Closet Close-out: Last of 2018 Favorites
Who: Me
What: Last of 2018 Favorites
When: December
Where: In-store and online
This is a round-up of my final favorites before 2019 brings new styles, trends and wardrobe additions:
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Photo at Old Luckett’s Store in Leesburg, Va.
Cream Chunky Pompom Cardigan
Found at Mod & Soul
Size: S/M | Price: $76On The Move Pant Ponte, Wunder Under leggings & more.
Found at Lulu Lemon Outlet
Size: 2 | Price: Final Sale $49
Tissue Turtleneck
Found at J. Crew (or J. Crew Factory) Caution: These are selling out quickly.
Size: XS | Price: $29.50
Elyse, Calvin Rings and Charm Necklaces from the Color Bar™
Found at Kendra Scott
Prices vary per item.
Super Stay Matte Ink - Maybelline
Found at your local drugstore | Price: $8.99 (Harris Teeter VIC members get 25% off)
December is always so filled with holiday decorations, travel and celebrations that I tend to forget it is the month that closes out the year. I usually remember on December 26th that the year is coming to an end because a) I’m exhausted and b) NYE is next on the to-do list. One thing that is also unique about December is that you can dress in holiday style for an entire month and no one really cares - it’s actually encouraged most of the time. I tend to leave the holiday-affiliated plaids, tartans, etc. behind once Christmas ends but there are a few things that can easily carry over after the holidays.
Mod & Soul pompom cardigan. Photo taken at Old Luckett’s Store in Leesburg, VA.
I’ve been wanting a pompom cardigan since last winter and finally got it this year. It did not disappoint. In its first wear, it garnered 7 verbal compliments which is enough validation if you ask me. It’s definitely one of the most cozy items I own. It’s heavy enough to be warm despite its knit composition that cold breezes usually tear right through. It is also a cardigan which allows for easy layering for added warmth.
You can find many different variations of this cardigan, but I decided to go with a quality one from Mod & Soul. This Richmond-based boutique offers online shopping too. Every time I’m in RVA I make a point to go by this boutique. It’s my favorite. The clothes are always trendy, unique and quality. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend a stop by here. If you’re not, check out their online shopping. They have amazing customer service and super-fast shipping!
If you’re a returning reader, you might have noticed those Western Sock Booties I featured in my October post are still around in now December. I think I’ve worn these 90% of the fall and they are still in great shape. Just a reminder that Target really did do it again.
I’ve been in the market for a great pair of travel pants. If you’ve followed me at all since the summer ended, you might have noticed I travel a lot in the fall. I need a pair of pants that can withstand as many transportation vehicles as I can. I think I finally found a pair.
If luck struck, it struck at the Leesburg Lululemon outlet last weekend. I found a pair of the “On the move” pants in my size for $49. If you’re unaware of this brand or these pants, it doesn’t sound like a “luck struck” kind of deal. BUT, it is. These pants retail at $128 and the comparable pair at Athleta are also anywhere from $98-$120. The link above directs you to the $49 pair that is final sale. They are wrinkle-resistant, four-way stretch (meaning you won’t rip them trying to lug all your stuff around) and sweat-wicking for when you’re sprinting in the Atlanta airport for your connection. I’m very excited about these pants because they are also super comfortable, professional and have deep-enough pockets for your phone (and zip for added protection).
One thing I’ve tried to consider when buying items is the quality and brand philosophy. Like Away, Lululemon offers a performance guarantee, no questions asked. With a quality-assurance policy, I’m more willing to spend a little extra.
They also had special sales (including friends and family) in stores for personal trainers and performance employees so Sam and I lucked out again. He ended up with a pair of joggers, shorts and two shirts and I got the Wunder Under leggings and a yoga top I found for $29. Not only are these leggings great for weekend activities, but they also held up (literally, no falling) during a four mile run. Needless to say, we’ve been living in these items for the past week. If you’re a performance employee, learn more about the Sweat Collective for your personal discount.
I’ve been loving the turtleneck as a base layer this fall/winter. As someone who constantly stays cold, it keeps me warm and offers a classy look. I love the tissue tees at J. Crew because they are so soft and not too thick to layer. I even like to wear it as the main layer with a funky set of earrings or drop chain necklace. I can stay warm without overheating with these. But be warned they are very popular and selling out fast!
A few other faves of mine come in smaller packages.
I got a few Kendra Scott pieces for my birthday, and then again after my birthday…, and I love them. Because I loved my Elyse ring from the Color Bar™ so much, I went back and got the smaller version (Calvin) I can wear more casually. As a birthday homage, I also got a Scorpio charm on a longer chain which is really fun to double-up with the Elisa choker.
Lipstick really is an accessory more than a necessity now. Whenever I wear an overwhelmingly neutral, I like to dress is up with a lipstick. However, I drink a lot of drinks throughout the day and am not the most graceful person when it comes to lipstick. It usually ends up on everything. I recently found a drugstore lip color that is perfect for me. It stays on all day, it doesn’t really transfer to mugs, cups, teeth, etc. I’ve worn it successfully* a few times without having to reapply throughout the day.
* I guess “successful” can be interpreted a few ways. I mean successful in the sense that it didn’t stain all of my clothes and limbs after application. Successful in the sense that it looked good is in the eye of the beholder.
I’m looking forward to the new year of styles, trends and wardrobe additions. But I’m also considering a closet clean-out in 2019. We’ll see what makes the cut!