10 great wardrobe investments from 2015!

Over the years my goal has increasingly become to invest wisely into my wardrobe in order to have a closet that is well curated and easy to wear on a daily basis.  As a work at home mom I gravitate toward the perfect balance between solid basics and key investment pieces - together these make for a wardrobe that mixes and matches easily, thus making getting dressed really easy each morning.  We all want to look effortlessly pulled together.  And so far this formula is what works for me.  If you are still trying to find that perfect balance or formula for your own wardrobe… take heart - it takes some time to pull together.  It doesn't happen over night - so keep honing in on what you love and it will all come together.

As I look back on 2015 and the purchases I made for my closet it's no surprise that the pieces that have had the most impact are those that I consciously invested in.  Sure the tops or sweaters I bought on "super sale" are still fun to have around… but in general the pieces I found, loved, contemplated (stalked!) and then invested in are the ones that make a lasting impact on my wardrobe overall.  It's never easy to pull the trigger on a $100, $150 or $200 piece (and I STILL try to get those items on sale when I can) BUT in the end I have found it's worth it.  They are the pieces I go back to again and again. They are the pieces I can't wait to wear again the minute I take them off. They are the pieces that are less likely to end up in the Goodwill pile after a few months.  Each and every time.

Here I rounded up my favorite purchases for 2015… after I compiled them all I realized that most were investment pieces.  Coincidence!? I think not!  Read on to see what my favorite investment purchases of 2015 were… and also some similar less expensive options too if that is what your budget allows at the moment.

1. (below) This sweater cape was an instant hit in my closet (in fact I'm wearing it as I type today!)  It's super warm and the zippers make it easy enough to wear all day.  Plus, I had a cape on my wish list for a while - so when I found this, I knew it was the "one". (similar less expensive)

2. (below) These d'orsay style flats were by far my favorite shoe of the year.  I had made the mistake of buying a less expensive pair that wasn't as high quality.  Which is a great way to try out a new trend, but in the end was a waste of money because they didn't last.  This is a perfect example of when I should have bought the quality piece first, even if the price is higher so that in the end you don't pay twice for them. (or similar less expensive)

3. (below) A chambray blazer hadn't really been on my radar… but when I saw this one I knew I had to have it.  Really any color or fabric of this Regent style blazer is a winner (a few are even on sale right now!).  You can never go wrong with a classic blazer. (or similar less expensive)

3. (below) I had long stalked the Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. cross-body bag.  This was a classic example of me putting off investing in a piece I knew I loved.  When this pretty lady became mine I didn't know what I had been waiting for - I use this bag all the time. It's a great mom on the go bag. (or similar less expensive)

4. (below) I know I talk endlessly about investing in gorgeous (and warm!) winter gear… but I really mean it. If you live in the Northern states, it's absolutely necessary to have warm gear that you also LOVE.  Because it's going to get a lot of wear.  This coat definitely fits the bill (and big kudos to my husband for splurging on this baby as a gift to me). (or similar less expensive)

5. (below) A trench coat had been on my wish list (again) for quite some time, but I was having a hard time finding a style that didn't overwhelm my petite-ish frame.  I'm so glad I found this one - which is on sale right now!… it's perfect. (or I love this one!)

6. (below) I'm not really one for taking risks with my wardrobe, but this fall I fell in love with these army green twill pants (similar to what I am wearing).  They are the perfect casual alternative to jeans.  (or similar less expensive)

7. (below) My leather jacket (similar to the one I am wearing) is the 2015 MVP in my closet.  I wear this baby all.the.time. It's perfect for layering over tees and tanks for cool summer nights or with sweaters and scarfs for the winter.   This jacket was easily the best money spent all year. (or less expensive option)

8. (below) Black jeans were my jam in 2015.  I have a few pairs now and they are in constant rotation.  I find them super flattering for days I perhaps feel a little blah - and really they go with EVERYTHING in my closet.  Super yay for black jeans in 2015! 

