[ Pop, Fizz, Clink ] another milestone

Dot Com! by theclosetbychristie featuring pink pointy toe pumps

That's right, I have a very special announcement today! With the help of a friend, I got my new domain set up. You can now find me at..... www.theclosetbychristie.com!

Over this past year and two months, The Closet by Christie has reached many milestones and grown in many more ways than I could have anticipated when I started it. And YOU have been there to support me the entire way! A special THANK YOU to those that have supported this little blog- to those that have followed, commented, and shared this journey with me.

Let's celebrate it together! [ Pop, Fizz, Clink ] Cheers!

A Spring Jeans Day @ The Office

It's officially Spring! And it's starting to feel like it here in NJ. The weather is finally getting warmer, so I've been wearing my favorite leather jacket around town. It's a black INC International Concepts ruffled faux leather jacket from Macy's. I love it because it combines the edge of leather with the soft, feminine ruffle detail. 

This is a lovely casual look with a splash of glamour. It's perfect for a jeans day at the office, or just a weekend look without the frump. It's even great for chasing around a few kids, if you have them, while still looking stylish. I went for a slight monochrome color palette; periwinkle and turquoise paired with a few key neutrals. 

I accessorized with a gold glitter braided belt from Target and a peacock scarf. This is my favorite go-to belt because it was inexpensive and the glitter adds instant glamour to any look. And since it's a braid, it can be adjusted to fit any size.

I'm wearing my favorite dark-wash Simply Vera Wang jeggings from Kohl's. They fit like a glove! The best part is that they look like jeans but feel like pajamas. What can I say, I love to be comfortable! I accessorized with my python contrast pointed toe flats from White House Black Market and a new pair of turquoise sunglasses that I received as a complimentary gift from Wantable. The flats are very high quality and provide great support, which is important for flats.

Have you taken out your favorite Spring essentials, yet?

Divergent

Divergent by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

I finished reading Divergent! And just in time... the movie comes out today! I have to say, I haven't truly enjoyed a book this much since The Hunger Games. The plot is so unique at its core and the book is filled with mystery, action, and romance from cover to cover.

Divergent is based in a futuristic, twisted Chicago- where people are placed into communities based on virtues, or factions. What once was a way to live in a perfect society without war, soon became a way to be controlled. The factions are: 

- Dauntless, The Brave

- Abnegation, The Selfless

- Amity, The Peaceful 

- Candor, The Honest

- Erudite, The Intelligent

Which faction are you? I don't completely fit into one. We live in a world of divergence, where people are a little more complicated than just one faction. But if I had to choose, I would pick Amity.

Ban Bossy: A Movement of Female Empowerment

Ban Bossy by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Have you ever been called the b-word? There's a few heinous words beginning with 'b' that you may be thinking of... But according to Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, the powerful yet hurtful b-word in this instance is bossy. Say what? That's right, BOSSY! 

Let's dive into this. Bossy is defined by Google as "fond of giving orders, domineering" and its usage is at its utmost popularity in recent years. Have you ever heard a young boy referred to as 'bossy?' Now that I'm thinking about it, I haven't. This word is reserved for young girls with a strong voice and it's spoken by children and adults alike. Sandberg is partnering with the Girl Scouts to ban the word bossy, saying girls perceived to have this trait should be referred to as leaders. Instead of using a negative term that causes girls to repress the trait, we should foster these leadership skills positively.

It's not just on the playground. That's right, it may start on the playground with young girls being referred to as "bossy" by adults and even children. But it continues into adulthood, where bossy is replaced with the other b-word. The word more commonly known as the b-word... and I think we all know what that is.

Let's be honest. The truth is, we're not used to women being the boss. According to the Catalyst, women only hold 4.6% of CEO positions of Fortune 1000 companies. I have heard women in the workplace report firsthand that they experienced male clients demean, bully, and disrespect their power. In my own experience, male coworkers have been respectful and supportive of females. But on occasion, and it's rare, have encountered the typical alpha male. 

Who can change this? You can. We can. And more specifically, women can. By refraining from using these words and choosing to not accept being called these words, we can change it. By treating each other with kindness and supporting one another, we can make the difference.

I dare you. Embrace the #banbossy movement by spreading the word! 

Want to learn more? Visit www.banbossy.com.

Graphic Sandals, Step Into Spring Series

Graphic Sandals by theclosetbychristie featuring an a-line skirt

The last and final shoe in my Step Into Spring series is graphic sandals! These sandals can really be anything; any style, any pattern, any color. But they tend to be consistently bold and  fun! When it comes to the pattern, the fun aspect is that it truly can be anything. Whether you love polka dots, stripes, or an abstract print- the graphic sandal trend is something you'll love!

