Now is a better time than ever to emphasize the impact accessories have on your look. In 2020, it’s all zoom calls and face time whether for business or to talk to loved ones. We’re also spending more time than ever on social media. We’re taking up creating tik-toks and IG reels to pass the time and entertain ourselves.
For myself, talking to the camera on Instagram stories is a part of my job and imho I’ve mastered looking put together and glam from the chest up.
The Key: ACCESSORIZE! I’ve found a cute oversized tee or sweatshirt with layered necklaces, rings and bracelets will sass your look all the way up!
All of my custom name and initial jewelry pieces are from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com and for most of my other pieces Amazon has been my best friend.
In addition to jewelry I’m never without sunglasses. I’m so big on sunglasses because I have very sensitive eyes so I’m never without a pair. Even during overcast the sun bothers my eyes, I squint and get headaches easily. I have sunglasses in my purse, car console, the entry table in my home, on the shelves of my sunglass wall in my closet. I mean I don’t have that many pairs, maybe 10-20. Regardless, they’re my top must have accessory items.
I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite accessory looks you’ve 100% seen on my Instagram stories below.
This is one of the newest (and most popular) pieces in my shop. It gives full 90’s vibes, it’s edgy and cool. This necklace sold out in 3 weeks when it was first debuted so def jump on it if you want to add it to your collection.
I bought this rope chain (Hello, 90’s style, again!) specifically to frame my chunky name necklace. This is an 18″ chain, I absolutely could have gotten a 20″ chain but do like how close it is to the Chunky Name Necklace. It makes it a little more statement-y.
These are the newest addition to my collection and tbh this is the 3rd pair of this style from Quay I bought and by far my most favorite. I bought the solid black and this color to compare and I took the solid back right back to the store when my package arrived. In addition to the colorway I’m wearing here I also have the gold frames and lenses … as much as I love gold this black pair is IT for me right now!
This fun girly, low key childish, heart ring is the latest addition to my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It’s available in sizes 4.5-11 but I thought it would be cute as a pinky ring so that’s what I did.
This is a great piece to wear layered and stacked for a fun, trendy look. It’s also a great gift idea for younger ladies in your life, elementary to high school aged.
The Heart Ring is available in 18kt Gold dipped or Sterling Silver so you don’t have to worry about fading or it changing colors.
With masks being the unexpected trend and necessity of 2020 I had to trade in my large hoops for a smaller style that is more mask friendly. I found this pair on Amazon in the $15 range. They’re light weight and do the job. Chic and trendy with the right amount of gold umph.
I would be lying if this wasn’t a 100% impulse quarantine purchase. Emily Ann Gemma posted a IG and a few stories wearing this and I said, “you need that” and purchased it right away. Normally I would never spend $70 on a trendy sweatshirt but it’s Quarantine and I was emo shopping and sweatshirts are all I’ll be wearing the next 6 months.
Imho, it really elevates your chest up game aka stories, Tik-Toks, facetimes etc. It’s also comfortable and easy. BTW, I did size up.
I regret nothing and if you got it ($70), I’d buy it! (again)
This necklace has been on my wishlist for a while. I’m talking a year or so. It’s another piece from my shop.
What I love most about this piece is the quality, it is absolutely stunning! The twist chain gives it a subtle glisten.
I bought mine on a 16″ chain, 14kt solid gold. White Gold is also available.
It took me so long to buy it because it is a little more pricey, as expected, and I have 3 of the plated Carrie Name Necklaces in different sizes and chain lengths. In addition, I have at least one of every style I’ve ever carried in my shop, that’s A LOT of name necklaces. Another Carrie Name Necklace was never a priority however, I finally splurged as I’ve had and worn this style 6+ years so I know it’s worth investing in.
YSL dupes, Amazon! I thought this were a “No, thanks!” when they first came out. Then they began to wear on me so I figured $10 was an okay amount spend to see if I like them. Long story short, they became my car sunglasses for about a year and every time I went through Starbucks drive through employees would meet me at the window to compliment them.
HEART EARRINGS
BIG sorry! This are from last years Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They sold out this first day and it took my 4 days to track them down. They eventually restocked a few months later but they’ve been discontinued as far as I know. They are Baublebar if you want to try to find them.
Quarantine shopping made me finally pull the plug and place my first Abercrombie order. They have a really strong Influencer program and all the girls I see talking about them always recommend the basics so I took it too far and order a few.
