1.21.2015

Closet Staples: {The Perfect White Shirt}

I'm excited to introduce you all to a new series I'm doing for the next couple months called, you guessed it, Closet Staples! (Golf claps all around.)

I came to the stunning realization last night that I own five sequin blazers and only ONE pair of non-maternity jeans. Now I love sparkle as much as the next gal, but that ratio seems a bit skewed. So I decided that enough is enough. I'm going to rebuild my wardrobe starting with staple pieces.

I'm in the process of doing an inventory of my own closet and figuring out what I need now that I can get back to my non-maternity wear, (err, soon. As soon as I stop eating those darn enchiladas.) Over the next few weeks, I'll be compiling my own list of "must-haves" for building a grab 'n go wardrobe.

photo via Pinterest by way of Minna Somero
Today, we're talking about the perfect white oxford. Ideally, my perfect oxford shirt would be long enough to hide the top part of my bum, feature a cuffed sleeve and have a stiff collar that could easily be popped up slightly when the mood strikes.


Silk Cotton Shirt in New Off White



Pintucked Perfect Shirt in White (40% OFF with code SUITUP)



BR Non-Iron Sateen Button-Down Shirt in White (30% OFF until 1/25 with code BRLOVE)



Endless Shirt in White 



Express Original Long Sleeve Essential Shirt (One of my all-time favorite oxford-style shirts)








If you're a larger chested gal, you might check out the Fitted Boyfriend Oxford from Gap. It features a more relaxed fit around the chest and shoulder area, but is curved and tailored at the waist! (It also comes in Tall and Petite, too!)





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I also wanted to share something very important with all of you that reside in Northwest Arkansas like me. My good friends at Crown Beauty Bar in Fayetteville are lending a hand to Peace at Home Family Shelter - a fantastic organization that offers a secure environment to women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Starting now, Crown will be collecting needed items to the women at the shelter and making their delivery on February 13th. Every donation will get your name entered into a drawing for a Queen of Hearts package, a $125 value!

Items needed: underwear (never worn, of course!), bras, pajamas, socks, toiletries, makeup and fun jewelry that you no longer wear. Come on, girls - let's lend a hand and give from the heart!

16 comments:

  1. Those oxfords are great! Old Navy almost always has a couple different styles in stock, sometimes on their website only.

    I have one problem. I am a large chested lady and the buttons always strain. I have had terrible luck finding oxfords that are traditional (button to the top, not 3/4 length sleeves, hit at the right length, broadcloth material). I end up with the largest a brand offers and have my momma sew the opening which makes me self conscious. Any tips on where to find such a thing? I've even worn men's shirts but of course those are not flattering for anything other than pjs.

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    1. Gotcha covered - literally ; ) Try the Gap Fitted Boyfriend Oxford. It's more relaxed at the top (allowing some extra room for the girls), but the shirttail is curved and tailored so it'll still give you a waist. My good friend Christi is bigger chested and I know she loves this option. I'll go ahead and add the link in the post, but you can also go to GAP.COM and type in "Fitted Boyfriend Oxford". Good luck!

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  2. I love a good oxford shirt, but I get soooo scared about getting it dirty or keeping it bright white. Do you have any tips for keeping them bright and white?

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    1. I LOVE OxyClean for our whites. Also, when you toss them in the washer, even if you're washing them with other white clothing, toss in a Shout Color Catcher. It will trap any dirt or dinginess and keep it from absorbing into the fabric of your crisp white shirt!

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  3. ohh i love this series! i really need to find a cute white blouse... after the baby arrives that is. xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  4. I am going to love this series... I just know it! A white tailored shirt will never go out of style... love your options above.

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  5. This is a great series!!! I think sometimes what closet staples to own can be a bit overwhelming for most (raises hand) ;)

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  6. I agree with Lauren Lu. I don't own a single white oxford because of my larger ta's. I can't find a happy medium between oversized and stretching at the bust. I know you're a petite lady, Leslie, but do you have any ideas for those of use who are well endowed?!

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    1. Hi, Flannery! Try the Gap Fitted Boyfriend Oxford. It's more relaxed at the top (allowing some extra room for the girls), but the shirttail is curved and tailored so it'll still give you a waist. My pal Christi is bigger chested and I know she loves this option. I'll go ahead and add the link in the post, but you can also go to gap.com and type in "Fitted Boyfriend Oxford". Hope that helps!!

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  7. This is a tough one for someone with bosoms.

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    1. Added another option to the post, so you might try that one! It's the Fitted Boyfriend Oxford from Gap : )

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  8. Can't wait to see what else you feature in this series! I'm ashamed to admit that I don't even own a white button up, as every woman should have one...Alas, at 6 months pregnant, it will be a few months before I go trying them on to add one to my closet!

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  9. I love a good, crisp white button down! Mine are from J Crew and I love it fit!

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  10. Out of all my oxfords, the ones I have from Express are my favorite!

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  11. What a great series! Can't wait to see what else you talk about!

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  12. I love this series! I know I'd learn from this! And I agree with the perfect white shirt! It's an essential! :)

    xo
    Janine | Lime & Life

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