Back to “The Challenge.” After digging through my closet, I found a linen one-button suit I had not worn since last summer. A white suit is like a crisp, white shirt — everyone should own one. I bought this suit several years ago in Manhattan at Banana Republic. Years ago, it was very difficult to walk into a store and find petite sizes, especially suits. If you were petite, you had to go through the grueling process of ordering online and praying the size you ordered would fit. When your suit finally arrived, you still had to find the nearest tailor to have the pants hemmed. I get frustrated just thinking about it.
I love New York because there is a petite section in most of the stores. Many designers are now offering petite suits in stores, which makes it more convenient for petite women.
First, let’s take a look at my sunglasses. I purchased these Ralph Lauren sunglasses over 11 years ago!
Because of The Challenge, I have noticed that I can go into my closet and find clothes, shoes, sunglasses, scarves, and lots of other fun pieces that I have not worn in years. These pieces are just as fashionable now as they were years ago. When everyone else was wearing small-frame sunglasses 11 years ago, I was wearing the large frames, which were not in style at that time. If you love something that is not in style, continue loving it. Be your fashionable self, because you never know — you might set the trend for next season’s fashions. As a matter of fact, I think I might start wearing these again.
Suit (Banana Republic), camisole (BCBGMaxazria), purse (BCBGirls), necklace (Arden B), bracelet (vintage), sunglasses (Ralph Lauren), shoes (Alfani).
I love the print of these shoes, which were purchased at Macy’s 4 years ago. This purse is also 4 years old, and it still looks great because I store it in the purse bag that was given to me at the BCBG boutique where I purchased the bag. The secret to making your bag look like new is to keep it in the cloth or silk storage bag that came with the handbag. I store all of my handbags at the top of my closet and away from my shoes and other things that can get thrown near or onto my purses. Great purses are like good friends, so I treat them well.
Hmmm…now I’ve got to find a fun event so I can wear my suit. Well, I’m off to save the world one thread at a time!
Don’t forget to make the most of what you’ve got in your closet. Have a Happy Tuesday and tune in to my next post on Thursday!
Hi Shayla….just want to say I luuuuuvvvv your blog…..Total PEARLfection!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks honey!
I always see nice shoes in animal prints and wonder what can I wear with them. I see now a white suite offers many opportunities to explore prints and patterns and really make your outfit “pop”!!! Love the way you are rocking it!!!
A white suit is like a blank slate. You can wear animal prints, a subtle solid color or a bright, fun pop of color. Remember also that the white jacket pairs great with jeans or a fun skirt. The options with these pieces are endless.
I love the suit, the shoes and that classy handbag! You are right – it is amazing when you realize the great pieces you already have in your closet.
This just proves that buying quality clothes that fit well are timeless. Love the animal-print shoes for a little “pop” of color!
Love the fit of that suit! Never thought about an all-white before. Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE that white suit, the bag and the shoes!!! Go Shayla
Hey Shayla-
If you’re looking for a place to wear that beautiful white suit, come on over to The Onyx Room for our White Party! This is a Southwest Soul Circuit 2nd Quarter Social Mixer and will happen this Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 9PM-1AM. Tanishia and I are singing with our full band and the kitchen is open late. Please RSVP at our Facebook event site. See you there!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=233973279950199
The white suit is fabulous!! I’m loving all the ideas from your blog!
Love that suit with the print shoes! Hot combo!
Shayla Jay,
I love the way you are wearing that white suit, you really know how to accessorize!
Your blog is so creative. I never really think about what’s in my closet for an event or outing. I always think I need to buy something. This blog is giving me ideas about what I can really match and mix in my closet.
Hi Shayla! I love the blog. Tons of great tips. I especially love the reminder to store purses in the bags that come with them. I am so bad about not doing that. (frown) I have the hardest time organizing my closet; I just can’t get the flow right. It’s a pretty nice size, but I don’t think I’m making the best use of the space. Any suggestions? Maybe you can post pics of closet arragements to give some ideas. Anyway…Keep up the great work!!!!
I do have several tips that I can give for closet organization. When I go to friends’ houses, I notice that some of them have their shoes stacked at the top of their closet and their handbags are just stuffed in the closet wherever they can find space. Please, store handbags at the top of your closet in their dust bag (if you have one) and away from the floor. I also keep the padding that came inside of my handbags from the store. This helps retain the shape of the bag. Store your shoes in shoe racks or around the bottom of the closet. Switch out your fall/winter clothes when spring/summer roll around. This frees up space. Also, sort your clothes by color and hang skirts together, jackets together, dress shirts together, etc. Basically, hang like things with like things. All of my white shirts are together, blue shirts are together, slacks are together, etc. DO NOT USE WIRE HANGERS. They do not properly support your clothes. I use wooden hangers for my suit coats, winter coats and slacks. I use plastic hangers for my polo shirts, button downs, etc. Also, fold sweaters or buy sweater bags. Hanging heavy sweaters will ruin the shape of them. I have shelves in my closet, so the sweaters are in the shelves. The biggest thing most people (men and women) need to do is give the things you have not worn in a while to Goodwill. The Challenge has shown me that I have overlooked some things that need to go to Goodwill. I can go on and on about closet organization, but these are the top organization tips I can give. I hope this helps!
Hi there, i just wanted to drop you a line to say that i thoroughly enjoyed this particular post of yours, I have subscribed to your RSS feeds and have skimmed a few of your posts before but this one really stood out for me. I know that I am just a stranger to you but I figured you might appreciate the appreciation 🙂 – Take care – and keep blogging.
Thank you!