best of: black jeans

1. Forever 21 // 2. Old Navy // 3. Mossimo
4. American Eagle // 5. Gap // 6. Madewell
7. Paige // 8. Adriano Goldschmeid // 9. J. Brand

One of my resolutions I made for 2015 is to focus on quality, not quantity. I have a habit of stocking up on cheaper items, then discarding them after a season when they don't hold up so well. Case in point: my Forever 21 black jeans. I've been buying these jeans for years (hey, they're only $8), and they fit fine the first few wears...and then they slowly start stretching out, rapidly fading, etc.

Rather than just grabbing another pair of these wallet friendly jeans on my next trip to the mall, I decided to try a variety of other options, ranging from $8 all the way up to $185. After trying on several pairs and comparing finishes (I was looking for a true black, no distressing), and rises (mid-rise...adios ultra low-rise), I found that the Paige Skyline Skinny Jeans (#7 above) fit perfectly and were sooo comfortable. Priced at $169, there were definitely more than I normally spend on denim, but I was willing to make the plunge if it meant a great pair of black jeans that I'd be able to wear for seasons on end.

However, I happened to check out the jeans at Target the same day and discovered the Mossimo Mid-Rise Jegging Jean in Modern Fit (#3 above). I kid you not...these looked nearly identical to the Paige jeans! Same fit, same rise, same wash...and they were just as comfortable! Priced at $27.99 they're only a fraction of the price of the Paige jeans, which is always a bonus!

In the end I decided to return the Paige jeans and took home the Mossimo jeans instead. Time will tell if the color and fit hold up with a few washings, but I'm excited to try them out this week!

What about you? What is your favorite pair of black jeans...do you have a wallet friendly staple or a designer favorite?

xoxo,

closet staple: the utility jacket

utility jacket: H&M (old, similar, love this one) // striped shirt: H&M (similar, similar, love this one)
necklace: J. Crew via Poshmark (similar) // jeans: Forever 21 // flats: Payless // watch: Michael Kors // earrings: Forever 21

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This cargo jacket is probably my favorite purchase from H&M...ever. I've seen stylish girls rocking similar jackets for awhile now, and I used to think they weren't really my style...that I'm more of a cardigan type of girl. I'll admit it...I was wrong (first time for everything, right? Right?!?). I LOVE this style of jacket and the fact that it's so versatile. I love layering it over a simple striped t-shirt (above), over a semi-casual work outfit, though my favorite is pairing it with boots and a scarf for colder weather. Definitely a closet staple!

While I've seen much pricier versions at J. Crew and Madewell, this version was only $40 at H&M! If you're in the market for a cargo jacket this fall, be sure to check out Target, Old Navy, F21, etc for wallet friendly versions!

Hope you all have a great Monday!

xoxo,

closet staple: basic blue oxford shirt

shirt: H+M // skirt: H+M (old, similar) // necklace: World Market
heels: Ann Taylor (budget friendly option) // watch: Michael Kors

This simple blue oxford shirt is one of my most worn closet staples. A classic cut, I can wear this tucked into a skirt as shown here, layered under a sweater in cooler weather, or my favorite...under a shift dress!

Every working girl needs a few of these shirts in their wardrobe. I have black, white, blue, pinstripe, and pale pink from H&M, though you can also find great options at Target, Gap, Old Navy, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers...almost anywhere! You just have to find the right fit for your shape!

xoxo,

closet staple: the little blue dress

dress: J. Crew via eBay (old, similar, similar, similar) // cardigan: Forever 21 (old, similar)
necklace: J. Crew Factory (old, similar, similar) // shoes: Ann Taylor (similar)
belt: H+M (taken off a skirt, similar) // watch: Michael Kors // earrings: J. Crew Factory

  

LEFT - blazer: H+M (old, similar)
MIDDLE - detailed above
RIGHT - cardigan: J. Crew Factory (last seen here) // belt: Forever 21 (old, similar)

This J. Crew shift dress is probably one of the most worn items in my closet. Originally purchased on clearance in orange (last seen here), I searched high and low on eBay until I found the blue version in my size as well!

A lightweight wool fabric, this dress can be worn year round. I often wear layered over an oxford shirt, alone with heels and a belt in the warmer summer months, layered over a turtleneck and tights in the winter, and under a cardigan or blazer as you see in these photos today.

One dress and literally dozens of different looks...the perfect closet staple!


P.S. J. Crew Factory made a version of this dress in a cotton/linen fabric this season too...fully lined in a great turquoise color!

xoxo,

closet staple: plaid shirt

shirt: Target (similar) // jeans: Forever 21 // flats: Target // necklace: Forever 21 (similar) // watch: Timex (similar)

This plaid shirt was something of an impulse purchase almost four years ago...I literally walked by the display at Target, threw it in the cart and went about my shopping. Fast forward four years, and I've worn this shirt countless times, whether it's with jeans as you see above, under a v-neck sweater, or paired with a summer skirt, it's definitely served me well.

Do any of you have any impulse purchases that turned into closet staples?

xoxo,

closet staple: chambray shirt

Old Navy chambray shirt // Gap slim cropped pants //  J. Crew Factory wedges
J. Crew Factory necklace (similar, similar) // Michael Kors watch // nails

This chambray shirt has become such a staple in my closet. It can be paired with almost any skirt, pants, and layered under shift dresses...the perfect piece for work when you're in a rush and don't know what to wear! Add a couple of pieces of jewelry and you're ready to go!

What are your closet staples?

xoxo,