results for conscious closet

Conscious Closets: Poppy Barley Shoes

April 20, 2015

Shoes have been the hardest thing for me to cut out excess of (I come from a long line of hat and shoe hoarders), but I am determined to work my selection into smart choices of good quality, and ethically made pairs. It is so easy to fall for the bargain deals, and I admit I even fell victim to the lure as recent as last week! However, I keep going back to the video in this post, and am trying to make sure my dollar continues to go towards the right people if possible.

I discovered Poppy Barley shoes through a friend and really loved getting to know their story. Two sisters wanted to create luxury products at attainable price points in addition to allowing total transparency in the way these products are manufactured. My favorite aspect of the shoes is that they do custom width! A dream come true for me since I have purchased numerous pairs that result in blistered feet after a few hours because they were too narrow at the wrong places. Needless to say these booties have been a dream come true when all I crave is comfort (style is a perk of course). The soles have cushioning that support the pressure points in your feet as well.

They recently released their spring line and sold out of these snakeskin back booties fast, but excited to inform you all that they brought back 5 limited edition pairs for IHOD readers! If you want to invest in some long haul, with you to the end booties, get them before they are gone!

x, Anna

* Clothing rack can be purchased at the IHOD Shop.

Conscious Closet: Building a Wardrobe from Scratch

September 30, 2014

Well now that it is on the blog, I am committed! 😉
Taking the leap and putting a conscious effort to build a smart closet and eliminate excess.

I thought it would help to show you items I already have or recently purchased I am putting into this category. This way, you all can join along with the challenge if you choose, but really it’s just to hold me accountable;)

About the pieces: I wanted to choose pieces that are interchangeable, comfortable, high quality, and timeless. Trendy pieces are fun, but I realize it ends up being money down the drain, since the trend leaves as fast as it comes. Granted, I will still report to you on trends for the eHow style blog, but these are the pieces I am focusing on for a long term closet.

I admire minimalism and simplicity and want to be more disciplined about this lifestyle. It can be challenging when you are surrounded by a materialistic culture, but ultimately, I know I feel so much more at peace when there is less, and gratitude for what you have.

Also hoping to support brands who incorporate ethical guidelines in their product creation and distribution. I am learning so much about this topic and hope to learn more!

Ready? Join in the fun on instagram and share your closet building fun!

*Anna

Starting from the top left: Chambray shirt (another similar one)// Utility Jacket (similar here or here) // Wool Fedora // Blush Blouse // Dark Wash Skinnies // Blush Leather Flats (similar) // Striped Skirt // Wide Brim Fedora // Checked Button Down // Track Pants // Sleeveless Trench (similar) // Seed Stitch Raglan // Black Coated Skinnies // Leopard Flats (similar here or here)

#ConsciousClosets: January Additions

January 9, 2015

Alas! A long overdue update to the #ConsciousCloset series! If you missed the first post, I started working on building a more intentional wardrobe of good quality, versatile, and timeless pieces! I also am trying to be more conscious of how things are made and where I purchase them from. Granted, it is so difficult to pass up those too good to be true deals, but there are some fantastic ethically made companies who are trying to bring good quality clothing at an affordable rate. These pieces are what I have bought, kept, or been gifted in December and January….

Row 1: Sweater dress, silk tank, panel leggings
Row 2: Leopard flats (similar), leather jacket (similar), pleated skirt (similar)
Row 3: Checked coat, sleeveless sweater, tissue tank
Row 4: Tunic sweater, leather leggings, baseball tunic
Row 5: V-neck sweater, booties (similar), leather trim sweater
Row 6: Smock dress, emerald dress, velvet pants

A few ways I have worn these pieces….

Each of these have been worn to death already and interchange really easily with other pieces. Hopefully this can help you with building your own closets according to your style and preference! If you are working on a simple and effective wardrobe, I would love for you to join in the hashtag #consciousclosets! Also, there are several ways you can donate your clothing to the homeless or local thrift stores that benefit good causes. I donate mine to NSpire Outreach and Whispering Hope here in Atlanta:)

Lastly, if you need some packing light for winter ideas, I just published an article on Conde Nast Traveler about the 10 pieces I packed for a week’s worth of outfits!

I feel like I lost ten pounds just writing this post. Cheers!
Anna

P.S. How to make this clothing rack here.

