I’m making changes…to my closet. Over the next year, I plan on shifting my focus to more basics and items I will get a lot of use out of, trimming the excess. This does not mean boring. Basics do not have to be humdrum and this whole idea excess excites me. Basics are pieces you will wear over and over again, dressy or casual, everyday. My only caveat is the shoe department. I will not give up my love of shoes, and my love for finding perfect pairs.

You may look at this outfit and think, “those are not basics.” Oh, but they are. This lace top…I’ve had it for years, and I love it. I wear it with jeans, flowy skirts, under overalls, and now with this basic gingham skirt – “but it has ruffles!” Yes, this skirt has ruffles and is so not basic, but it is an item you can wear so many different ways. Pair it with an off the shoulder black top (see my instagram), or just a white tee and a jean jacket. In the fall, add a black sweater and tights with boots. So what I’m really after is taking items I love and making them work in several outfits.

I love this skirt because it’s a faux wrap. There is no chance the wind is going to blow and your skirt is going…you know, fly open. We’ve all been there…right? Or had that image flash though our minds when wearing a wrap skirt or dress. I love the tie, and the classic gingham. I also adore this skirt because it is $16. My earrings are from my latest Rocksbox set. They are Kate Spade stars, and they remind me of Jem (hi! I’m from the 80s). Get a 1 month subscription to Rocksbox free by using code my special code – ‘DONTDRESSLIKEAMOMXOXO‘.

Now let’s talk about the shoes. I can justify any purchase (it’s a talent, really), and I bought this pair because “they will be my birthday shoes.” Does anything scream birthday as much as these? They are metallic, pink, and celebration shoes, and they had to come home with me. Let’s push aside the fact that my birthday isn’t for a few months. They are currently on clearance for $30, so if you need any more justification…there you go. Bargain.

Back to basics, your wardrobe staples can be unique. They should be 100% you. It doesn’t mean jeans and a tee. It can mean step hem jeans with a cut out tunic tee, or skinny jeans and a flowy top with a belt you pair with everything – it’s your personal style. If it feels good on, makes you confident, and is quality made – it’s your basic. So if you have caught on to me, you will see I am not turning my closet into neutrals, or clearing out the fun prints, or getting rid of last season’s trend. I’m simply fine tuning my wardrobe to hold the items I love and make me smile. I’m putting my favorite pairs of jeans front and center. I’m holding on to all the tops that say my name when I put them on. I’ll be keeping the dress that doesn’t get worn all the time, but that comes out for special occasions. It feels good to have a collection of clothes that make me happy, and I think it will make you happy too! If it doesn’t make you smile, throw it in the get rid of pile.

ALSO – I found this skirt in a girls’ version – size 2T-6X, and a big girls’ version that is a little longer.