Wardrobe Challenge

Good Morning Ladies!

We’re skipping The List this morning to announce the details of our Fall Wardrobe Challenge. I look forward to this challenge every season and try each time to make it better than the last. So, if you’re ready to be well dressed this fall, together we will:

Who is This For?

Anyone who wants to gain clarity around their personal style and direction on how to pull off looks you love. It doesn’t matter if you work from home, stay home with the kids, commute to an office everyday, volunteer or are retired. Our tips our practical, timeless and designed for everyone that wants to look chic and feel more confident in their clothes. 

There’s no catch, we’re not selling anything, we’re just building our community and getting to know our readers. 

Here’s how it works. 

The challenge takes place in our Facebook Private Group (more on that below). 

Every Friday the weekly challenge will be live at 11am EST in the FB group only. 

We post on Friday so you have the weekend to work on your assignment. 

Over the four weeks, I walk members through the process in real time, answering questions and giving feedback when needed. It’s helpful to follow along but life happens, that’s why the Facebook group is so great. You can go at your own pace, follow along, and catch up when you can. 

Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:

Starting September 20th, every Friday we’ll post a new challenge. Below is the schedule:

Week 1: Friday, September, 20th: Finding Inspiration and Your Personal Style

Week 2: Friday, September,27th: Cleaning and Purging

Week 3: Friday, October, 4th: Getting Organized

Week 4: Friday, October, 11th: Create Your Wish List and New Outfit Challenge

This is Interactive

All communication will happen in our Private Facebook Group.  This group is open to all readers of The Well Dressed Life but will remain a closed, women-only group. In order to join simply follow this link. You’ll be prompted to answer three membership questions. You MUST answer the questions to be accepted. 

In the group, we’ll talk not only about the challenge, but I’ll also post exclusive content, videos, and live chats about all the topics we cover on the blog.

This will be the best way to reach me since email is overwhelming, and others might have the same questions you have. Please ask all of your questions on the page, so others can benefit from the conversation. I cannot respond to all of the private messages I receive. 

Why Facebook?

I receive a lot of push back about posting the challenge exclusively on Facebook. Because the challenge is interactive, a Facebook group is the only platform I can use that lets participants easily interact in privacy. 

Also, we have been hosting this challenge for several years now, so not all of our readers want regular posts about it each season. By using FB, I’m able to continue to create new seasonal content, manage the challenge, and not inundate our readers with post alerts.

How to Join our FB Group:

First, Like The Well Dressed Life on Facebook.

Second, Join our Private Facebook Group. Follow the link to request membership. I am the only admin and have to approve everyone. You must answer the three membership questions to receive access. 

Over the last few days we welcomed over 200 new members, so I’m excited to get to know you all, and reconnect with some of our “regulars.”  If you’ve done any of our Style Challenges before, this is a great opportunity to continue to refine your style and maintain your wardrobe.  I always recommend doing it every season!

If this is your first time, share this with some friends, and get ready for a fun and informative few weeks.

As always, I’m doing this along with you and it’s coming at the perfect time since I had a baby at the end of last year and I’m turning 40 in November. I feel like I need a bit of a wardrobe refresh for fall.

A Little About Me (in case you’re new!)

I was a personal stylist for almost 12 years and owned Kristel Closets, Inc., an image consulting and private styling firm that operated three offices on the East Coast (Philadelphia, Northern New Jersey, and Washington D.C.) Our company quickly became a leader in the industry serving busy women who wanted to look and feel their best.

While our clients wanted to look modern, classic and pulled together, they didn’t have the time or energy to do it themselves. That’s where we stepped in. I’ve personally helped thousands of clients navigate the often overwhelming world of fashion and retail, working within their personal style, with all sizes, body shapes and budgets.

Three years ago, I stepped away from our 1:1 services to focus on building our online business. Connecting with other, like-minded women has always been my absolute passion. 

I’m excited to continue to provide expert advice and insights in our daily posts and through these challenges and will continue to offer both entirely for free. I’m do not represent a company and I am not sponsored by any brand or business. All of my recommendations are solely based on my knowledge and experience. All I ask is that, if you enjoy our content, please share it with your friends! 

If you have any questions about the challenge please drop them below!

Our 2019 Spring Capsule Wardrobe is ready! There might be snow on the ground but the faintest hint of spring is in the air so I’m fully committing to the new season. This year I’m excited to share a series of capsule wardrobes you can use as a guide to refresh your closet. Today, we’re starting with some weekend and everyday outfit inspiration.

