Monday Musings: Running On Neutral
We seem to be capturing more of my outfits than usual lately, which I’m finding illuminating. I’m wearing neutrals more times than not, and I’m also wearing sneakers most of the time because we’re so doing so much walking around the city.
We’ve only been traveling for less than two weeks, and I’m already tired of my wardrobe…which is crazy because I packed a lot of clothes!
My husband cracked up when he saw me choosing which sneakers to wear because I brought twice as many pairs as he did, plus lots of sandals, slip-on shoes, some wedges, and low heels.
I overpacked some items and under-packed others. I blame it on my lack of organization and rushed packing before we left. A capsule wardrobe is the best way to pack for travel, but I’ve got some big holes in mine. I packed very few accessories, and they’re what add variety and personality to outfits! I hate to admit it, but I may need to do some shopping.
Splurge or Save
I thought it would be fun to share another splurge or save outfit today. It’s comprised of some great classic basics. Basics can create the solid backbone of your wardrobe, which mix and match to give you flexibility when putting an outfit together. They come at all price points and need not be expensive.
I love a great striped shirt. This look combines a pink and white striped tee with great white jeans, simple gold hoops, woven bangles, a straw bag, and classic tortoise sunglasses.
The splurge outfit comes in around $3,332 and the save outfit is around $194.
Can you tell which outfit is more budget-friendly?
I need your help
In an effort to serve more readers and by request, I’m crowd-sourcing for your needs. If you are plus size or wear extended sizing, where do you typically shop? I’m going to be doing a round-up of my favorite pieces out there soon and want to be sure to include your favorite retailers!
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love your neutral outfits!
I’d love to know the names of retailers that carry curvy pants. I’m a pear shape, and I find that pants that fit my hips almost always gap at the waist.
Talbots, Loft, Ann Taylor all carry curvy pants
I am always on the lookout for good plus size stores. I have none to recommend in Canada. I have no luck at the Bay or Penningtons. In the US, my favourite is J. Jill. This spring I left Chicos without buying anything. As another reader said, I have trouble finding third pieces. Large collars and lapels, and pockets with flaps at the bust line do not flatter me. I too am always hot. My style is fairly classic but, as a redhead, I do wear a lot of colour. My feet demand unfashionable shoes which is a consideration when buying outfits.
I think there are plenty of comfy shoes that are fashionable. They’re just harder to find! Thanks for sharing.
When I’m bored with my travel clothes I get a scarf or top , that does help. I don’t mind wearing the same bottoms or shoes as much. Time to shop! have fun!
I am travelling in Oregon at the moment but I reside in British Columbia, Canada. I am very petite, under 5 feet, and being able to find clothing even in the better American market, it is challenging. I usually shop in Talbots, Loft, JC Penney and Kohl’s, among others while in the US. Real challenging finding size 5 shoes, especially as I like to try and see what I would be purchasing and the only way to purchase size 5 shoes is online. I never shop for shoes in Canada in person as there are no size 5s, so US, it is and this is limiting too. Anyways I enjoy shopping and enjoy the hunt!
Size 5 is a real challenge!
My responses never make it o your page so short, last one I’ll type %— tall loving Spanx jeans & JJill shirts
I love the splurge striped T, all the colors too. But, boy that really is a splurge…
It sure is.
Hi, Jennifer. Sorry to hear you are feeling a little bored with your neutral outfits. I was wondering if you bought a few prints in the colors you like to wear if that would help. Perhaps a printed scarf with white, tan, and turquoise blue would provide an interesting touch to that pretty first neutral outfit you featured today. As for the second outfit, how about adding a printed shirt with red or coral in it? You always look fabulous, no matter what you wear, but if you are looking for an additional punch, perhaps small bits of color and print would do the trick.
I only brought a few scarves which was a big mistake! They add such fun to an outfit
Plus size options are usually
Talbot’s, Land’s End, ll bean, Old Navy, jjill, Northstyle. Sometimes Amazon and Torrid.
Hi Jennifer, I really like posts like this – it’s so easy to relate to you! Just one of the reasons I love your blog. I just got back from a month in Europe – we managed to book 2 tours back-to-back. It was marvelous, but I got so tired of my clothes! I have capsule packing down, except that I don’t have the kind of third layer looks that are both comfortable and smart-looking (and washable). It’s an ongoing project for my shopping! I also need to get some comfortable, good-looking shoes that I can walk in all day. Your blog has really helped in finding options for shoes.
I LOVE using scarves to spice up capsule separates! Jewelry can help dress an outfit up or down, but scarves really change the look, and they take up so little room in the suitcase. I find they also make great “souvenir” reminders of a trip, so they are fun to shop for when we are traveling.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I do love my scarves and am so shocked I packed so few!!
The shoes gave away the side by side! I would choose the less expensive if J Crew could fit me for jeans. All are too small in the waist. I am almost straight now from waist to hips so the 12p I found that does fit are Liz Claiborne at JCP in the Sara.
I also love it when you are here in Canada.
So sorry it is so cool,I can’t believe it will be summer on Wednesday!
I sure miss our Loft store!
The pink striped T-shirt is lovely.
You can find great accessories in Winners, all Winners are not stocked the same!
Enjoy your blog.
I plan to head over to Winners this week
You and could switch wardrobes and get by (I’d have to roll up the sleeves). Love your asset allocation posts. I can usually spot expensive details. If I were shopping for this outfit, I would go mostly save with a few splurge items to elevate. Fun to think about!
Outfit #1 was easy to pick as the more expensive one due to the sandals and bag.
This is the perfect time to shop for summer clothes. The sales have begun, plus you can take advantage of the exchange rate.
I went shopping this weekend and found winter pants. They’re not exciting, but when winter merchandise is hauled out for summer sales, it’s steeply discounted. Also, Banana Republic had some bracelets that fit my tiny wrists, so I’m thrilled about that buy.
Enjoy your week!
I do have a BR near us so I think I’ll check them out.
On road trips, I always overpack with the wrong items, simply because it’s too easy to throw a bunch of unrelated stuff into the trunk. On airplane trips, where I only use a carry-on bag, my packing is spot on.
Re the save/splurge outfits, I find the shoes are almost always the giveaway. Definitely true here, it’s the Gucci sandals!
I’m such a better packer when I fly too!!
Jennifer – what’s fun about your posts – is: You don’t pretend to be an expert. Refreshing. I’m the hapless packer – organization is a serious weakness.
And, like others, I love the “look alike” with different prices!
Thanks for sharing your musings.
Jennifer, I love your neutral outfit…but I can see where eventually a shot of color is needed. I loved both the splurge & save outfits, but would never spend on the Gucci sandals, I’d use that money towards a trip…..anyway….great choices…I need the very cute straw hat from Nordstrom’s…just recovering from Moh’s surgery on my nose, it went well, but I am now vigilant about the sun on my face…good sunscreen. I always overpack for trips and always feel I brought all the wrong clothes….right now I’m looking for some light, neutral flats for summer…I have never liked open toe shoes, so for me looking light and breezy can be a bit of an effort……have fun on your vacation…
Thanks, Nancy