Yesterday afternoon, I posed a few questions on Instagram Stories that I’ve been curious about lately. The most important ones were these:
1. Do you feel like the way you dress right now, on a day-to-day basis, is a true reflection of your personal style?
2. If not, why do you think that is?
As of the time I’m typing this, 75% of the women who have responded answered no, with the most frequently mentioned reasons including being pregnant/postpartum/nursing, dressing more casually than they’d like to while being home (whether working from home or being home with little kids), not having the time to put outfits they love together, not feeling confident they know their personal style, and not feeling confident in their bodies. Friends, I have been there. Spending a few minutes getting dressed is often one of my favorite little luxuries of my day, but last summer, I literally dreaded it. It actually wasn’t until around the time when I started Outfit Diaries that I started feeling like my closet (both a few thoughtful new investments and pre-pregnancy clothes that started to fit) reflected my style again. If you haven’t chimed in on my Instagram Story questions, they’ll be live until around 3 P.M., so head over and let me know your thoughts. I’d love to plan some upcoming posts to address some of the biggest pain points! In the meantime, I hope you find a little dose of inspiration in my February Outfit Diary–as always, let me know if you have questions about any of the pieces you see here :)
Gal Meets Glam Collection Janel cardigan: I love wearing this ruffle-neck cardigan all the way buttoned, like a button-down shirt. Use a little bit of fashion tape to prevent gaping, if you need to! I definitely recommend scouting resell sites for GMG cardigans if you’re in the market–they’re silky soft, but have a good weight to them. I’m biased in my love for the Janel ;) / J. Crew slim boyfriend jeans: First seen on the January Edit, these jeans are already a staple of my heading-into-spring wardrobe. The relaxed fit and lighter wash are such a refreshing change from my go-to dark skinny jeans! / Sarah Flint Natalie flats: The newest flats in my collection, which I shared more about here! Love this brand and this twist on a classic neutral style. Use the code SARAHFLINT-BALISAK for $50 off. / Little Poppy Co. headband: I couldn’t resist this braided headband in the perfect shade of blush as an add-on to Azelie’s bow subscription in January! You do need to have an active subscription to access their add-on shop, but they also have an accessories subscription (use the code BOWLOVE for $5 off your first month) that is verrry tempting ;)
Everly top from Rose & Lee: I bought this pretty floral blouse from my favorite local, ethically sourced boutique last spring and still love it! / J. Crew Factory jeggings: My current favorite skinny jeans at a great price point! They are stretchy and comfy and I love the high-waist. I’m wearing a size 28 and think they fit true to size. / Sarah Flint Natalie flats: The newest flats in my collection, which I shared more about here! Love this brand and this twist on a classic neutral style. Use the code SARAHFLINT-BALISAK for $50 off. / Stella & Tide necklace: My favorite source of delicate Catholic Saint medals is Stella & Tide–I’m wearing the Custom Saint Necklace featuring St. Therese.
& Other Stories mockneck sweater: If this sweater looks familiar, it’s because I bought it right off of the January Edit! This soft, machine-washable mockneck comes in a bunch of beautiful colors and is so comfortable. Fit is a little short/boxy, so consider sizing up for length if you would like (I didn’t and am wearing a small). / J. Crew Factory jeggings: My current favorite skinny jeans at a great price point! They are stretchy and comfy and I love the high-waist. I’m wearing a size 28 and think they fit true to size. / Margaux The Demi flat in navy: My love for my Margaux Demi flats is very well-documented…I actually made my first Instagram Guide highlighting a bunch of ways I’ve worn them. Needless to say, I can’t get enough of the comfortable fit or timeless look. Take 10% off your first order with the code LISA.
J. Crew fleece zip-up: This cozy, neutral fleece has been my go-to outer layer lately, since I like the way the piping makes it feel slightly more polished. Wearing a medium. / J. Crew Factory jeggings: My current favorite skinny jeans at a great price point! They are stretchy and comfy and I love the high-waist. I’m wearing a size 28 and think they fit true to size. / Veja Esplar sneakers: I love these sneakers so much! Super classic, beautiful quality, and easy to style with anything from jeans, to shorts, to dresses.
Target blouse: As seen in the February Edit, this $20 blouse is one of the happiest recent additions to my closet! It runs pretty short, so consider sizing up for length. I’m wearing a medium. / J. Crew Factory white corduroy pants: I love the way the corduroy makes these white pants perfectly winter-appropriate, while the high-waist button front is a fun twist. These run small–I had to return and exchange a pair before landing on one that fit. Wearing a 29. / Sarah Flint Natalie flats: The newest flats in my collection, which I shared more about here! Love this brand and this twist on a classic neutral style. Use the code SARAHFLINT-BALISAK for $50 off. / Beautycounter Color Intense Lipstick in Garden Party: I couldn’t resist swiping on some pink lipstick for Valentine’s Day! The Color Intense line from Beautycounter is my all-time favorite, since the ingredients are clean and the colors are bright, saturated, and stay put for hours.
