Everyday Basics

No matter what your personal style, it’s so important to create a closet that is well-stocked with basics.  Though these pieces may not feel as exciting, they are by far the most versatile & wearable for casual everyday looks.  For those of you who’ve mentioned that you’re building a capsule clothing collection, these types of items are essential to pulling it off!  This outfit is a combination of a few of my favorite basics – it may be simple, but it’s still pulled together and it feels like “me”.

I’ve been needing a new pair of black jeans & I loved the button-front on these.  They’re definitely not a jegging-style jean with lots of stretch and I think that’s what I like about them – they’re more of a traditional denim with great structure that sucks you in & doesn’t get saggy throughout the day.  I went up one from my usual size & they fit perfectly.  Anytime you can get well-made, great-fitting denim for less than $20, it’s a win – I loved them so much that I ordered another pair in blue!

My friend Karla turned me on to these t-shirts (also in v-neck here) and they are hands-down my new favorite – I stocked up & bought them in multiple colors and stripes for spring.  They have such a nice drape to them, they hold their shape & don’t shrink in the wash or develop those little holes at the waistband like many cotton tees do.  I bought in Small because I like my tees to have a looser fit…but if you want yours more fitted, you may want to size down.

Today I’m highlighting H&M as my featured retailer –  you’ve seen me include items from their store very frequently here on the blog.  If you’re not familiar with shopping there, I recommend going up one from the size you normally wear in other brands (unless it’s an oversized item).  They offer free shipping at $40 with code 0040 & free returns to your local store.

If you sign up for their emails (here), you will get 20% off one item of your choice + free shipping.  And if you shop at your local store, you can donate your gently used clothing & get 15% off your in-store purchase (read more here).  I didn’t include it as a category below, but they also have cute & affordable maternity wear and baby/kids’ clothes.  Here are a few of my current favorites from their site:

HOME:  this jute storage basket, these forged metal candlesticks and this textured throw (looks like a Moroccan wedding blanket!)
ACTIVEWEAR:  this strappy tank (love that the sports bra is built-in!), these sports tights and this seamless top
OUTERWEAR:  this faux suede moto, this classic trench & this tweed jacket
SHOES:  these wedge espadrilles, these classic pumps & these loafer mules
BAGS:  this suede crossbody, this scalloped tote & this neutral clutch
DRESSES:  this wrap dress, this lace midi, this printed dress & this embroidered dress
TOPS:  this wrap blouse, this eyelet top, this classic striped tee, this henley & this sweatshirt (nearly identical to this designer version!)
BOTTOMS:  this chiffon skirt, these textured pants (love the light blue!), this cargo skirt and this printed midi

What I’m wearing:
Madewell Jacket (similar here or here), Old Navy Luxe Tee, H&M Jeans,
ShoeMint Mules (similar here or here), Banana Republic Bag (similar here or here),
Similar Cuff, Similar Necklace, Similar Earrings, Nails: China Glaze Life Preserver

MY H&M PICKS