Y’all! It’s not just hype, they’re bodysuits really are amazing! I ended up buying 4 different styles and got black and white in all 4 styles for a total of 8. Do I need 8? Sure, why not! I wear them all.
I bought my TTS in all of them. I do prefer the seamless styles. They’re a little more but the quality is worth it.
SHORTS
Another, sorry! I bought this the first week of quarantine back in March, a ton of you bought them but a lot of you slept on them. Unfortunately, they are sold out now. They’re Madewell but I’m not sure of the style name or length.
Another Amazon find! I actually bought this style in a brown ombre color from Nordstrom but when I went to share with you guys they had sold out so I went to Amazon to see if Jeff had a similar pair and found these.
It took me a while to purchase the black myself but I’m so glad I did, I love this pair. Definitely recommend!
This necklace has been on my wishlist for a while. I’m talking a year or so. It’s another piece from my shop.
What I love most about this piece is the quality, it is absolutely stunning! The twist chain gives it a subtle glisten.
I bought mine on a 16″ chain, 14kt solid gold. White Gold is also available.
It took me so long to buy it because it is a little more pricey, as expected, and I have 3 of the plated Carrie Name Necklaces in different sizes and chain lengths. In addition, I have at least one of every style I’ve ever carried in my shop, that’s A LOT of name necklaces. Another Carrie Name Necklace was never a priority however, I finally splurged as I’ve had and worn this style 6+ years so I know it’s worth investing in.
DRESS
Zara. Found it in store. Haven’t seen it online. It is new though. I bought my TTS!
That’s all I know, please don’t stalk me on Instagram with comments and DM’s I swear that is all the information I have and repeatedly asking isn’t going to make me magically have more info.
This fun girly, low key childish, heart ring is the latest addition to my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It’s available in sizes 4.5-11 but I thought it would be cute as a pinky ring so that’s what I did.
This is a great piece to wear layered and stacked for a fun, trendy look. It’s also a great gift idea for younger ladies in your life, elementary to high school aged.
The Heart Ring is available in 18kt Gold dipped or Sterling Silver so you don’t have to worry about fading or it changing colors.
Hands down to most popular item and #1 seller from my shop this year is the Script Name Necklace. It’s available in 18kt gold or 18kt rose gold dipped over sterling silver.
As a hoop girl no collection is complete without a large pair of thin hoop earrings. I found this pair in store at Nordstrom Rack but linked a similar pair from Amazon
My locket necklace is a DIY I made with my Locket from my Alma bb and a $10 handbag chain I bought from Amazon. Amazon has been my best friend in quarantine what can I say?
I linked a product listing from ETSY, a few bloggers I know have the version from the listing so it’s legit from my understanding.
This fun girly, low key childish, heart ring is the latest addition to my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It’s available in sizes 4.5-11 but I thought it would be cute as a pinky ring so that’s what I did.
This is a great piece to wear layered and stacked for a fun, trendy look. It’s also a great gift idea for younger ladies in your life, elementary to high school aged.
The Heart Ring is available in 18kt Gold dipped or Sterling Silver so you don’t have to worry about fading or it changing colors.
NAME RING
The newest addition to my shop is this Name Ring. It’s fun and casual, I love it paired with the heart ring and thin basic bands. It just says 1992 in 2020 and I’m here for it!
I will not lie I bought this with the intention of it to fit my middle finger but I underestimated just how chunky my fingers are so … here we are … on the ring finger.
My love bracelets and nail bangles are also from Amazon, they typically sell out within a day or two and don’t return for months.
I check at least twice a week for new listings and share on both my IG stories and LTKit as soon as I find them. Follow me on both of those channels if you want restock alerts.
EVERY PHOTO IN THIS POST IS SHOPPABLE. WHEN YOU CLICK AN IMAGE IT WILL TAKE YOU TO A SHOPPABLE PAGE WHERE EACH ITEM I’M WEARING IS LINKED INCLUDING JEWELRY AND SUNGLASSES.
INFO: the skirt I’m wearing is old from Zara aka sold out so I linked a similar option for you. Based on images and product description the skirt linked is very very similar, same fabric, cut, ribbing and weight.
SIZING/FIT: TTS, wider fit but not an actual wide if that makes sense. Very comfortable but had to be broken in with a couple of wears.
QUALITY: I’ve had this pair of sneakers a little over a year and wear them at least once a week. When I first got them I wore them closet to 5 times a week, not kidding. With the help of Folex cleaner they still look brand new.
