I wanted to create a practical, stylish wardrobe of clothes that I love and actually wear. 

**This is for great for anyone who likes classic pieces that last many seasons and above all are comfortable!

This is not a sponsored post. This post contains affiliate links. You can click any of the clothing items for more details. Thank you for supporting my blog! If you are reading this through a subscription email, the clothing images may not show up so please visit the blog HERE. OK, here we go!

When I cleaned out my closet recently, I found again that I had a bunch of what I call “ideal wardrobe” items that I bought but never wore. These are what I envision myself wearing in my life but don’t really make sense for the life I really lead.

Why I never have anything to wear: Well, I wear jeans and tees but I often don’t want to admit this so I only have 2 tees and like one pair of jeans. lol

I look at things linearly so I applied this to something I find completely mystifying: Fashion. Here is the method I created (that sounds like I’m the only one who’s ever done anything like this…you know what I mean).

“I am happiest when I feel prepared.” -me

Phase I: Identify 

I made a list of what I need for my life as a 37 year old stay at home mother of 2 kids (1 and 3 years old) by starting with a list of what I normally do:

 

My Very Fast and Sexy Life

Morning Walk or Jog alone/Jogging stroller walk with kids

Park/Kids’ Activites/Playdates

Errands (Grocery shopping/Target)

Date night/Date lunch (like maybe once a month)

Girls Lunch (like once every 2 months)/Family Holidays

Weekends with family (want to look a little cuter than during the week HA)

 

Categories of clothing:

1. Leisure wear/Exercise clothes for workouts (leggings, old tees, sports bras, running shoes)
2. Day wear for the park and errands (tees, jeans, sweaters,casual dresses, jackets, cardigans)
3. Something cool for a date/girls lunch (blouse, nice jeans, dressier shoes, cardigan)
4. Wedding/Family photos (dresses)

Phase II Separate

I went through my closet/drawers and put everything on a hanger (besides work out clothes/underwear). I looked at each item and had a moment of honesty with myself, asking if I would wear it for one of my activities listed above. 

I have a pile for:

1. Sell (if tags are still on, if its expensive and in great condition). I eBay or do a consignment store drop off.
2. Donate 

If you are interested in more detailed methods of purging or decluttering, this book has a specific clothing section:

 

 

Then organize all your items by type: pants, tees, tops, outerwear etc. 

Phase III Build

Now that I had a great looking base of clothing, I started studying the items I had been eyeing on my favorite fashion bloggers and store sites to see if they fit into one of my categories. Then I decided how many of each item I would like

1. Jeans: already own a distressed black pair, distressed blue pair, want a dressy dark pair, a  mid priced girlfriend pair and a plain black or gray pair.
2. Tees: 5 long sleeved for fall/winter; 5 short sleeved for layering here
3. Tops: already own 2 nice short sleeved blouse type shirts, want a sharp looking striped blouse and a couple ruffle sweaters for dates/lunches/family functions.
4. Outerwear: I always get carried away here but let myself go a little wild ok? 
5. Shoes: already own Birkenstocks, Free People open toed shoes, booties, running shoes and leisure black Nikes. want white leisure sneakers for park/errands also maybe some slides/mules?
6. Dresses: already own 2 casual dresses great for layering with cardigans. Looking for a family photo dress/wedding guest dress.
7. Bralettes: I’m loving the trend of thin and light intimates. Sooo over my super bulky nursing bras. Ha! These are great for peekaboo details with deep V necks or slide-off-the-shoulder tops.
8. leisure:  already own a bunch of work out leggings and tops. looking for a pair of black joggers. 

 

**These items pictured below are a combination of things I own from past seasons, the current season and items I have my eye on. 

In general, my most shopped stores are: Nordstrom, Target, Marhsalls, Madewell and a new store you will see linked below that I have been really happily surprised about.

Bottoms

These button up jeans are my “dressy jeans.” They hold me in like a girdle and feel so amazing. I had them hemmed with a classic hem even though they came with a chewed hem. I want to wear them with one of the striped blouses to a girls lunch or date. 

Tops

 

The ruffle sweaters are so soft and make me look sharp while feeling like I’m wearing a sweatshirt.  

I have a bunch of these cotton long sleeved tops in different colors (striped, navy, gray, white). I added a peplum one in white (in linen blend) to break it up. 

Shoes

I am on the hunt for perfect mule for me and these are the ones that I like out there. The white sneaker is going to be a park staple with my girlfriend jeans. 

Outerwear

I always have way too much outerwear but I love it because since i’m usually in a tee and jeans, I love how jackets/vests/cardigans can pull together a look. I also love how I could wear them at any size (pre/post and transitional baby body).

The soft brown cardigan is back this season and its so cozy and easy. 

Dresses

 

Bralettes

Leisure

I love these leggings. I also own a bunch of leggings from Marshalls because I need like 5 pairs to last me through the week. Most of my workout tops are day wear tees that are a bit worn. I just slide them into the workout drawer. I even use things like cotton peplum tanks. 

 

Accessories 

This hairclip is the BEST hairlip you will every have. Super sturdy and a very strong hold. I purchase handbags like once every 10 years and wear them every day (Louis Vuitton bag pictured in photo at top of page). I linked a couple certified used ones here. These last forever and go with everything. 

You did it!

Please let me know how you cleaned out your closet and what other pieces you are shopping for! What are your staples that have lasted many seasons? Thank you!

Please check under the “shop” tab at the top of the site to see new items in my closet.