**9/13/2017 Updated to add the rest of my TOPS information down below! I photographed, but forgot to share the last four tops.
It’s been a long time since I’ve shared a wardrobe update with you guys, and I thought it was time I give you a peek inside my closet, and share a little bit about what’s been rolling around my mind when it comes to maintaining a simple + streamlined wardrobe.
Real Talk
Honestly though, I’m doing this for myself. Being an influencer – where it’s literally my job to introduce you guys to new brands and seasonal items – I often wrestle with keeping my personal style well-defined. There can be a steady stream of new items coming in from brands I work with. I am not complaining about it, I feel very fortunate to have many gifted items in my closet. I love my job, and I love the opportunity to connect you guys with brands and products that align with my/your values. It’s truly my pleasure. BUT, sometimes the waters of my closet get a bit muddied, and things get overcrowded. Pairing down, and in this case, identifying a core wardrobe, will help to me continue to see my style clearly and get dressed with ease.
After chatting with Paige of Style This Life over the summer (seriously, we text everyday), we landed on the idea of identifying a two-part wardrobe: a core and a secondary. Staring at my closet in the morning can often overwhelm me when I’m looking to get dressed. I love the ease I feel when traveling or dressing out of a 10×10, and that comes from the small number of items I have to choose from. I’m also expecting that at the end of the season I’ll be able to better identify what I can cut loose from my secondary wardrobe.
A quick reminder – when I work with brands and designers I try my very best to only share and showcase what I love. However, sometimes, after the fact, I realize an item might not be the best fit or, just plain and simple, my closet is becoming saturated and there are not enough days to wear it all!
I’ve spent the last few weeks integrating my fall favorites into my closet, carefully separating all my items into two categories. 1) My CORE wardrobe, which is about 40 items and 2) my SECONDARY wardrobe which is about 20 items. The latter includes less-worn items; ones I still like but aren’t quite at go-to status. My core wardrobe is comprised mostly of pieces I wear in a two-week rotation.
The Items (in my Core Wardrobe)
TEES
1) Cotton Tank, Everlane – My interest in this oversized tank was renewed this summer when I started knotting it in the front. It makes for an instant crop top, that can be adjusted per the height of my pants!
2) Rugby Stripes, Everlane – An impulse buy at the Everlane storefront in San Francisco. Bold, but still simple.
3) Vintage Army shirt, from my husband’s personal collection (similar in men’s sizing) – The cotton on this is so worn it feels like silk. This shirt is oversized and unique. And sentimental.
4) Micro Stripes U-Neck, Everlane – This is probably my favorite t-shirt cut ever, see more below.
5) White U-Neck Tee, Everlane – If I were to do a cost-per-wear on this shirt it would be practically free. I’ve worn it almost once per week for the last three years. Crazy, right? Still love it. Still looks bright white and new. (Hint: I rarely dry it.)
6) 3/4 Sleeve White Tee, 3 Dots, c/o Zappos – This top is a great layering piece, it works under jumpsuits and sweaters or tucked into vintage jeans.
TOPS
1) T Top, c/o Jamie + the Jones – This top has taken a backseat for almost the last year in my closet. That was mainly because I didn’t have a good pair of high-waisted bottoms to wear it with. Not the case anymore! Looking forward to taking it for many spins this season.
2) Luzon Tie Top, c/o Only Child (sold out) – It’s probably optimistic to expect to wear this top very much in the fall, but it has been on such high rotation this summer, I wanted to give it a shot.
3) Navy/White Striped 3/4 Top – thrifted (very similar) – My classic stripes! I think I’ve had a shirt in this style in my closet for years and years and years. Can’t go wrong.
4) Cotton Striped Top, c/o Tradlands – Love the shades of gray in this top! I can’t wait to wear it with the bone colored jeans I ordered.
5) Striped Long Sleeve Button Up, Tradlands – Classic top that goes with almost everything in my closet!
6) Chambray Long Sleeve Button Up, old J.Crew – Does anybody have any leads on a good, USA made chambray shirt?
