Prime Fashion

Guys I’m going to be honest, this blog is absolutely the opposite of my shop sustainable piece. I recently watched an episode of The Patriot Act about fast fashion and truly, I am a piece of shit for saying this, but I love me some Amazon Prime fashion.

I KNOW. I’m literally the worst.

In most aspects of life, I’m working harder to be a better human. Staying woke. Recycling. Eating significantly less meat. Using sustainable/eco friendly beauty products, I’m TRYING. But sometimes, I’m not perfect.

The part of me that’s really not perfect? She loves a good Amazon Prime fashion piece. I’ve gotten some really insane deals on shoes on Amazon, but until December, hadn’t tried any clothing. That changed when I purchased a sparkly jumpsuit for a Holiday party and fell in love.

That jumpsuit is a gift to the world. She won the party. Afterwards, I bought her in two more colors.

And since,I’ve decided, I’m willing to try some Amazon fashion risks. So what do you look for? How do you have success on the Amazon fashion wheel of death?

1. Reviews are everything

   I’d never buy anything with less than 100 reviews. I decided that’s my threshold for a good test market. I also won’t buy anything with less than 4 stars. Take the time to read the reviews. Check out what everyone is saying and look at the pictures available. Additionally, often women will put their measurements in the reviews which is really helpful for comparing to your own body type.

2. Follow Colette Prime on Instagram and Amazon

   I’ve talked about how awesome this babe is and I won’t stop. Follow her on IG as she tests out every single piece and reviews in detail what you need to know. She’s good and real and I adore her.

That’s it. Honestly, it’s all a risk anyways because everyone has a different body type. But the cool thing is shopping on Amazon is really not super different than shopping online for clothes in general. Sure, you’re not familiar with the brands so how they fit your body is definitely a risk, but in general, consistency in sizing these days is a mess to begin with.

And now…some pieces I’ve fallen in love with! Remember, the cool part about Amazon is prices are always fluctuating so check in and wait for a price that works for you! I’ve gotten some REALLY good deals by just being patient!

This bodycon dress!

These sequin pants. They were a risk with only 50 reviews, but it paid off!

This fun and sexy top! I know, fast fashion SheIn isn’t always amazing quality, but for $15, I’ll get enough use out of it!

I know and love this brand so this jumpsuit is worth buying at this price with no reviews!

This simple sweater is awesome for my office and just a comfy casual winter/fall staple!

Huge fan of the Columbia brand and I got this pullover for a sweet $25!

What are you buying on Amazon and what are your best tips?

Style Me Pretty

I am 99.9% certain Style Me Pretty is a brand or an influencer or something in the fashion world I am not educated on. Truth is, I am no fashionista. But I am into looking and feeling good. Even as a more casual classic styled woman, I like to get dressed up, I love a good sparkle or pop of color, and I live for a good shoe.

By no means is this a blog about fashion. I hardly qualify in that regard and quite frankly, I’m not interested in it. However, I am now in my 30’s, making good money, and interested in investing in pieces that last and that fit me correctly.

Gone are the days of Forever 21 (LOL but really its bankrupt) and hello are the days of a classic Madewell T. In a nutshell, I like to be comfortable. My style is very classic with random moments of a funky color/sequin/tutu but affordable and whatever makes me look and feel my best.

I am not a brand girl. You won’t catch me spending thousands on a bag or hundreds on a pair of jeans. I want quality but I need it at an affordable price. And rarely do I ever buy anything that’s not on sale. The hunt for a bargain is a thrill that is difficult to replace.

So where am I shopping right now?

Thrift Stores

Still in the thrift store game. Pick cities in an affluent zip code or nearby one. Dedicate yourself to spending time hunting down the good pieces. I have a $10 silk, fully lined, fully body hugging gown that I have worn for two black tie events. It cost more to dry clean the dress than actually purchase it. The point is, find pieces that can be staples or even a funky beaded sweater that’s in good shape or can be easily dry cleaned back to life. If it doesn’t fit quite right, BUY IT - paying to tailor these pieces can often give you an incredible wardrobe staple for under $50.

TJ Maxx

Do not sleep on TJ Maxx and stay out of the juniors section. TJ Maxx carries a lot of surprisingly high end names if you’re willing to look. I’ve purchased Stuart Weitzman, Betsey Johnson (love a good funky Betsey piece), and even Rebecca Minkoff here. And for 1/3 of the price of what you’d pay at Nordstrom. Again, it’s not promised you’ll find a gem every time, but find a wealthier area and hit up their TJ Maxx.

