more picks for spring 2016

Sometimes, ripped up jeans and holey tees just aren't what I am in the mood for. Did I ever tell you? I can be very fickle when it comes to fashion. I have to try on clothes at home many times, and often wear them around the house to get a feel for them before I can honestly say, "yes! it's a keeper."

I purchase items after a lot of consideration and have gotten much better (quite good) and choosing items I really love and will wear on repeat. It took long enough, but I realized no matter how many clothes I had, I always had "favorite outfits" - those were the outfits I wanted to wear every day. Finally, I made the shift to buying only pieces that are those favorites. It has been working well for me, with the exception of a few items here and there. Funny thing is - those pieces that are the exception ... if I think back to the purchase decision I could have seen it coming.  And then I list them on eBay. My goal is always to move anything I don't wear OUT of my closet, and to recoup some of the expense if I can.

And, as a little spring retail therapy continues, I have found a few more pieces I maybe cannot live without. Unfortunately, I am finding a lot of shoes I cannot live without (I usually get one pair of shoes and wear the shit out of them). I say unfortunately because $$$. But, I also have been finding some really great priced pieces. After avoiding Madewell for a while, I am finding a few things there, like the tanks above. I also found this great (GREAT!) priced pair of jeans after seeing them on a friend of mine. Just so happens that all of these items are also on the less distressed side, with fewer rips and holes.

Madewell Cotton Crewneck Muscle Tee This tank lives up to the reviews you will find on Madewell. It is super cute, but best of all has a great price point.

Rag and Bone Siggi Short I sized down one size for these. They are super stretchy and comfortable, but I will admit the price point leaves a little to be desired.

Sol Sana Cameron Sandal So cute, and a much better price point than similar designer styles I have seen.

Madewell Anthem Scoop Tank A great classic tank, and it comes in come great colors. I am digging the heather silver.

Vigoss Skinny Jeans I usually go for super-skinny and these have a slightly looser fit than my typical pick. But I love the length, and it makes the slightly bigger leg opening really work for me.

Vince Blair 5 Slip On Sneaker Investment piece alert! Okay, these are not affordable. That I admit. However, they are beautiful and well made. The similar Vans have a friendlier price point, but I preferred the little softer and refined lines of the Vince.

You can see and shop these as well as some more picks below! Please note, the gallery below is best viewed in a browser on your computer. Some devices that are not able to display Java Script will not display the gallery properly.

Fall Fashion Picks

The weather has cooled down considerably here in Denver over the past week ... today we have highs in the low 60s and it is overcast, making it TOTALLY feel like fall. I always put off shopping for the season until it is actually that season. It is tempting to start shopping all the fall fashion in late July and August, but I force myself to wait until the weather actually turns. For me, that ensures that I will actually LOVE and wear what I purchase (when I pre-purchase, I tend to not care for the stuff I bought by the time the weather actually turns).

Not surprisingly, my picks for fall include lots of DENIM, tees, and flannels. I am on the hunt for a good quality faux leather jacket, too. And a new pair of boots.

Here are my picks for fall...

PLEASE NOTE: The boutique below requires JavaScript to be viewed properly. The boutique may not render properly on mobile devices and iPads. Check it out on your computer for best results.

one piece swimsuits

I have seen so many really cute one piece suits lately ... I am seriously considering for pool time this summer. It seems to easy and comfortable and surprisingly cute!

These are some of the favorites I have found!

Lovers + Friends Simple Times One Piece - that multi-color snake print

Blue Life Safari Swim Suit - love the cut out side and feminine but graphic print

Norma Kamali KAMALIKULTURE Wonder Woman One Piece - simple black and classic cut

Agua Bendita Desert Nomad Bendito Arido Swimsuit - I just love the back of this one

Private Party Island Vibes Swimsuit - classic color and cut, but with a cheeky message on front (or to be really bold, look at this one!) 

capsule wardrobe for spring and summer

I have the beginnings of a capsule wardrobe for spring and summer coming together lately ... although with all the rain we have been having, it'll certainly be summer before I can wear any of it. Regardless, I am in love with these pieces that I have chosen and purchased so far so I am totally vetting for the here.

