Merrick's Art // Style + Sewing for the Everyday Girl: basics

Showing posts with label basics. Show all posts

August 24, 2016

THE OUTFIT THAT FEELS LIKE ME

TOP (similar here) || JEANS || ANKLE BOOTS || JACKET || BAG

Do you guys have outfits that just feel like you? I don't think there's just one of these kinds of outfits for everyone -- I have a lot of outfits that I put on that feel like me (like this one and this one). But I love putting something together that just feels right, you know?

I sometimes have a hard time pinpointing my own style, but consistent thing is basics with a little twist. My ankle boots are a classic style, but the cutouts make them special and unique. I love a good striped top, and this one has a tie up neckline that makes it stand out. I love a neutral bag with a fun tassel, or a pair of jeans with just enough distressing. They're just the little things that add personality and interest to an otherwise basic outfit!

Shop my look and a few other "basics with a twist" pieces from Nordstrom in the widget below!

March 16, 2015

3 WAYS TO STYLE A BASIC GRAY TEE

As much as I love statement pieces, I always fall back on basics. They're the foundation of my wardrobe, and since basics are the pieces I will wear forever (and all the time), it's important for me to find good quality basics that won't fall apart after a few months of wear. I recently stumbled upon the "Miracle" Linen tee from Nordstrom Madewell, and you guys, this is the best basic tee I've ever worn. I'd actually never purchased anything from Madewell before, but had always heard amazing things about it and the pieces I picked up certainly didn't disappoint. Plus, I love that Nordstrom carries Madewell pieces because then I get all the great perks of quick free shipping and easy returns with these great brands.

This linen tee is a little more than I would normally spend on a t-shirt, but it's the most perfect basic tee. I tried it on the night I got it and Philip instantly noticed it from the other room and complimented me on it. I mean, husband compliments on a basic gray tee? You're going to need one of these.

And if husband compliments aren't enough to convince you, this is also the most versatile t-shirt. Today I want to show you three easy ways to style it for spring, because a basic t-shirt does not need to be styled in a basic way.

1. Layered
In the spring when you need a little extra warmth, try layering a vest over your basic tee! I'm not a huge fan of wearing denim vests with denim on bottom, so I paired mine with a super feminine and spring appropriate pleated skirt. Then the denim vest is perfect because it adds visual interest, dimension, and a little bit of masculinity to an otherwise feminine outfit. Plus, I added a little edginess to the outfit with some studded sandals...couldn't help myself.

OUTFIT DETAILS: madewell tee (wearing size small) | madewell denim vest (wearing size small) | similar skirt here and here | similar sandals | petunia pickle bottom bag

2. Monochromatic
I love the look of a monochromatic outfit for date night . Gray on gray is simple, slightly unexpected, and so modern. The key to dressing up a basic t-shirt is jewelry and shoes -- a statement necklace instantly makes an outfit feel dressy, and heels do the same! If you're doing monochromatic, keep the rest of the outfit subdued and simple to highlight the monochrome.

OUTFIT DETAILS: madewell tee (wearing size small) | similar denim | charles david pumps | similar bag | bauble bar necklace (similar)

3. Boho
This is probably my favorite of the three looks -- maybe because it's so incredibly comfy! It can be scary to pair two relaxed and oversized pieces together, since obviously you don't want to look....oversized. The key is to add what I call intentional pieces to your ensemble. Pieces that make it obvious you're not wearing your pajamas, like my hat, a pair of heels, or a structured jacket or blazer.

OUTFIT DETAILS: madewell tee (size small) | madewell track pants (wearing size small) | fringe bag | similar sandals | topshop hat

Which is your favorite of these three looks??

created in partnership with nordstrom madewell

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

February 10, 2014

BACK TO BASICS

You know those clothing items that are basically pajamas disguised as real clothes? These jeans and this tee are exactly that. They are honestly the most comfy two items of clothing that I own. I don't, but I could wear them all day every day, sleep in them, exercise in them...However, I did do a few high kicks in the jeans the first time I wore them (much to amusement of my children), just because I could.

The simple combo is perfect for a comfy day at home with my boys, but can easily be dressed up with a fitted blazer and some heels like in my look below.

The tee I'm wearing is the "Hanna" tee from Pickwick & Weller, a company I was just recently introduced to, which specializes in amazing basics. I've worn basic tees from a lot of different stores (if you were a reader a few years ago I was constantly professing my undying love for Target tees), but this is honestly better than all the other tees I've worn. The shape is the perfect loose, but not too loose fit, the neckline is wide, but not too wide, the length is long, but not too long, it's unbelievably comfortable, and at $28 it's totally affordable.

But the best part is that Pickwick & Weller just introduced their Be A Stylist program where if you buy a tee and instagram a picture of you wearing it (tagging them, of course), they'll automatically credit you $15, which means you'll get your tee at cost!

The darling Julia, of Gal Meets Glam, made a darling video explaining the whole thing, so check it out here and then sign up with your instagram account to get started (and then never wear another shirt again...).