If you read fashion bloggers and fashion magazines (are those even a thing anymore?) you’ll see lots of people suggesting that when it comes to buying basics, you should spend a little bit more and invest in a piece that will stand the test of time. While I do you believe this for some items (ummm Tieks??) I’m here to tell you that when it comes to certain items I wholly disagree!

And what I’m going to focus on today are black tops.

Maybe I’m immature, but I just can’t keep a black shirt nice from season to season. Maybe it’s because I have cats, maybe it’s because I’m rough on them… I really have no idea. But after three or four months of wear my black tops are pilled and gray and just generally gross.

I do need a new black long sleeved top, as well as a new black cardigan for the fall, and my game plan was to send some stuff into Thred Up and buy some items there… But then Jakie and I stopped into Walmart to pick up some cat litter and I decided to look around.

Jackpot!

Guys, a lot of the stuff there is crap. But a lot of the stuff there is pretty nice! So I grabbed myself this cardigan for $12.44 and this black super soft longsleeved shirt for $8.44!

Outfit 1: Here’s what I put with the cardigan to make it look much more expensive! The blouse and tweed trousers are both from Loft, obviously. The shirt I bought last year, but the pants I’ve had for at least 10 years! The little black booties I just bought recently at Old Navy and they are surprisingly comfortable. They’re also waterproof! And I think they were only about 30 bucks if you’re in the market.

Outfit 2: I imagine I’ll wear this shirt with a ton of different things, and I’ll probably go back and get a white one as well for layering, but for fall I think this will look really cute with a maxi skirt, from THE BRAND WHICH MUST NOT BE NAMED, Chestnut Tieks, and this LC denim jacket from Kohls LC Jacket

So guys, next time you run out for some dish soap and toilet paper, take a roam through the ladies department. There are lots of cheap little treasures to be found!!

I’ve often said to other LuLaroe gals that I never quite understand why there is so much hate for the brand and the company amongst retailers who have moved on to other ventures, but writing this post 24 hours after receiving our contract cancellation notice, and three days after what I can only liken to a massive case of computer-balls bullying by a group of other retailers, I now can fully report to you: I get it. Like, guys I GET IT. The anger, the betrayal, the frustration… the disgust. All of it. I’ll tell you my candid and 100% honest story now, because I think that the nice girls who still sell LuLaroe – and I have had the opportunity to get to know so many of them – have to demand that this type of bullying and self-policing comes to an end. They have to insist that Home Office no longer condones, or even acknowledges this behavior. Its the only way that the LLR “culture” or, sisterhood if you will, will ever survive… because I promise you there are too many ladies out there who thrive on taking another woman down, and it makes me so, so sad.

Here is our story. It is 100% unedited truth, and if someone from HO or LLR tells you otherwise please know that they are full of it. “It” can mean a variety of things in this instance, so I’ll let you fill it in as you see fit.

As you may know, I’m part of a duo, but you should also know that all of our “complaints” were made solely against me. Lest you think I’m a crappy partner for allowing this to happen, know that although less outspoken Karen certainly shares my feelings on the company, both prior to and post termination.

Report #1 – this happened months ago. I used the word “jackass” in passing and I was reported for conduct not befitting for a retailer. Also know my comment was as follows, “If you’re the retailer who reported my friend G**** for having a mystery sale, then you are a jackass.” Btw, I stand by this statement.

Report #2 – Ah, the body shaming and my unethical breasts. So, I posted the pic you can see below in my CLOSED VIP GROUP!!! to get a little feedback on a few old items from my closet. Not for sale, btw. Now I’m not sure if the person who reported this image (what you see below was the actual screen cap sent to LuLaroe that I received in my email from compliance) was offended by my actual body, or the fact that I use the word “boobs,” but either way it is completely appalling that a fellow woman would take offense to somebody else’s body and suggest that it is somehow unethical or morally “wrong.” Image two shows you the corresponding assessment of this photo by home office. So let me clarify: some woman (or more than one, who knows) is offended by my body and to shame me she complained to the company that I formally represented and they agreed with her to the point where I was contacted by compliance!!! I am utterly disgusted. Disgusted that another woman, or other women as this case may be, would act in this way, and further disgusted that the company would agree with her! Now, I may not be a supermodel, but I am not ashamed of how my body looks in this photo. Shame on LuLaroe for implying otherwise.

