Last week, I did a post about my fabulous new rain boots.  I’ve also made a few other purchases recently. I always have a love/hate for fashion.  I try and get a few new pieces each season, but at the same time, I’m quite picky.  When you wear a uniform 40+ hours a week, you don’t need as many clothes as the person who works in an office.

I’m not a big fan of the skinny jean trend right now.  I have thick short legs, and the “skinny” look does not flatter me at all.  I am starting buy the darker washes, which seem somewhat dressy to me at times, but they are quite slimming. I picked up two new pairs of Gap jeans when I was shopping with Stacey, the BFF, a few weeks ago. I have to buy petite or ankle length jeans, so I always have to try on a million pairs to get the length right.  I’ve tried all the brands (expensive, mid-range, and even cheaper brands). But I’ve found that the length on Gap jeans is always the perfect length for me.  I was lucky that it was Tuesday also, because Gap gives 10% off for their cardholders.

Sexy Boot Jeans (saturated dark wash)

Curvy Jeans (saturated dark wash)

I think the perfect pant or jean can be a great foundation.  I buy a ton of basics and mix and match my shirts and/or accessories with them. I do buy some bolder stuff from time to time, a girl has got to be a little wild and trendy.

When it comes to shoes, I’m a total tennis shoe girl.  I am that person, who will wear my Converse, with just about anything.  I think I have at least five pairs.  But, I had to get some girly shoes.  I love the ballet flat trend, but I try and avoid toe cleavage.  Seriously, I’m just weird like that. But, I don’t like any part of my toe showing.  I was super excited when I found these Born ‘Lovely’ Flats from Nordstrom.

So I wrote about buying basics, but I do wear some non-basic things. I do buy many things that are denim, black, navy blue, and other dark colors. But I try and mix in some color to make it pop.  If you’ve read my blog for awhile, you will remember my awesome pink coat.  I bought this in November at a local boutique.  I am still in love with it. But I’ve also found some great patterned shirts that are on my mental wish list.

Field of Fancy Blouse

Lush Rosette Top in Eggplant

INC Embroidered Jersey Tunic

I do buy dresses and skirts from time to time. I just don’t wear them all the time.  I bought this skirt from Anthropologie earlier in the Fall. I also have new newer dresses that I haven’t worn yet.  But I have fallen in love with these dresses lately, and I think they are very classic.

Blooming Sapphire Wrap Dress

Longing-For-Yellow Dress

I could do an entire post about earrings, necklaces, and hair accessories.  But I mostly find these items at random places. I’ve found things at local boutiques, Target, and in clearance baskets at some of my favorite stores.

It may look like I only buy expensive clothing.  I’m a budget too.  I have tons of solid colored tees from the Gap and Target, that I wear daily.  But sometimes, you need something nicer.  I also try and figure out cost per wear.  I may spend a little more on a pair of shoes or a dress, but if I know that it has a classic look, and I will get several wears out of it.

You are probably wondering, why is Julie talking about fashion today? Well next week I’m leaving for the Blissdom Conference in TN.  I need to start thinking about what I am going to pack.  I completely over packed for BlogHer.  I actually had to pay a ton of money on my way back from Chicago.  I do not want to let that happen again.  So I’m trying to evaluate my closet, and make the most out of my outfit choices.

It may look like I have my act together on what to wear, but I don’t.  I’m always so unsure.  I see great outfits put together in the store, and I think to myself, “I could never do that”.  I see the current trend of mix and matching different patterns and colors.  I just can’t seem to do that.  I may always be one of those preppy matchy-matchy people.