Mixing Jewel Tones & Making the Most Out of Your Closet

I'm all about making the most out of the pieces I have in my closet. The top portion of this ensemble is actually a dress, and one that I've had in lingering in my closet since second year of university. It's a beautiful satin shift dress that I thought was a major splurge piece at the time. I bought it at Urban Outfitters for a wedding in Mexico and sometimes it makes its way to the semi-front of my closet in the summertime. When I did my spring purge this year the dress almost made it's way into the give-away pile, that was until my eyes turned to this magenta skirt and - lightbulb moment- the outfit just clicked. 

Do you ever have moments like that? Where you put together an outfit in your head, immediately fall in love, and just hope it looks as good as you imagine it will? Royal blue and magenta are so strikingly different, but look so bold and fun paired with one another. The comment of the day was definitely "I would have never put those two colours together". Don't get me wrong... the skirt looks great with a black cami, and the dress is fabulous on it's own, but together they make a fun statement and had me twirling the day away (even in the rain)! 

So how to make the most of what you have?

1. Don't get set on the conventional mode: Tuck a dress into your skirt, wear culottes over a romper and let your imagination run free. Not every piece has to be one dimensional, just use your creativity and pair unexpected colours and items together. You'll be surprised what works! Mixing these unexpected colour combinations and items together will make you feel as though you have an entirely new wardrobe. 

2. Rid your wardrobe of the noise: Minimize and purge the junky pieces. This will allow you to follow through with step 1 and make room for step 3. You'll be able to see the pieces come together (literally), as the inspiration will be right in front of you. 

3. Invest in quality pieces: Remember, less is more, and don't shop the trendier pieces just for the buy. Focus on the classics that will last and you'll want to wear those quality pieces time and time again. This doesn't mean buy everything black, white and basic. A royal blue, satin shift dress certainly isn't a little black dress, but in this case the quality has lasted me years. Work with what you have in your closet and formulate new ways to wear things.

What I'm Wearing

Urban Outfitters dress (similar, similar)

The Store on Queen skirt (similar, similar) 

Rebecca Minkoff Micro Lexi Bucket bag

Old Navy sandals (similar)

Now you tell me… how do you make the most out of your closet?