Then I took it to Pinterest and found the style boards that I felt best represented my style.
Then I made my own list. Not only is it mostly items I already own, but it exposes the holes currently in my wardrobe.
And then…
Well, the prep is done. The first step is purging the clean clothes in my wardrobe that didn’t make the list. Then, after Big Sug does laundry (yes, my husband does all of the laundry), I will purge the rest. A few items will inevitably make it into storage, just in case.
I also don’t plan on getting rid of my cocktail dresses, swimsuits, shoes, or accessories. While that keeps me well over the 37 or 25 or whatever number you choose, they are items that are inevitably rarely worn, so it will take longer to realize what I need and don’t need. Also, I will keep my two drawers of work-out clothes/relaxing clothes (’cause you should always change right after work!).
Stay tuned. I’ll let you know just how much I cried. I love my clothes, but I’m so on board with freeing up my mind space. Plus, this is a great way to use my rentals wisely. I’m nervous and excited! Can you tell?
I have a Mindy addiction. She’s basically the icon of ladies like me: young, works full-time in a male-dominated industry, not model-thin, and certainly not ready for pantsuits. I love that she takes elements of things that are fun (studded everything!), and things that are feminine to create an eclectic look. But, like, good eclectic. Not me in middle school eclectic.
All looks today are from Rent the Runway, where you can get basically everything they have for about $100/month.
For our first look Mindy takes a conflicting patterns and fancies them up with fabulous earrings and a fun purse.
Mindy’s preppy mixed patterns
This jacket has that mixed-pattern look, but is a little safer than a whole dress of it. It’s so fun. And weirdly makes me want to wear a newsboy hat (don’t worry, I don’t own any newsboy hats).
Clover Canyon Flight of the Earls Blazer (retail $500)Janis Savitt Treasured Green Earrings (retail $350)
I covet this purse so hard. I don’t know what it is about Loeffler Randall, but I cannot get enough!
Loeffler Randall Studded Junior Work Tote (retail $395)
Next up: Mindy’s black and blue jacket.
Mindy’s navy and black color block coat
This is fab for 2 reasons. 1. I was always the girl who yelled, “NEVER NAVY AND BLACK!” and now I’m so excited about navy and black together. 2. I’m hoping this is my last post where jackets are necessary. Hi Summer, it’s me and I miss you.
Joseph Royal Lady Jacket (retail $955)
And then we have my favorite. I think you’ve all figured out my undying love for leather jackets. It’s undying.
Mindy’s quilted leather coat and purses
I love the mix of anything rock ‘n’ roll with something feminine.
Barbara Bui Jet Thriller Biker Jacket (retail $1880)
And I also love quilted everything. Maybe not quilted pants…but then again, I could be pleasantly surprised.
Love Moschino Accessories Perfect Polish Bag (retail $225)
It’s been a long winter. I am spending way more time thinking about what to wear than actually wearing any of it. It’s just too cold. I walk out of the house in leggings and a down overcoat, because I am hibernating. That’s how I’m referring to my new hermit status: hibernation.
While I hibernate I search the internet for things to wear in a month. I don’t watch a ton of TV, but when I do watch I watch for the clothes. I’m loving the looks on The Mindy Project. Her outfits are perfect for the young working woman–young, fun, and fairly professional.
Without further ado, here are three outfits of Mindy’s that I LOVE and some corresponding pieces from LeTote.
AG Adriano Goldschmied The Coated Biker Jacket (retail $295)
I have just started truly dressing down. And I don’t mean sweatpants and a baseball cap. I have just really started grasping the idea of being comfortable, but still looking polished. I love this easy-going and flattering look of Mindy’s.
BB Dakota Olivia Wrinkled Jacket (retail $98)
We all know how obsessed I am with this jacket.
Tart Delia Sweater (retail $88)
Geometric patterns are incredible. There is nothing like a geometric pattern to preppy up any outfit.
