Today’s Fashion Illustration:
Essential White Boyshirt $$ Madewell, roll-cuff denim shorts $ Gilly Hicks (or $$ Joe’s), anchor belt $ asos, cognac multi wedge $$ Steve Madden, Legacy Medium Candace Carryall $$ Coach

I love this look because it’s comfortable and put together. In my opinion, you really can’t fail with a clean white boyshirt. (Plus – shorts and open toe shoes are key for a pedicure. I usually forget where and show up in skinny jeans with closed shoes; the technician usually gives me a look.)

Also, I’m in loooove with my anchor belt. It’s hella cheap on asos and from the boy’s club. (Btw, I got xs. If I wear it in the closest hole, it fits my hip.)

The post Summertime: A White Shirt & Washed Out Cut-offs appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.

Today’s Fashion Illustration:
Chandler Pinot Noir $ Warby Parker, white popover BCBG (or $$ J.Crew), Luster necklace by Good Season, pastel skinny jeans $ asos, patent wedges Guess Outlet (or $$ Michael Kors and $$$ Jimmy Choo), pebbled leather bag Kate Spade (or $$ Cole Haan and $$$ Marc by Marc Jacobs)

This is one of my biggest downfalls. It results in abandoned ideas and unfinished projects. But, I never want Sketchbook Closet to become that. I really love this blog.

I constantly struggle with feeling accomplished, being fulfilled creatively, my career, relationships, and fitness. Plus, I’m a perfectionist. (It’s embarrassing to admit) because of that I used to have an emotional meltdown every other week.

But, I believe in designing your destiny. After a bit of sulking and ten boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese – I assessed the situation and came up with a plan of attack. I quit my job, pursued freelancing, and started this fashion illustration blog. (I had a lot of help and support from VNg. I couldn’t have done any of this without him.)

The point: I love creating for this blog. (Obviously I hope it makes me successful enough to lounge and draw all day while feasting on popcorn.) That aside, seeing my work progress (& hopefully improve), having an outlet, and pages of proof that I’m actually doing something… is priceless. (VNg says that since I started the blog, I’m happier, more balanced, and productive. And no more breakdowns – yay!)

I won’t overlook how I feel when I receive encouraging feedback from you, my viewers, (complete strangers!) I’m a skeptic and my worst critic. I overlook compliments. But, I can’t ignore your comments and emails. So, thank you tons!!!

I’m still trying to control all the noise in my brain… (Including my super secret surprise launch — Ahhhh!!! I can’t wait to share!) But, I promise I’m going to stick with this. Even if it’s once a week – I’m going to keep posting!!! (And, I won’t beat myself up for not meeting the ridiculous standard I’ve set for myself.)

Thank you so much, again, for all of your kind words. ♥

The post Refreshed: A Crisp White Popover & Peach Jeans appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.

Today’s Fashion Illustration:
tank Hollister Co. (or J.Crew Factory), breton stripe tee Seoul (or $$ J.Crew), chambray button-up TopShop (or $$ Madewell), black denim $ asos, collegiate hoodie RISD (or $$ J.Crew), **slip-on sneakers $ Converse (or Bloomingdale’s)

So yes, believe it or not – I went camping!! In the woods! I slept in a tent! On the ground! (Honestly, it was not as bad as it sounds.)

Since the weather was a little chilly – it was important to have a lot of layers. It worked out great; I was comfortable while tossing a football back and forth–and I was warm while sitting around sketching. (It was also key that we had “heat tech” under layers for sleeping.)

This was my first time camping; I was scared of what it might be like. But, I ended up having a fantastic time and I can’t wait for my next camping trip!

**Note: My converse sneakers are the kids’ version (size 3!) Converse sneakers run pretty large. If you have small feet like me (size 5) you can probably get away with the much cheaper kids’ version!!

The post Camping: Chambray and Neon on Black appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.

Please don’t forget about me! Thanks so much for viewing!

The post Off the Grid appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.

Today’s Fashion Illustration:
essential boyshirt $$ Madewell, mint bandeau TNA (or $ Urban Outfitters), jersey dot mini skirt Seoul (or $ F21), pop color sneakers Seoul (or $ Van’s), perforated Penny $$ Coach Legacy

My vacation’s nearly here. I’m so ready to go. I feel like a senior in high school and it’s the last week before summer break. Fortunately, I’ve been really busy at work and time is flying.