INFO: My tank is sold out. It’s TopShop via Nordstrom. I linked a very similar option from Abercrombie, I’ve been loving and stocking up on their basics lately.
SIZING/FIT: This one is a toughy as these are old military pants so each one fits a little different depending if they had any alterations, shrinkage, etc. With that being said I went up a size to a large for a baggy fit.
QUALITY: Like I said these are someones old pants so you may get a barely worn pair or one with holes, it’s a toss up.
SIZING/FIT: TTS, wider fit but not an actual wide if that makes sense. Very comfortable but had to be broken in with a couple of wears.
QUALITY: I’ve had this pair of sneakers a little over a year and wear them at least once a week. When I first got them I wore them closet to 5 times a week, not kidding. With the help of Folex cleaner they still look brand new.
SIZING/FIT: I find this top runs TTS however, if you want a little more length or don’t want a snug fit on your stomach go up a size. The band at the waist is made to “squeeze” the waist to give a cinched looked.
QUALITY: For $12 this is excellent quality, HA! Overall, it is good quality.
SIZING/FIT: This is a difficult one because these only come in every other size and that’s even sizes. I’m an odd size, 29 so these aren’t made in my size. They also come in varying lengths. In addition, while my waist needs a 29 my hips/butt can easily do a 30.
When I purchased my first pair the regular sizing didn’t have the length I needed (I’m 5’4″ with short legs) the only length available was fairly long. These also come in petite and the length on those seemed the perfect length for my legs. So I ordered a 30 Regular and 30 Petite.
The regular’s were HUGGEEEE, in the waist, butt, thighs and length. There was no way those were working for me but the petite’s fit perfect. The petite fits perfect in the waist, butt and length.
I’d have to assume if I kept the regular length a size down would have fit best but idk because I haven’t tried them.
& That concludes why I can’t give you a straight answer, I’m sorry!
QUALITY: Great for a random pair of jeans. I’m very particular about my jeans and almost never go off course wtbs, I Love them, recommend! I wear this pair or my denim a few days a week. Hands down my best purchase of 2020.
SIZING/FIT: go half size up, not your normal half up but a real half up. I’m an 8 – 8.5 and got a 9. They fit perfect in length but do run a little wide, the straps and adjustable to tighten them up so they fit great. These are leather so the straps stretch with wear as well.
QUALITY: Excellent! I’ve had these 2 Summers and they still look new. These are hands down my favorite sandals, highly recommend!
SIZING/FIT: runs TTS, made to be oversized/slouchy
QUALITY: Love this crop hoodie! It actually has a drawstring at the waist so you can tighten it to wear it cropped, loosen it to fit longer or undo the drawstring all together for a trapeze like look.
SIZING/FIT: TTS, wider fit but not an actual wide if that makes sense. Very comfortable but had to be broken in with a couple of wears.
QUALITY: I’ve had this pair of sneakers a little over a year and wear them at least once a week. When I first got them I wore them closet to 5 times a week, not kidding. With the help of Folex cleaner they still look brand new.
You may think planning and shopping for your Fall/Winter wardrobe in June, the beginning of Summer, is too much but I’m here to tell you … it’s NOT!
Particularly if you are on a budget this is exactly when you want to shop for your upcoming season wardrobe. Maybe you’re not on a snug budget but you have a big purchase this year (ex: designer handbag) and you’re spending less on clothing pieces to make room for your big investment item, this is your time to shine.
I promise you, you can get every piece on your wish list with effective planning.
If this sounds like you let me help you build your best wardrobe yet while staying within your budget, whatever your budget may be.
Click HERE or the image below for my 12 step guide to achieving your best wardrobe … while keeping your coins in tact.
WHY SHOP SO EARLY?
January and July are the biggest sale months for every single store, brand, etc. These are the two months stores are clearing out that seasons items that didn’t sell through to make room for the next season. July is bigger than January imo because Fall/Winter/Holiday is when brands make the majority of their money so that want holiday/fall merchandise on the floor. F/W merch takes up more space than Summer so they need more floor space too.
You may be thinking how does Summer clearance play a role in my Fall/Winter wardrobe?
That’s the “secret” I’m going to share with you. In January and July during semi-annual style sales not only are stores clearing out current merchandise but they are also clearing out stock rooms and warehouses.
This means Winter items from last season that didn’t sell or was returned going into Spring are brought back onto the floor and at the lowest prices you’ll find them. The longer an item has been in a store, the lower the price. They are desperate to sell it at this point.
Some of my best purchases have been made off season shopping.