Reports #3-6 – Ah, the disparaging remarks. Indeed, I made them. Many of them. But in my closed VIP group, and out of frustration following that horror show known as the Amber launch. Yes, I may have said something like they’re run by assholes? That they’re a half ass company? That it was thievery that they took our $$$ for Ambers but attempted to give us merchandise credit instead of our money back until we opened a case? That I couldn’t wait to be done with LuLaroe soon? I did say those things, again, in my closed group because they are 100% true. I may have also tied a pair of leggings around my neck during a live sale in “the dress” and asked my group if that made my outfit more ethically appropriate. Yeah, that got reported too.

Here’s what ticks me off the most about this: LuLaroe accepts and even encourages this “self policing” crap, and in turn they’re really perpetuating a culture of petty, catty women who care more about catching another retailer slipping up than they do about running a successful business. It just paints such a poor picture of womanhood; like its truly impossible to lift each other up. Its so disheartening because in the aftermath of this drama many, many retailers reached out to me, and some even complained about this issue to HO. So I know that there are many women out there who are really trying to make a success of their business while attempting to keep that shred of sisterhood alive. Ladies: make yourselves heard. These malicious snakes slithering through your pages, your group pages, your upline pages and ISO groups have to be a stopped, and you have to demand that Home Office doesn’t waste time on pursuing this crap when we all know they should be spending that time trying to work more Dorito prints into the 2.0 rotation. They’re so missed.

Xoxo – H

Hey.

As promised I’ve continued to photograph my outfits for posterity. To be honest I actually don’t really know what that means. And, yet, here I am doing the posterity thing.

I actually loved this outfit. There are few things in life that I love more than a pair of wide leg pants. They make me feel as if I’m ready for some impromptu boating excursions or maybe some sort of art gallery thing. Both of which obviously happen to me constantly.

I paired it with a white tee, the cluster of bracelets that I’ve been favoring lately, some big earrings & my beloved brown Havaianas. Let me tell you about these shoes. Once upon s time 13 years ago I went to California and thought it was a good idea to walk around Manhattan Beach in big ass platform espadrilles. With bleeding feet, in desperation, I stopped in a little boutique and picked these up! Lifesavers! And they really stood the test of time.

This is my new bag from Wanderers Travel Co. Never will you feel softer leather… I was just tired of carrying the same Coach & MK bags as everyone else. I wanted a bag that looked as if I picked it up from some little artisan while on holiday in Spain.

Well, I’ve decided to try something new.

I took a browse through some of my old blogs and I realized that many of my photos were, well, crappy. But all of my LuLaroe experience has, at the very least, taught me how to photograph clothing layouts.

So, I started taking pics of my outfits flat. Because apparently I assume everyone wants to know all of the details of wardrobe. You’re welcome.

Outfit #1 – This is my new navy/white LuLaroe Jessie. It feels nautical and, thus, summery to me. Added some bracelets, flat Jessica Simpson sandals and this bag from Wanderers Travel Co, which I loveeeee.

Outfit #2 – This sleeveless white top came in my latest Stitch Fix – it’s a good, classic piece. I added a denim pencil skirt from Loft, navy blue cardigan from Jcrew Factory, and some old sandals from Kohl’s. The earrings here also came in the fix, but they were $28 which is a bit steep for me for costume jewelry.

Outfit #3 – I am actually wearing this right now. It is my lone pair of shorts (Lucky Brand) Jcrew tee, Jcrew flips and the same group of bracelets from outfit 1 – it’s an anchor bangle from Alex & Ani and two metaphysical crystal bracelets.

