Sprinter is Over — Socially Staci J

We’re about a month into the spring season and the weather has finally gotten warm enough to talk about it. Yes, even in the great state of Texas, we were plagued with unusually cool weather this time of year. A couple of weekends ago, I actually had on a lightweight coat. It’s been insane, but I think we’re finally over this “Sprinter” (Spring-Winter), so we can move on to the next thing. Let’s talk about it.

What’s on your wish list this season?

There’s a lot on my list, which may come as no surprise, but you may be really shook when you realize that there are very few clothing items on my current list. There just hasn't been many drool worthy options available that's been worth my coins. Lately, I've been salivating over mostly shoes and accessories, which is where I have invested the majority of my fashion funds. Have I FINALLY come to a pivotal point in my life when I actually recognize that I really do have enough to wear? Ehh, I doubt it. But I have matured enough to understand that any additions to my wardrobe at this point should be stand out pieces or simply staples that I know I’m going to wear over and over again. I think I’m officially done with the one off pieces that I will wear once or twice and then toss aside, unless it's truly for a special occasion. Just last week, I bought a pair of adorable sneakers that I ended up gifting to my assistant because I knew I was only going to wear them a couple of times a year, if that. I mean come on. I'm a fashion sneaker buyer by profession, so I have options. I'm just finding it a bit tiring and somewhat lame to have so many things in my closet that rarely sees the light of day. So this spring, I'm choosing to focus on filling gaps and acquiring stand out accessories that will take my current looks to a new level. Check out my list below.

Chloé Petal 57mm Gradient Round Sunglasses

Every woman needs a nice pair of sunnies to elevate her overall look. It can be something as classic as Ray-Bans, or a statement making piece from Prada. The nice thing about sunglasses is that they rarely ever date. So if you invest in a pair you’re truly in love with, you will have them in your wardrobe for years. I’m currently coveting the Chloé Petal sunglasses in the brown/beige color way, which serves as a nude for my darker skin tone. If I throw these on with a simple white tee tucked into high waist jeans and a nice handbag, I’ll automatically look chic and put together with minimal effort. The shoes won’t even matter. You can dress it up with heels at night or white sneakers during the day. It’s still an instant look no matter the occasion.

Chloé Sunglasses, $300 — Chloé Sunglasses, $300

Miuco Bamboo Handbag

Listen Linda, listen. If you followed any bloggers last year, you probably saw the Cult Gaia bamboo bag flaunted up and down the gram all last spring and summer. And for good reason. The bag is simply dope and it was featured on one of my wish lists from last year. I never pulled the trigger because the bag was $150 and I predicted that I would be able to find a dupe or something similar for a lot less money the next year. Sometimes you have to give the copy cats a little more time to knock off the good stuff. Now I know that $150 is not a ton of money to spend on an item, particularly one of quality, but let’s be real. The average person doesn't know who Cult Gaia is and the average person doesn't care. This bag is not going to be something I use more than a hand full of times a season. It’s going to Cabo, maybe Miami and a few other tropical spots. It is not an everyday bag! It’s not practical, it’s fun. And if you’re on a budget, fun has a limit. But your girl found basically the same damn bag for $40! This bag, like the original, is 100% bamboo and handmade. I bought this bag and it exceeded my expectations. You’re welcome.

Mango Earrings

We don’t talk about Mango that much on the blog because Mango has a limited presence in the US. Like Zara, they are a Spain based brand with stores in over 100 countries, but they only have a small US presence which lies mainly on the East Coast. Several years ago, they had mini shops or sold product in JC Penney stores, which was largely unsuccessful. However, the past couple of years, Mango has been serving up stellar apparel and footwear that is giving Zara a run for their money. Their accessories are giving me all kinds of life y’all! I can barely stand it. And the best part is that it’s all affordable. Check out these pieces in my cart as we speak.

Geometric earrings, $25.99

Net Bags

Last year, we started to see simple net bags which is usually used to haul fruit, double as spring totes or handbags. This year, we’ve seen a multitude of versions of this bag that can be used day or night. I’ve seen basic styles in a simple white or khaki or colorful ones crafted from your favorite Etsy store. I’m eyeing two at the moment. The first is a cheaper, basic version from Mango, which retails for $19.99. The other version is a macramé bag that retails for $62. The macramé bag can be used as a statement piece, particularly on vacation. This is the one I"m leaning towards. But the Mango version is so cheap and cheerful, it's hard to resist. It gives an automatic cool girl vibe.

Light Color Denim Jeans

So far this season, this is the only clothing item on my list. And it should be no surprise that my pick comes from Madewell. Their jeans are just made so well, pun intended, so lately it’s been hard to venture to other brands. Yes, the jeans are pricey, but I am truly getting my money’s worth. I have three pairs so far and I rotate all three of them into my wardrobe practically weekly. They are just that good! It’s rare to find a pair of jeans that fit the entire area, from the waist to the ankle, perfectly, while being comfortable to wear. I’m not a white jeans kind of girl (how do y'all keep them white), so the next best thing for summer would be a white washed or light colored denim style. The cruiser straight leg from Madewell checks all of the current trend boxes with the lighter wash, the deconstructed hem, the high waist and the straight leg fit. I’m too thin for a mom or boyfriend style jean, so I will need something that still gives me a little bit of a shape. I know that I have blogged about this before, but if you’re still buying low rise jean….stop. And if you’re still married to skinny jeans….why? Skinny jeans will continue to be tried and true, but it’s time to branch out and do something different. I have a denim post coming soon!

White Shoes Not Name Sneakers

Yep. You read the correctly. I am currently obsessed with white shoes and sandals. There is something I’m finding really chic about the look. It started with white ankle booties and now I’ve moved on to full on sandals. I’m loving the contrast it gives when paired with a dark outfit featuring blacks, greys, and navys. I even love them paired with an outfit featuring a simple white tee under a blazer and a pair of jeans, a Staci staple “fit”. I really like the crispness of the look of white shoes and I’ve already picked up a few styles for the season. The first is a woven mid heel number from Topshop. I’ve already worn these shoes a lot, which has shocked the hell out of me to be honest. Initially, I thought I would only wear these a few times, but these “grandma” shoes have flowed nicely into my wardrobe. The second pair was purchased from Target’s Who What Wear collaboration. The price point was $38, and they look like high end shoes. They are super comfortable but you have to size up 1 whole size because this brand runs small. I’m normally a size 7 and I sized up to size 8 for a perfect fit.

Allegra faux Leather Mules, Target, $37.99

What are you coveting this season? Let me know in the comments section.