The Great The Old West Tee 

ANINE BING Relaxed Fit Pants (These will be great with my favorite T by Alexander Wang Muscle Tee or I have some James Perse tanks from last summer that will look so cute with these pants, but I also have my eye on this striped tank)

RAGDOLL Distressed Vintage Tee 

One Teaspoon Bandit Denim Cut Off Shorts (any wash - I have a couple pairs from last summer and got a couple more for this summer)

ANINE BING Ivory Layered Top (now I want the rose colored boyfriend shorts and sneakers seen here to go with it!)

ANINE BING Cropped Jeans with Slit 

I love that I can mix and match all of these pieces, along with favorites I already have. If I have too many choices, I get crippled with decision making so have a smaller number of favorite pieces that I wear on regular rotation makes so much more sense for me.

See more of my current favorites and purchases by shopping my closet here. You can also literally shop my closet on ebay here.

4 dresses for spring and summer

I shopped Revolve's Exclusive Early Access last week for access to styles early. I immediately found myself adding dresses to my cart (wtf?!). With nowhere to wear them, I love these styles nonetheless. I ended up going to for the Heartloom Roma Dress (date night option!) and the One Teaspoon Pinkie Dress (casual enough for everyday), but I also loved (and reluctantly abandoned) the Lovers + Friends Meet Me at Sunset Dress and the TryB212 Samira Dress.

my closet for sale

I have been selling on eBay for years ... since 2004, in fact. John and I have taken great care to list quality items with accurate descriptions, and we deliver when it comes to customer service. Over the years it has been a great outlet for selling things we no longer need or want; and over the course of the past decade we have built a solid feedback reputation on eBay.

I have been on a kick of wanting to declutter and rid my house of things that I don't need, things I don't wear, and things I don't use/enjoy on a regular basis. It is amazing, when you look at things through a very discerning lens, how much you actually could do without. My eyes look at all my stuff in a new way, and a lot of it could just go and I would not miss it. With that in mind and with that lens on, I have been listing things on eBay. I donate things that are of little value or not worth the effort of listing, but I have lots of very gently worn clothing items and other goods that are still in excellent (in some cases like new) condition. Those pieces are what I list on eBay and currently I have quite the assortment of women's designer jeans (skinny styles in sizes ranging from 24-26), some tops and sweaters, some outerwear (jackets and a vest), sunglasses, and a pair of booties. John is on-board with this material cleanse, too, so there are also some men's watches and shoes.

currently listed as shown above: Patagonia Women's Fleece Pullover (sold - sorry!), Nation Ltd tee, Leigh & Luca scarf (sold but similar), Steve Madden Freebird Malbec booties, 7 for All Mankind skinny jeans (seen worn in the later part of this post), Rifle Paper Co. notebooks

Some of my items move quickly, while others take a bit to sell, but you can be sure to find a pretty nice assortment (if I do say so myself). Check out everything I have for sale on eBay by visiting http://bit.ly/ccmebay . Just a heads-up - I will be listing more items on a regular basis. Specifically, in the next couple of weeks I will be listing some Tiffany & Co. necklaces and rings.

Anine Bing favorites

Since posting my Anine Bing winter wish list, I have invested in some most and more of the pieces on it. Anything I get from Anine Bing quickly becomes my favorite top, sweater, jean, [insert item of clothing here].

My most recent Anine acquisitions included the Ripped Jeans in Dark Grey, Vneck Linen T-Shirt, Black Lace Bra, and Army Shirt. I love each of these pieces separately, but also together.  The Ripped Jeans (in dark grey or washed blue) are easily my favorite jeans right now. They fit great, don't stretch and bag out, and are the perfect length for me. The Linen T-Shirt fits perfectly; because it is linen it drapes in the perfect way a cotton tee just cannot.

I wear this look with my Steve Madden Freebird Lasso booties, or just with my Vans.

I have been lusting after the Janessa Leone Lucy Hat which I think would be perfect with this look.