7) Only Child x Seasons + Salt Alta Top (similar in raw silk)
8) Linen Button Up, Everlane (alternated with a cotton one)
9) Tan Striped Top (sold out), c/o Tradlands
10) Everyday Top in Noon (sold out), Miranda Bennett
PANTS
1) Vintage Levi’s, thrifted – These are a true love of mine! I found them at a local shop and had them shortened at Nordstrom, using the original hem. I love wearing these pants. These jeans have a similar vibe.
2) Black Slim Boyfriend Jeans, c/o Everlane – These are basically fitted, straight jeans. I am so happy to have them, and I’m selling my black skinnies like hot potatoes. *Everlane is currently sold out but, if you ‘Waitlist’ yourself, you will get notified when they come back in stock. Sometimes people return items and they will get one or two back in stock. I’ve scored an item earlier than the expected re-stock date using this method.
3) Slim Boyfriend Jeans, Mid Blue, c/o Everlane – I’ve actually purchased another pair of these in a proper fitting size. They’re en route and I’ll keep y’all posted.
4) Sailor Pants in Midnight, Jesse Kamm – I sold my size 8’s and went down to 6’s. They are way more comfortable now (snug on the hips and don’t ride up) and overall have a much better look. I feel like the navy color goes with a lot more in my wardrobe than the tan color did. I’ll write an updated post about fit soon!
5) Clyde Work Pants, Elizabeth Suzann – I started wearing these last spring and I’m excited to run them through a full year. Love the versatility of this color of pant.
6) Wide Pant, Lauren Winter – I wouldn’t feel like me without my favorite wide pants! These are harder to wear the colder the weather gets, we’ll see how it goes!
DRESSES/JUMPSUITS/JACKETS
1) Lou Jumpsuit in Black Denim, REIFhaus – GAH! I’m so excited about this piece! Last summer the Lou Jumpsuit (in linen) was one of my most style-shaping purchases. I was sad to retire it when the colder weather hit. I tried to extend it as long as I could by donning sweaters and tights, but things got a bit fussy. Fast-forward a year and I’m moving into fall with the denim version! The updated Lou is a tad longer and narrower, and I’m in love!
2) Black Shirt Dress, c/o Sotela – This is a dress that works great in spring and fall, hoping to wear it under some light sweaters before the weather gets too cool. And after that over jeans. I love dresses over jeans, and I need to do it more.
3) Striped Shirt Dress (same, in blue), Everlane – See above!
4) White Linen Dress, Pyne & Smith – I mostly included this one so I could wear it with my leather jacket. Contrast baby.
5) Mara Tunic, c/o Only Child (beautifully updated for fall!) – I adored this piece when I got it in the spring and quickly decided I liked it best over pants. Excited to experiment with lots of dresses/tunics over pants this fall.
6) Classic Jean Jacket, Levi’s – Shrunken and faded, good with everything.
7) Leather Jacket, Reformation (sold out) – Enjoying this one more each time I wear it!
SWEATERS
1) Black V-Neck, Everlane – I acquired a nice little trifecta of cashmere sweaters last fall and winter, and I tend to layer them with everything.
2) Donegal Crop (sold out), Everlane
3) Camel Crew, Everlane
4) Raglan Detail Cream Sweater (quite old) – This is almost like the little sister version of the sweater below. Except I’ve had this one for much longer. Cream is my favorite color!
5) T Sweater, Jamie + the Jones – This is a major player in my closet. Last year I wore it from the day I got it (Christmas Eve, eve) until late spring. I’ve already busted it out once last week, and I’m excited to wear it all fall. The chunky cotton knit brings awesome texture to an outfit. If you’re in the market, they plan to re-stock in November!
I have a few more sweaters in storage, but they are thicker and heavier, and probably won’t get pulled out until closer to winter. It’s a great way to ‘freshen’ a wardrobe without actually buying new items!
SHOES
1) Mariella Mule, c/o Nisolo – These shoes have yet to meet an outfit they don’t like. However, they will probably see most of their wear at the beginning of the season because, hello, rain.
