there someday..

The day after Thanksgiving we spent some time downtown. We went to lunch at the most adorable French restaurant called Chez Nous and later ended up walking down King Street to pop in and out of a few stores to take in the Black Friday hustle. I enjoyed tasting honey at Savannah Bee Company, smelling all the seasonal candles at Candlefish, and browsing through the prettiest designer clothes at Hampden Clothing.

After we got tired of the crowds we headed South of Broad and Rainbow Row to snap photos around all the pretty historic homes. I could walk around these houses all day – they are gorgeous!

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Leave a Comment · Labels: Casual, Charleston, SC, Fall, Outfits, Travel

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