Archive for the ‘A Curated Closet’ Category

NUULY: A MONTHLY FASHION SUBSCRIPTION

Thursday, March 26th, 2020

I realize most of us are not getting out of sweats these days unless we have video conference. Which in that case, we change only our shirt and put a little lipstick on! So, chatting about a fashion subscription might seem a bit odd at first…but let me explain. In January, I decided to not purchase any NEW clothes in the year 2020. I could purchase used or vintage. (Let me add this does not include underwear, swimwear, and shoes.) I have done this before and it is a great way to figure out what you really love to wear and what you actually need. Scrolling through my Instagram feed one day a great outfit caught my eye and the caption included #nuuly. My interest was peeked and yes, social media marketing obviously works on me. Nuuly is a monthly fashion subscription from the stores/brands Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters. Here’s how it works:

Nuuly 101

*Choose Your 6

Four tops and the same dress in two sizes? Six pairs of jeans? One of everything? It’s your call.

*Wear Them On Repeat

They’re all yours for the next month. Don’t worry about laundry or repairs—it’s included in the plan.

*Buy, Return + Refill

If you fall in love with something, buy it. Send back the rest by your billing date and repeat.

Here’s what I love about it. It is exactly like shopping online. Unlike Stitchfix or other similar subscriptions, you are in total control of what you get every month. It does take time to browse and select items, but that is my jam. If you are going on vacation (hopefully….someday) you can get 6 items to take on your trip. Special event? Add in a formal piece that month. At the end of the month, if you love something you can buy it. And it works for my 2020 “no buy plan” because I buying something used. Items are 30-45% off retail price. This is what I ordered for this month and it just arrived yesterday:

The jump suit is something I really wanted in past months, but had not been available. (It’s awesome and I’ll probably purchase it.) The rest is for staying home. But that gorgeous, LoveShackFancy black top? That is for my virtual dinner with friends tomorrow night. I thought I’d get dressed up.

There is one con. If an item doesn’t fit or you don’t love how it looks, you cannot swap it for a different size or item. Last month I received the most darling jumpsuit, but the zipper wouldn’t budge. I contacted customer service and they credited my account $15. So it’s a bit of a gamble but in my opinion worth it! This month I received a total of $853 worth of clothes for my subscription cost of $88+ tax. Win-Win!

A COLOR STUDY: YELLOW

Tuesday, October 30th, 2018

 

True story.  As you may know, I purge my closet quite regularly. I shift items in and out as the seasons change and when I do many items end up being permanently removed.  About a month ago, I put away all of my summer staples (sniff, sniff) and to my horror the only thing left in my closet were black tops!  Why is it that any time I buy a new top……I choose BLACK?!  Boring and predictable.

So it got me to thinking.  Happy people have color in their lives.  I am a happy person.  I have made myself two promises:  1. Buy responsibly and 2. No more black.  While deciding on a color palette for my own closet, I explored a few options.  Yellow is interesting and inspiring in both clothing and in the home.  This mustard yellow is the bee’s knees.  Paired with dusty pink and black -it’s striking!  I thought I’d share a few images that gave me that creative spark.

Whimsy art work with a pop of yellow.  Wouldn’t this look great in an office?

Yellow pants, yellow boots, and that clutch (as an accent to pink)….I’m loving all of it!

 

Pairing yellow with moody dark walls or light and white.  Either way it’s a great statement in the home.

I ultimately decided this color yellow does not look great with my complexion….but I still love it so.  Maybe it will work for one of you??  What color(s) do you seem to buy again and again?  I’m super curious.

 

 

HELP ME CHOOSE | NEW BOOTS

Friday, September 8th, 2017

boots

Happy Friday!  After a 3 month hiatus from shopping there are a few staples that I would like to add to my closet.  I want to buy only one new pair of shoes for fall/winter.  After consideration, I’ve decided it should be a new pair of black boots.  In Seattle you get a ton of wear out of boots throughout fall and winter -probably more than any other shoe.  While in bed last night I was doing a little online, window shopping and found these 4 beauties.  All quite similar, but each have a slightly different block heel and the materials differ as well. For fun, I’m throwing it out to you.  Which boot do you like best?  I purposefully have not included price or designer.  {I will update with shopping details later!}

Let me know what you think?

UPDATE:

Thank you to all the readers who responded on Friday!  I loved hearing the rationale of your selection.  #3 by Acne Studious had the fewest votes which is interesting. Although gorgeous those boots are by far the most expensive and never an actual option. #1 by Vince had a few votes for it’s lasting potential and uniform color with the black heel. #2 by Splendid and #4 by Jeffery Campbell were the darlings-with the Splendid boots getting the most votes.  My personal vote is either #2 or #4!  I’m going to order both and see which pair wins my heart.  I’ll keep you posted!