2) Cognac Ankle Boots, Loeffler Randall – Love the color these lend to all the blues and blacks in my closet. They are bit sensitive to the rain though, note the water damage on the right heel (that’s with waterproofing). It’s also probably from driving. I wonder if there are any magic floor mats out there that promise to protect your shoes when driving? Seems like a business opportunity…
3) Blush Oxfords, c/o Everlane – A quick way to bring style to an otherwise plain outfit. And pretty solid in the rain!
4) Heidi Woven Clog, No.6 – These beauties have been on my dream list for a few seasons, and this fall I took the plunge. Yes, I still have my Bryr clogs, yes the color is about the same, but that is where the similarities end. Both are great. I’ll share more soon, I promise.
5) Rain Boots, thrifted J.Crew (awesome ethical option) – Not an Oregonian without some super waterproof footwear.
6) Black hightop Cons, thrifted – For when the ankles get cold.
7) Black Chelsea Boots, Everlane – See above.
8) V-10 Sneakers, Veja – For when I want to pretend I’m a teenager again. (Not that I ever wore anything that cool when I was a teenager.)
What About My Secondary Wardrobe?
I hope to tap into this second layer as much as I feel inclined. Many of the items lend themselves to more ‘creative’ days because they are more unique pieces that I don’t wear on as high a rotation. But who knows, that could change this fall and they could move to my core closet. Or, at the end of the season, I might realize I can’t justify keeping them.
Is This a Capsule?
Kind of, not really. I’ve basically created primary and secondary layers of my wardrobe, and this is the primary. What this tells me is that the value of the capsule mindset – of a more limited wardrobe – cannot be underestimated. The fewer things you have in your closet, the easier it is to get dressed, so long as you have been curating along the way. I don’t have any strict rules for myself and my closet this fall. I’ve long broken my shopping habit. Yes, I like to look online, but not obsessively, and I rarely shop in stores, unless I happen to be walking by a downtown boutique that I like.
Looking Ahead
I have many wonderful collaborations planned for fall. I’ll be sharing my picks from Only Child, Hackwith Design House, Vetta and more. That means I’ll be adding more items to my wardrobe along the way but I’ll be doing it as mindfully as possible.
Have any of you employed a similar wardrobe method? I’d love to hear your tips!
Thank you for showing this. For the first time, I myself am building a capsule wardrobe for fall, and so soaking up all the inspiration I can get.
I can also relate to your considerations about being mindfull of ones own style while still also wanting to collaborate with many great brands.
Hugs from Denmark
Hi Johanne! Always good to hear from you. I’m thankful you understand what I was saying about collaborations, it can be tricky sometimes. Good luck with your capsule, I hope you’ll post about it!
Loved the closet update!
I get my Everlane jeans Thursday, and hope they fit since so many sizes are sold out! I ordered the high rise skinnies in black ( my go-to jean year round), and the boyfriend in mid blue for an updated silhouette.
Surprisingly I do something pretty similar with my wardrobe, I’ve just never put a name to it, but core capsule definitely summarizes it nicely.
Since fall is my absolute favorite season I am definitely looking forward to all your upcoming posts!
Have a great day! Xo!
Hi Jodie! I hope you’re getting some rest these days! Excited to hear how the pants work for you. I did notice one thing about the black pants, they seem to attract lint more than my other black jeans. Just an FYI!
Also searching for the perfect chambray! Taylor Stitch makea a version with merino (made in Portugal) that I haven’t worn myself but looks promising!
PS love seeing your pieces from Only Child featured, I love everything I’ve bought from Haley 💕
Thanks for the tip Courtney!
Agreed Only Child is amazing! Haley keeps out doing herself each year!
Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your creative thought process and pieces, Andrea! I’m in the market for a basic cotton tee and the U-Neck one from Everlane looks like a great option. Its so hard for me to find a good quality white tee that will last me a while and isn’t completely see-thru. Hopefully Everlane will end the search :)
xoxo, EK
I hope it works out for you! I love the sleeves and the drape of the top.
How is the fit? I usually do xl because im pretty busty. I love the u neck tee, just checking in to see if it’s snug or slightly forgiving. I love the looks and this T has holy grail potential! Thanks!
