This post is sponsored by Lord & Taylor and ShopStyle. The product selections are my own, and I only highlight and promote pieces that I truly love. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Sheaffer Told Me To!
Today’s post is all about transition pieces and basics. I mean, I like fun and colorful outfits and accessories as much as the next girl, but I also love and often crave great basics. And I appreciate how basic pieces typically move easily between seasons and make transitioning from cold to warm weather a breeze.
When deciding what basics you want to add to your closet, think about the fact that good quality basics are timeless and chic. They provide us with pieces that we can pull out to wear week after week, season after season, year after year, to all sorts of occasions. A great basic piece is also one that can be styled many different ways. And it’s something that you always feel great in. Today I’ve partnered up with Lord & Taylor to bring you 3 easy to wear outfits and a handful of some fabulous basics that I know you are going to love.
OUTFIT #1
A simple tee and cardi, a great fitting pair of jeans, a classic tote, and some sassy shoes (that are still totally timeless) all come together for OUTFIT #1.
I consider each piece in this outfit to be a quality basic that could serve a purpose in all of our closets.
black cardi / white tee / necklace / black tote / AG jeans / pointy toe leopard flats / earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
It’s just a regular outfit formula that you’ve seen me wear time and time again, but it’s chock full of high quality pieces that are awesome basics.
The tee is a simple white crew neck that can be worn on it’s own, or it can serve as a base layer for lots of your spring outfits. It comes in 7 colors and is priced between $9.99 and $14.95 depending on the color you choose. Great basics don’t have to be expensive! I sized up to a medium because there’s not much that’s worse than a too tight tee.
The cardi comes in 11 colors and is very well made. And this cardi, just like all cardis, is a perfect transition piece. Throw it on in the morning when there’s still a chill in the air, and you can easily take it off in the afternoon as it warms up! Cardigans often find their way into my outfits all year long, but I pretty much always have a cardigan or a light jacket with me during the spring and summer months. Mornings often start off quite a bit cooler, and I always like to have an easy layer to throw on in highly air conditioned spaces like restaurants and movie theaters. For size reference, I’m wearing a small in the cardigan. And it’s 20% OFF with the code COZY!
The particular cardigan is super versatile. It could be paired with jeans and your favorite sneakers just as easily as it could be worn with a blouse and nice pair of tailored slacks for the office.
white tee / necklace / black cardi
All 3 outfits today feature this pair of jeans, and they are fantastic.
The fit (so flattering), the comfort, and the overall style can’t be beat. Y’all know I love a well priced pair of jeans, but over the last several years I’ve also added a couple of pairs of designer jeans to my closet. If you’ve never tried designer denim, I urge you to try this brand.
This pair is a nice soft material and a great fit. They do have some stretch in them, but not so much that you are going to have to be pulling on them or worrying about sagging. It’s really the perfect amount of give. The wash is good for year round wear, and I like how the distressing adds interest without being overpowering.
The price of designer denim can often be surprising at first, but I have personally found that my designer denim has been worth the price for me. When you find the right pair of jeans for you, you will reach for them all the time, and you will wear them for years and years.
Okay, let’s talk about this tote. Y’all know I usually gravitate towards cognac bags, but this black one spoke to me. It said, “You’re a grown up, and you need a classic black bag.” #thebagtoldmeto
I absolutely love everything about it. The size, the shape, the material, the snap closure, and the style. And you won’t believe the price! It has two large interior pockets and a zippered pouch, it fits comfortably over my shoulder, and I appreciate the fact that the bag itself is lightweight. And it’s an AMAZING deal right now. It’s already on sale, and now it’s an additional 20% OFF with the code COZY!!!!
Now let’s talk about the item that is providing the personality for this outfit!
These pointy toe leopard flats! I’ve been a fan of leopard flats for years now, and you’ve heard me sing their praises on the blog quite often. These are true to size, really comfy, and SO CUTE! I would wear this shoes all year long as long as the temperature permitted it, regardless of season. I think most shoes definitely favor a season, but these babies are seasonless!
Styling Tip: I always like to show a little bit of ankle when I wear flats, so I typically pair them with ankle jeans. These jeans didn’t show quite enough ankle for my liking, so I turned up the hem to make a tiny bit more space between the flats and the jeans. Depending on the outfit, I sometimes make a wide cuff as well!