No, really WHY am I planning my F/W wardrobe in June?
By planning your wardrobe, style and pieces to buy in June you’re able to strategically shop the sales. You won’t make aimless purchases because it was a good price then end up never wearing it because it doesn’t fit into your actual wardrobe.
You’ll have your upcoming season wish list planned and written down and will know when you go into stores (online or in person) what pieces you need and are or are not worth a purchase.
With COVID 19 things are a little different this year, that’s also why this post was written in June instead of July.
Stores had to close in March while they still had Winter inventory. They had to hold inventory for 2-3 months. Stores are sitting on so much inventory that they are desperate to sell through to do their best to make the most out of this F/W and holiday.
I went into Nordstrom Rack last week and almost half of the store is on clearance. This season will be the most aggressive sale season to shop in recent years.
Now is when you want to shop those storewide sales to get your F/W wardrobe together.
NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE
Last years NSale is what made me create the strategy I now use each season to ensure I achieve my “goal” wardrobe. Last year I wanted to finally buy myself a Louis Vuitton handbag and actually shop shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, in order to do so I had to have a plan
After creating my vision board for the upcoming seasons style. I listed all of the pieces I needed to make it come to life.
First, I shopped the end of season sales late June/early July.
Then, what I didn’t find in the end of seasons sales I shopped the NSale sticking to my wish list of course. There wasn’t much Nordstrom had besides the Spanx leather leggings because I found so much off season shopping
Let’s get into the good stuff, some of my favorite Sale Shopping scores!
Because we’re talking about F/W shopping during June/July I thought it would be best to get you in that mind frame by sharing my F/W scores.
I bought these in January for this S/S but will carry them into F/W as they are good for year around wear. Levi’s are typically $98 but I scored these classic Wedgie Fit jeans for $33. The lowest price I’ve seen thus far.
I bought these in January for this S/S but will carry them into F/W as they are good for year around wear. Levi’s are typically $98 but I scored these classic Ribcage Fit jeans for $33. The lowest price I’ve seen thus far.
I saw this Sweater dress in 2018 and absolutly loved it, I wanted to purchase but it was $90 and at the time I was building my base wardrobe. $90 was too much to spend on a sweater dress I wasn’t going to be able to fully maximize.
Last June 2019, while in Nordstrom Rack I found this sweater dress in not only my size but in the color I wanted too. It was only $20.
I love a denim coverall and really wanted a slouchy one. Insert this TopShop gem I found at Nordstrom last Summer marked down 60%. I did have it altered to be more slim fitting in the waist.
In todays video and in all photos I’m wearing the newest necklace added to my shop, shopjuliamarie.com, the CHUNKY NAME NECKLACE. It has a chunky Gourmette Chain close to the same width as the nameplate making it a great statement piece. It is absolutely my favorite of the moment! It comes in both gold or silver and you can have it made in any chain length between 14″ and 20″. Mine is on a 16″ chain which is the most popular length.
A RULE I CREATED TO BE MORE INTENTIONAL WITH MY PURCHASES TO HELP STRETCH MY SHOPPING BUDGET TO IT’S MAXIMUM CAPACITY
WHO ELSE HAS BOUGHT A NEW TOP BECAUSE YOU “LOVED IT SO MUCH” THEN MONTHS LATER IT STILL HASN’T BEEN WORN?
We’ve all been there! There has been a time in our life we’ve walked in our closet looking for something to wear only to be reminded of the items we purchased but still haven’t worn, tags still attached and all.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet of one offs that we only have one other item to wear with it, if even that.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet full of clothes yet still have NOTHING to wear. WHY are we like this?!
In 2013, after losing 20lbs, purging 90% of my closet and only having a clothing budget of $150 a month I was in desperate need of a high functioning wardrobe. That is when, why and how I created my #1 shopping rule, The Rule of 5.
I knew in order to still buy quality pieces I loved I was going to have to get creative (and disciplined) and that’s exactly what I did. Every single purchase I made for the following year was well thought out and 100% intentional. I had no room for impulse purchases, the function of my wardrobe couldn’t afford it.
I bet you don’t like throwing your money away, do you?
We all deserve to hit our financial goals (and best wardrobes) and a great starting point is to become more intentional with what we spend our money on.
I want you to be great in everything you do so I wrote a 24 page book to fully share The Rule of 5 with you. There’s even worksheets for you to brainstorm your goal wardrobe!
Just enter your email below for your FREE Rule of 5 guide to get started on your best wardrobe yet!