Theory Danvye Coat (retail $695)
I am really, really hoping LeTote sends me this one soon. I am so in love with this coat.
Sanctuary City Coat (retail $138)
Pair the coat with these fabulous earrings for the full-prep effect.
I am so for the sassy jumpsuit. EVERYONE: GET A SASSY JUMPSUIT.
Mindy’s Jumpsuit (no match given)
I haven’t tried this one, yet, but I have been running around in another one of their jumpsuits.
Eight Sixty Yaz Jumpsuit (retail $108)
And to get the Grecian Goddess effect
Gazel Aphrodite Necklace (retail $48)
I love that Mindy has a pretty definitive style, but she can be casual, preppy, and sexy. She is the perfect style icon for those looking for a cohesive look.
Who are your style inspirations? I want to hear them!
Maybe you’re like me and have a few TV shows that you watch because you kinda like the story, but really it’s for the clothes. The internet will feed that addiction: there are blogs out there whose sole purpose is to find the outfits characters wear on TV and tell you where to find them. One of my favorites–the blog I’ll highlight here–is Worn on TV. My absolute favorite show right now (for–OMG–so many reasons) is Pretty Little Liars. I thought there has to be a way to combine sites like this, my love of fashion-forward TV, and my rentanista lifestyle.
So I have been scouring the outfits from Pretty Little Liars listed on Worn on TV, then finding LeTote substitutes to bring you some inspiration on how to style your rental pieces.
First up is my favorite Pretty Little Liar, Hannah (or Ashley Benson).
So, in this episode Hannah is actually going to a funeral (yeah, ok, morbid…but she looks fabulous).
Alice and Olivia Em Silk Dress (retail $223)
I love the textured look of the dress, and that it’s right between dressy and casual. LeTote has this fabulous dress that you could style with black nail polish, and blow dried straightened hair to get Hannah’s full look.
Something I love about Hannah’s style is that she transitions so easily from looking laid back to looking polished without losing her coherent sense of style.
Sunburst Button Earrings in Robin’s Egg/Silver by House of Harlow Sheer Sleeve Blazer by Robbi + Nikki
I love this top from LeTote–I think it has the same polished-but-trendy look that Hannah exudes.
BCBGeneration Andy Boxy Raglan Top (retail $88)
Then rent a fabulous black blazer–a black blazer makes everything so much better.
Search for Sanity Vice Tailored Blazer (retail $98)
Then finish off the look with a pop of color!
Nine West Vintage Annette Stud Earrings (retail $24)
Now we move on to not-Hannah, which is Emily/Aria–Spencer gets her own name because Spencer is the (second) best. I would also like to take this moment to say, yes, I do realize that these girls are supposed to be in high school. However, you would never look at them and say, “well, obviously they’re in high school.” Mostly it’s just obvious that these girls are dressing about 10 years older than they should (and also that the actresses are 10 years older than their characters). Which is perfect, because I graduated from high school about 10 years ago so clearly this is what I’m supposed to be wearing now. Well, at least that’s what I tell myself everyday I get dressed.
This is not-Hannah. I don’t remember what was happening in this episode, but I love the outfit. Like I said before, nothing makes an outfit like a blazer.
All Saints Riviera Dress (retail $178)
The remake of this outfit from LeTote items is a little more tame (read: not super short on one side). I really love ruching. There is nothing like ruching to take a few pounds off at the last minute.
Max Studio Lindell Ruched Dress (retail $118)
Pair the dress with a blazer that has a really small lapel.
Willow & Clay Amber Blazer (retail $78)
Then finish it off with a simple statement necklace.
Gazel Chiya Pearl Necklace (retail $48)
I think I basically use television at this point to find outfits I adore. I think my style is one of the most obvious ways I express myself, and so I enjoy putting a lot of thought into it. Where do you find inspiration? Are you a Pinterester, do you scour TV fashion blogs, or do you tap into those creative juices and draw inspiration from things in life? Let me know! I’m always looking for new ideas.
Rentanista 2.0 