LOVE your closet update! I’m excited to see how you mix and match it all! I have a question for you: I struggle with the cost of shopping ethically / minimally. I don’t mind spending more on quality, ethically made pieces, but then I find I’m afraid to wear them because of their cost. I’m afraid of ruining them (I’m pretty hard on my clothes). This is so illogical – high quality pieces should stand up to wear, but I have a mental block about this. I end up perpetually “saving” those items for special occasions that never come. I’ve worked around it by buying mostly secondhand which I love but which doesn’t funnel money directly to companies doing wonderful things. Do you have any suggestions for getting over this mental block?! Maybe it’s just me….?!
Anna, I have the same problem. I’ll go to put on something I love but also costs more and then choke thinking to myself; what if I stain it/wear it out/etc. I’ve resolved it doing as you do as well: wear secondhand. Andrea, suggestions?
Hi Dawn and Anna, I used to have the same problem! When I started in a capsule three years back it was a huge help because my number of items was limited so I was way more likely to wear them. I feel like I’ve sort of ‘trained’ myself not to do that anymore. But sometimes I find myself still slipping into that mindset and I try to recognize it and tell myself how silly it is. Everyday is worth wearing ‘the good stuff’ for (and I’m a SAHM). Also, I use a lot of aprons when I’m in the kitchen! Hope that helps!
This is great, and a “core” wardrobe makes so much sense. Amour Vert has a pretty chambray top (the Terry)!
Thanks for the tip LO, I’ll definitely check it out!
Thanks for sharing! I do some similar things without realizing it – I have gotten pretty good about narrowing down the “workhorses” of my seasonal clothing, and then there are a few things, like weirdly thin sweaters, or this one blazer, that end up being my secondary/fill the gap pieces. I have a few things from Brass and Amour Vert sitting in my online carts that I need to decide if I will buy them or not. Lots of blue and grey too, similar to your stuff!
Yes! It’s those items that only go with a few other pieces that get relegated to tier 2.
Good luck with your potential purchases!
Yes!! I love seeing what you have identified in your wardrobe. I can’t wait to see how you mix and match those, but also bring in those fun accent pieces throughout the season. Keep us posted!
xo
Will do!!
Try Loomstate’s chambray shirt! Not made in USA, but made in a GOTS certified factory in India. And Loomstate ascribes to the same set of ethical principles as many of the brands you’ve worked with.
That’s a good-looking shirt, thanks for the lead!
I like your thoughtful version of a capsule, and it’s similar to how I’ve been approaching closet curation/organization. I actually take a lot of inspiration from the concept of the “Ten Item Wardrobe,” made popular by Jennifer L. Scott and her Madame Chic series — the idea being that you have ten mix-and-match key players for each season, supplemented by your classic, basic “extras” (including t-shirts, over-layers, etc). I’m still refining my version of it, but this post has given me some great food for thought!
That sounds really interesting Erin! Will you be writing a full post on it?
First of all, nice job on using the word terciary! Second, I love this mindset. I still do practice a capsule approach because I do feel like it keeps me organized and using all of my clothes. Where I’ve switched it up recently is that I now keep everything I own in my closet year round and just keep to the side the clothes I really want to focus on that season. It seems to be working really well for me. Also, LOVE that ReifHaus Jumpsuit!!
Karin | truncationblog.com
HAHA, only I MISUED the word Karin! I’m so embarrassed! Oh well. ;) I took it out. Great idea, that’s basically what I’m doing in my closet too! It’s helpful to have most of the clothes present so nothing gets forgotten about!
I know I know… I’m being THAT person.. but I believe that it’s spelled tertiary – not terciary. Also, as I read this I realized that I un-intentionally have a core wardrobe. Gonna have to go marinate on why I end up with so many un-worn clothes every season when I hand pick my spring/summer and fall/winter wardrobes and try to be all intentional about it. Thanks for the accidental thought prompt! :)
Thank you! Never feel bad! Grammar help always welcome. 😆
Every time I read about a capsule wardrobe I have the same question…do you have stuff in storage that didn’t make it into this seasons capsule (primary or secondary)? Or if it doesn’t make it into this season’s capsule is it then donated, consigned, etc.? For some reason this always confuses me. Thanks for your posts!!
