Wardrobe Philosophy

As my roommate will tell you, I have a system for just about everything. Just about. I've resigned myself to the fact that some things in life go much more smoothly without a system, so I've let go of some of my failed frameworks. But anyway, my wardrobe system is this: invest in quality pieces that work well together. My style tends to gravitate toward what I would call "Classic-Preppy," but whatever your style may be, here is my list of key wardrobe pieces that would be well worth a little splurge. Typically, clothes that are made well last a good long while and tend to fit better than comparable pieces that are cheaper (in more ways than one). 

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1. Denim - First, decide whether you are a straight-leg or boot-cut jean kind of gal (or both!). Then, spend some time trying on lots of different brands to find the cut and size that work best for you. Trying on denim takes a lot of patience, but jeans that fit well are well worth the time and effort. (Note: I hate buying jeans because it took me forever to find a brand that fit me well, and as soon as I did, the company went out of business. I wanted to cry.)

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2. Classic Oxford - Whether you go with white or light blue, a classic button-up can instantly make a casual outfit look a little bit sharper. I had to search around to find one that that was a good length for me and that fit well through the shoulders and torso. Take your time finding a shirt that works for you, and then take care of it once you find it.

{Black Pumps - Leather Flats - Nude Pumps}

3. Classic Shoe - Whether you go with a wedge or pump, a nice pair of black or nude heels will go with almost every dress or pair of pants you buy. Nude heels are great because they make your legs appear longer - who wouldn't want that! If you're more of a flats kind of girl, I would recommend finding a pair of well made brown leather flats; they work with just about everything.

{Dress 1 - Dress 2 - Dress 3}

4. Little Black Dress (LBD) - I know the "Little Black Dress" may seem slightly cliché, but there is a reason for that: it works. Having a classic black dress will come in far handier than you think. Weddings, funerals, parties, engagement showers, concerts, interviews, first dates - the LBD works for all of these. In the winter, throw on some tights and a sweater or blazer, and in the summer break out the sandals and big earrings.

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5. Coat - whether you go with a classic trench, a wool pea coat, or a more functional down jacket, choose a color and fit that works for you, and be willing to splurge on something that will last more than a few winters.

6. Leather Belt - A nice leather belt works with a pair of jeans or over a shirt dress. Quality belts are actually pretty easy to find and often not all that expensive. I have two that I wear interchangeably almost everyday. Check out these options here, here, and here.

{Brown bags: Left - Center - Right}

 {Black bags: Left - Center - Right}

7. Leather Handbag - A good leather purse is the kind of piece that, if you take care of it, will last forever (almost). Invest in a classic style that will work with every outfit in your wardrobe, and then have a few fun clutches on hand for a fancy evening. And well made handbags in classic styles are often easy to resell if you ever decide you're ready for something different.

{Skirt - Blouse} 

Pop of Color - Find a color that works well with your complexion and run with it. From tops, to scarves, to shoes, look for things to stand out against the other classic pieces that you have used to build your wardrobe. My personal favorites are coral and blue.

{Striped Shirt & Leopard Flats}

9. Patterns - I always gravitate toward stripes, particularly blue and white stripes (remember my obsession with blue and white?!). But I also have a soft spot for a little splash of leopard - nothing too outrageous, but I do love my calf-hair leopard print flats! Even if stripes and animal prints are not your thing, find something you love (florals, plaid, etc.) and just go with it!

{Pearl Studs}

10. Simple Studs - Seriously. Get some. They go with everything, from your striped tee, to the Little Black Dress, to the oxford button-up. I find myself wearing my pearl post earrings almost everyday!

There you have it: my top ten "splurge worthy" wardrobe essentials, and my general philosophy about building a closet around pieces that will last. I know there are other ways to go about creating a wardrobe and a style for yourself, any thoughts about what has worked best for you? 

To the Beach!

One of my favorite questions has to be, "You want to go to the beach for the day?" Day trips to the beach are so much fun! (And so much cheaper than staying for the weekend.) I usually invest in a new swimsuit every other summer or so, and this is my year to buy a new one. This nautical striped one-piece from Boden is definitely at the top of the list. If I could, I would take all these pieces with me to the beach! (Note: when I wrote this post, I had planned a day beach trip with my sister....but it is just too darn cold! I am so ready for a good North Carolina summer.)

Pom-pom Beach Tunic

Sorento Swimsuit 

Embroidered Baseball Cap

Straw Tote

Ruby Mint Beach Towel

Gold Leather Sandals

Why "Wilmington and South"?

Several people have asked me why I chose to call my blog "Wilmington and South," so let me explain.

When I first decided to start a blog, I knew I wanted to write about life in Raleigh - favorite places, new places, settling into an apartment, and some thoughts on personal style thrown in here and there. As I tried to come up with a name for the blog, my good friend, Julie, asked me two questions: What do you love most about Raleigh, and do you have a favorite place downtown?

Answer #1 - I love that Raleigh is only a few hours from the beach, and I love that it is in the South. So many of my favorite memories are family trips to the beach, and I love the tradition and culture of the South, especially the Carolinas.

Answer #2 - My favorite place downtown is the Memorial Auditorium (now known as the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts - kind of a mouthful, no?). Music and ballet have always been part of my life, and I love going to see Carolina Ballet's productions or to hear the North Carolina Symphony downtown. The Memorial Auditorium happens to be at the corner of Wilmington Street and South Street.

And thus, Wilmington & South was named. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what my blog is all about (thanks for sticking around to find out with me!), but at least I have a name that I love.

Spring Pieces

I have been scouring the internet for a rehearsal dinner dress to wear this summer (no luck so far...). But in doing so, I've come across some great pieces for spring! If only I needed them...