Shopping details:  Vince/Splendid/Acne Studios/Jeffery Campbell

 

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COMME DES GARCONS PLAY CONVERSE

Friday, September 1st, 2017

play converse | Where is June?

I picked my girlfriend up for lunch a while back and she was wearing the best pair of Converse ever!  She wore the white Comme des Garcones Play classic Chuck -with the delightful red heart and eyeballs!  To say I nearly died is selling my reaction way short! Just a little research and I found these amazing images.  I can’t even.  The rattier the better, in my opinion.  My friend wore hers with a pair of chinos, but you could rock them with denim, shorts or a dress!

Not cheap, but I’ve had my Chuck Taylors for YEARS-so I know the price-per-wear will eventually be very low.

What do you think?

 

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BAMBOO ARK BAG

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

Bamboo Ark Bag

I finally made a full closet transition to summer.  It was a slow start here in Seattle, but with temperatures in the 90’s this past weekend I feel as if the season has truly arrived.

I have decided that my closet would be infinitely cooler with this gorgeous straw bag.  The Large Bamboo Ark Bag by Cult Gaia is a Pinterest darling.  I mean, look how it makes every outfit completely amazing.  Equally awesome with denim or black trousers?  How is that even possible?  I don’t jet set around European beaches in the summer, but it would also be perfect if we were heading to dinner by boat. {Yes a luxury, but a total perk to living on a lake in Seattle!}  I could throw in a sweater, my wallet and phone, my sunglasses case and a little pouch with a hair tie, lipstick and Aaron’s reading glasses.  {Does anyone else have to carry their husband’s reading glasses so he can read a menu?}

Do you love this bag as much as I do??

All images via Pinterest.  Simply type Cult Gaia bag into the search bar.  Endless pins.

 

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CLOSET DETOX: DONATE CONSCIOUSLY

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017

closet detox | Where is June?

Long time readers might remember when I gave my little closet some love.  Well, my quest to simplify my closet and wardrobe continues.  The book, The Curated Closet, might change my life.  Ok, that might be overreaching.  Nonetheless, this beautiful book is a guide to finding your own personal style and building your dream wardrobe.  One chapter in particular jumped out at me and I think it’s a great place to start. A closet detox.  One must purge before one can rebuild.  I’m actually really good at this, but I know others find it really difficult.  Maybe the easiest question is to ask yourself, “Is this piece working?”  It’s a broad question, but one that gets down to it.  {Here are a few other ideas to think about when clearing out a closet.)  Once you detox, you will need to do something with your clothes.

In an attempt to reduce clothing waste, I’ve been researching ways to re-purpose my old clothes in thoughtful ways:

1. ThredUp

Ok, this isn’t a donation, but it’s a great option.  ThredUp is an online consignment store.  They will send you a large bag {postage paid}.  You load up the bag with clothes that are new or like new and send it back.  You are paid for some items right away and others you will be paid once the item sells.  The site is amazing and I plan to shop it once my hiatus is over.  Yes, you could take your clothes to local consignment store and that is a great option.  But honestly, this method fits into our lives easily.  More questions?  I found their FAQ very helpful.

2.  Madewell Denim Recycle

Take an old pair of denim to a Madewell store.  The company partners with Blue Jeans Go Green to recycle jeans into housing insulation.  Plus, they will give you $20 off a new pair of jeans.  Win-Win!

3.  Dress for Success

Donate professional clothing, shoes, accessories, and outerwear to this amazing charity.  This organization gives impoverished women professional attire to secure employment. This a perfect place to donate “work clothes” you no longer need!

4.  Local Women’s Shelter

Find a women’s shelter in your city that is in need of clothing for women and donate directly.  Mary’s Place in Seattle is wonderful option to directly impact women in our area.

Do you have other ideas on how to donate consciously?  I’d love to hear from you.

 

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FEWER|BETTER: INSTANT VACATION

Saturday, May 20th, 2017

instant vacation

I’m trying to adopt a new mantra: Fewer|Better.  While I have talked before about curating my wardrobe, I’m working hard to be more thoughtful about any purchase, clothes or otherwise.  A year ago my absolute favorite pair of sandals broke for the last time. (I had already repaired them twice!) Forced to throw them out, it’s been a months long search to replace them.  Using the Fewer|Better principal, it’s obviously taken longer than most humans would give it.

While I’m still waiting for the perfect gladiator sandal, I finally decided on a minimal pair from Madewell.  A change in direction is always a good thing.  Add a sweet pair of oversized, blush sunglasses and a straw hat and it’s an instant vacation.  COME ON summer!  We can hardly wait until you get here.