Amazon

Wild right? I’m telling you some of my best shoe finds have been on Amazon. Lucky brand open toe booties for $15, Cole Haan for $30, I even found some gorgeous Steve Madden flats for $12. The trick is to find styles you like and add them to your cart in your size. Then continue to check your list every other day, weekly, whatever works for you and follow the price. Some items I love never lower enough for me to buy, but a lot of the time I’m able to snag shoes for practically free. I haven’t bought a ton of clothes on Amazon yet, but If you follow Colette Prime, she’s got all the info you need for buying the best clothes. Plus, she’s a body positive, woman positive, everything positive world traveling phenomenal human.

Where are you shopping as you get older? We all have the go to Nordstrom Rack but where else should I be looking for my next deal?

Buy Good

I love shopping. I love shoes and clothes and all the things. But the older I get, and the more I see how wasteful human beings are, the more I want to shop responsibly and consume less.

I don’t need all the things. But I do love all the things. And I don’t have to give up my passion for shopping if I want to commit to be more environmentally friendly.

How do you “buy good” when it comes to consumption?

Be Resourceful

• Buy reusable bags and stop purchasing bags from stores. Don’t even use the produce bags, but your ow produce bags made out of recycled material.

• Shop for what you need. Be mindful of the waste you’re creating. Buy in bulk if you can. Limit the wasteful packaging and limit the food you buy so that you’re not throwing it away.

• Grow your own food. If you’ve got the time and ability, there are a lot of fruits and vegetables that are easy to grow. I’ve always wanted to have a garden. The food is fresher and amazing for mother nature!

• Hit up a farmer’s market. I live in California, we have really good produce everywhere. Farmer’s markets have endless options for the best fruits and vegetables. It’s also supporting small business in your community!

Shop Sustainable

• Find brands that offer eco friendly sustainable fashion. Yes, it’s more expensive. But the pieces usually last longer and better yet, the process of making them is environmentally friendly. Recommended brands: Levi’s, Alternative apparel, Pact, H&M Conscious, Eileen Fisher, Reformation, Patagonia, Columbia, Athleta

• Shop vintage/thrift store. Buy clothing that has already been used. Personally, I love the quality of pieces that were made 10-20 years ago and if they’re in good shape, dry cleaning makes them good as new. I’m also a big fan of a good deal! Recommended Shops: Poshmark, eBay, Goodwill, etc.

• Clothes share! Host a swap! A lot of us have clothes that don’t fit, styles we are over, or pieces we just don’t wear and never did. Share with your friends! Get together and exchange what you’re not wearing.

Be a Leader

• Be a resource. Do your research. Teach your kids about sustainability. Be a champion for Mother Nature. Help guide the next generation to take care of the world.

Sustainability and being environmentally friendly is no longer just for hippies. It’s our job to start taking better care of the world around us. We are losing valuable resources we will never get back. Climate change is real. Animals are dying. The rain-forest is depleted. It’s really cool, and really important to buy good.

Happy Shopping Sequins!

Investment

Ok, not that kind of investment. Certainly by 30 you should be well on your way to financial security with a diverse portfolio and a 401K, but this blog, it’s not about that. This blog is about investing in your wardrobe.

I am a self proclaimed discount shopper. I won’t pay full price for anything. But I’m also a grown up. And I understand that at my age, I need to be mindful of the pieces I’m purchasing. It’s time to invest in well made staples that I can build a foundation with.

How do you build a wardrobe that lasts and is also mindful of current style trends? Let me tell you, I’m no style expert. I tend to live in leggings more often that not. So you can trust me when I say this blog is for the everyday woman. Who lives for comfort but also wants to look put together.

1. Find your style

   What’s your style? I don’t believe in fitting any one mold or having to stick to a style but I do think its important to understand what your style is so that you’re not forcing yourself into a trend because it’s cool. Invest in figuring out what works for your body type. What accentuates your frame? Don’t spend money on clothes and accessories just because you like them. Figure out what looks and feels good or it’s a complete waste of your time and money.

2. Spend on Staples

   Spend a little more for well made, long lasting, classic pieces. Clothes you should be investing extra money in are jeans, t-shirts, jackets, shoes - pieces you wear often and that you can pair with different accessories to look different. For example, a good pair of jeans can be paired with a million different tops and shoes so repeating isn’t an issue.

3. Save on Trends

   If you’re buying trendy items, go to places like H&M who make them for cheap. That way when they’re out of style or you’re over them, you didn’t spend a huge amount for nothing. If it’s a piece for a big event or special occasion and you’re not going to wear it again, opt for a more inexpensive option of the piece you’re coveting in a magazine.