Love the simplicity of this trench coat from Ann Taylor - perfect for cool days and spring showers.

This monogramed leather tote from Tuckernuck would be a fantastic staple year-round! 

It took me a little while to get used to the tassel trend, but I really like this classic gold necklace from Baublebar.

Love this light, long-sleeved dress from Ralph Lauren.

How fun are these loafers from Joe Fresh?! So cute with dark skinny jeans.

I've been rotating between pearl and gold studs for the last few months, so these turquoise earrings from Tuckernuck would be a nice change.

12 in 12 - Joule Coffee and Table

So, February kind of snuck past while I wasn't paying attention, and I completely forgot to visit one of my 12 restaurants in 12 months! I mean, lets be real - February is significantly shorter than every other month, it's kind of easy to blink and miss it! (I know - excuses, excuses...) Since I dropped the ball in February, I'm planning to try two places from my list during the month of March.

First up: Joule (and a bonus trip to the Yellow Dog Bread Company).

This trip started as a spontaneous "lets go with Jeanne to get some bread - she wants to show us around downtown" kind of day. Sweet friends of ours, John and Jeanne, own one of the most amazing places in Raleigh: Sola Coffee Cafe. Seriously, if you haven't been, please do yourself a favor and grab lunch with a friend, or bring a good book and get a cup of coffee, or get dinner there during the live music they have EVERY Friday and Saturday night! Anyway, Jeanne offered to take my mom and me on a little tour of her favorite places downtown if we went with her to pick up bread for Sola at The Yellow Dog Bread Company. So we started the morning there with some coffee and spelt bread and a rosemary scone (amazing, by the way).

After pointing out some of her favorite places to eat downtown, Jeanne directed us to Joule. Joule is one of Ashely Christensen's five restaurants in downtown Raleigh. She is about to open three more, one of which is going into a space that used to house a bank, and a funeral home, and law office (all at different times in the past). Sounds a little strange, I know, but she's calling it "Death and Taxes," and I can't wait to try it!

Lunch at Joule was so fun! The atmosphere is almost what I would call "upscale diner." The floors are tiny black and white tile, and the chairs are orange lacquer to match the old diner coffee pots that line the shelves behind the bar. 

Jeanne ordered "Uncle Alex's Cubano" with a side salad:

My mom got the "Joule Cobb" salad:

(Check out that avocado!)

While I tried the "Peppered Chicken Club:"

Everything was so good! I would definitely go back to try their "Endive + Radicchio Salad." Someone at another table ordered it while we were there and it looked wonderful.

After seeing so many of the places that Jeanne recommended, I'm thinking I'm going to have to switch out a few on my list for the rest of the year. I'll keep you posted!

Any other places in Raleigh I should be checking out?

New Music

I'm not one of those that has to be the one who "liked that band way before they were cool." Most of the time I just listen to whatever is already popular, or Keith Urban, or Harry Connick Jr., or *cough* Beethoven. Every now and then I like to check out what's new on Noisetrade with the hopes that something will jump out at me. The other night I was just kind of scrolling through the singer/songwriter genre and happened upon this band. (Honestly it was the album cover with the deck shoes that got me. I mean when everyone else's album covers are over-filtered photos of trees, the deck shoes kind of stand out...) Anyway, I went and bought all their music on iTunes. I never do that. Ever.

This one is probably my favorite:

Although this one is also right up there.

Any other new music I should be checking out?

Apartment Update: Art

I was looking around the apartment the other day and realized how much art adds to the feel of a space. We still have a couple bare walls that could use a little frame or two, but for now, they are just fine the way they are. Here's a quick peek at some of the ways we've covered the walls around here so far.

{This one painted by my lovely roommate!}

 In addition to frames and art, having some greenery on the walls somehow makes the place feel fresh. I love the wreaths we have hanging around the apartment.

Also, who says every frame has to have something in it?!

This frame hung empty in my bedroom for years growing up. I kind of like it that way - just by itself.

Recent Obsession: Blue and White

My mom has a simple phrase she uses to describe her style choices. Her house is full of colors, patterns, furniture, and plates that "make her smile." I know that she doesn't consider herself stylist or decorator, but I think her philosophy is pretty solid: if it makes you smile, you can make it work. For some reason, blue and white - stripes especially - make me smile. The combination is just so fresh and clean, I can't help it!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 

12 in 12: The Remedy Diner

Checked off the first of my 12 in 12 with brunch at The Remedy Diner! Such a fun time with a sweet friend.

 I ordered the quiche of the day which came with gouda grits and fruit, and Julie ordered the "Weekender:" ham, eggs, tomatoes, and goat cheese on wheat toast with dijon mustard.

It was definitely not the type of place I would typically choose for brunch, but it was fun to try a new place outside of my usual box. The Remedy has a funky, downtown sort of atmosphere with a quirky, artistic feel. I snapped this picture of the wall in the bathroom -  not your average bathroom decor for sure!

After brunch, Julie and I walked around downtown (even though it was freezing!), and we found a venue down near City Market that neither of us knew existed - Cobblestone Hall.

Offline

Guys. Raleigh/Durham has its own app!

Several N. C. State graduates collaborated to come up with an app to "challenge people to live more interesting and memorable lives." It's a fantastic way to see what other people in your area are discovering and to find out where to plan your own adventures around the city.

The app connects to your social media accounts, and you can tag the places you've visited or restaurants where you've eaten to give other folks in the city fresh ideas. You can bookmark destinations and check them off after you go to each one.

They also keep you informed on upcoming evens like concerts or runs. When you pull it up on your phone or tablet, it looks sort of like Instagram - supper easy to use.

Check it out!