Oh, and one more question…I have a Jamie and the Jones T top and I love it. However it’s hard to layer under a leather jacket similar to yours. Is the T sweater the same? I’ve eyed it on a few bloggers and love it but I feel like I won’t be able to wear a jacket over top. I live in Calgary where we sometimes get 4 seasons in a day and being able to layer stuff is essential. I’m thinking Only Child’s Madelyn Wool Kimono to solve this issue because of the sleeves. Thanks!!!
I agree, it IS hard to layer, I usually only wear my T Top under chunky cardigans. The T Sweater actually fits under all my coats (besides my leather jacket). My rain jackets and winter jackets are a tad looser at the underarms so that helps. I had a wool jacket for just a bit last winter, and that one was tricky because the upper arms were more snug, so it wasn’t quite as comfortable with the T Sweater.
Great question Charis! I have my summer stuff still in my closet ( a few dresses and tanks/short) and that will go to storage soon. My one under the bed tote currently houses some thicker sweaters and turtlenecks for winter. Everything else is in my primary/secondary wardrobes *which are both in my closet.
I mean, not workout gear or pajamas though! :)
This makes so much sense! I am eager to get back into a normal wardrobe (that doesn’t include maternity considerations) and structure it this way. I feel like it’s more realistic than a capsule, but serves some of the same purpose (i.e. focus and quality). Thanks for sharing!
Excited for you Natalie!
Thanks for this. We have fairly different styles, but the idea of core vs. secondary is a great help in thinking about what to keep, pass on, and experiment with. I love the balance of staying true to what you know works with leaving room to experiment. I’ve been in a bit of a wardrobe funk lately and I’m optimistic this new framework will help me move on and continue to simplify!
Yay! I hope it works for you! Honored that I could help out, even if just a little bit. Just a plain ol’ re-arrange in my closet seems to really help me! Because after awhile I just stop seeing what is there.
Beautiful! I love how versatile all the pieces are and look so comfortable. I have a pair of Chelsea boots and I swear my feet like huge in them. Am I the only one? Size 9.5 here so maybe that’s why? I always find it a struggle to style them with outfits. I’ll keep a look out on your blog to see how you do it!
Ugh, I go back and forth Nina on whether I think my feet look bit in them. I wear 9.5 or a 10. I find they look really cute with straight leg jeans that hit at the top of the boot! I’m working on a blog post about ankle boots and jeans for the future!
Hi Andrea! Would you be able to tell me how the Everlane wide leg crop pants compared to the Jesse Kamm sailor pants? I had my eye on the former. I’ve never ordered Everlane pants before, but seeing the camel colour on you in your San Fran blog post was quite the persuader haha. Any reasons why they’re not in your core wardrobe? Would love to hear your opinion. Thanks for sharing snippets of your real working wardrobe :)
Hi Kimberly! The Kamm pants have a higher waist and the fabric is thick and not stretchy. The inseam is also slightly longer. Overall they have a slight 70’s vibe. The Everlane pants have more give with the stretch and are slightly more cropped. They also have side pockets, which make them feel more like ‘work pants’ to me. The Kamm pants are slightly more casual and that’s why they made my core wardrobe. Also, the midnight color goes with more of my wardrobe than the ochre. That being said, I still like the Everlane ones, and I plan to wear them too! I hope that helps. For further reading: http://www.stylebee.ca/2017/02/20/wide-leg-crop-pant-review/
Hi Andrea :) can I ask your opinion about the Everlane wide leg crop pants? How do they compare to the Jesse Kamm sailor pants? Any reason why they didn’t make your core wardrobe? I’ve been eyeing a pair ever since seeing them on your San Fran blog post! Would love to hear your thoughts c:
Hi Jane! For me it mostly comes down to color, but also a little bit on style. For some reason the Everlane ones feel like ‘dress pants’ and the Kamms feel more like everyday pants. I lead a pretty casual lifestyle so I gravitate towards casual. Also the tan color just goes with less of my wardrobe so I wear them a little less. They are both great pants! You’ll see both this fall on the blog!