4. Spend Smart Regardless

   I won’t pay full price for just about anything. If I’m buying an expensive item, I’m looking where I can find the best quality for the best bargain. I own two gorgeous leather bags that I bought in Italy. The same leather that’s used for big names like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. But because I bought it in Italy, without the designer label on it (it’s just classic black good leather), I paid $300 instead of $3,000. You can also get good quality shoes and clothing at places like Nordstrom Rack that are on sale but well made.

This sounds silly, but create a list of staple pieces. The French often do this to build out a minimalist wardrobe with well made pieces. For example, jeans, t-shirts, blazers, riding boots, little black dress, etc. You know the things you need to have last the stand of time, invest in those. Slowly build up a wardrobe that caters to that.

Really Put Together People vs. Me

Thanks to social media, it is now easier than ever to see people looking really put together while you're just trying to get to work on time without spilling coffee on your white shirt.  You know who I'm talking about - the girl who's on the beach laughing in some candid shot; hair perfectly blowing in the wind just living the dream.  The people who post pictures of their Pinterest crafts and they actually turn out like the photo.  I am not one of these people. 

I consistently spill things on my outfit, am wearing my shirt backwards, and most certainly all candid shots of me are not attractive.  Case in point - my girlfriends and I took jumping shots on the beach in Malibu a few months back.  They all look adorable.  My hair is whipped across my face and I look like I'm going to fall and break an ankle at any moment.

No matter how hard I try - I am simply doomed to be one of those people that you wonder how they make it through a day.  So I'd like to do make a list - because God I love lists - detailing things that have actually happened to me, because being really put together is really overrated. 

• I once got a concussion at work from falling out of my chair, rolling down some stairs, and hitting my head on a wall.
• The Los Angeles City Fire Department paused to laugh at me standing in the street in my underwear BEFORE running upstairs to stop the fire I set in my microwave.
• While trying to hang up a poster I staple gunned my finger to a wall.
• Went to work once wearing two different shoes.
• In Colorado it was really cold.  I wore extra thick polar bear socks under my slacks at work.  When I crossed my legs in a big meeting, it was extremely easy to see my non business like socks.
• In college I had to make up the timed mile for Fall training (I ran track in college) bright and early one morning.  I ate yogurt about 30 minutes before I ran.  I finished with a 6 minute mile - and then proceeded to throw up in front of the entire football team who was also practicing at that time.
• I've gone places with mascara only on one eye, more than once.
• I got on a flight to Houston once.  I meant to go to Sacramento. 
•  In one day I backed into a dumpster and a pole at Trader Joe's.  Literally within hours of each other. 
• For an entire day I wore a work blouse inside out.  Didn't realize this until I got home that evening.
• During an autograph session with an athlete I was working with, basketballs started rolling off the table - at which point I said "Come on...Your balls are everywhere!"  Didn't realize anything was weird about this statement for 10 minutes.  
• My first day of work at a new job my boss told me we were going to a meeting.  It was cold and snowing and I said "Should I wear my clothes?" ...instead of should I bring my coat? 
• I bought a fun work appropriate red lipstick that I wore ....it was on my teeth for half the day.
• When I hung up with the head coach of the team I was working for I said "ok love you bye" because I'm so used to saying it to friends and family.  I didn't even realize I said it until he made a joke about it the following day. 
• During an event I was updating the SVP about details of setup when I realized somehow this really expensive giant glitter sign (duh) had been glued to the floor.  I screamed into the phone "GLITTER EMERGENCY" and hung up.  Surprisingly he understood and had no further questions.  
• Went to the gym with a hole in my yoga pants. Didn't understand why all the men were really into me that day until I got home and saw where the hole was located.  Should have charged a fee.  
• In high school I was convinced I could dye my hair blond myself.  I have red understones.  My hair was pink for two weeks because we went on vacation the following day. 

Needless to say - I believe I've proven my point.   I am not effortlessly put together.  I am consistently in awe when I make it through the day looking like the sparkling bombshell that I am.  And yet I am surprisingly incredible at what I do for a living (and proud of it).  People pay me to be really put together and make flawless magic happen.  And I always do. 

Talk to me about your stories.  Are you one of those really put together people that I'm jealous of (Dove I'm looking at you!)? Tell me your secrets.  Because I'm convinced they pull you all aside and teach you special secrets when you're born and the rest of us are me.