For the accessories, I stuck with brushed gold and silver. These metals go with everything, and I love mixing them. These pieces can easily be dressed up or down. And all of the pieces are on sale!
necklace / earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
I love the entire look and how all of the pieces serve a purpose in my closet, especially when transitioning between seasons.
black cardi / white tee / necklace / black tote / AG jeans / pointy toe leopard flats / earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
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OUTFIT #2
Same tee, same jeans, same bag…all I did was switch up the cardi and the flats.
cashmere cardi / white tee / necklace / black tote / AG jeans / nude flats/ earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
This cardi is much more of a relaxed fit than the black one. It’s a waffle cashmere, and although it’s soft, I wouldn’t say it’s overly warm. The deep olive color and material are suitable for year round wear. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
cashmere cardi / white tee / necklace / black tote / AG jeans / nude flats/ earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
For those of you that either aren’t brave enough to rock leopard or just plain don’t like the pattern, I’ve got another choice for a classic flat. I’ve owned and loved these nude leather ballet flats for at least 3 years now. They are extremely comfortable (there’s a nice cushion on the foot bed) and great for all day wear. They look awesome with jeans, but they also pair easily with more tailored slacks and/or dresses. They come in 7 colors, and the cognac is a favorite of mine as well.
These flats are also great for travel. Again, they are comfortable for all day wear on a travel day with lots of walking, but they also pack easily because they are light as a feather.
I highly recommend these flats, and I have lots of readers that are teachers that swear by them.
cashmere cardi / white tee / necklace / black tote / AG jeans / nude flats/ earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
Just for fun, I switched out the black tote for this unique and interesting clutch to show how I could dress up this casual outfit by just changing out the bag. The clutch is also on sale, and an additional 20% OFF!
Styling Tip: The addition of a clutch to an outfit almost always elevates the overall style and makes it more “go out” ready!
cashmere cardi / white tee / necklace / clutch / AG jeans / nude flats/ earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
It’s nice and roomy for a clutch (11.5″ x 8.5″), and I think it’s a show stopper even though it’s quite casual.
It’s a canvas clutch, trimmed in leather and finished off with a large leather tassel. The combination of the black, white, brown, and neutral beads is what makes this clutch one of a kind.
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
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OUTFIT #3
I went back to the leopard flats and black tote for this outfit. But instead of a cardigan, a simple black cashmere sweater. It’s ribbed, a bit boxy, and I love it with a 1/2 tuck.
sweater / black tote / AG jeans / pointy toe leopard flats / earrings / wrap bracelet / cuff bracelet
I really am thrilled to now have a black tote in my closet. I didn’t even know that I wanted or needed one, but clearly I did. You can find my dainty little initial necklace HERE.
And I really can’t say enough about these flats. Without the flats, the outfit is still cute…but WITH THE FLATS, the whole look is totally stylish and super chic. I know most of you probably already have a black sweater and a pair of jeans that you love, so just add the flats and a sleek black tote, and you’ve totally updated your look!
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
I hope today inspired you! A huge thank you to Lord & Taylor and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!
Shay Shull says
That black sweater and leopard flats…I want to be wearing that RIGHT NOW! That is just so cute!!! I loved this Lord & Taylor post!
Erika Slaughter says
I see how that black tote was speaking to you! SO CUTE!!
Narci says
I looooove they black tote! So pretty!
Lisa Meyers says
I haven’t thought about Lord and Taylor for years, but this stuff is really cute! And that tote and that clutch are an amazing deal. Thanks for the reminder!
Addison says
So many cute finds, Sheaffer! Those leopard flats are just adorable. Enjoy tonight’s episode of The Bachelor!
Lori says
I already have both pairs of flats, and you’re right, they’re awesome. Now I’m going to need the clutch and the tote. They’re both such great deals!
Virginia says
LOVE the clutch! And that denim brand is one of my top 2 favorites. They wear so well and are amazingly comfortable. I’m lucky and get to wear jeans daily so nice denim is a worthy investment.
cassie [hi sugarplum] says
Those cardigans are amazing finds!! and I’m obsessed with that beaded clutch! And finally, I’ve had those leopard flats for a year and 1) They still look brand new, and 2) I wear them with EVERYTHING!!!
Lauren - The Little Lake Cottage says
Oh man am I ever loving these hand bags!!! That black bag in particular is beautiful! Super great looks! thanks for sharing!!!