Wardrobe Essentials

"Building a proper wardrobe is like building a home. Indeed, you should think of it like a home, because it is something you're going to live in. It must be comfortable and suit all your needs." - Edith Head

I'm always on the hunt for finding functional and great looking pieces for my closet. There are several items that I make sure are kept in my wardrobe. I love shopping at my favorite stores and finding inspiration for new looks. Also, some of the items I own are vintage pieces that were handed down by several women in my family.

Today, I'm sharing my top picks and wonderful items that I keep in my closet!

Clothes

  • Denim | I love a great pair of jeans! Levi's and White House Black Market denim typically work best for my curvy frame. Not only is the quality amazing, but they are very affordable and last forever.
  • Knit Sweater | This is a fall and winter staple for me. I enjoy throwing on a nice knit and chunky sweater, especially in the evening.
  • Classic Tee | T-shirts are perfect for layering or running around the town doing a few errands. Tees can be used to dress up or down any look!
  • Button-Down Shirt | This classic staple is perfect for the work day, it's very comfortable and chic!
  • Ankle Pant | These pants are perfect to wear with flats or heels! Ankle pants are my go-to for the work day.
  • Fit & Flare Dress | I have a hour-glass shape, and this dress is a perfect compliment to my frame. This dress is great for work or date night!

Shoes

  • Flats | Personally, I love the perfect pair of flats. The style is great with jeans, pants, and skirts!
  • Sandals | I absolutely adore a fun and cute sandal. They can dress up a look and are ideal for warm weather!
  • Booties | Ankle booties are my new fave! They are so soft and comfortable.
  • Boots | I have pretty big calves - from running and working out. It is super hard for me to find a stylish boot to fit my legs. These boots are comfortable and so wonderful!
  • Heels | They are perfect for the office and a night on the town! I always try to find heels that are comfortable and can go with any outfit.

Accessories

  • Purse | Purses are my weakness. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect bag. I have a purse to this and it fits all of my essentials!
  • Belt | It is absolutely key to have a nice belt. I typically have belts that are black and brown, just to make sure options are available. 
  • Faux Fur Scarf | This is one of my fave pieces. On a cool night this is perfect to have! It is such a fun item and wonderful addition to my closet.
  • Watch | I truly enjoy this watch. The mixed metal tones, make it very versatile and easy to wear. Also, it is lightweight and so comfortable to wear.
  • Ring | A statement ring is an absolute must. I have a lovely blue sapphire ring that I wear almost daily. It is one of my most treasured items.

What are a few of your closet staples?

XO, Analise

Shopping Habit

"Shopping is my cardio." - Carrie Bradshaw

Shopping is absolutely one of my preferred methods of cardio. I have a few stores that I'm in love with, and really enjoy going to on a regular basis.

Today, I'm sharing my favorite stores and why I like shopping there.

  1. Nordstrom - This store has been my favorite for years! When I started my professional career in 2011, Nordstrom was my go-to for office attire. One of my favorite things that Nords offer are stylists. I'm super busy, and one of my least favorite things is going through the racks hunting for my sizes and different pieces. The stylists are able to pull any items of your choice, in your size and hold them for you to try on at your convenience - total lifesaver! Also, they offer in-house tailoring and alterations! This service is awesome, and their seamstresses are so patient and absolutely amazing. I have a curvy figure, and any time I purchase pants from Nords it's great I can leave them right at the store for alterations! Also, lets not forget that Nordstrom's return policy is stellar - you can return any item whenever you like, no questions asked! Overall, this store is amazing, and will forever be one of my faves.
  2. White House Black Market - This has been a new favorite of mine within the past year! A former co-worker recommended I come into the shop one day, since she works there part-time. She pulled so many items for me, and I fell in love with the quality of the clothes and designs! Just like Nordstrom, WHBM follows an appointment based model with a stylist. You are able to make a reservation in advance to try on clothes at your preferred time. I absolutely love the variety that WHBM offers. I'm able to find a lot of clothes for work, weekend, and date night!
  3. TJ Maxx - I really love this store. This is typically my go-to before I go anywhere else! The price point is phenomenal and I'm able to get a lot of bang for my buck here! I like discovering new and different designers at the store. Also, I experiment with different styles as well. TJ Maxx is where I get many of my staples, such as t-shirts, workout apparel, and accessories. There are so many gems in this store and I love going in and finding awesome pieces!

What are some of your favorite places to shop?

XO, Analise

Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

"I like perfume and flowers." - Donatella Versace

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!

G and I got engaged one week before Valentine's Day (and a week and a half after my birthday)! Every V-Day we spend time reflecting on that special holiday. It was such a sweet moment and absolutely lovely. 

Each year we get each other a small gift. My birthday is at the end of January, and our wedding anniversary is in March! We have a lot of milestones to celebrate back-to-back. Our Valentine's Day is a bit more low-key, and we absolutely love it that way. 

This year G and I are having dinner at the restaurant we went to the night we got engaged!

Below are some of my favorite picks for the ladies on Valentine's Day. 

 

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

"Romance is thinking about your significant other, when you are supposed to be thinking about something else." - Nicholas Sparks

I've shared my V-Day selections for the ladies, now it's the guys turn! It is so much fun shopping for G, and I have a blast doing it.

Luckily, G is super easy to shop for. He really sticks to certain brands or stores. Typically, watches and a new pair of Nike's work well for him! I enjoy surprising G here and there with unique gifts.

Below I'm sharing some great gifts for the man in your life!

 

 

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Stocking Stuffers

Still trying to figure out what to stuff those stockings with? Have no fear, I have searched Nordstrom's site for a few items for the ladies and 'gents!

  1. Wine Stopper. I have an assortment of the cutest wine stoppers. They come in handy when your cork breaks or when you are hosting a few people at your home. This gift is perfect for the wine lover in your life.
  2. Tie & Pocket Square Set. This is perfect for the dapper gentleman who loves to get dressed up. Perfect for work or date night, this will be a hit for the man in your life.
  3. Fitbit. This is perfect, especially for all of those New Year's Resolutions coming up! This gadget checks the individuals heart rate, and tracks their activity. Perfect for the person who loves fitness!
  4. Grooming Set. This is ideal for the man who is on the go and wants to look perfect. The set comes with cleanser, shaving cream, and moisturizer. 
  5. Bracelet. This bracelet, is absolutely cute and carries a meaningful message. It is perfect for the lady in your life who is in pursuit of accomplishing major goals.
  6. Body Butter & Scrub. I personally love this brand, and this body scrub is fantastic. Whenever I use this my skin glows and feels so soft. 
  7. Earrings. These earrings are absolutely stunning and are great with any outfit! I have a similar pair and wear them quite often - they are definitely a keeper!
  8. Wallet. Grab this item for the man in your life, who loves to be super stylish. I got G, a wallet similar to this, and actually stuffed it with a few gift cards to his favorite places, like restaurants and stores! It was absolutely perfect because not only did he need a wallet upgrade, but it came loaded with gift cards that he could use. 
  9. Necklace. This necklace is perfect for a lady who loves style. It is personalized and sentimental. You can get it for a lady who just changed her last name, or have it represent her first initial of her name - either way it is perfect!
  10. Headphones. This is essential for the person on the go! These headphones are perfect for the office or the gym. I'm always listening to music or a good podcast, and these are ideal for both!

What are some goodies you are getting to stuff stockings?

XO, Analise