thoughts from a closet reckoning

basics and beyond and a few MDW weekend sales

Lately getting dressed has been easier because I’ve narrowed down what I enjoy wearing and built a wardrobe where a lot of my pieces can be mixed and matched easily. This sounds a LOT easier than it actually is, so here are a few things that helped me achieve this:

First- Think about the constraints that live rent free in your head. Why are they there? For me, realizing that polished minimalism isn’t my vibe has been freeing. I need pattern, studs, and something playful, but I can still admire the cool parisian-pinterest chic vibes on other people.

Second- Trial and error. If you see something a little out of the box but you can’t stop thinking about it, try it! I’ve recently become a skirt person for this reason.

Third- Help banish closet confusion (aka a full closet of clothes, nothing to wear) with these two rules:

• If you like something and want to buy it in multiple colors (as I have with these slides and this pair of pants), do it. There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you like.

• Keep a return policy- this is mine- if I’m not excited to open the box, if I dread trying it on, if it’s a letdown from how I pictured it- it’s going back.

Fourth- Utilize outfit formulas. To paraphrase the Lizzie McGuire movie.. is it weirder to be an outfit rememberer or an outfit repeater, you tell me! If you play with your accessories and mix the vibes (sporty, preppy, girly, etc.) it won’t feel mundane.

Fifth- Realize your staples don’t have to be boring. My current favorite: camo pants. The palette of muted greens flattens the lower half of my looks and allows me to be more confident with a graphic tee, funky belt, or bright bag. They’ve shifted my wardrobe into being more playful. I own four pairs and can fully justify the investment because I wear them 1-2x a week. Here are some ways I’ve styled them recently:

some really good options… 1, 2, and 3

• Seems like everyone is having a MDW sale right now, here’s where I’m shopping- up to 30% off at Lulu & Georgia (I bought a new rug yesterday and it already shipped), up to 50% off SSENSE, 20% off at Sold Out NYC, 20% off at END Clothing, up to 50% off at Net-A-Porter, extra 15% off at Maisonette, 20% off at Hanni, and last but certainly not least…70% off sale at Shopbop.

• Edit of my SSENSE sale picks here.

• Check your hearts and saved searches, they may be part of The Real Real’s Real Big Sale!!

• I’ve gotten so many friends hooked on this concealer recently. Simply the best!

• A little pool sandal upgrade via the Havaianas x Isabel Marant collab.

• If you’re already into Lemme gummies, just wait until you try their most recent iteration - a collab with Starface (lemon flavored & the yummiest ones I’ve tried yet!)

• These electrolyte packets were a hit at my sister’s Bachelorette last weekend.

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CODE update:

UBeauty- LIZMCKAY

BISBYKIDS- LIZ15

Salt & Stone- LIZMCKAY15

MUTHA - LIZ15

IRIS & ROMEO- LIZM20

Malin + Goetz- LIZ15