CONFESSION: I have an entire upper right side of my closet that I never even bother looking 1/3rd of the way past because I know it’s all garbage. Well, not garbage, but nothing in there fits me right or suits my style anymore. They say if you haven’t touched an article of clothing in a year you should toss it, but I have such a hard time with that rule because that plum velvet blazer I bought 4 years ago got it’s second wind this fall when velvet made a major comeback. I finally picked up that book Santa left in my stocking, The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up and after skimming through a couple chapters, I came to terms with the fact that one additional season in 4 years isn’t worth the aggravation clutter brings. Once I started purging, I couldn’t stop. I ended up with 2 bags to toss, 3 to donate, and 5 to consign. Immediate gratification.

With my consign bags in hand and a better handle on what I actually needed (a term my husband would argue I use too loosely) I went to Style Encore Maple Grove to try out their free personal shopping services. It’s like killing two birds with one stone <side note: why am I just now realizing how morbid that phrase is?> You guys, this place is a little hidden gem in MG!  I was SUPER impressed with the quality and price tags of their inventory. If you haven’t been, you should go. And if you go, I highly recommend booking an appointment with a personal shopper so they can do all the digging for you. The customer profile took me less than 5 minutes to complete and I walked into this fully stocked dressing room that was pretty spot on.

Before we take a look at the goods, let’s talk about “The Power of 3”, shall we? If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m all about adding that 3rd piece to easily elevate a basic look which I will be talking more about on Monday, March 20th at 3:00 CST on Twin Cities Live! Did I mention it’s LIVE? Unless I totally bomb it, you will be seeing me monthly as one of their new fashion experts! WHAT IS HAPPENING???

Blouse: Alice and Olivia – NWT retailed for $298, paid $35! (similar here, and here)

Tee: Vince – NWT retailed for $148, paid $17! (similar here, and here for under $20, and pre-knotted here)

Necklace: unknown – paid $7 (similar here)

Jeans: AG ‘Farrah’ Skinny (mine)

Heels: Nine West (mine – old, similar here)

Lips: NARS ‘Dragon Girl’ Matte Pencil with MAC ‘Brave Red’ over it

Vest: JCrew (mine – limited colors, a few more from JCrew Factory here)

Blouse: same as above, similar knotted version here and here

Criss Cross Cami: Evereve (mine – also own it in black. perfect for layering under low cut blouses or tees. can also be worn backwards with open back sweaters)

Jeans: Vince – paid $44 (similar wash here under $100 from Articles of Society)

Pumps: Banana Republic (mine – old, similar style here and color here or in a sandal here)

Blouse: Peyton Jensen – priced at $16! (similar here and here)

Criss Cross Cami: Evereve (the black one)

Jeans: AG ‘Farrah’ Skinny (super slimming jeans. highly recommend)

Boots: Vince Camuto (mine – old, same style here in a darker brown)

Earrings: JCrew (mine – old, similar here)

Blouse: The Limited – paid $12! (similar here)

Skirt: Express – NWT retailed for $69.95, paid $15! (similar here)

T-Strap Pumps: Topshop – never worn, paid $25! (similar here)

Necklace: H&M (mine – old, similar here)

Sweater: JCrew – paid $14 (love this green one paired with a white skirt for spring)

Skirt: JCrew – paid $15 (similar here )

Necklace: same as above (linked another similar one here)

Cuff Bracelet: Mine (old – similar here)

Sweater and Necklace: same as above

Tutu Slip: Impressions Boutique – NWT retailed $38, paid $7! Deklan got SO excited when I put this on and insisted I wear it, because life is too short to wear serious clothes (similar here)

Faux Leather Leggings: Madewell – NWT retailed $115, paid $20! I think they look better above the ankle bone so I’ll take them to get hemmed. For the price tag it’s totally worth paying a little more for alterations to achieve the perfect fit so keep that in mind when shopping! (similar here and similar here – reviews recommend sizing up in the Free People)

Pumps: Vince Camuto (mine, limited sizing here and similar here)

Faux Leather Leggings and Tutu Slip: same as above

Turtleneck: Banana Republic (mine – old, similar here)

Vest: White House Black Market – mint condtion, paid $24! (similar here for under $50!)

Brooch: Banana Republic (mine – old, similar here or if you want to splurge, on my wish list is the classic Channel CC Brooch. Honey, if you are reading this it could be an heirloom piece to pass down to the daughter we don’t have, just like the necklace I bought in Mexico after too many tequila shots. Think about it. XO)

Pumps: Vince Camuto (mine – old, similar here)

Plaid: Free People – paid $16! (similar here and here)

Thermal: Free People – paid $16! (similar here and here)

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind ‘B(air)’

Booties: Dolce Vita ‘Lana’

This is how you do casual layering in the spring. Also, this is turning out to be a super long styled post and Mama is getting thirsty – Cheers!

Vest: JCrew – limited stock, similar style here for under $25!

Dri-Fit: Athleta – paid $17

Joggers: Gap (mine – old, similar here)

Sneakers: Nike (mine, old – similar here)

Jacket: Banana Republic – paid $45! (similar here and also loving this one longer version here)

Brooch: Banana Republic (mine – old, but I’m loving this pin up girl one  and this blue foxy lady. Brooches add an unexpected element of fun to an outfit so don’t be afraid to take risks!)

Turtleneck: JCrew ‘Tissue’ – mine, I layer these suckers under everything. They are my fave.

When all was said and done, they bought a good chunk of the items I brought in and I walked out of there with 18 really great pieces for a fraction of the cost – 12 of which they had pre-selected for me! 

Thank you to Style Encore Maple Grove  for partnering with me on this post! To book an appointment email info@style-encoremaplegrove.com and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss their newest arrivals – bonus, they ship!

Wish me luck on Monday – EEEK!

A