minimal wardrobe Archives - Whitney Nic James

Personal Style | Wearing Stripes + 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying Something New

July 3, 2017 by Whitney 17 Comments

So, I’m still trying to get my minimal wardrobe down pat. I took a break from shopping and organizing my closet for about a month or so, in order to focus my attention elsewhere. But as of last month, I’m back in action. This striped blouse, purchased for just $7.99 at Macy’s, is actually one of my latest minimal wardrobe additions. Wearing stripes for me comes as natural as wearing leopard print and as much as I love solids, styling prints every so often is a must!

* Read Also, How to Style 1 Kimono 3 Ways

Blouse: Macy’s // Bodysuit: F21 // Leggings: Philosophy, TJMaxx (another option) // Necklace: Purchased in NY // Shoes: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom Rack (similar style)

Before deciding to purchase this blouse I had to come up with at least 3 ways to wear it. Regardless of the sale price, if it didn’t serve a purpose in my wardrobe, and if it didn’t make me happy, I wasn’t going home with it. Gone are the days when I purchase an item “just because” it’s the right price. My budget and my closet can no longer afford it.

:: SHOPPING TIP :: Before purchasing an item, make sure you can style it at least 3 ways. #wnjstyle

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I approach shopping for new wardrobe items, shoes and accessories included, differently these days. It’s taken some getting used to and there are times when I find myself slipping back to my old ways of shopping, but more often than not I catch myself. To help keep me on track I have 4 questions, in the Notes section of my phone, that I often refer to each time I go shopping for something new. You may find them helpful.

Can you afford this item right now?
Does this item fit into your lifestyle?
Can you style the item at least 3 ways?
Does this item speak to your personal style?

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Something New #wnjstyle

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Tote Bag: Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom Rack (another option)

So tell me, do you ask yourself certain questions before making new wardrobe purchases? Also, are you a fan of wearing stripes? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to share your thoughts with me below. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | All Black Outfit + Keeping a Minimal Wardrobe Budget Friendly

May 7, 2017 by Whitney 14 Comments

When it comes to personal style, all black outfits are my go to choice. The chicness of an all black outfit will never go out of style; it’s timeless. Chic and timeless are 2 words I keep in mind while shopping for my growing minimal wardrobe. While I love to add funky accessories and style trendy pieces every once in a while, I prefer to keep the majority of my clothing simple.

Related: 3 Ways to Make Having a Minimal Wardrobe Easier

Blouse: Edista, Nordstrom Rack // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack // Leggings: Philosophy, TJMaxx // Glasses: Local Beauty Supply Store

Building a minimal wardrobe is a process and it’s one that, in my opinion, will never stop. For a while, I was good with the amount items I had in my closet. I rotated and restyled several pieces, and still do, but as seasons change and as my style evolves so does my wardrobe.

Building a wardrobe never stops, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive process. #wnjstyle

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So how do I keep my minimal wardrobe budget friendly? Here are 5 tips:

Create your own definition of a minimal wardrobe and do what works for you.
Purchase certain items, like accessories and outerwear, at the thrift store.
Keep a running list of what you already have and what you need.
Purchase items offseason to avoid paying full price.
Only purchase what you’re going to wear right now.
- not what you’ll wear when you get to a certain size or when you lose a certain amount of weight

5 Ways to Keep a Minimal Wardrobe Budget Friendly #wnjstyle

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Purse: Arcadia, Gifted // Flats: Vince Camuto, Nordstrom Rack (similar style)

So tell me, what do you think about my chic and timeless all black outfit? How do you keep your wardrobe budget friendly? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | 3 Ways to Make Having a Minimal Wardrobe Even Easier

February 22, 2017 by Whitney 11 Comments

Since embarking on my minimal wardrobe journey, I’ve never been less stressed when it comes to figuring out what to wear each day. I literally have 5 work outfits. I rotate the items, change up the jewelry/shoes and go about my day. When it comes to weekend-wear I rotate 3 outfits, depending on what we have planned. Doesn’t get much easier than that, right? Well, here are 3 more ways to make having a minimal wardrobe can be even easier.

Related: The Start of My Minimal Wardrobe

Kimono: TJMaxx (Another Option) // Shoes: Via Spiga, Amazon (Exact)

1. Stop Using the Iron | Since creating a minimal wardrobe, I’ve started purchasing clothes made with certain materials. This tactic has saved me a lot of time in the mornings when getting dressed. Fabrics like spandex, wool, polyester-blends, and certain knits are great if you want to avoid ironing. These materials also have a tendency to be wrinkle-free. Granted, some items may need a touch up here and there, but for the most part, my closet consists of ready-to-wear garments that don’t need to be ironed.

2. Write Down Your Outfits | Knowing what you have makes shopping for clothes and getting dressed a breeze. I keep a notebook in my dresser drawer and it’s filled with all of my work, weekend and workout outfits. In the same notebook, I’ve written down sample outfits that I can wear for certain events, as well as my shoes and the outerwear. Granted I don’t write down every single item I own, but what I do write down keeps me on track especially when it’s time to shop for different seasons.