Hat | Sunnies | Sandals

 

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FALLING FOR MULTIPLE PIERCINGS

Thursday, March 9th, 2017

multiple piercings 2

About 2 weeks ago, while washing my face before bed, I noticed my double piercing in my left ear lobe.  Strange how you notice things, right?  I had the piercing done in high school, but I haven’t worn an earring in it for probably 20 years.  I spontaneously decided to try and poke an earring through.  With a little work (and a bit of discomfort), VOILA!  Since then I have worn one of these simple studs, which I absolutely love.  Now I’m totally smitten with multiple piercings and on the search for alternatives to wear.  Catbird, a jewelry design company in Brooklyn, has so many great options.  They have simple, modern styles that are perfect for a second piercing. They even sell some earrings as singles.

Here are four of my favorites:

inspired piercings

1// Leone Emerald

2//  Short Stitch

3// Gold Safety Pin

4// Ballerina

I also love, LOVE this cuff that requires no new piercing!

Do you have multiple piercings?  If so, how do you style your earrings?

{Top images via Pinterest.  Take a peek at my Accessorize board.}

 

CLOSET CLEAR OUT

Tuesday, September 29th, 2015

closet clear out | Where is June?

We have distinct seasons here in the Pacific Northwest.  With a shift in weather, comes a shift in wardrobe.  I see this time as a perfect cue to clear out my closet.

I have had several of you ask me for help with your closets.  The hard part is knowing where to start.  In our busy lives, a formula is always welcome.  While I have not written a best seller, I am pretty good at clearing out my closet.

If you remember, I created a storage system when I gave my closet some love.  Clothes and shoes that I am not currently wearing find a home in storage containers for a few months. Clothes move in and out of my closet based on the season.  You may not have this system in your home, but the process will be the same.  Every article of clothing must be closely considered.  Does the item stay or go?  This is where it gets really difficult.

Here are the things I consider:

Fit

Simply, it must fit.  For me I can’t keep something that doesn’t fit anymore. This is sometimes painful and sad.  {Please note, I’m not talking about it being a bit snug because that can change by the week or day.}  If you aren’t sure, try it on and look at yourself in the mirror.  Does it flatter your shape?  Do you feel good in it?  Does it button or zip easily?  If the answer is no to any of those questions, it is time to let it go.  If you have recently lost weight and the piece is too large, please don’t wear it anymore.  Either have a tailor alter it for you or pass it along.  You deserve clothes that fit you well.

Condition

Carefully inspect each piece.  Is it in good shape?   Is it missing buttons or is the hem coming loose?  Some problems are easy to fix and will give life back to your clothes.  However, sometimes it is just time to say good bye.  Even if you absolutely love a blouse, you can’t wear it if it has a large stain.  Sweaters don’t look great once they have lost their shape.  Shoes get old.  I recently just gave away two of my most favorite pair of pumps.  They were past their prime and starting to look a tad tacky.  Was I sad?  Yes.  Did they need to go?  Yes.

Style

Yes, it is true.  Everything eventually comes back into style.  However, it usually takes twenty years or so.  Are you really going to hold onto that pair of jeans until they are back in fashion?  I hope your answer is no.  There are true classics and they can be great from year to year.  However, it may be time to update your black pants or blazer.  If you tend to buy trend pieces, you need to be extra critical.  {I find that these pieces only stay in my closet for a couple of years.}

Do I wear it?

This should be your final question, always.  Do I wear it?  Honestly.  If you don’t wear it, what is the point of keeping it?  Buyers remorse might be involved here, but you just have to get over that.

 

If you have done your job well, there is a pile of clothes that need a new home.  I make two piles:  charity and consignment store.  If you believe that someone else would pay money for a few items {usually name brand}, consider taking them to a consignment shop.  You earn a little cash and this often times makes the process easier.  Off brands or older items can quickly and easily be given to a thrift store or charity.  Put them in your car right away so you don’t second guess yourself.

If you have questions, please leave a comment or shoot me an email denise@whereisjune.com.  I will help in any way I can!  You can do this!

 

LOBE WONDER | EARRING PATCHES

Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

lobe wonder

I have always said that I have inferior ear lobes.  My friends laugh at this statement, but it’s true.  I have never been able to wear earrings with any weight to them.  They stretch my lobe really long and it looks ridiculous, in my opinion.  That is why I stick to studs and light hoops.  {I went out on a limb when I bought these beauties!}

So when I came across Lobe Wonder | Earring Support Patches, I ordered them on the spot.  I have always loved Kendra Scott’s gorgeous earrings, but they are too heavy for me.  I guess others have the same issue!  The patches are simple oval stickers that you adhere to the back of your ear lobe.  Put your earring in normally and pierce through the patch.  The weight is supported by the patch, which decreases stretch.

lobe wonder stickers

Can I say that these little patches may have changed my life?  While the change is not drastic, you can really tell a difference.  Most importantly, the weight of the earring felt dramatically less while I was wearing the patches.

with lobe wonder

Seriously, amazing!  Now, which earrings will I buy to celebrate?  Maybe these or these!

 

Where is June?

 

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