Anine's line is my dream/perfect wardrobe right now. I find endless inspiration on how to wear her pieces by stalking her Instagram. In fact you can find her wearing a variation of this look here and here. Oh, and see it on me here.

what to wear // holiday party

Admittedly and sadly, we don't have many holiday parties to go to, or least not any fancy ones. But, if I did have a fancy holiday party to go to, this is what I would want to wear.

jumpsuit // AQ/AQ Scando Jumpsuit in White (similar for less or for less in black)

pumps // BCBG Max Azria Bettie Pump

earrings // Jarin K Double Sided Earrings

clutch // Sophie Hulme Leather Pouch

black friday sales + coupon codes

Planning on doing a little online holiday shopping today? Don't spend a penny more than you need to. There actually are some good deals to be had at some of my favorite retailers, so I have rounded up the various sales and necessary codes (if applicable). Happy shopping!

Please note - there are more deals and sales to be had on Monday (Cyber Monday). On Monday, I will share any applicable sales and codes for those sales.

It's also worth mentioning, I have some great items listed for sale on eBay currently (some men's and women's jeans and shoes). Check it out for an even better deal.

AG Adriano Goldschmied

Black Friday 30% off select styles // DATE: 11.27-11.30

no code needed

Anthropologie 

Black Friday huge sale sitewide

no code needed

ASOS

Black Friday 30% off // DATE: 11.27 (8pm EST) – 11.30 (8pm EST)
Code: TGIBF

Athleta

20% off // DATE: 11.28-11.30
Code: FIT20

Blank NYC 

Black Friday 

$50 off $100
Code: BLANK50$100 off $300
Code: BLANK100$200 off $500
Code: BLANK200DATE: 11.28

Current Elliott

Black Friday 25% off sitewide // DATE: 11.26-12.01
Code: THANKS

Free People

Black Friday up to 50% off select items // DATE: 11.28

GAP
50% off, no exclusions
Code: BLKFRIDAY

Hanky Panky

up to 60%, free 5-day wash + free ground shipping  // DATE: 11.28-12.01
Code: SPARKLE

J Brand

Black Friday 30% sitewide // DATE: 11.27-11.29

no code needed

J. Crew

Black Friday 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no minimum // DATE: 11.26-11.30
Code: HOLIDAY

Joie

25% off sitewide // DATE: 11.26-12.01
Code: THANKS

Madewell

25% off your entire purchase // DATE: 11.25-11.30
Code: GIFTON

Paige

Black Friday 20% off sitewide // DATE: 11.28-11.30
Code: CYBER20

Piperlime

Black Friday 25% off sitewide + be entered to win a trip for 2 to NYC fashion week // DATE: 11/28
Code: IHEARTNYC

Revolve

Black Friday select items up to 80% off // DATE: 11.28-11.30

no codes needed

Shopbop

15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off $1000 // DATE: 11.25-12.01
Code: GOBIG14

Singer 22 

Black Friday 20% sitewide // DATE: 11.25-11.30

Code: TURKEY

Splendid
30% off
Code: GRATEFUL2014

Theory

40% off sitewide // DATE: 11.25-11.30
no code needed

Urban Outfitters

Black Friday additional 25% off all sale online, additional 50% off all sale in-stores // DATE: 11.28

no code needed

christmas / holiday pajamas for the whole family

One of the traditions we have started with my family (my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew) is matching Christmas pajamas on Christmas morning!!! My mom, sister, and I have matching jammies; my dad, John, and brother-in-law have matching jammies; and Raffa and Asher have matching jammies.

for the ladies
Maison du Soir Greta Top in Red/Black Stripe
Masin du Soir Madrid Leggings in Red/Black Stripe
(it is worth noting, these skiing squirrel pajamas were a close second...)

for the men
JCrew Flagstone Marled Henley in Black
JCrew Flannel Pajama Pant in Buffalo Check

for the little ones
Land of Nod Superstar Pajamas

Does your family have a Christmas/holiday pajama tradition?

keep warm in madewell plaid flannel

I didn't put any posts up here on andchloe last week as I got caught up from getting back to Durango> Catch up after getting home from a trip is the worst. Compounding the catch up was some extremely cold weather - our highs were single digit! It was literally freezing. It also brought the first snow of the season. Luckily I had just ordered some Sorel boots (the Sorel Women's 1964 Premium Leather Boot) which made their appearance just in time for my first snow shoveling of the season.

Our weather was a wake up call that winter is here. And on those really cold and snowy days, I typically go for warmth and comfort, starting with leggings! And the Zella 'Live In' Reversible Leggings are the best. Forget Lululemon Wunder Unders, I like the Zella fabric and fit better and the price point is practically half that of Lululemon!