2019 Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Remember, these posts serve two purposes: (1) to help you discover what you need or show you a new way to wear something, and (2)  provide product recommendations if you want to skip the mall and shop directly.

Today’s pieces are ideal for pulling together some polished outfits for weekend events. We’ll do a more casual, sporty series soon.

Think of these as great basics to have in your collection so you can easily pull a look together.

Let’s get started.

How to Wear Our 2019 Spring Capsule Wardrobe

An Everyday Go-To 

Trench, $228   |   Jeans, $178   |  Tee, $35   |  Tote, $228   |  Flats, $90

Everyone needs a classic trench and J.Crew makes a beautiful and reasonably priced option. They are also doing a great job with size inclusion as this goes up to a size 24.

Next refresh or update your better dark jeans. These are your “dress up” jeans, so buy the best you can afford. I like these AG Jeans for their higher waist. They keep you in and make your legs look a mile long. (We’re working on updating our Best Jeans for Every Body Type Post so stay tuned.)

A classic Breton style tee will take you far this season. You can wear it with any style bottom, and then pair it with shorts in the summer. This one, also by J.Crew comes in several color options up to a size 3x.

Many of you picked up this casual tote featured in Wednesday’s Wear to Work post. It will be a staple in your spring wardrobe.

Finally, flats in a leopard print will add an element of whimsy to a layered outfit of better basics.

Download Our FREE Wardrobe Checklist to Build a Classically Chic Wardrobe

Girls Night Out

Blouse, $80   |  Jeans, $89   |  Earrings, $295   |  Pumps, $89

When you get the rare night to meet with friends you want to wear something that doesn’t feel like your just wearing your work clothes in a new way.

This pretty and bold blouse can be worn under a suit, or tucked neatly into a skirt for the office. Banana Republic currently has a nice selection of interesting tops and blouses. Like J.Crew, they are getting major points in my book for size inclusion.

Then pair it with crisp white jeans for a fresh outfit perfect for drinks with the girls. Look for white jeans with a little stretch in a denim that isn’t see-through. I used  KUT from the Kloth (featured above) and NYDJ a lot when I was a stylist. NYDJ offers a better size scale.

This season, pick up some white pumps but keep them under $100. You can wear them with jeans, trousers and dresses for as a fun, modern trend.

Finally, maybe splurge on one cool, new accessory. I came upon these earrings on Tuckernuck and thought they were gorgeous.

Kid Friendly Weekend

Jacket, $110   |  Pants, $83   |  Tee, $24   |  Sneaker, $195   |  Backpack, $118

Running the kids to and from sports consumes many of our weekends. Might as well look chic and comfortable while your sitting waiting for practice to wrap up.

If you don’t have a denim jacket, or need a new one, pick this one up, you’ll have it a good long time. Layer it over anything from a jeans and tee shirt to a simple black dress.

Olive bottoms are super popular. In fact, our “How to Wear Olive Pants Three Ways” post was one of our top articles last year. They break up the monotony of blue jeans. I like these by Banana Republic for their fit and raw hem – makes it feel a little edgy.  Old Navy also has a great option.

Next up, refresh your tee shirts. These from Banana are awesome. They have finished look, are not see-through and under $30. I recommend picking up multiples in gray and white.

Then, consider a new pair of sneakers. Slip on sneakers are the way to go to make a casual outfit look a little more sophisticated. There are tons of options out there at all kinds of prices. I like the styling of these Vince slip-ons. For something less expensive, these quilted sneakers we featured last Friday are a great alternative.

To stay hands free, grab a backpack. Rebecca Minkoff made this one that is so stinking pretty, simple and currently on sale.

Date Nights, Showers, and Functions

Dress, $178   |  Sandal, $100   |  Clutch, $79   |  Earrings, $48

Get organized now and have at least one special outfit ready to go. The spring always means weekends filled with family events and parties, so take the stress out of getting ready and buy one basic dress.

The sleeve and skirt style sold me on this lovely piece from Gal Meets Glam. It comes in navy (above), black and blush up to size 20.

A neutral, and seasonally appropriate clutch for under $100 is a no brainer. Wear it here and carry it on your girls night out too.

Need a new pair of neutral-to-you sandals? Pick up these Sam Edelman ankle straps with an easy to walk in heel.  They come in several basic colors, including silver, gold, black and white.

Finally, a sweet pair of earrings for under $50 that you can wear with anything can help build out your jewelry and accessory options.

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