Also Lee over at Style Bee wrote a great post comparing the two pants. I’ll try to link it in the comments later today!
I’m almost 100% sure that that “dressy” feeling you’re getting is from the chino-style pockets. Those give the pants the feel of a pair of sharp chinos – in other words, work clothes.
Yes! I think that’s exactly it!!
Thank you so much for replying! I found Lee’s article, so don’t worry about linking it :) You’re a sweetheart, Andrea!
Aw, thanks!!
Cool idea Andrea! And the colors/photos looks so PRETTY!
I STRUGGLE with fall and spring…where temps range from the 80s to the 30s…so I just divided the season and my tops in half (my bottoms stay the same).
From Sept-Oct, my tops are tees and tanks with a few light cardigans. + pretty much the same pants (I’ve got 2 pairs of cropped jeans in there that’ll switch out to full length/weight jeans in November)
In November-December, I’m going to switch to long sleeve tops, a few sweaters + same pants (with heavier, longer jeans)
I’m hoping this works for me because I was feeling like my wardrobe (which had about 45 items) was WAY TOO BIG for me. :) It’s now down to around 30 (plus SHOES….oh, SHOES!!! How I love thee!)
I love this!! What a great idea! Yes, these ‘shoulder seasons’ are so hard for me because of the wild range of temps, and so many items in my closet! This is such a smart way to tackle that! (PS – I love shoes too.)
You’ve already answered my question (same as Charis’) about where you store your other items (thanks!). I think the primary/secondary wardrobes + rotating out strictly seasonal items makes more sense than a strict capsule. I don’t quite have enough clothes in my closet to warrant such a distinction, but I may one day. Thank you for sharing!
Of course! And just to be clear both primary and secondary are in my closet, with a few off-season items under the bed. :)
I got the Kamm in midnight too! So. Good. Try with vintage tops – retro chic! And watch out, you’re gonna become a No 6 fiend – it happens fast. Next: the ankle boots. 100% necessary in a wardrobe/climate like yours. TRUST ME. 😋
Ah! I knew you’d be happy that I got a pair of them! They are beautiful and so comfortable! Excited to wear them lots. The boots are on my radar! I love the midnight too, the color is just so good!
Hey Andrea! I missed the boat on the first round of Everlane jeans… on the waitlist now! Quick question for ya: what size do you wear in your 3/4 length 3 dots shirt? I need something to layer under my jumpsuit.
Also, have you tried on the Pima Micro rib Scoop Neck tee from Everlane? Sleeves are a little shorter and neck is a little lower, but I wonder how it would work as a layering piece…?
Hi Leslie! I have a size M in the 3/4 length 3 dots shirt. It works well under my Reifhaus jumpsuit! I have not tried on the Pima Micro Rib Scoop, it’s cute on the model but I worry about that neckline with a jumpsuit. I am thinking of trying the long sleeve Pima Micro Rib though!
Hi! Sorry if you’ve answered this before but I’m wondering what size you went with in your Reformation jacket? I want to get on the waitlist for it in the right size, but with jackets you never know if it is cut to be roomy enough to bend elbows/layer underneath, or if you need to size up. Thanks so much!
Hi Jess! I went with a small. The medium was too long in the arms and wide in the shoulders. However the small is pretty snug on my arms, which makes it hard to layer things underneath it.
Love this! I always sort my closet by garment type and color, but now I’m inspired to split my essentials and creative flair into their own sections :)
Yes! I think it has been very helpful. I hope it works for you as well!
Great post! It’s really helpful to see the types of items and get inspiration to streamline my closet.
Do you recommend Nordstrom for jean hemming? They seem to have worked out well! I’m having such a hard time finding a good jeans tailor.
Yes! That’s exactly who I use to hem my jeans, even if I didn’t buy them there! They did my vintage Levi’s, using the original hem, and it turned out great!
I stumbled across your blog and almost immediately bookmarked it as one of my favorites! I am at the beginning of the “capsule experience” and enjoy reading your posts about your trials and triumphs with the process. I appreciate the honesty!