Consider an oversized tee my baselayer, and gray tends to be my favorite tee color. I like the simplicity of this Lightening Bolt OG Bolt Pocket tee. It's a men's tee and I recommend a size small.

Nothing beats the cold like flannel and Madewell is my go-to for cute flannel. I love the Madewell flannel cargo workshirt in buffalo check (also like this one, this one, and this one).

I have an awesome down Rab jacket that I got about six years ago. I can't find one I like as much, although I do really like the Patagonia Women's Fitz Roy Down Parka in Dark Currant (not pictured).

Also pictured above are some of my favorite socks by Balega.

Get a matching buffalo plaid shirt for your little at the GAP - I have this one for Raffa and it is so cute (and soft!). We twinned for the first time today in our plaid.

All this amounts to a great snowy, wintery outfit. Just enough style and a lot of warmth.

Anine Bing Winter Wish List

If some one would like to generously give me a $1,000 gift card to Anine Bing for my birthday, I would love you forever. And, I would proceed to purchase the five pieces on my Anine Bing wish list:

ANINE BING Parka with Sherling

ANINE BING Knitted Sweater in Sand // see the sweater on Anine

ANINE BING V-neck Linen Shirt // see the tee on Anine

ANINE BING Lace Bra in Black // see the bra peeking out

ANINE BING Ripped Jeans in Washed Blue // see the jeans on Anine

Oh the possibilities of these pieces together or separately... And check out Anine's instagram if you want to fall in love with her line.

Paige Denim + casual long sleeve tees

After seeing the Paige Denim Verdugo Ultra Skinny on Instagram countless times, in several different washes and I had to get some for myself.

I choose the Ramone Deconstructed, as seen above on Ascot Friday (photo courtesy of @asccotfriday).

And, I choose the Carmen Rip and Repair, as seen below on Ivana Revic (photo courtesy of @ivanarevic).

I have been on the prowl for some easy, casual fall/winter, long sleeve tees and found some goodies from Urban Outfitters. I love the slimmer fit of the Urban Renewal Surplus Henley Top (shown below on the left in cream, but I also got the black).  I also love the double-layer look of the Silence + Noise Pocket Long Sleeve tee. And, of course I will be wearing my boots, which I adore, the Free Bird Lasso.

my favorite black + distressed jeans for fall

It has been apparent that I have a distinct denim preference these days. I am no longer interested in dark blue washes of denim, distressed is great but I can leave 'em if they are blue. What does it for me these days is black denim, black denim with ample distressing. Holes in the knee are a definitely plus.

I figure, do I really need blue jeans? Probably not. Especially not if I have several distressed black pairs to take their place.

Here are some of my very favorites; I have put the pairs I actually have in bold.

top row
AG Jean The Absolute Skinny in Tempest
Siwy Hannah Skinny in Jet Obsidian
Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne Jeans in Rexford
rag & bone/JEAN The Skinny in Soft Rock w/ Holes

bottom row
Paige Denim Verdugo in Ramone Destructed
rag & bone/JEAN The Skinny in Coal w/ Holes
Siwy Hannah Skinny in Up All Night
Anine Bing Charcoal Cropped Jeans with Slit

Shopbop Friends + Family Sale

It is too good to pass up - Shopbop's annual 3-day Friends + Family sale. 25% off with code FAMILY25. So many of my current favorites are from Shopbop and this is literally one of the best sales out there. Sale starts today!

my new boots + easy jeans and tees

I found them. "THE" pair of boots for me. Freebird Lasso booties in tan. They are the perfect flat bootie for me. I got them last week and I am head over heals.

I am wearing my booties with some other easy-to-wear pieces, as in easy-to-wear to the park to chase Raffa around. I love the Madewell Linen Telegraph Tee in stripe and LNA Rinaldi tee - both a little slouchy, but not frumpy or dumpy. And, then of course my favorite skinny jeans of the moment - my rag & bone/JEAN The Skinny in Soft Rock with Holes (I literally love these jeans) and my 7 For All Mankind The Skinny with Contour & Destroy in Absolute Heritage.

