As we’re really settling into the cold weather (and have beckoned in a historic winter storm this weekend!), I thought the time was ripe to share some of my favorite closet staples at the moment. We’re talking only the best repeat offenders – items that have gotten me through fall and will take me effortlessly through the rest of the season! Some are old, some are new, all are beloved.
KHAITE SYBIL ANKLE BOOTS – If you recall, I ordered these in the middle of July! I normally don’t purchase fall items that early – the only exception is during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale… but I HAD to have these boots. I loved the slick, glossy look of the leather and the sculptural covered wedge look! I’m glad I ordered them when I did too, because they promptly sold out and were never restocked. Just a couple of random sizes were available until the holidays, and now they’re nowhere to be found!! When they first arrived in the mail, I did worry they were a touch too narrow for my feet but I kept them anyway. They’ve turned out to be my most-worn shoe this season! Unlike my Toteme boots, these are easy to slip on and off thanks to the zippered closure. The pointed toe looks great with any pant style, and the shiny look gives them a more dressed up vibe than some of my other ankle boots. The low wedge heel is totally wearable and very walkable, so they’ve been such a good day-to-night boot for me! If this style comes back, I’ll be sure to let you know – they’ve been so comfortable and useful! You can see them on me here and here. You can still find a few sizes available in the knee-high version here, here and here!
BROCHU WALKER ANIKA MOCK NECK TOP – I’ve put out a request publicly on Instagram for Brochu Walker to make this top in other colors! I bought it in black in December 2024, and over Black Friday this November I bought the grey version heavily marked down. It’s the most useful base layer! I wear it all. the. time. I’m in the grey one in the photos above! The fabric is SUPER soft and comfortable, so naturally it’s the first top I reach for when I’m not wanting to wear a chunky sweater. The mock neckline is super flattering, and I love the the fitted silhouette of the top – especially now that I’m wearing Khaite’s Dane wide leg jeans so much, wearing a more fitted top balances out the whole look! I have the XS in both colors. It’s still available in smaller sizes here! I’m really hoping they restock it and start making it in other colors, like they do with so many of their other silhouettes! I’m honestly tempted to buy a second black one just because I wear mine so much – we’re talking a couple times a week. If you’re looking for something similar on a budget, I own this Zara top (got it in brown in December 2024), and they’ve recently made it in a number of other colors. It’s almost an identical silhouette! The fabric isn’t as luxe or soft, but it’s a good everyday staple.
KHAITE DANE WIDE LEG JEANS – I’ve waxed nostalgic about Khaite denim for several years now. They are so high quality and the fit is superb! My latest obsession is with their Dane style – a high rise, wide leg look with an extra long inseam. They are insanely chic and look amazing with any heeled boot, pump or sandal! I have them in three washes now, and I’ve gotten so much use out of each color – they’re SO comfortable too! This style comes with a bit of stretch, so these are an all-day jean for me. Because of the extra long inseam, I wouldn’t recommend this style for petite gals. I’m 5’9 and still need a heel to wear these without them dragging. I can get away with a 2 inch heel, and even then they slightly graze the ground! So be aware, you might need a taller heel or perhaps a tailor if you’re shorter than I am. In terms of sizing, I generally recommend sizing up in Khaite. The only pair I took my true size in (a 26) is in the black pair – I found they had quite a bit more stretch in them! These jeans are definitely a splurge, but considering I practically live in jeans, the cost per wear for me is worth it.
BLUE NILE TOI ET MOI OVAL AND PEAR LAB GROWN DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS – I was on the fence about lab grown diamonds at first, but I’ve decided I like them for more modern, trendy styles. I don’t think I’d want a lab grown for an engagement ring or heirloom piece of jewelry, but it’ll do the trick for something like these studs! I was in the market for a pair of everyday diamond earrings with silver/platinum toned hardware, and had looked into the natural variety – I couldn’t decide what direction I wanted to go in style wise, so I thought I’d try a pair of lab grown to see how often I wear them. I didn’t want to spend $10K+ on something I wasn’t sure I was going to wear a lot! Turns out, I’ve worn these almost every single day since they arrived in the mail! They’re a dainty pair of duo studs, featuring an oval-shaped diamond and a pear-shaped diamond on a single prong. I don’t wear a ton of jewelry, but I do love an interesting earring! These provide the perfect pop of sparkle while still feeling like an everyday pair – I don’t feel unsafe walking around the city in these. I kind of love how you can flip the direction of them too for a slightly different look on my ear! They’re still 40% off if you’re interested in a pair – shop them here!
FAVORITE DAUGHTER JORDAN BELT – I have this black leather belt in both the nickel hardware and the gold hardware, and it is easily my most-worn belt of the last year. I’m pretty particular about how belts fit in belt loops on my jeans, and the Jordan belt is the perfect size! Oftentimes belts are too thin or too thick, and fancy hardware or a unique belt texture can make styling complicated. It’s a simple belt, so it goes with everything. I have the size small in both belts!
HERMES TAURILLON CLEMENCE PICOTIN LOCK 18 PM – My sister, who is a big Hermes customer, gave me this bag for Christmas last year and it’s been my favorite in my closet ever since! My sister has always been an amazing gift giver, but she did tell me I wouldn’t be getting another gift for awhile after that one lol. Understandable!! It’s the ideal size for me and looks chic with everything. I don’t carry a lot, but it fits all of the essentials – sunglasses, card case, phone, lipstick + gloss, gloves, keys, a couple doggie bags, etc. I’ve managed to fold up my ALO tote in there too, so despite its size, it’s surprisingly spacious! I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a stylish everyday bag that isn’t a tote.
ZARA INTERLOCK SHORT-SLEEVE TEE – A short sleeve tee is probably not what you were expecting to see on this list, but it’s been the best styling tool for adding interest under sweaters this season. I own this tee in black and white, having purchased them both in the spring – I’ve worn them on repeat all year! The white has been particularly useful during fall/winter. I put it on backwards as the collar comes up higher in the back, and it peeks out just over the top of my crewneck sweaters. It adds texture, contrast and an interesting layering element to my everyday looks! Such an easy trick and inexpensive piece to throw in the mix! I have the XS in both colors, because I prefer it more fitted. This tee is only $26, by the way!
COS BELTED DOUBLE-FACED WOOL WRAP COAT – The black wool wrap coat you always see me in on Instagram is a COS piece I bought in Chicago in September 2024! It’s still my most-worn coat, mostly because the color is the most versatile in my fall/winter wardrobe. It’s the perfect everyday coat! It’s no longer available, but this MANGO style is almost identical and an equally approachable price point. In my opinion, everyone needs a coat like this in their closet! It’s polished and practical.