Bump Style Challenge: Sporty

June 2, 2015

As part of this week’s pregnancy style challenge with The Bump and Liz Lange for Target, I had to get creative with basic pieces. Basics allow you to mix things up multiple ways and work with what you already own. Here are a few pieces I have on frequent rotation….

Striped Skirt – This is a skirt from my conscious closet pieces that I have worn to death before and during pregnancy. It has an elastic waist and is a thick stretch material. Black and white is so versatile that it can pair with varying colors, layers, and patterns. It is from Loft, but here is a similar maternity version.

Liz Lange Grey Tee – Extra long, fitted, and stretchy. The necessary checklist for a comfortable tee during all three trimesters.

Sneakers – I am having a hard time wanting to wear anything else! The great thing about converse sneakers is that they manage to pull of a sporty casual look that doesn’t allude to gym time or lazy dressing (although maybe sometimes that is totally what it is for me :D).

Ball cap – To hide the bad hair day of course.

Reversible Tote – To throw everything under the sun in, and still have room to hide a bag of popcorn for your movie date…

I wear this look just about every week lately for errands, travel, or a night out with Gabe.
What have been your favorite comfortable casual pieces?
I’ll see you all tomorrow with look 3!
x, Anna

2015 Reader’s Favorite Posts

December 31, 2015

{Dresses for every occasion}

{Entry table makeover}

{A fourth heartbeat}

{DIY Modern Planter Upgrades}

{Dining Room Makeover Reveal}

{Organizing an effective social media calendar}

{Building a wardrobe from scratch}

{Guest room makeover}

{Rocco Samuel’s Birth Story}

A round up of reader favorites from 2015!
Some of these surprised me, but it is pretty cool that some of my own personal favorite posts were yours as well.

Thankful for each of you who come to read IHOD each day. I am looking forward to revealing some new series and a whole lot of fun content for the New Year.

Wishing you a Happy New Years Eve!
Anna

Buildable Wardrobe Update: Stripes

September 20, 2015

I finally admitted to myself that I have an addiction to black and white stripes. Anybody else? Maybe just me? It’s just that they are so easy to work with, timeless, and really fun to layer. So when I saw this dress from Anthropologie, I decided it was time to use the last of a gift card I was holding onto. (It’s also nursing friendly which is always a plus!) Here is another similar option for half the price. These are just a few ways I styled the dress in varying temps, but expect this to be a repeat offender in the coming months. All pieces featured are from my #BuildableWardrobe…

Dress
Denim Vest
Wedge Booties (similar option)
Bucket Tote
Triple layered Necklace

Dress
Ankle Boots or Backless booties
Oversized Sweater (similar)
Similar Black Clutches

There is such a wide range of stripes, but right now I am sticking to thin black and white. So what do you say? How would you style the dress? And in case you missed, the reason I am trying to be a conscious consumer, and live more minimally.

Shop the post:

Product styling and photography: Rosemary Wild, Outfit photos: IHOD

Buildable Wardrobe: Denim on Denim

September 14, 2015

This week’s #BuildableWardrobe update includes two of my favorite denim pieces that I chose to keep in the mix when cleaning out my closet. I wear these in multiple ways in various seasons. Here is the breakdown:

Denim Button Down – This one I got a few years ago, but here is a similar one. I layer it in the winter, and wear solo with shorts in the summer. Here’s a few similar ones: High and Low.

Denim Flares – The fashion scene is trying to make flare denim a thing this year, but you know what guys? They never were quite out of the scene! I’v always had a pair in my jean stash. I snagged this pair last year on Shopbop. (c/o) (More flare styles here.)

Wedge Ankle Booties – The kind that are low enough to pull off in warmer months and comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. I have walked the miles in these! Similar pair here, and a variety of wedge ankle boots here.

Wooden Watch – Simple and neutral and somewhat indestructable! (c/o)

Sunburst Necklace – I don’t wear much jewelry anymore, so I look for one or two good necklaces when putting a look together with a good pair of stud earrings. This necklace by Noonday Collection is my current fix (and also supports an worthy cause).

Structured Crossbody – via The Common Knowledge. Love this deep Aubergine color to work into upcoming autumn looks.

If you are trying to minimize your wardrobe, any tips you want to share?
In case you missed, the reason I am trying to be a conscious consumer, and live more minimally.

Shop the look:

*Flat Lay image by Rosemary Wild
*Outfit photos by Chelsey Heidorn