Every wardrobe needs affordable staples that pop – the pieces you grab to elevate an outfit without thought. Most of my wardrobe consists of classic basics so I always want something to make it more interesting, even in these neutral colors.
Affordable Staples – Bag
$88 and usually sold out! Run!!
Bag at Intermix – a store we love and trust!
I felt like I won the lottery when I stumbled on this bag in-store at Nordstrom. Until then I didn’t even know Nordstrom carried Cult Gaia! This little statement bag packs a huge punch and is almost always sold out, so when I see it stocked, I always say RUN, because it will not last, especially at $88.
And every time I carry this bag, I typically get at least ten people asking about it! It’s a statement bag for sure, and makes every outfit you wear a hundred times better.
I am more of a minimalist with what I carry, but I must always be able to carry: sunglasses in case, iphone (the largest one), a small wallet or card case, lip balm, tissues (allergies!), and a few other small essentials. This fits everything as long as I carry my soft-sided sunglasses case. It’s not huge though, so keep that in mind. Think of it more as an evening bag. It’s STUNNING.
Notes on sizing! Mine is the Mini bag at 9″ wide, which is currently sold out on Cult Gaia. The image on the Intermix site shows my bag but the measurements of the small (which is 11.5″ wide). It is also priced at the mini price point ($88) whereas the small is typically $98. Might be worth calling before ordering to double check, though the small size would also be fine for me, and would definitely carry a little more. The Bloomingdales link above also shows the image for the mini but the measurements for the small.
Affordable Staples – Shoes
$98 and comes in 8 different colors!
Vince Camuto Heels (TTS, wearing 7.5)
Rachel and I both bought these shoes when I was visiting Denver. They are spectacular…trust me!
I’ve already worn these a handful of times. There was a little breaking in period as my toe box is a little wider and I always have a break-in period with strappy heels, but 100% worth it.
The heel is sexy while still being walkable and definitely not too high. I love my tan suede ones, but gosh, all of the colors are good. I mean gold metallic, patent red? I am seriously considering the patent red as a pop of color for the fall, which is always in!
Sizing – they fit TTS. I am wearing 7.5, my normal size.
Affordable Staples – Earrings
$60 and they are worth every single penny!
I didn’t really wear earrings for a long time. When I had littles, they were always grabbing at my ears, so to avoid having my earlobes ripped off, I stopped wearing most jewelry for a few years.
Both of these hoops are what I wear 90% of the time. They are SO good and go so well with my mostly basic wardrobe. These earrings elevate whatever you have on, even jeans and a tshirt, without being too over the top.
I’ve had a lot of people say “oh they are too big for me”…try them! You might be surprised. They are especially good when I wear a messy bun, but I honestly wear them equally often with my hair down and I like that they just subtly peek out without being obnoxious. The hammered finish makes them seem much more expensive than they are.
The Top – On Sale for $44!!!
Anthropologie Top (TTS – wearing small)
This top is a STEAL! I loved it the second I saw it and bought it a few months ago. You can also wear it with blue denim or black bottoms, but I LOVE it with white jeans in the summer. To me, this is the absolute perfect combination for dinner and drinks on an outdoor patio or even a backyard party / bbq. The ripped jeans provides a good contrast to the dressiness.
White Jeans
White jeans (size down – wearing 25)
We’ve talked about these jeans a BUNCH already. Styling White Jeans and A Graphic Tee With White Jeans are just a few of the times we’ve talked about our favorite white jeans.
I know we are technically halfway through summer, but you no longer have to stop wearing white after Labor Day! At some point, we will do an article styling white jeans for Fall & Winter! And I’ve included a pair of non-distressed white jeans above!
Sunglasses
By now, my love for sunglasses is no surprise. But I mean, they really do make everything look better. Behind these sunglasses, I’m actually a hideous monster, haha, I joke…but truly, they are transformative in the very best way.
PLUS you have the added benefit of protecting your eyes! I’m so scared of the sun, not only for my skin but also my eyes! Protect those peepers, friends!
While I wouldn’t necessarily call Dior sunglasses an affordable staple, I wear my sunglasses so much I consider it money very well spent. Plus I love how different sunglasses can change your look so much.