Feel free to ask me for links for any of the items pictured!! Stay tuned for more outfits!!!

In my pre-Jake days, you know, those days when money cascaded from the sky like abundant white little snowflakes and my belly was as flat as, hm, I don’t know, a wooden board or something… well, back in those days, I used to indulge in Stitch fix twice a month. I’ve become a bit more selective these days, since I have a belly full of jelly and a wallet full of pennies. But, the shopping gods smiled upon me… on a whim, about a month ago, I scheduled myself a fix due to arrive right around my birthday (pi day!) and as luck would have it, Tom surprised me with a $50 gift card for Stitch Fix!

So, if you are new to Stitch Fix, let me tell you a bit about it. You fill out an extensive style/fit profile, and then people magically send you stuff that you can buy. That’s pretty much it. Interested? Follow my link, b/c I can get some free cash toward a future fix or something… —> Go here!!! Heather’s SF link!!

Anyhow, here is what I received! I only kept ONE item this time, but it’s still fun to try on all of this stuff in my own home, with my own pants/shoes/etc. A note: The black pants you see here I actually received in a fix a couple of months ago and I LOVE them. They are not a style I typically prefer (I’m all about wide leg pants) but I took a chance and I wear them all the time. For reference, they are the “Fia Cuffed Straight Trouser” from Tribal, in case you want to request them in a fix of your own.

I apologize in advance, but I tossed out the “style cards” so I can’t recall the details for many of these items!! Sorry!!

Jeez, as I review these pics I realize maybe I should up my Iron dosage because I am P A L E! Someone recommend a good bronzer, please! And remind me that pigtails make me look like a jackass. Thanks.

First up is this billow sleeve top. Its aight. Feels a bit tent-y to me. And I now know that I absolutely HATE billow sleeves. So annoying. It went back. Also a terrible color on me!!

I do know this second top is from the brand Daniel Rainn because it’s a brand I’ve gotten from SF before. I liked it. I didn’t keep it because 1) it was a little baggy, and I’m in the middle of a weight loss thing 2) It was… SIXTY EIGHT DOLLARS. Sorry. Nope. $68 for a top!?!? MAYBE for a stellar pair of jeans, or a timeless dress, but not for a little floral blouse that I could probably find (a similar one) at Marshalls for $16.99

So, they also sent me this navy blue cardigan because I specifically requested cardigans. It went back. It was way too big (as you can see in pic 2) but I actually prefer cardigans with buttons. I just feel like these drapey front sweaters are too hard to fold, and they end up pissing me off. But how nice are my pewter Tieks???

Next up is this knit dress. It was fine. I’d probably throw a sweater over it and call it a day, but it was a cotton knit, and I know that ultimately I’ll most definitely shrink this item in the wash. It went back.

But, Heather, you’re saying, it seems like you hate EVERYTHING. Well, I don’t HATE it, I’ve just decided to be really selective this year when choosing items to add to my wardrobe. But this last dress made it all worth it!! It is the “Arnett Faux Wrap Knit Dress” from Kaileigh (you can access your purchased items, so I’m able to give you the full info on this one!) and it was $54. I love the color, and I love that it is a FAUX wrap dress… because I am incapable of keeping an actual wrap dress closed. And I think this will fit even better when I lose a few pounds. PS – if you like my little sandal booties, they’re LC Lauren Conrad, from Kohls, and are surprisingly comfortable. As I mentioned in Five Truths, I generally cannot function in heels, but these are chunky and don’t cut at my toe.

So, thats it! Give it a go. I’ve already scheduled another for 3 weeks from now – hoping to score some pretty spring tops, some wide leg pants, and a white denim jacket! Happy shopping, friends!

xoxo – h

I really think I’m a minimalist at heart. Most of you know that I’m the ultimate purger. I just hate having extra stuff around. As I’ve shared before, I used to play a little psychopath game as a child… I’d be forced to choose only one toy keep forever, forsaking all others. Yeah, weird kid.