In the above set, I featured J.Crew Lillian printed low wedges. I am a huge fan of the J.Crew brand! Their styles are so classic and preppy, while still incorporating the trends. I love the simple silhouette of the show combined with the bright, bold graphic print. It also looks so comfortable! 

Mesh Heels, Step Into Spring Series

Mesh Heels by theclosetbychristie featuring ankle strap shoes

Tomboys, rejoice! The sporty sleek style is on-trend right now. Styles and materials typically dedicated to athletic apparel, such as mesh, are now being implemented into everyday fashion. One sporty sleek trend that has really taken off is mesh-detailed heels. Cut-outs of the sheer material featured on heels adds a unique look and even a bit of sex appeal!

In the above set, I featured nude Anne Michelle suede ankle strap heels from Lulu's. I love these shoes because the design is so feminine and it's a nice contrast with the sporty mesh material. They're affordable and they were featured in Cosmopolitan magazine! 

Cut-Out Sandals, Step Into Spring Series

Cut-Out Sandals by theclosetbychristie featuring cut-out sandals

The next shoe in my Step Into Spring series is cut-out sandals! This isn't a new trend, but it was featured all over the runways during New York Fashion Week. It's a spring favorite because of its versatility! The truth is, any shoe can have a cut-out design and there's such a variety of patterns and shapes that can be done. Whether it be a heel, flat, or sandal you're looking for- there's a cut-out shoe for you!

In the above set, I featured a Charlotte Russe cut-out ankle-strap sandal. I love this shoe because the cut-out design has geometric shapes that remind me of an aztec, boho-chic style. It's also such a simple, affordable shoe. I can imagine it being my go-to shoe for the entire spring and summer seasons since it will match with virtually everything! 

Slingback Mules, Step Into Spring Series

Slingback Mules by theclosetbychristie featuring a wool blazer

Next up on my Step Into Spring series are mules! It sounds old fashioned, but I'm telling you- these are THE hottest shoes right now. Mules, a type of clog, are characteristically backless with a closed toe. They're often simple in style. But with the reemergence of these shoes at New York Fashion Week, they have been anything but simple and style-less! 

In the above set, I featured Alexander Wang slingback mules. I absolutely love these shoes! Did I ever think I'd say that about mules? Definitely not. These mules certainly have style! The slingback and stiletto characteristics make them less clunky to walk in, while the peep-toe allows you to show off your new spring pedicure.

I have to admit- these new mules have a timeless appeal to them. They may be here to stay!

Block Heels, Step Into Spring Series

Block Heels by theclosetbychristie featuring high heel sandals

Chunky block heels have been around for a few seasons now, but they are hitting the market in a big way this spring! With these shoes, you can have your cake and eat it, too- and by that I mean be stylish and comfortable at the same time. Have you been told beauty is pain? Well, I don't believe that. For me, confidence comes with comfort.

In the above set, I featured color block Banana Republic chunky block heel sandals. These shoes appear to be the epitome of comfort! The block heel provides support, so even the most uncoordinated of people can likely maintain their balance. This particular pair even has memory foam and a cushioned insole for utmost comfort. Now, this is my kind of heel!

Step Into Spring Series: Top 5 Spring 2014 Shoe Trends

Top 5 Shoe Trends by theclosetbychristie featuring j crew shoes

With spring finally feeling like a reality, it's time to talk shoes! It's starting to warm up, the sun is coming out, and we just sprang ahead. I'm finally feeling in the mood to get into spring fashion. New York Fashion Week brought us so many wonderful new trends and looks but this week, I'm focusing on every woman's favorite accessory; shoes!

There's many Spring 2014 shoe trends, but I've narrowed it down to my top five favorites:

1- Block Heels

2- Mules

3- Cut-Out

4- Mesh

5- Graphic

Stay tuned this week for a how-to style guide on each with my Step Into Spring series!

The Closet by Christie Takes LA!

The Closet by Christie Takes LA! by theclosetbychristie featuring los angeles wall art

Hello, everyone! I'm excited to let you in on a very special announcement... I'm going to LuckyFABB West! Back in October, I attended my very first big blogger event- LuckyFABB in NYC. I had such an amazing time and learned so many valuable things that when I received my invitation to attend the conference again in LA, I jumped at the chance. How could I say 'no?' 

So you know what this means, right? YOU get a front row seat to the much anticipated, exclusive conference! Stay tuned! There's a lot of great things to come!