With a wedding on the horizon, investments being made into my blog and the environment circulating my mind, I can’t help but break one of my worst habits: shopping every week for new clothing! Sure, I’ve cut back – way back – by buying better, smarter – but I still have work to do. Instead of thinking about what I don’t have, I’m shifting my focus on what I already have to “shopping my closet” once a month in my new “Restyled Series.” Besides, some of my best outfits are the ones I put together in the wee hours of the night (when the closet’s a mess) using what I currently have. And recapturing these looks bring back so many great feelings and memories I had when I first wore them. 

Dress: vintage Emanuel Ungaro Earrings: Oscar de la Renta, similar here and here Sandals: By Far, similar here, here and here Bag: vintage Chanel, love this one  

Here are my first three, new, restyled looks!  

Blouse: Johanna Ortiz, similar here Pants: old Theory, similar here and here Earrings: Jennifer Behr

I chose an old blouse by Johanna Ortiz and styled it with old pants from Theory. Because of the humidity and heat combination, I’ve been anti-jeans recently and into trousers as a go-to during the day. In an effort to elongate my legs, I had my seamstress adjust the waistline to sit right above my belly button. Higher waistlines are super flattering for me because I’m short and my legs aren’t longer than my torso (contrary to what you may think). They’re about equal. So I love doing this to all my pants – they look even better when tailored! 

About a year ago, I found this Emanuel Ungaro dress hanging up, which was (from the 80s) in a little consignment store (that’s no longer in business) called Palm Beach Vintage. I was so excited to feature the dress that I didn’t even get it tailored…despite it needing a lot of work. Then, when I actually showed my seamstress this week, she immediately suggested we remove the shoulder pads, tuck the top half of the dress into the waistline (for a slimmer look) and bring up the hemline. Being that it’s long-sleeve and buttoned-up, I didn’t want this look to only be seen as “work appropriate,” so I gave it a refresh by bringing up the hem of the dress. Now, it has a more relaxed, fun element, which I also find adorable! 

Shirt: Madewell Midi Skirt: Mara Hoffman, similar here and here Earrings: rented Chanel via Switch Jewelry Belt: (c/o) St. John Knits Bag: Sancia 

I bought this skirt from Mara Hoffman within the last year and have worn it a few times (once earlier this year to the Biltmore Hotel in Miami and another time in Rome), but I’ve never truly loved the way it looked on me. So, my amazing seamstress suggested, we turn it to a tea-length skirt (originally it was a full-length midi skirt which was too much fabric for my small frame) and voila, it went from being so-so to super flattering. Fact: I’ve been wearing Mara Hoffman for years now without ever realizing her brand is sustainable (until now!), which is a win-win. Even though her pieces aren’t low-priced, they can certainly last a lifetime. 

So there you have it, three restyled looks from my closet! I cannot tell you how refreshing it feels knowing I didn’t have to spend $$$ this week and instead, use what I already have. To me, clothing is similar to a home (hear me out). Some people prefer buying a turn-key, while others see a vision they choose to build from and invest in. And, sometimes all you really need to do is reorganize the furniture to see things in a whole new frame of mind.

Xo, Stephanie

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