CJLA Girls Story: Esther Kruse

Happy Wednesday CJLA Girls! We hope the first half of your week has been going well. Today we've got a special CJLA Girls Story to share with you! CJLA Girl Esther Kruse was kind enough to share her story with us and we're so excited for you to learn more about Esther, her lifestyle and her capsule. Enjoy reading her full interview below!

CJLA: Tell us about yourself!

ESTHER: My name is Esther Kruse and I am from Salem, Oregon. I am originally from Seattle but moved to Oregon to go to college to become an elementary teacher. I met my husband, Kevin, while serving in youth ministry at our church. After we graduated, we got married and stuck around Salem. I ended up getting a job teaching 5th graders at a private school. I have loved my job so much that I’ve stuck around and have been teaching the same grade at the same school for almost 7 years now. Kevin and I have two little boys...Grayson who is 2 (can you say terrible twos?! Yiiiiiikes) and Easton who is 10 months old. We love spending time together outside in the beautiful PNW, working with youth and young adults, as well as remodeling our little fixer upper with some Netflix binging wedged in there somewhere.

CJLA: How did you discover CJLA?

ESTHER: I first heard of CJLA through some friends and started to notice them on Instagram. I have always been a bargain shopper and loved to find cheap clothes for well...cheap. But I had found myself disappointed over and over again when my clothes would fall apart quickly and easily. A friend was actually cleaning her closet and I ended up buying a CJLA kimono from her. That summer, I wore it RELIGIOUSLY. It stayed in perfect condition and it survived trips to the beach, the park, restaurants, even time overseas...it went with everything and was just so easy to throw on. I was sold. Thus began my love affair with CJLA.

CJLA: Carly Jean Los Angeles is more than clothes, it's a community! Why do you love being a member of the CJLA community?

ESTHER: I love the CJLA community! I’ve gotten to meet and know so many sweet ladies through our mutual love of CJLA. Carly Jean has really created a positive, encouraging space for people of all backgrounds and ages. With the world feeling a little extra heavy right now, this is an uplifting little space where everyone feels welcome.

CJLA: What are you three all-time favorite CJLA capsule pieces?

ESTHER: I have waaay too many Carly Jean faves! I still gravitate towards that first kimono I got. Its the blue, swiss dot Avaya that is just so perfect with any outfit. Especially in the summer time! I also have to sing the praises of the Chrissy Jeans. They are the PERFECT pair of denim for me. The distressing is in the right areas and they fit my body so well. Even though it’s a harder denim, they are still so comfy and easy to move in! Perfect for chasing babies in! Last but not least, the Rachel Tank is something I reach for constantly. It goes great under other things as well as by itself. The fabric is so buttery soft and the double lining makes it easy to not worry about bra lines!

CJLA: Why does the capsule concept work so well for you and your lifestyle?

ESTHER: The capsule concept works for me because as a mom, I’m always on the go. My little people are fast and need constant attention. Most days, I need to just throw something on quickly and call it good. I love that CJLA pieces just go so well together. I never have to worry about colors or styles so it makes it super easy to mix and match. Also with teaching, I love the comfort that the clothes bring as I’m stuck in a room with kids all day and having to bend down and move around. Also, my 5th graders tell me shirt tucking is cool and in style...CJLA pieces are perfect for that.

CJLA: How has your CJLA capsule helped to simplify your life?

ESTHER: Having a capsule wardrobe has really simplified my life. It makes getting dressed in the mornings so much more pleasant. I was always so stressed out in the mornings trying to get my clothes to coordinate and feel put together. Since CJLA pieces are so versatile, it makes it easy to just throw things on! It gives me more precious time with my boys in the morning before I go to work! That’s worth everything to me!

CJLA: What is your favorite CJLA piece to style?

ESTHER: My favorite CJLA piece to style is the Marla Pants. It is such a beautiful piece and I love being creative with it! I love it with the Hayes Blouse or with any of the basics. I can throw on the Hunter or a kimono on top. Pair it with booties or sandals or white sneakers and you’re good to go! There are so many options and it's such a fun and different piece. It makes a statement but is also so versatile!

CJLA: If you had to describe CJLA to a friend using three words what would they be?

ESTHER: If I had to describe CJLA to a friend, I would say that it timeless, effortless, and versatile!