10. (below) A striped dress (or three) will always have a place in my heart and closet.  I wore them in the spring with jackets, all summer long to hot soccer games or over my swimsuit to the pool and this fall I layered them with cozy scarves.  Striped dresses definitely won 2015 in my book - and they will be back for round two in 2016. (similar, similar or similar)

(all photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

I would love to hear what some of your favorite purchases for 2015 were… how did they impact your wardrobe?? Do tell!

awesome after Christmas sales!

As expected there are some really awesome after Christmas sales this year… It's a great time to spend those gift cards or Christmas money Santa brought this year.  Or just to treat yourself after treating everyone else all season!  And the best part, these prices are completely guilt free - unlike all those cookies I've eaten over the past few days.

This is a great weekend for lounging around the house in pjs and doing a little online shopping… who's with me!?!?

tassel purse - 40% off, pink earrings - 33% off, striped rain boots - 50% off (under $35!), white cable knit wrap - 50% off (only $25!), 'cardy' sweater uggs - 30% off, buffalo check vest - 40% off, pink kate spade satchel - 33% off, button uggs - 20% off, tie back striped top - 40% off (under $30!), fur lined hooded coat - $100 off, riding boots - 25% off, plaid scarf - 50% off (under $20!), black bucket bag - 40% off

Plus, tons more boots on super sale if you still need winter boots! And who doesn't need winter boots on sale!?!? So many good deals!  

the HOTTEST deals of the holidays 2015!

Last call!!!  Here is a final round up of deals AND shipping cut off dates for ordering online…

Shop away you little elf you!

Shop these gifts: pink boots, plaid shirt, red hat, candyland, slippers, 'creme de la creme' plate, sugar gift set, baby moccasins, necklace, pom pom key chain, merry christmas card, gap sweatshirt, oh deer! top, fair isle leggings, nutcracker ornament, fair isle sweater, knee high socks, black boots, alice in wonderland book, glitter flats, baby pinks uggs, jawbone bracelet

GET THE DEALS:

Gap, 40% off - no exclusions! - with code: GIFTNOW + FREE Shipping over $50 and FREE returns! Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! shop gifts for men, women, boys & girls

Sole Society 30% off select shoes, bags and accessories + FREE 3-day shipping over $30! shop gift sets

Madewell 25% off your order with code: YOUGOTTHIS Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! shop gifts here!

Sperry Spend $150 get 15% off, Spend $200 get 20% off, Spend $250 get 25% off + FREE EXPRESS shipping and FREE returns!

Amazon, Order by 12/21 with Amazon Prime for delivery in time! Shop the 12 days of deals… And kindles, & $5 magazines make great gifts!

Baublebar  Spend $100 and get FREE expedited shipping for arrival in time! shop the holiday shop!

GET THE DEALS:

Nordstrom, Free delivery by Christmas Eve!  shop gifts for men, women, boys & girls

LOFT 40% off everything and 50% off sweaters, outerwear and more! shop gifts

UGG, 15% off Select Items + FREE 2-day shipping + FREE returns!  Order by 12/21 to get gifts on time! shop gifts for men, women & kids

Sorel, Select items on sale + $6 2-day shipping! Shop limited edition holiday styles here!

J.Crew, 30% off everything and 40% off sale items with code: GIFTNOW Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! shop gifts for men, women, boys & girls

Anthropologie, 20% off everything with code: STOCKUP shop gifts

GET THE DEALS:

Old Navy, 40% off all orders with code: GINORMOUS, Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! shop gifts for men, women, boys & girls

Target, FREE Shipping! Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! shop gifts & toys

Kate Spade, 25% off Sale with code: THRILL + FREE shipping and returns! shop gifts

West Elm, 15% off clearance! Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! shop gifts

Shopbop FREE 3 Day shipping!  shop gifts for men, women & kids

Sephora, Weekly Specials! Order 12/20 for regular shipping or order by 12/21 with two day shipping for arrival on time! shop gifts

GET THE DEALS:

J.Crew Factory, 50% off everything (with some exclusions) Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! Shop gifts for men, women, boys & girls

Athleta, 20% off with code: WRAPUP Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! 

Minted, Get cards by 12/24 with rush shipping use code: SHIP shop holiday cards & personalized gifts!