3. Buy More Than One | Even before creating a minimal wardrobe I did this. Having more than one of something you wear often just makes sense. Take black leggings for example; I have 5 pairs in rotation. 3 pair are the heavy spandex material and 2 are some kind of cotton spandex blend. They’re all thick enough to be worn with just a t-shirt, although I rarely do this, and they’re sturdy enough for me to wash weekly. I also have 2 more pairs that I wear on the weekends or while I’m walking/exercising.

How to make having a minimal wardrobe even easier! #wnjstyle

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Clutch: Thrifted, Goodwill (Another Option)

So tell me, do you do any of these things? Let me know!

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Personal Style | 5 Reasons Why Having a Minimal Wardrobe Makes Life Easier

November 15, 2016 by Whitney 20 Comments

Before I started my minimal wardrobe journey, I did a lot of research. I said that I would take things slow and I promised myself that I would do things my way. Months into this new personal style change, I can say that I’m very pleased with my progress. I’m starting to see how this small change has made my life a lot less stressful.

It’s safe to say that creating a minimal wardrobe has made my life a lot less stressful. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t want to make their lives less stressful, so here are 5 reasons why having a minimal wardrobe will make your life easier.

Related: The Start of My Minimal Wardrobe Journey

1. Less Stress | How many times do you wake up in the morning and stress about what you’re going to wear? Most of that stress probably comes from having too many options. Creating a minimal wardrobe can easily cut your wardrobe in half, which will make getting dressed in the mornings a lot less stressful.

2. Less Expensive | Over the past 8 months I’ve spent less on my wardrobe than I have in years. In the beginning, I got rid of a lot of unworn items and refilled my closet with certain key pieces, but once that process was over the spending dwindled. I no longer have the urge to make compulsive purchases because I know exactly what I have in my wardrobe, and I know exactly how to style (and re-style) each piece.

3. Less Stuff | Having less stuff makes #’s 1 and 2 possible. Need I say more?

Having a minimal wardrobe makes life a lot less stressful. Here’s why! #wnjstyle

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Denim: Torrid (Another Option) // Sweater: Bobeau, Nordstrom Rack (Another Option) // Purse: Nine West, Gifted // Flats: Same Edelman, Nordstrom Rack

4. More Freedom | Having a minimal wardrobe gives you the freedom to be creative. With just a few key pieces you’d be surprised at how many different outfits you can create using accessories, shoes and more. I find that I actually have more creative freedom with less clothing options. Sounds strange, I know, but it’s true! Just take a look at how many ways I’ve restyled the same pieces this year.

5. More Time | Having fewer clothing options frees up your time in the mornings, and in the evenings, to get more things done. Think about it… You probably spend about 20-30 minutes going back and forth with yourself about what to wear to work. Imagine having fewer choices to choose from. You can literally cut your morning “getting ready” time in half if you already know what’s in your closet, and how to style those items.

5 Reasons Why Having a Minimal Wardrobe Makes Life Easier #wnjstyle

If you take a look at the outfits above, you’ll see how I styled 2 of the same sweaters, in different colors, 4 different ways. Thanks to accessories, shoe choices, different pants/bottoms and hairstyles, each outfit is perfect for a separate occasion. If this isn’t an example of a how building a minimal wardrobe can help create an easier and more simple lifestyle, I don’t know what is!

So tell me, do you think having a minimal wardrobe could help make your life a little easier? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to let me know your thoughts on creating a minimal wardrobe. I’d love to know your thoughts! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Wearing All Black + 3 Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe

October 5, 2016 by Whitney 22 Comments

From adopting a minimal sense of style to emptying out several overflowing closets and drawers in our home, I’ve been on a quest to find ways to simplify my wardrobe. It hasn’t been easy because I still LOVE a good shopping or thrifting trip. However, I’ve become much more aware of the clothes I already own. I’ve also become an expert at remixing certain items to wear during different seasons. If you want to try minimizing your wardrobe this season, here are 3 easy ways to simplify your wardrobe.

Related: Creating a Minimal Wardrobe

1. Purchase more solid colors. | This is a small and easy step that can easily help simplify your wardrobe. Buying more solid colored clothing allows you to mix & match your items more often, which in turn helps ease the stress of figuring out what to wear every day.

2. Create a work uniform. | I pretty much wear the same 5-6 basic pieces to work each week. To keep things interesting I switch up the accessories/shoes, add a vest, kimono or cardigan and change up my jewelry. Creating a work uniform has made getting dressed in the mornings a breeze. No worries; I’m still stylish, chic and cute every day at work!

3. Declutter your space little by little. | We often want to get rid of our junk right away, all at once. However, if you declutter little by little, one closet or drawer at a time, it’s less overwhelming. It also makes decluttering and reorganizing a more realistic task for you to complete.

Vest: Dalia, TJ Maxx (Another Option) // Dress: Kenar Woman, Marshall’s (Similar) // Flats: Tesori, Nordstrom Rack (Exact, Size 6 & Similar)

Related: 5 Things to do at night to Prepare You for the Next Day

I also suggest wearing purchasing a few all-black wardrobe staples. A little black dress, a black vest, a couple pair of black leggings and a few black t-shirts can do wonders for your personal style! As I mentioned over on Instagram the other day, I used to think wearing all black was boring. But I’ve learned that with the right accessories, an all-black outfit can be just as exciting as one with color and prints.