I am contemplating taking the plunge and buying the Bryr clogs featured in this post as a present to myself for my 30th birthday… But I also saw that you recently purchased a pair of No.6 clogs. Is there one brand you recommend over the other? How does the sizing compare? I wear mostly a 7, occasionally a 6.5 in most shoe types. I also wear a 7 in the Everlane modern loafer and a 6.5 in the modern chelsea boot, if that helps. Thanks so much!
Hi Ashley! On the blogs, they are both great, I bought a pair of No.6 because Bryr didn’t make the slip on style I was looking for. (They have a slip on, it just wasn’t what I had in mind.) The biggest differences I notice are that Bryr’s are a little more dainty shaped around the toe, while No.6 is more rounded like a traditional clog. Additionally on the mid heel, the Bryr is more narrow at the heel base than No.6. And lastly the No.6 clogs are laquered, so they’re a bit darker, but the wood is more sealed. Bryr pre-treats their wood, but it still tends to get scuffed on the heels (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, IMO). Sizing: I’m afraid I don’t have good info on this one! No.6 clogs seems to vary depending on style, but are perhaps a bit more narrow. I say go with the brand that has the style you like best! And if you’re unsure about sizing, shoot them an email. :)
Hi Andrea, I am wondering about the Nisolo Mariella Mules. Are those hard to walk in? Like is there a feeling of them flinging off your feet so you have to grip with your toes as you walk? Hope I’m making sense. I think if I remember correctly you also have the Nisolo Sofia slip ons too, does the back heel lip help those to stay on better since your heels are slightly contained? I’m torn between the two. Which do you find more comfortable? Thanks for any help!
Hi Stacy! I love the Mariella Mules, they stay on very nicely, they are snug on the front of the foot and the sides, so I’ve never had an issue with them coming off. I prefer the Mariellas over the Sofias because that back lip bothered my heel. But if you’re looking for more security, that style might be worth a try! I hope that helps!
Thanks, yes very helpful! Also, do you notice the quarter inch heel height difference between the Sofia and Mariella in terms of comfort? Are the insoles equally cushioned? Sorry to ask so many questions, there’s very little info out there comparing these two! Thanks again!! :)
Hi Stacy, I had not noticed there was a difference in the shoe heights until you mentioned it! I would say the Sofia hugs your foot a little more and might feel a *tad* more secure/snug than the Mariella, if that’s a concern. The Sofias seemed a teeny bit more cushiony to me, but I sold them awhile back so I can’t quite remember. Hope that helps!
I have both the Sofias and the Mariellas, and I love them both! I actually like the Sofias more, as I just love the way they look with a pair of black ankle length pants (I have them in black) and I feel like I can walk a little more securely in them. The back lip has never bothered my feet. That said, I also love the Sofias ( I have them in sand) and I have no problem walking in them either (I just have to think about it *slightly* more). Both pairs seem equally cushioned, and I also never noticed that the heel heights were different!
I’ve worn both pairs a bunch, and they just seem to get better with age. One thing I think that has really helped both pairs keep their beautiful shape is I always insert shoe trees as soon as I take them off, which prevents wrinkles from setting in. I’ve also cleaned the nubuck of the sand Sofias with the product that Nisolo recommends in their shoe care video and it got rid of a few scuffs/scratches I had acquired as well as marks from when I spilled beer on my shoe (not recommended!).
Anyway, you can’t go wrong! I love the look of the new Sofias in sand too . . .
Can’t wait to see how you style your core capsule! I noticed you got the Jamie and the Jones blank canvas top in Umber recently, but it doesn’t seem to be here (also I don’t see the natural blank canvas top either) – any reason? It seems like such a great color for fall! Is it just that the shape is too hard to layer?
Hi Jessica, I have found that style just doesn’t work for me. It’s too hard to layer over it, and shape just does not work well with my body type (wide shoulders). I finally sold them. BUT, I have a new beautiful top in a similar camel color that I’ll be debuting soon on the blog!
Ooh, I can’t wait to see it! I love that color so much.