Nieman Marcus, 25% off select sale items + FREE SHIPPING! Order by 12/23 at noon CST use code: NMRUSH shop gifts for men, women, boys & girls

Hanna Andersson 30% off sleepwear! Order by 12/23 by 2pm EST for delivery on time! shop gifts for boys & girls

Beautycounter, $5 Flat Rate Shipping Order by 12/22 for delivery in time! shop gorgeous gift sets

Other sales you may like:

Banana Republic, 40% off your order with code: BRMERRY + FREE shipping over $50 and FREE returns!  Order by 12/21 for delivery in time! Shop gifts for him & her!

Tory Burch, Select items on Sale! Shop the gift guide!

Coach, Select items on sale! Guaranteed delivery by Christmas!

3 easy shop-your-closet holiday party looks!

Yesterday on Instagram I pulled together three easy holiday party looks by shopping my own closet.  I'm always surprised at what I can pull out of my closet in a pinch… so here are my tips and tricks on how to shop your closet this season. I hope you find them helpful!

above: I love this casual but pulled together look.  Here I pulled together a blazer with a graphic tee and paired them with boyfriend jeans and some black heels and a bold necklace.  This is perfect for New Years Eve with friends or for a casual Christmas Eve look.  The boyfriend jeans paired with black pumps are an interesting contrast that is also really easy to wear.  A nice small bag is the perfect way to carry your lipstick and phone.

above: This ultra festive look is perfect for a Christmas party with friends. If you don't own a sequined striped top… just pair an ultra blinged out necklace with a standard striped top.  Black jeans and flats make this outfit classic and easy to pull together. Some bold tassel earrings are a fun addition!

above: One way to make an outfit instantly festive is to add some gorgeous earrings and a faux fur scarf (I love this one or this one!).   This tasseled tank could easily be paired with a black skirt, jeans or black trousers depending on the event you are attending.  Nude pumps are always in season and are a gorgeous addition to this look.

So which outfit is your favorite? Shop the pieces below...

my everyday style: a camel coat!

Living through Midwest winters aren't easy… so far this winter has been very mild, but we've still had a handful of quite chilly days and I know there are more on the way.  It's a given that winter is just downright cold here in Michigan.  Gorgeous warm coats are one of the few things that help me get through it all with some semblance of grace and style.

This camel coat has been hands down one of my favorite wardrobe investments.  I love that it's super long to keep my legs warm and the belt helps keep my waist defined so I don't fall into the "potato sack" silhouette that can sometimes happen with bulky coats.  Here I created a monochromatic look with a camel sweater and brown ankle boots.

(photos by Jennifer Ketchum)

j.crew factory coat/similar, similar or similar

banana republic sweater/similar or similar

banana republic jeans/similar or similar

sam edelman boots/similar or similar

madewell bag

rayban sunglasses

kendra scott earrings

or shop the pieces below…

10 gorgeous holiday style finds!

Let's admit it… the holiday season is such a fun time of year to get dressed!  Leather, sequins, cozy wool, a little bling and killer heels all come out to play this time of year - and the outcome is pretty darn fun!  Not only is it holiday party season, it's a party in your closet this time of year too.

What lady doesn't love an excuse to dress up a little, swipe some red lipstick and sparkle in their own special way?  With that in mind, I pulled together some holiday inspired pieces today.  It's so easy to mix and match these styles for some killer holiday looks.  Remember it's all about texture this time or year… wool, leather, sparkle and shine are the name of the game.  Make sure you are having some fun with it… it's the happiest time of the year after all.

black/gold clutch, plaid top, sequin tank, cream scarf, ring, cream blazer, red bow bag, faux leather leggings, lace pants, fair isle sweater, red ankle-strap heels, earrings

or shop the pieces here...

my everyday style: Eva Mendes for New York & Company!

I've been really hesitant to get on the 'over-the-knee' boot trend.  I absolutely LOVE the look on other ladies and stylish bloggers but I didn't feel like it would translate into my own style or lifestyle as a busy mom.  I stand corrected!  I am now pretty obsessed with this trend after trying it (don't knock it until you try it, I suppose!).  Not only are over-the-knee boots nice and warm (hello Michigan winters!) but they are surprisingly comfortable too… like a stylish leg warmer. Or maybe I shouldn't have gone there.  But you catch my drift - warm AND stylish.