Yesterday I did some last minute shopping for the trip. It was kind of hilarious. We got to the mall right before they closed so I was running around like a mad-woman.

But, it paid off! I finally got some cute swim cover-ups.

Since I just bought one for the first time yesterday, let’s talk about rompers. I’ve been so afraid of them for the longest time. I don’t know why. A lot of my girlfriends love them. And, I see a tons of cute romper styling on the web, Pinterest, fashion mags, etc. etc.

I guess I’m terrified they’ll make me look like a child. Or, that they’ll emphasize how short my legs are. Or, that it will be so awkward and uncomfortable to go to the bathroom. (I’m I being crazy?)

Well, I got over my (irrational) fear and bought a really cute black crocheted romper.

I’m not ready to incorporate them into my work/weekend wear yet (if ever), but I figure throwing it over my swimsuit is a safe start.

What do you think? Love rompers… am I totally crazy? Or, like me – are they too much for you? Let me know!

Thanks so much for viewing. <3

The post Casual Color: White Shirt, Dot Mini, & Pretty Pops appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.

Today’s Fashion Illustration:
Luster necklace by Good Season, drop waist sleeveless shirtdress $ Forever21, Hart platform sandal $$ Lauren Ralph Lauren, cutout earrings $ Forever21, envelope cross-body $ Urban Outfitters

I guess part of this is a by-product of gearing up for vacation!! I am dying to go. The weather has been decent lately, but I heard a cold front is rolling in. Perfect timing to escape!

Now, what to pack… any suggestions???

Thanks for viewing today’s fashion illustration! Hope you liked it.

The post Daydreaming: Drop Waist Sundress & Leather Platforms appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.

Today’s Fashion Illustration:
chambray shirtdress Madewell (or $ F21 and $$ Saks)

Also – another exciting moment for Sketchbook Closet: a fun feature from Nina of Anything et Everything! If you haven’t already checked out her beautiful site, I hope you do!

VNg and I had a fun weekend; we spent time with friends and family and got fresh air.

Meanwhile, I returned about 80% of the online purchases I made last week. I’m trying to prepare for our vacation, but failing miserably.

I love online shopping for the convenience, size availability, and transparency of stock. But sometimes you just can’t beat being in person, touching the fabric, and trying on in store. (A lot of my returns were due to quality or bad fit.)

One thing I learned the hard way: always use free shipping and free returns!! Don’t do what I did: throw away about $30 on shipping just to end up with two bikini bottoms. (I’m glaring at you Victoria’s Secret!! Seriously, how can they NOT always offer free shipping!?)

Now I’m really prudent about only shopping on sites that always offer free shipping or have promos.

Do you prefer online or in store shopping? Either way, I hope you’ve had better luck. When I told my friend how many returns I’ve made lately – she commented, “Maybe you hate shopping.” Haha.

Thanks for viewing!!

The post I Love My: Chambray Shirtdress appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.

Today’s Fashion Illustration:
blazer $$$ Theory or $ asos, vertical stripe button-down Club Monaco, black denim $ asos, patent wedges Guess (outlet) or $$ Michael Kors and $$$ Jimmy Choo

What else? Today is the end of my shopping ban!! Well, I have pretty much exhausted my budget for the next couple of months.

Explanation: I heard this (true?) story of a man who was lost in the frozen wilderness for a long time.

He was finally rescued and fed. Although forewarned, he devoured so much so quickly that he basically killed himself.

…And that’s what resurfacing from the shopping ban was like.

I’m maintaining my spending spreadsheet and keeping track of what I purchase. (This really helps me stick to only buying things I truly love. When there’s a finite amount of money, you make every penny count.)

And, I definitely take advantage of the “free shipping/returns” policy a lot of places (Shopbop, Zara, Asos) offer. So, we’ll see how things pan out. Hopefully I don’t have to restrict myself for another three months.

But, at least I have some fun packages to anticipate – and some new fashion illustration subject matter!!

The post Monochrome: Vertical Stripes on Black appeared first on Sketchbook Closet.