3 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Wardrobe #wnjstyle

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Sunnies: H&M (Similar) // Necklace: Purchased in NY (Other Options)

So tell me, do you have any tips on how to simplify your wardrobe? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to let me know your thoughts on simplifying your wardrobe, as well as my all-black outfit, below. I love reading and responding to your comments! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Wearing Denim and a Floral Blouse

September 7, 2016 by Whitney 22 Comments

HELLO THERE! I’m back with a brand new outfit AND a brand new attitude! I’ll get into my new attitude in another post, but for now let’s get into how I styled a pair denim and a floral blouse. Cute, right?! I’ve been wearing flowy tops all summer. No surprise there, I know. I’ve also been wearing this pair of ankle length denim over and over again. For a while I wasn’t able to comfortably fit into them, but since I’ve been walking away the pounds this summer these pants are back to fitting like a glove!

Blouse: Sejour (Another Option) // Denim: JCP (Similar)

I purchased this Sejour blouse while shopping at Nordstrom Rack in Boca Raton, Florida. My family and I were there for a week in July while my sister competed in a pageant. I figured during my downtime I’d do a little shopping. Nordstrom Rack was a short Uber ride from the hotel, so of course I had to visit. While I wasn’t too pleased with their plus size section, I did find this blouse, a really cute pair of shoes and a few beauty items.

The perfect chic and stylish outfit for the fall! #wnjstyle

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This blouse is perfect for year-round styling. The material is light, the pattern is fun, and the style is timeless. Although the pattern colorful, it’s still the perfect addition to my minimal wardrobe. Yes, I’m still on the minimal style wave. No worries; a minimal style update coming soon!

Heels: Kenneth Cole, Bloomingdales (Another Option) // Necklace: oNecklace

So tell me, do you like the way I style denim and a floral blouse? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you’ve been enjoying the summer. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | My Take on Black and White Minimalism

May 18, 2016 by Whitney 33 Comments

When I decided to do the whole minimal style thing I vowed to do it my way. Of course I plan to continue incorporating the “minimal colors” like black, white and neutrals. However, I’m determined not to be boring with my outfit choices. This outfit could have easily gone the boring route, but adding a hint of my fun personality with the accessories made all the difference. That’s why this outfit is my take on black and white minimalism.

Blouse: Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Pants: Nordstrom Rack (Similar) // Clutch: Love, Cortnie

I’ll be the first to throw on a simple/basic outfit. The less fuss the better! However, I’m a stickler for adding a unique touch to every outfit; that’s where personal style comes in. Therefore, when deciding to wear this outfit, I made sure to add a bold clutch, a pair of trendy metallic heels and a unique necklace.

Black and white is the perfect color combination for a minimal wardrobe. #wnjstyle

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I wear black and white several times a week and its my go-to color combo for many events. The colors are easy to style and can be worn in many variations. Simply put, black and white is the perfect color combination to add to any wardrobe.

Shoes: Kenneth Cole, DSW (Similar) // Necklace: Macy’s // Watch: Charming Charlie (Another Option)

So tell me, what do you think about my take on black and white minimalism? How often do you wear black and white? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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Personal Style | Minimal Wardrobe Update + (More) Minimal Wardrobe Options

May 11, 2016 by Whitney 25 Comments

As I continue building my minimal wardrobe, I’m very pleased with my progress. I’ve donated and sold several items that no longer serve a purpose and will continue to do so throughout this process. I’ve created a list of specific items to add to my wardrobe and I’ve started buying only those items. Talk about self-control! I’ve also started wearing what’s left in my closet more often, which helps create even more minimal wardrobe options. Styling the pieces differently has allowed me to become more creative with accessories, shoes, and jewelry.

Tunic: Bobeau, Nordstrom Rack (Different Color) // Pants: Sejour, Nordstrom (Similar & Similar) // Flats: Steve Madden (Similar)

Earrings & Necklace: Macy’s (Similar & Similar)

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of wearing black, gray and other neutrals. Bright colors and prints also have a place in my wardrobe; however, I stick with a neutral color palette for most of my work outfits. The gray tunic and black pants, worn in the outfit above, are two of my favorite items to style. Each piece can easily serve as a base for several outfits.

Remember the ‘quality over quantity’ rule when purchasing items for your wardrobe. #wnjstyle

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As I search the web for wardrobe additions, of course, I’ve found several options from Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. Both stores carry multiple brands that fit several plus size body types. They also sell quality clothing. The price doesn’t always dictate the quality of an item, but when shopping at these stores that’s sometimes the case. While rebuilding and adding to my minimal wardrobe, I’m all about quality over quantity. Therefore, I’m willing to spend a little extra to make sure I stick to that rule.

Pants: Carlson, Nordstrom (same) // Top: Sejour, Nordstrom (same) // Sneakers: Converse, Nordstrom (same)

So tell me, what do you think about my latest minimal outfit? Are you a fan of the 3 minimal wardrobe options from Nordstrom? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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