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My early forays into fashion were colorful, experimental and often fodder for gentle jabbing from my siblings. 

Who could blame them? 

I once walked into dinner wearing denim mule stilettos and suede short shorts circa 2002.  Perhaps a bit outlandish, but I was doing an NYC undergraduate program in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising and pushing the envelope was part of the deal. 

Mid to Late 20’s

During my five years spent living in Los Angeles bright colors, short skirts and ample cleavage plus beachy bottle blond hair projected a confidence I hadn’t quite internalized.  Despite the insecurities that abound in one’s early to mid-twenties, there was something transformative about donning clothing that gave me the support I needed to present outwardly what I was trying to embody internally.

Early to Mid 30’s

By the time I became a Mother for the first time five years after leaving Los Angeles, I was living in the country on the East Coast and my fashion choices were all over the map.  How does a former fashion devotee and Interior Designer/Product Designer turned country Mama dress herself?  Caught somewhere in between wanting my old body/sense of style and stay-at-home-Motherhood necessitating giving less fucks about fashion and more about launderability and necklines not easily pulled down to inappropriate lows by tiny hands, I just coasted. 

Rolling into the PNW immediately after the birth of my second child meant putting dressing myself on the backburner except for the occasional stab at trying to find my new look in a new place with a new body and less coins to spend on myself.  Every now and again I would feel confident, like I was gaining a little piece of myself back with each article of clothing purchased from the Bellevue Square Mall. 

Late 30’s to Present

Going back to work full time and getting a divorce a year ago is what brought me to my current style choices.  I was redefining and rediscovering myself in many different ways, and I found myself drawn to a more simplified daily uniform.  Although scary in many ways, starting a new job and a single life brought on a deeper internalized confidence.  I doubled down on the activities, people and clothing that felt authentic to me.  Quite literally buying doubles of my favorite t-shirts and jeans.

There’s still a little variety in my closet for days when I want something different, but for the most part, I stick to my grey or white tees, a sweatshirt or oversized cardigan and light or dark grey denim.  Given the perpetually wet Seattle environment I live in, my trusted Hunter boots are both practical and give some sensible swagger to my gait.  My fashion choices will continue to evolve in the future, but for now, whenever I done my uniform, I feel relaxed, confident and completely myself.

There’s something comforting in the consistency of a uniform, and given all that is going on in the world, I’ll take stability where I can get it. 

If you’re digging my ultra simple uniform, take a look at some of my favorites (or subs for favorites) below.

Everlane Organic Cotton Crew $18

Marine Layer Cabin Cardigan $110

Paige Denim Hoxton Ankle Soto - $219

Paige Denim Hoxton Ankle Tristan - $189 (alternative to the ‘Soto’ with more sizes available)

Everlane Authentic Stretch Mid-Rise Skinny - $27 (on sale!)

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Terry Crewneck Pullover - $69.50

Madewell MWL Headband - $15

Zappos Hunter Original Short (matte black) - $144.95

What about you?  Do you prescribe to a uniform or keep things new and fresh?