the closet cleanse.

i love clothes. i'll admit it. i love buying them, wearing them, putting pieces together, and cutting pieces apart. and i'll admit something else, too:

i think i have a problem.
yes, folks. i, whitney caldwell, am admitting my out of control addiction to clothing.

so what is a twenty-something clothing addict do to remedy this situation?

answer: a full-blown closet cleanse.

i have a basic plan of action for this. here are the rules:

1. if i haven't worn it in 6 months or longer, good-bye. 

2. if i've never worn it at all, and i'm "waiting for the right occasion" to wear it, see you later. 

3. if it's strikingly similar to another item (i'm calling you out, three mustard-colored cardigans), best wishes. 

4. if it does not fit, au revoir. 

5. if it is picked, ripped, faded, or icky, peace. 

6. if it is functional, can be worn with most of my other items, in good condition, and i get regular use out of it, congratulations, you made the cut!

this is phase I of the cleanse. once I separate all the things I no longer wish to keep, I will donate them. then, i will reorganize my greatly downsized closet to a navigable space. and finally (what i am most excited about!), i'm going to do a post on how to create 50 outfits out of only 18 pieces of clothing. 

let's get started!

the happiness project: an even exchange

darlings! It's been what feels like forever since I've posted and I hate it! I will never go this long without posting again.

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The next month of the happiness project began 14 days ago. Again, so sorry I didn't blog as usual at the premier of the month! I'll admit, I was at somewhat of a loss when it came to what project I wanted to tackle this month. It hit me, though, when I was unpacking my clothes after moving home for the summer. There was an absurd amount of clothing spilled out onto my floor. It's rather embarrassing the vast amount of clothes that covered my floor...and bed...ugh. So, as I hung up the last shirt today, it hit me. I'm doing a closet cleanse. If I haven't worn it in a year, honestly won't wear it again, or am holding on to it for nostalgic purposes (or wishful thinking), then it is out. And for everything I buy, I will get rid of at least one item of clothing already existing in my wardrobe. 

By doing so, not only will I de-clutter my closet, I'll also be able to modify and create a closet full of items I really love, and can feel good wearing. 

outfits like this!

I can't wait to start this project. I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Au revoir, mes amies!

style inspriation: margot tenenbaum

One of my all time favorite movies-in the top 3, in fact-is The Royal Tenenbaums, directed by my most beloved film directors of all time, Wes Anderson.

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I adore Gwyneth Paltrow's character, Margot. Something about her monotone and blunt nature is fascinating to me. Not to mention the juxtaposition with her child-like style (which never evolves with age) with adult demeanor and problems. Everything about her is genius. But anyways! I wanted to showcase her style. So I will do just that. 

Lacoste tennis dress, fur coat, pink gloves, and a little girl's hair clip. It follows no trends, but that's what is so charming about it. 

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The website, Cherry Blossom Girl , has a phenomenal article on her style and is where I found the following items:

Margot as a young playwright... 

She did a wonderful job putting the outfits together. Applause! 

shades of glory

I consider myself to have 3 passions in life: literature, art, and sunglasses.

Okay, maybe sunglasses aren't one of my top 3 passions, per say, but they are definitely a hobby I adore to indulge in. Quite frequently. And I love to change them up. Quite frequently.

I used to be strictly bug-eyed glasses only. If the lens didn't touch my cheek bones, then they didn't deserve a place on my face. Thank goodness I've broadened my horizons. I think my first pair of aviators saved my life.

sidenote: this was en route to MGMT :)

Let us not forget the infamous croakie phase a la 2010...

mon dieu. 

So, all in all, I suppose I have a sunglasses fetish. And you know what? I'm strangely okay with that!

Tee Time

T-shirts are a staple in any gal's closet, and certainly a staple in mine. Loose-fitting, boyfriend fit tees are my absolute favorites at the moment. Paired with dark skinny jeans, a funky necklace, and Toms, boots, or even sandals (take that, winter!), and call it my daily wear.

