Closet Staple: The Chelsea Boot

So I've decided to start a new series. It's called Closet Staples and I think you all are going to love it! Ever since moving to NYC, I've  been really careful about what I add to my closet. It's been more about quality over quantity (which at first I was forced into because of the limited space I have), but I've loved having a smaller, more curated closet with pieces I absolutely love instead of pieces I feel partial to or don't wear at all. I've adopted a 1 in 1 out policy (sometimes even a 1 in 2 out policy) for every time I purchase a piece, and I LOVE it! I sell my gently used stuff through Poshmark, Tradesy & eBay. A little extra income to pay for new clothing? It's a great system.

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With that, I've decided to start the Closet Staples series to give you guys what I think are quality, important pieces that every woman should have in her closet, starting today with the Chelsea boot. This is actually a more recent piece that I've been coveting, but the style of the Chelsea boot is sleek and absolutely timeless. I'm not sure what took me so long to hop on board with this, but I ended up finding an insane steal on a pair of Chloe's on eBay, and then I also discovered Freda Salvador, and it was all over from there. Check out some of my other favorites below!

If you're going to splurge, I highly recommend the Acne Jensen's or a pair of Chloe boots. The Jensen's have been around a while, and are extremely popular within the fashion community... For good reason. The pointy toe and slight heel give the boot such a sleek, edgy look. On the other hand, these are the perfect wallet friendly pair - they are IDENTICAL to the Jensen, for a fourth of the price. That is, if you can find them. They're sold out in a ton of colors and sizes unfortunately. I'm dying to grab the burgundy shade. And lastly these. They're under $50. Done and done.

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Pumpkin Protein Oatmeal

I love having oatmeal for breakfast, but lately I've been really trying to incorporate some more protein into my morning meals. If I'm not having my usual shake or eggs, I find it hard to make sure I'm getting enough! This recipe is delicious, quick, and warming - perfect for these chilly winter days we're having, plus it is packed with nutritious ingredients and a good amount of protein. Better yet, it only takes about 10 minutes to make!

You can play around with toppings for this, but I went with cinnamon (which is a wonderful, warming spice in the winter, plus it balances blood sugar), cacao nibs for a little crunch (these little guys are loaded with iron, magnesium, fiber and so much more!)., and a little maple syrup for sweetener!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup almond or coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 ripe banana sliced
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 egg whites (remove the yokes)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or you can do a mixture of ground cloves, cinnamon, & nutmeg)
• pinch of cinnamon
• pinch of sea salt
• cinnamon & cacao nibs for topping

Directions

• In a sauce pan, combine the milk, water, banana slices, pumpkin puree, spices and salt over medium to high heat. Bring to a boil.
• Once the mixture is boiling, add the oatmeal and bring down to a simmer. Cook until almost all the liquid is absorbed and the oats are soft.
• Pour in the egg whites and stir constantly so that they mix well (otherwise you'll get chunks of egg whites in the oatmeal). Cook for about 1-2 minutes.
• Place into a bowl and add your favorite toppings! You could do the toppings I chose, or something like an almond butter drizzle with pumpkin seeds, fruit or pretty much anything your heart desires!

*Recipe adapted from Eating Bird Food

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Kit & Ace

Kit & Ace Sweater // AG Jeans (also here) // Charles David Pumps // White & Warren Scarf (on sale here)

Yet another Kit & Ace piece... I could live in this sweater (and I pretty much do) it is SO cozy. Favorite sweater in my closet right now. I highly highly recommend Kit & Ace clothing - the founder of the company is the same man who founded Lululemon, so you know the stuff is going to be REALLY really good.

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