My Favorite Basics + LaaLee Giveaway

Today I wanted to share with y’all some of my favorite basic pieces that are essentials in my winter wardrobe. I’ve also got a super exciting giveaway with a fabulous jewelry designer that will be starting today, with the winner being announced next Friday! But, more on that a little later. This outfit is basically (hehe couldn’t resist) made up of black and white pieces that are easy to mix and match with almost anything. The coat is a Calvin Klein piece that I’ve had for years and found at, get this, Costless Outlet for under $50. Despite it’s age, it’s very on trend this year with the oversized coat phenomenon. It’s the perfect simple wool coat that can be worn over practically any winter getup. Of course, I’ve got a similar option down in the links for y’all!The top may not be super wintery to those of you in places that actually get cold, but here in fickle weathered Charleston, tops like this are a must have. It’s a great choice to layer under a sweater or like I did here, throw a coat over. I love that it’s so simple and comfortable with the solid white tee-shirt style back, but looks put together with the silky fabric front. Also, something about those black and white stripes just exude elegance! A pair of black pants and a pair of leather leggings are both a wardrobe essentials these days, but why not combine them and have a simple leather stripe down the side of your black pants? It avoids the whole sweating in your leather leggings situation (you know you’ve been there) but still jazzes up the basic black pant. These are SO comfortable and very flattering, so they get my vote! Then there’s my newest spoil myself purchase, my YSL mini bag. I’m telling you, if you want to splurge and buy yourself a nice but practical bag, this is the way to go! I’m absolutely obsessed with this minimalist chic look. Of course, I couldn’t do an all black and white outfit without a little pop of color, so I threw on these fab red suede pumps. While they definitely stand out a bit more than the other pieces, I still consider these a winter basic because they go with so much! They’re great to throw on with anything black, white, leopard and I’m especially loving mixing red and pink or purple for the holidays. Y’all know I like to keep my jewelry simple, so a few dainty layered necklaces are always my go-to look. I love this “Mrs.” necklace that just screams “I’m so married” – if you don’t get that reference and haven’t watched the video you must! Then, there’s the bar necklace that really never leaves my neck. It can be layered with just about any other necklace whether it’s another simple gold piece, a long tassel style necklace or even a statement piece. It’s so simple, but so chic! Now, for what y’all have either a. have been waiting for or b. just scrolled down to the bottom to see (i’m totally onto you) – the giveaway info!! So, laalee is a beautiful jewelry line designed by the super sweet southern belle, Christy Mims, out of Lafayette, Louisiana. I originally came across her designs when I was searching for jewelry for my bridesmaids to wear in our May wedding. I was instantly drawn to her fashion forward, but antique inspired pieces, styled on beautiful vintage china. Her blush champagne teardrop earrings were exactly what I had been looking for to compliment my bridesmaid’s rosewater colored dresses. Christy was SO sweet and so easy to work with which was a huge bonus for me being a busy bride. I wound up getting my entire bridal party and family’s jewelry from laalee. There are so many colors and styles to choose from, she has something for every bride and wedding party. But, Christy couldn’t get rid of me after the wedding was over! Not only does she have the best selection of bridal party jewelry, but she also makes jewelry fit for everyday purposes. In comes that FAB bar necklace!! There’s a little bit of everything on her site from dainty necklaces and bangles to trendy druzy style jewelry, and YOU have the chance to win a $50 to her shop!! All you have to do is follow me (@southernmeetschic) and laalee (@laaleedesigns) on Instagram and comment “followed and entered” on any of the pictures posted in reference to the giveaway. This will run today through next Friday the 19th at noon and I will announce a winner at 5:00 on Friday afternoon. It doesn’t stop there though!! All of my SMC readers will shop for 15% off their entire purchase with the code 15OFF in the laalee shop!! Brides, this is the perfect time for you to check jewelry off your list!!

Coat- Calvin Klein old (similar here) | Top- J. Crew | Pants- J. Crew Factory Store | Pumps- Kate Spade old (similar here) | Bag- Saint Laurent | Mrs. Necklace- Kate Spade from Southern Protocol Boutique | Bar Necklace- laalee designs