Me with Luke...Still standing after 9 hours!
I just came across a new handbag that will be on my "must have" list this season. Leopard print with a leather bow...can you say saucy and sweet? LOVE!
Valentio Leopard Print Hobo, $2,695
We’ve all heard the statistic that women only wear 20% of the clothing in their closets on a daily basis. Many fall into this statistic. If one has a good “basic” wardrobe to begin with the possibilities are endless. Here is a list of the most useful items for any closet.
Little Black Dress
Coco Chanel made it famous. This is the one piece of clothing that will never go out of style. If you’re looking to channel Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn invest in a classic sleeveless shift dress. It can easily be dressed up with stilettos and a bit of sparkles or throw a lightweight cardigan and flats on for a more casual look. Whether it’s a mini, fitted or maxi-dress a LBD is an essential wardrobe piece. Make sure to keep it simple and have your accessories be your embellishments.
Pencil Skirt
There is nothing more classic than a pencil skirt. It’s one of the best classic wardrobe pieces, as it can easily be transformed. For fall add a belted cardigan sweater with bold-colored tights and ankle boots for a fashionable office look. There are some amazing pencil skirts this season in prints as well as solid colors.
T-Shirts
A wardrobe is not complete without t-shirts. This is one area where stocking up on inexpensive brands is perfectly acceptable. T-shirts should only last one season as white tends to turn yellow after too many washes and dark colors fade after too many run-ins with the dryer. They are great layering pieces that work with jeans and a blazer to a pencil skirt and heels.
Blazer
This season it’s all about blazers. Bold shoulders, boyfriend, military-inspired and tailored blazers means there’s one for every occasion. A blazer can instantly toughen or add class to your outfit thereby offering you more looks to create with your wardrobe.
Shoes should be one area in your closet that you allot a little more money to. They can instantly take your outfit from drab to fabulous. Every woman should own a nude pump, a classic black patent leather pump and an embellished flat. As far as I’m concerned there’s no need to stop there, the sky’s the limit as far as how many shoes are enough. A good pair of shoes can last forever, especially if you have a good cobbler on speed dial!
Classic Handbags
Spend with confidence on a classic, exceptionally made bag from such designers as Prada, YSL, Chanel, Louis Vuitton or any other high-end designer. Stay away from trendy hardware or patterns opting to stick instead with solid colors. A well made bag will be yours forever…and you can always use the rational that one day it’ll be vintage to help ease the anxiety when handing over your credit card!
Jeans
Where would we be without jeans? They have become a classic in everyone’s wardrobe. There is a fit and wash for every occasion and then some. Choose a pair that fit your body and make you feel amazing. If you are just starting out, choose a dark wash as it gives the illusion of being slimmer and also has a more polished look thereby expanding your closet.
Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere is something you can wear all year long. While good cashmere can be pricy, it’s worth the splurge in the long run. It will last a lifetime with proper care as it won’t thin or lose it’s shape.
Scarves
SA Always a bit jealous of French women and wonder how they get their amazing style? Well steal one of their staples and incorporate a scarf into your wardrobe. A scarf is so versatile and there are so many options available. They are not just for winter. Throw one over a maxi dress as you hit the farmer’s market on the weekend. Splurge on a large printed silk scarf from Hermes and the possibilities are endless.
10. Classic Trench Coat
The classic trench coat is a staple wardrobe item that never goes out of style. It exudes timeless class while protecting one from the elements. Whether one goes practical or trendy, long or short, a trench is a flattering option for every body type. One can pair with a suit for work or jeans for the weekend, a trench coat is a piece one will keep coming back to year after year.
For more style tips visit: www.ShopSmartLookFab.com
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Nothing like the changing seasons to get excited about updating your closet. Below are a few of my must haves for the upcoming fall season to help inspire you until the September issues hit your mailbox!
Leopard Print Blouse
Animal prints are everywhere this season, but they’ve managed to live in my closest for some time now. I’ve never met an animal print I didn’t like. I love this blouse because it has just enough sass but when paired with jeans or a pencil skirt it won’t make you look like you’re channeling Catwoman.
D&G Leopard Print Blouse, $415
Black Blazer
There are many versions to the blazer this season. But there’s one that really has my eye…a fitted blazer rocking exaggerated shoulders. It has my name written all over it. Throw it over a delicate floral print dress to add a little edge to your outfit.
Sequin Skirt
Looking to liven up your wardrobe…just add sequins. There’s no need to be afraid of looking like a disco ball if done properly. Pair with opaque black stockings, flat boots, white tissue t-shirt and a fitted jean jacket and you’ll have mastered the casual-modern look.
Over-the-Knee Boots
As soon as I saw these at Barney’s a few months ago it was love at first sight. There are so many ways to wear them, where to start? Throw on with leggings and an over-sized sweater that’s belted at the waist and you’re all set for Saturday brunch. You’re sure to be the one everyone is checking out wishing they could have your style.
Chloe Over the Knee Boot, $1,195
Red…it’s not just for Valentine’s Day this year. It’s the easiest way to add some spice to your closet. I love this bag from Balenciaga. Not only is it the perfect color, but it has a bit of hardware to give it a touch of roughness.
Balenciaga Work Handbag, $1595
(photo courtesy of Christie Jane’s Flickr photostream)
Yesterday was a pretty rough day. Lots of things went awry.
On the way into the daycare, my two-year-old forgot he was wearing big boy pants now. We had to run, dripping, as fast as we could to the bathroom. But the running wasn’t so bad, because I was running in my brand new red patent leather spike heels.
When I got to work, there was a group of semi-hygienic bikers lounging on the sofas in the lobby. Everyone else was eyeballing them as if a cinema-worthy shootout was about to go down. Not me. I turned on my strut and made sure they saw my shiny leather. They were definitely entertained.
I got to my office and started gearing myself up for a fight. I knew I was going to have to confront a co-worker about a project deadline she had missed. The conversation started, took a bad turn, and I began to back down, as I often do. Then I looked down and spied my five inches of power. I stood my ground in my red shoes.
My red shoes and I spent the rest of the afternoon flirting, power lunching, and generally blazing our way through everything the day threw at us. We even caught all the green lights on the way home.
Look, I hate blatant materialism. I abhor people who acquire just for the sake of acquiring. I’m fine with lust and greed being deadly sins. But I think everyone needs a little something that makes them feel special or powerful. Something to think about or gaze upon that gives them a secret thrill. Something to save for, splurge on, or treat themselves to on a regular basis. Whether it’s a designer sofa or a creamy lipstick or a pair of perfectly-neutral Louboutins or an expensive set of cookware, its draw is uncontrollable.
Everyone needs a pair of red shoes.
What’s your “red shoe?” What item makes you feel confident, special or happy?
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