We have family photos coming up next weekend, and I typically opt for my "regular" clothes, whatever happens to be my favorite outfit at that time. It always makes more sense to wear what is comfortable for photos, and clothes I actually wear. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if when I share our family photo eventually, you might see me turn up in some variation of the above.

some fall favorites // henleys, jeans, and booties

Last fall and winter, I lived in the We the Free Wonder Woman Top - the cutest thermal flow-y top with just enough edginess but a figure-flattering fit. So, for when I wanted to look for some fall tops last week, I headed straight to Free People. Good thing I did because I found the We the Free Destroyed Henley, which I am absolutely loving, especially the white and honey colors. Both go just perfect with my favorite - blue or black skinny jeans.

Speaking of jeans, I also found the jackpot pair from BlankNYC! The BlankNYC Skinny in Water Wait is just perfect - perfect faded blue wash, perfect stretch, perfect length (not too long inseam), perfect leg opening (true skinny), and perfect price ($78). I am seriously pushing these jeans on everyone I know who wants a new pair of skinny jeans; they are that good and the price doesn't get much better for designer jeans.

In terms of black jeans, I am still loving my Rag & Bone / Jean The Skinny in Soft Rock with Holes - perfect stretch, perfect softness, perfect leg opening (true skinny), and perfect distressing.

Although I adore my boots from last fall and winter (Freebird Morgan booties), I think I need a flat book for chasing Raffa around this year. I am sure I will still have occasion to wear my booties that have a heel because the heel isn't that high, but it is high enough that I can't see myself comfortably wearing them to the park. So, I am eyeballing the Freebird Austin bootie in tan (above) or black.

jeans for fall

I am really ready for fall, cooler weather (but still warm, not too cold) and fall fashion. I have been living in shorts all summer and so now I am more than ready for some jeans. I have three staple denim styles for fall this year - black skinny jeans, ripped skinny jeans, and boyfriend jeans - and I have purchased one pair of each in addition to the pairs I have from last year (they'll transition over to this year).

I love Rag & Bone's Skinny Soft Rock with Holes ... this pair of black skinny jeans are so flattering and so soft and stretchy. I wish all my skinny jeans could be this soft and stretchy - seriously. I have a couple of favorites for a distressed skinny, but I purchased the 7 for All Mankind HW Skinny in Absolute Heritage 2. The HW Skinny has a great amount of stretch to them and is a true skinny (narrows to an 8" opening at ankle; I dislike "skinny" jeans that are loose at the ankles!). Lastly, for my boyfriend jean, I am in love with the Citizens of Humanity Corey Jean in Bourbon. I have this jean in two washes, and this style is hands-down the cutest boyfriend jean I have found in a long, long time; and I have been looking for a long time.

The cuteness for fall jeans doesn't stop there, shop more of my picks below and on my "shop my closet" page. {The widget below may not show up in all browsers or emails, so if you don't see anything below, head to the shop my closet page to see more jeans for fall.}

mociun beautiful rings

I am absolutely in love with the rings by Mociun. They are amazingly gorgeous from the custom gemstone clusters to the simple bands. Personally, I am most in love with the half round wedding band, the etched pattern band, and the spike ring. But, if I had my pick, I would probably get one custom gemstone cluster ring and one simple band. I also love these stacked ring looks that Mociun posts in Instagram! Isn't Mociun's work just gorgeous?!

back to school clothes

So Raffa obviously isn't of a back to school age, but like anyone his wardrobe needs updating when seasons change. Retailers are always way ahead of the seasons, and if you are like me you have been inundated with fall and back to school clothes emails and ads from various retailers. If you are also like me, in the not too distant future you will start fall clothes shopping because you are looking forward to the change of seasons.

So I did a little fall scoping for Raffa, or back to school you could say ... I haven't purchased yet because (1) sizing (babies grow too fast to buy that far out) and (2) sales (retailers always have sales on all of this stuff a month or two down the road).

But now I have compiled a list of things to go after and it includes:

vest to keep warm // Zara down vest $29.90
baseball tee // Slyfox Threads We Are Young Tee $25
sweatshirt // Prefresh sweatshirt $58
cords // GAP straight cords $29.95
skinny jeans // GAP Skinny jeans $29.95
more skinny jeans // GAP Skinny jeans $29.95
shoes // Van's Classic Slip On $29.95
pajama pants // Zara cat print trousers $15.90
pajama pants // Zara mask print trousers $15.90