Anthropologie favorite tee

Urban Outfitters "Truly Madly Deeply" scoopneck in rose-this one is phenomenal

Another Urban Outfitters beauty 

Forever 21 has wonderful boyfriend fit t-shirts that are incredibly cheap! I love buying them a size or two bigger than I usually wear with dark was jeans. So simple! 

admiration & adoration, darlings. 

peruse and cruise: spring scraps

Bonjour, mes amies! If you're like myself and on spring break, I hope it's a pleasant one thus far. And if not, treat yourself to a relaxing week anyway! Go on. You deserve it. 

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Tonight's post is more or less just random knick knacks and items I've found perusing and cruising the internet that I find lovely. 

-Etsy posters and silk screens always make me swoon. I've fallen head over heels for this one.

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-Peter Fasano fabrics and wallpapers are absolutely beautiful. Look how charming!

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-ModCloth pieces are some of my favorites. I only wish I had a reason to wear something this ornate and precious. It's called the "square dancing queen dress," and though I'm not a square dancing queen, but I love it just the same. 

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The Gusty Gardens top was brought to my attention through my friend Janie a few months ago. Unfortunately, it was out of stock. I've signed up for e-mail alerts twice now in an attempt to get it, and I always miss the boat! 

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Scarf, belt, and outright fabulousness all included with purchase. Mark my words, I will possess this top someday!

-Pottery Barn never ceases to churn out home decor that drives me crazy. The home decor is beautiful...it's hard to choose just one item to showcase here! So here are some antiqued chair prints:

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-Okay, so you can never have too much of a good thing when it comes to Pottery Barn! Here's some more lovely things:

I have lusted after a typewriter for years and years and years-

These heirloom frames are darling-

In addition to the Butterfly Patchwork Quilt from this things I loved Thursday, I crave this Colebrook Patchwork Quilt-

All images above courtesy of Pottery Barn. 

-Anthropologie has it's fair share of treats to send me into a tizzy, like the Fluttering Obi Dress- 

And not only clothing, but things like this Studio Days Easel. I love that it's pre-splattered with paint, just waiting for your own addition of color splashes.  

An ideal resting place for one's masterpieces. My brushes and charcoals are itching to add personality to this!

-I was browsing A Cup of Jo and came across these...to quote Joanna, "These make me want to play tennis. Or smoke." 

Tongue-in-cheek meets Wes Anderson rolled into a small, convenient, and frankly precious package. 

-Williams-Sonoma unbelievably precious hugging salt and pepper shakers

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These used to be sold at Mobilia in Asheville, North Carolina. If only I'd bought them when I first spotted them!

-And last but not least, this t-shirt from Paul Frank. Yes, you read right. The quintessential middle school fashion staple actually churned out a graphic tee that I want. Darlings, I present to you, the electric dirtbag- 

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If it can make me laugh, you better believe I will wear it on a t-shirt! And electric dirtbag gives me the giggles. 

I hope you enjoyed this peruse and cruise, my dear friends! What about your favorite internet finds? I'd love to hear your about your gems!

Kisses and hugs

the cold is getting old

Just when the spring teases us with 70 degree days, snow decides to pour down in the east! Mother Nature, what on earth are you thinking? I think I can speak for all of us when I say winter has worn out its welcome.

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In an effort to shake the winter blues, Lindsay and I went on a mini-adventure and stocked up on fun & springy things to cheer us up. Here's a haul of some of my spring spoils!

Babushka Earbuds 

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I found these little cuties at Francesca's. I've been itching for a new, good pair of earphones, ones that actually fit my right ear (because of my tragus piercing). And what do you know! I find a pair that are functional, fit well, and not to mention, they're absurdly precious. 

Floral Dress

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Floral Blouse

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So these flowery beauties came from Forever 21. Nothing like short sleeves and a collage of flowers to protest this cold nonsense. In lieu of this protest, I'm wearing the t-shirt at this very moment!

You probably can't tell, but there are some purple strands on the lower right sides of our hair. Brightly colored dye? Yet another way to say au revoir to the frigidity! 

Girly Goodies 

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What can I say? Every girl likes to indulge once in a while. And what better place to give in to such girlish desires that Sephora ? I love Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Barely Legal: 

Isn't it pretty? Spring perfection!

This wraps up my spring haul for today, my lovelies! I hope you enjoyed! Love always.