Theory Amanda B. Blazer, size 00 :: H&M long-sleeved t-shirt, size 2 :: Paige Blue Heights skinnies, size 23 (hemmed) :: Chanel M/L Classic Flap Handbag :: Manolo Blahnik tweed pumps, size 34.5 :: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent belt, size xs :: Pocket Square from Italy :: Daisy Knights studded ring (also in sterling silver) :: Gold-dipped pine cone pendant
I felt at home and happy in this outfit, and realized it was made just by tossing on a few favorite pieces. My oh-so-lucky of a find Theory blazer from a few years ago. My favorite Paige skinnies. My “baby” red Chanel classic flap. And these favorite tweed Manolo Blahniks that were a very lucky score from a major Neiman Marcus sale.
I’m not normally a pointy-toe shoe kind of gal, but I still remember the flush of happiness that hit me when I slipped these on my feet. I stood in the mirror, deaf to the sale madness happening around me, with the biggest, stupidest grin on my face. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but every time I look at them, I smile a little bit. They just make me happy.
That’s how I know I really love something. It literally tickles me to grins or giggles. If I can’t wipe a stupid grin off my face, or have been reduced to uncontrollable laughter…I’ve found a new favorite addition to my wardrobe. That’s also how the boyfriend knows I love what he’s wearing. If he comes down the stairs to model what he’s put together, and I laugh myself to the point of tears, it means I love it. This might make a lesser man feel insecure…but the boyfriend knows it just means I approve so wholeheartedly that my mind has turned to mush.
I remember having similar reactions to most of the pieces I’m wearing here. The stupid grin on my face when I ran out of the Theory outlet dressing room to show the boyfriend how amazing the blazer fit. Smiling as I twirled around in the Paige fitting room after trying on the most flattering pair of skinnies I’d ever found. Grinning from ear to ear, as a Chanel sales associate slowly unwrapped my holy grail handbag so I could “inspect” it, and then swinging the very large shopping bag all the way back to our Vegas hotel room. And now, with this little gold studded ring that I’ve stretched my hand to stare at an embarrassingly amount of times since it arrived on Friday.
Maybe that’s why I love clothing and personal style so much. A shoe with a sense of humor, a fun and quirky piece of jewelry, or a handbag with a rich history updated in a modern color has the ability to bring back a little bit of that childhood glee, that as adults, gets lost in the shuffle and bustle of hurried lives.
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I’m seeing a lot of ladies purchase things for the sake of purchasing. An “it” color. A coupon code. A feature from a favorite blogger. I’ve caught myself doing it also, but the sad reality is most of those items are slowly making their way to my “sell or give to charity” pile. It’s the pieces that really made me smile before handing over my credit card that still have a solid place in my closet.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a closet full of loves that put a stupid grin on your face? So when it comes to my closet, I’m getting pickier. I’ll try to only buy what I need, and then only buy what I really love. Bonus points if an item satisfies both. All the stuff in between is just a quick “high” and likely to end up a waste of money.
PS. Wendy shared an affordable option to the studded ring I’m wearing in this post.
