style story// affordable essentials

This past weekend, riding the high from some very productive work on the home front (yes I do count digging ourselves out of our driveway twice, completing all my laundry, and selecting courses highly productive), I got to work on some blog posts. Of course while I took a break, I partook in some harmless window shopping on my favourite online store, Forever 21. Well, wasn’t I just more inspired than ever? As I searched through the sites ever growing and changing stock, I found that Forever 21 now offers really cool collections! I’m a subscriber to the newsletter, so I’ve seen the Hello Kitty collection adverts and if there’s a special designer that creates pieces for the store, but I think I was a little naive. Kind of like, I knew they were there but had no idea as to how great they actually were. To be honest, I didn’t really give them the time of day because I knew when the pieces are release it’ll be out of my comfort zone price wise (I am a thrift girl after all, I’m used to getting two to three pieces for the price of one brand new piece, haha), but the collections are invaluable as inspiration for developing your style and building your wardrobe. And that is exactly what happened, I got so inspired by the pieces and the different styles that I got to thinking about my own personal style. I thought to myself “What is my style? How would I even describe it to someone? Do I even understand what looks good on me or what works with my body type?”. The answer was a resounding no, haha. I have no idea what my style is or how I would describe it to someone, but I know what I love and what makes me feel inspired.

So with that in mind, I started gathering the pieces I thought would be essential in any wardrobe that I was creating. Keeping in mind that I didn’t want a piece to be in there just because it was a trend or because someone else had it, but because I truly think it works with my idea of style and my lifestyle. These are the pieces I’ve selected thus far. I feel each one of these pieces can be the base to which I would start building any outfit:

    

• A great pair of jeans// No wardrobe is complete without that perfect pair of go-to jeans. The ones that just hug all your curves, the ones that always fit you no matter what, those confidence boosting jeans. You walk and feel differently when you where them. Those jeans. They can be different washes and cuts, as long as they are well fitting and comfortable.
• Flattering basic knits// I chose this stripped peplum top because peplum is wonderfully flattering on most body types. The top flares out at the perfect spot on the body, the notorious problem area. You know what I’m talking about. That area below the stomach, but above the pelvis. Notorious for creating unwanted muffin tops. Well, the bottom of the top cuts right across the area that most of us like accentuating, our curvy hips, creating a really beautiful silhouette.
• A flowy dress shirt// Every closet needs at least one button down blouse as, at the very least, a job interview go to. But why not take it up a notch? This blouse is free flowing and feminine with gold accents and a tie-waist feature. It’s more casual and comfortable for those of us with more of an upper body endowment, if you know what I mean.
• A fun sundress// I chose this simple light blue sundress for special occasions like church, brunch, or meeting the parents. It is just sweet and, for lack of a better word, innocent for when you aren’t really trying to wear date night or clubbing dresses to meet the parents. I like that it’s kind of a mock wrap dress as well, which tends to be quite flattering on anyone no matter your size or body type.

• Long cardigans// For me, I can never have enough of these. They cover my butt and instantly class-up some jeans and a t-shirt for school days when I feel less than fabulous. Plus they are a huge comfort for drafty offices and libraries (perfect for the summer when the A/C is blasting).
• A great pair of trousers// I am in love with these cropped pin-tucked slacks. I love the tailoring and the pockets (huge fan of the pockets). They come in a variety of colours in the just plain cropped pant version which is amazing. I love the cobalt blue! These are perfect for work or an event, but the coloured ones can easily be packed up in your suitcase for vacations or weekends at the cottage.
• Basic tees and tanks// These are kind of self explanatory. They are perfect on their own and underneath blazers or cardigans or see-through tops. My personal favourites are the v-neck style because to me they are the most flattering and appealing, but go for whatever neckline you like. And of course, some graphic tees are a necessity as well, it’s a nice change from the plain white variety.

These are just a few of the essentials that I have found that are contributing to building and developing my style. I hope you have a lovely week and thank you for taking the time to read this post. Hello, to all the new followers! You all have been awesome and supportive so thank you!

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