If you need more help building your wardrobe my e-book,Build Your Dream Wardrobe on a Budget is a great tool. The 12 steps I take when planning and shopping for my wardrobes each season is covered in detail with examples for you.These are the steps I take to ensure each purchase is intentional, it’s also the strategy I used to budget to purchase my first Louis Vuitton handbag. In fact, The Rule of 5 is one of the 12 steps in the e-book.
Graphic Band Tees are all the rage, there are some really great ( & pricey ) ones available. Because I don’t wear t-shirts or prints I didn’t go the $$$ route and went the $ instead. I found this tee in the Men’s section at Target for $12. This way I can dip my toe into the band tee trend before seeing if I want to dive in.
LOOK ONE
GRAPHIC TEE: I picked this up in the men’s department at Target, I sized up to an XL for an oversized look. I wanted to lounge in the top and tie it up.
DENIM JACKET: My denim jacket is 15 years old from Ralph Lauren. I linked a really great classic denim jacket from Madewell, it fits TTS.
SKIRT: This skirt is an oldie I keep around for styling videos. I linked a similar one for you. I sized down to get a true body con look.
SNEAKERS: I bought these last Summer for my F/W white sneaker. It’s a structured classic silhouette. Runs TTS
ANKLET: I found this cankle friendly anklet on Amazon! There’s 5 different styles and a variety of sizes that include small and regular sized ankles. Measure your ankle with a tape measure to determine what length you need.
LOOK TWO
SHIRT: I picked this up in the men’s department at Target, I sized up to an XL for an oversized look. I wanted to lounge in the top and tie it up.
JEANS: these are one of my favorite purchases this Spring/Summer. They are very high waisted with an oversized slouchy leg. The sizing on the are touch because they have 4 different pant lengths and sizes are in and out of stock. I bought 2 pairs a size up from my TTS in both the regular and petite.
I kept the petite, they fit perfect but after a few wears stretch out quite a bit. The regular length in one size up were massive, insanely big.
Because these are meant to be oversized it’s possible your TTS, one size up or one size down will work for you. I always suggest buying multiple sizes and return the ones that don’t work when ordering denim online. I always buy multiple pairs and return the pairs that don’t work.
SANDALS: These were a really great $20 find on Amazon, they sold out a few days later. I did find a very similar to link for you.
SUNGLASSES: I really want the Quay Aviators but the colorway I want is sold out so I found these on Amazon to hold me over. I recommend these and they’re half the price.
GLASSES CHAIN: Chanel has a pair of sunglasses with an obnoxious chain that I’m obsessed with. I didn’t see $500 in my sunglass budget so I found this $6 option on Amazon to get a similar look.
CHAIN FOR LV LOCKET NECKLACE: I’ve seen this necklace as a DIY being sold on ETSY for $120 ish. I said to self, “Self, you already have the LV locket, just find a chain and DIY it yourself”. So, I went to Amazon and did just that.
LOOK THREE
GRAPHIC TEE: I picked this up in the men’s department at Target, I sized up to an XL for an oversized look. I wanted to lounge in the top and tie it up.
JEANS: These were a purchase I made earlier in the year. They are the Levi’s Ribcage, I did size up. I cut them to the length I needed.
SHOES: I bought these 2 years ago, I linked this seasons version. Very sturdy, easy to walk in and TTS.
SUNGLASSES: I really want the Quay Aviators but the colorway I want is sold out so I found these on Amazon to hold me over. I recommend these and they’re half the price.
GLASSES CHAIN: Chanel has a pair of sunglasses with an obnoxious chain that I’m obsessed with. I didn’t see $500 in my sunglass budget so I found this $6 option on Amazon to get a similar look.
LOOK FOUR
GRAPHIC TEE: I picked this up in the men’s department at Target, I sized up to an XL for an oversized look. I wanted to lounge in the top and tie it up.
CAMO PANTS: These are old military pants I thrifted. I feel like most thrift stores will have a least one pair in them. Sizing is weird because they’re men’s military pants, I just yolo’d it, purchased a pair and hoped for the best.
SNEAKERS: This is my second pair of this style sneaker so it’s clear I recommend them. TTS.
NAME NECKLACE: This is a piece from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It is my current daily go-to. I wear mine on a 16″ chain.
LOOK FIVE
GRAPHIC TEE: I picked this up in the men’s department at Target, I sized up to an XL for an oversized look. I wanted to lounge in the top and tie it up.