Pairing over-the-knee boots with a chunky winter sweater is now a new favorite as well.  It's the perfect winter outfit for when you really want to be warm… but staying stylish isn't debatable.   I can definitely see wearing this combo on repeat this winter season.

These stylish duds - including the boots - are all from Eva Mendes' new line at New York & Company.   It's easy to give the girl major credit… she's gorgeous, she gets to hang out with Ryan Gosling on the regular AND she is super stylish.  Check out her new line at New York & Company - it exudes femininity, romance and style.  Which is no surprise coming from such a stylish lady.  And if you are still looking for holiday party attire - there are some really great dresses and skirts for this festive time of year.

Details:

Sweater, Eva Mendes for NY&Co - ℅

Bag, Eva Mendes for NY&Co - ℅

Boots, Eva Mendes for NY&Co - ℅

This post is sponsored by Eva Mendes for New York & Co.  All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

Shop these pieces and my top holiday party picks from Eva Mendes for New York & Company here:

holiday gift guide 2015: under $25 gifts!

This post is proof that it really is the thought that counts with gifts.  There is no need to go overboard with your budget for the holidays.  These great gifts under $25 are cute and fun and perfect for any one on your list this year.

read my lips mug, v-neck sweater, gold bow ornament, leopard scarf, fuzzy pom key chain, jeweled bottle stopper, polka dot pj pants, fair isle socks, 'hello' mug, 'xo' stationary set, double layer necklace, gold dots insulated tumbler, love style life by garance dore

Or shop the pieces (plus a few extras!) below…

holiday gift guide 2015: beauty gifts!

Beauty gifts are in my opinion one of the easiest, no-brainer gifts to give to the ladies in your life. From babysitters/nannies, to teachers, to aunts, to bffs - even to your great Grandma that has everything.  What leading lady in your life wouldn't love any of these gorgeous and indulgent beauty products!?!? Plus, you can really be flexible with your budget with beauty products. From gifts under $20 to those that are more of a splurge - there really is something here for every lady at every price point.

1. tory burch perfume set - under $20! 2. beautycounter 'sheer and shimmer' body & lip set 3. sugar rose lip tint - under $25! 4. butter glitz and glam nail polish 5. bigelow lip treatment 3-pack - under $20! 6. 'fresh' mask must have set 7. leopard brush set 8. 'naked' eye palette - this stuff has a cult following! 9. kiehl's healthy skin set 10. beautycounter peppermint lip balm - I'm addicted to this stuff! 11. stowaway mini face set - love this! 12. bare minerals lip set

Or shop the pieces below… 

10 easy ways to style plaid this winter!

Plaid has quickly become a winter staple in my closet. I am especially partial to flannel plaid (so soft!) and plaid scarves.  Both are great for layering now that winter is here and they add a pop of color and pattern to my wardrobe which is mostly neutral basics.  I love experimenting with layering plaid with sweaters, vest, jackets and coats in new and fresh combinations.  Usually my first instinct is to grab a plaid top and pair it with jeans and boots.  But here are some other fun (and easy!) ways to wear them as well...

Wear it with a navy sweater… above: scarf

Layer it under a sweater… above: coat, similar plaid top - under $20!

Wear a plaid top tied at your waist… above: skirt  - on sale!, plaid top  - on sale!, scarf  - on sale!

Pile on a big plaid scarf over your leather jacket… above: similar scarf, similar bag

Wear a plaid top with a trench coat and distressed jeans… above: plaid shirt  - on sale!, jacket - on super sale!

Bundle up with a plaid scarf and your favorite winter coat… above: scarf, similar coat

Pair your favorite plaid top with a faux fur scarf… above: plaid top, faux fur scarf, purse

Pair a plaid top with a vest and black jeans… above: plaid top, vest, black jeans, boots

Pair a plaid top with boyfriend jeans and a blazer… above: blazer, plaid top, jeans, shoes

Wear a plaid top with an army inspired jacket… above: plaid top, similar jacket

Here are some of my favorite plaid pieces… shop them below…