& Other Stories mockneck sweater: This soft, machine-washable mockneck comes in a bunch of beautiful colors and is so comfortable. Fit is a little short/boxy, so consider sizing up for length if you would like (I didn’t and am wearing a small). / Black pants: Y’all, I am in major need of new black pants…these are from college! Eyeing this or this as a replacement pair. / Margaux The Boot in Navy: I was working at Gal Meets Glam when this collaboration with Margaux launched. The boots are a splurge but when it comes to comfort, elegance, and versatility, they simply can’t be beat. Take 10% off with the code LISA. / Gal Meets Glam Collection silk scarf: Another old GMG favorite! Find other floral silk scarves I love here and here.
J. Crew eyelet blouse: I grabbed this eyelet blouse on super-sale and am so glad I did–it’s the prettiest piece to layer now and wear on its own during short-sleeve season. Similar here. / J. Crew cashmere cardigan: I’ve had this cardigan in my closet for close to a decade, which just goes to show what a classic it is. Definitely a staple! Similar here. / J. Crew slim boyfriend jeans: First seen on the January Edit, these jeans are already a staple of my heading-into-spring wardrobe. The relaxed fit and lighter wash are such a refreshing change from my go-to dark skinny jeans! / Margaux The Demi flat in navy: My love for my Margaux Demi flats is very well-documented…I actually made my first Instagram Guide highlighting a bunch of ways I’ve worn them. Needless to say, I can’t get enough of the comfortable fit or timeless look. Take 10% off your first order with the code LISA. / Mejuri pearl hoop earrings: These hoops make an easy, but equally timeless, alternative to my go-to pearl studs.
Gal Meets Glam Collection Lisa dress: Naturally, this dress is a special one to me! I love the floral print, hunter and cream colorway, and the fact that it’s machine-washable (many GMG dresses aren’t). I found it available in a few sizes here! / Gal Meets Glam Collection Janel cardigan: I definitely recommend scouting resell sites for GMG cardigans if you’re in the market–they’re silky soft, but have a good weight to them. I’m biased in my love for the Janel ;) (So yes, this is the GMG Lisa Janel outfit!) / Sarah Flint Natalie flats: The newest flats in my collection, which I shared more about here! Love this brand and this twist on a classic neutral style. Use the code SARAHFLINT-BALISAK for $50 off. / The Tiny Tassel bow earrings: These statement bows were a Christmas gift and I’m itching for mask-free days when I can wear them out of the house! Until then, I’ve been reaching for them anytime I want to make a day at home feel extra celebratory. Last seen here!
Tuckernuck floral blouse: I scored this Liberty floral blouse from Tuckernuck’s online sample sale and it makes me so happy! The bold colors are a little out of my comfort zone, but they instantly brightened my day. Can’t wait to wear this one throughout the spring. More bright Liberty floral tops here and here! / J. Crew slim boyfriend jeans: First seen on the January Edit, these jeans are already a staple of my heading-into-spring wardrobe. The relaxed fit and lighter wash are such a refreshing change from my go-to dark skinny jeans! / Margaux The Demi flat in navy: My love for my Margaux Demi flats is very well-documented…I actually made my first Instagram Guide highlighting a bunch of ways I’ve worn them. Needless to say, I can’t get enough of the comfortable fit or timeless look. Take 10% off your first order with the code LISA.
Tuckernuck Easton blouse: Another Tuckernuck sample sale steal! I’ve been admiring the silhouette of their Easton blouse for ages and it definitely lives up to the hype–gorgeous material and super flattering silhouette. / J. Crew Factory jeggings: My current favorite skinny jeans at a great price point! They are stretchy and comfy and I love the high-waist. I’m wearing a size 28 and think they fit true to size. / Sarah Flint Natalie flats: The newest flats in my collection, which I shared more about here! Love this brand and this twist on a classic neutral style. Use the code SARAHFLINT-BALISAK for $50 off. / White eyelet headband: I don’t remember where this headband is from, but here’s a similar one!
J. Crew eyelet blouse: I grabbed this eyelet blouse on super-sale and am so glad I did–it’s the prettiest piece to layer now and wear on its own during short-sleeve season. Similar here. / J. Crew slim boyfriend jeans: First seen on the January Edit, these jeans are already a staple of my heading-into-spring wardrobe. The relaxed fit and lighter wash are such a refreshing change from my go-to dark skinny jeans! / Sam Edelman Loraine loafers: One of my favorite pairs of flats, these loafers have held up beautifully over the two years I’ve had them. They come in a bunch of different colors–mine are the Saddle Leather.
So gorgeous, friend! I’ll take them all, but I think my favorite of the bunch this month is the GMG Lisa Janel outfit! :)
The perfect black pants <3 I tried ordering the new style from Kohls over Black Friday and they got lost in the mail. Looking forward to updates on black pants that are as good as these OGs!
The LJ outfit is perfection!