Let’s just say I get tired of clothes pretty quickly. With a few exceptions, I tend to wear an item 3-4 times and then into eBay it goes! So, for me, I first had to figure out what would even make me want to hang onto certain items long term, as the heart of a true capsule wardrobe is meant to consist of the classic “you” pieces that you’d reach for time and again, day after day, year after year.

Yay, a good soul search!

So I sat myself down and thought about what I really love to wear. And what I’ve worn but don’t particularly even like. Kind of like, if they were to make a Heather Barbie, what would she look like?

Here’s what I found out about myself…

I hate sleeves. I hate showing any part of my leg. I cannot do heels. Period end of story.

My daytime work wardrobe consists of the following formula: pants + sleeveless blouse + cardigan. My casual wardrobe consists of the following formula: maxi skirts/jeans/khakis + tank. When I stray from the formula I fidget, I pull at my clothes, and I’m just generally annoyed.

And so this is what I did: I got rid of nearly everything that didn’t fit into one of these categories. Extreme? A bit. But really, it was freeing. Of course I did hang onto a handful of long sleeve sweaters and a few Carly dresses, but other than that, I purged the hell out of my closet. Need numbers? Ok. I kept 5 pairs of dress pants, 6 pairs of casual pants/jeans, 4 skirts, 29 blouses and just the sweaters pictured below. The three jackets below, but one might be making an eBay appearance this week.Two purses, my Tieks, plus 4 pairs of boots and 4 sandals. Pjs, a few leggings/workout things and 1 pair of sneakers. Yes, I have more tops than you’d expect, but these are my only tops for allllll of the seasons. I don’t rotate my clothes in and out every season. What you see here is what you get. I also have a stack of pre-pregnancy pants, but thats a whole separate issue.

Anyhow, that’s where I am today with my closet, but I’m already looking to prune it a bit further…

I don’t know about all of y’alllll but I’ve spent many precious hours trying to be that gal that Ive assumed society wants me to be. You know, that twenty first century highly curated Facebook Instagram Pinterest Girl-power Feminist FTWM SAHM PTWM Snapchat I’m not a regular mom I’m a cool mom completely artificial archetypal Anthropologie woman. Well, its 11:12 on a Monday evening and I’m here to tell you this:

No more! I’m coming out, coming clean, throwing that window open like I’m damn Mrs. Mallard.

God I hope someone knows that reference. And FYI, I do love Anthropologie. Anyhow, here are my 5 confessions. 5 truths. 5 facades behind which I shall no longer hide! Read on. Be my judge, jury and executioner, friend.

1) I can’t walk in heels. I don’t mean 4 inch sky high stilettos… I mean that I will fall down dead with a broken ankle in 1.5 inch baby kitten heels. So, I make no apology about my Tieks habit. They’re saving my life every single day.

2) I hate smoothies. Guys, I tried, but if I’m gonna drink my calories it’s going to be in the form of either a milkshake or liquor. I guess I just like chewing. Add Açaí bowls and tea to this list.

3) I just don’t think The Office is funny. I wanted to love it, but it was painfully hack. Tried the British Office but I seriously couldn’t understand 75% of the dialogue.

4) I can’t hold my liquor. I’d say “anymore” or blame it on my age, but truth be told, I’ve always been a lightweight. Now I have to plan for a half day of vomiting if I intend on having more than one drink.

5) I will never feel ok with my body in a bathing suit. Ever. Even when I was a size 4 for 15 minutes in my twenties I wouldn’t gallivant around in a swimsuit… so, now being old as hell and having birthed a giant baby I’m considering what them there Mormons and fundamentalist Christians call a “modesty suit” – google it. You’ll piss yourself a little bit.

Oh, one more thing. Diet Dr Pepper is pretty fantastic. Carry on, friends.

H