Wardrobe Essentials: Top 10

As the new year approaches all sorts of lists are being made describing the 'Best of.....' with this in mind I began to ponder a list of my own:

Wardrobe Essentials: Top 10

Wardrobe essentials are those items that as a stylist I believe every person should own. Are these the only items in your closet?!? NO way!

These are just the basics...the essentials that your wardrobe needs to survive without becoming too overwhelming. These are the timeless classic pieces that go with almost anything in your closet, never go out of style & are enduringly chic.

They are dependable. They transcend time, trends and travel. They go from causal to dressy, season to season & are still stylish five years from now.

Other pieces in your collection will include items that can be mixed among your essentials easily to showcase your personal style.

1. Black Suit: this should include blazer, trouser & skirt. Purchase all from the same shop so the blacks & fabric will match. Choose a wool blend for year round wear.


2. White Button Up Shirt: classic style, plain & unremarkable. The essential shirt should be free from puffs, ruffles & bows. Think: Men's white shirt.


3. Straight Leg Jean: find a great design that fits perfectly & invest. Select a dark indigo color.


4. Little Black Dress: most flattering cuts are wrap, faux wrap & sheath. Fabric should be jersey or fine knit.


5. Trench Coat: Timeless khaki or new black


6. Classic Black High Heel Pump: as an essential this pump should not be chunky or have a platform (unless hidden). Think: traditional.


7. Ballet Flats: Nude or Black leather free from cutesy designs


8. Diamond Stud Earrings


9. Tee: Well fitted with some stretch & buy 2: black & white.


10. A Great Bag: classic, timeless & wearable. No statement bag or trend of the moment.

All stylish women have these items in their closet because they know:

Fashions fade, style is eternal

Ciao'

Tie One On: Scarves

Donna Karan stated best 'A scarf is the most versatile accessory'. If you don't own one...you should own several!

My personal collection consists of 20...30 okay let's keep it real...50+ scarves. They are the perfect accessory. Day or night, casual or formal scarves are easily mixed into any wardrobe.

Make it Work:

• Coordinate with existing colors in your wardrobe

Textures add variety & pop to typically bland pieces

Weight should depend on the season: heavy winter/light & sheer spring

Shapes & Length should vary due to the way in which scarves can be tied:

Check out ElleGirl's how to guide

Accessorize your scarf: add a brooch to a half bow or to the knot in your scarf for an extra glam look.

Wear scarves with button down shirts, tees, turtlenecks, suiting, sweatshirts...be creative!

Trend to try: Tie a scarf in a simple knot around the handle of your handbag or tote. Gives your outfit color & pop without dedicating yourself to actually wearing the scarf.

Best tip: Base your selection on your style & your flair. You are not a celebrity so don't just do what they do...make your own fashion statement!

My favorite pieces are from echo design but I always find great pieces on eBay, Forever21, UrbanOutfitters, vintage shops & yes even grandma's closet! Keep your eyes open for sales & when you see a scarf that catches your eye....Tie one on!

Ciao'

Houndstooth Triangle $78.00 Echo

Neon Wrap $48.00 Echo

Velvet with Chiffon Ruffle Scarf $48.00 Echo

Bamboo Stripe Metallic Wrap $58.00 Echo

Trend to Try: Knit Beret

Trend to Try: Knit Beret

Celebrities from Katie Holmes to Nicole Richie have adorned their coifs with a chunky knit beret. Worn with wide leg trousers & a fitted cardigan sweater to skinny jeans tucked into Louboutins with a fitted double breasted blazer make this trend worth trying!

Make it Work:

• Wear on a cold day...it is a chunky sweater knit & I don't care how stylish or fashion forward if the temp is above 50 degrees it just looks out of place
• Let your locks hang loose...the look is best when some hair shows out from underneath
• These are an accessory so treat them as such...they don't have to match your outfit but should coordinate. Have fun & select a jewel tone!
• Keep the rest of your outfit simple...and don't create yourself into a sweater overload. One chunky knit is sufficient. So either wear it on your head or your body don't do both!
• Try before you buy: some gals are just not meant to wear hats. Sorry to break it to you but make sure your ears don't do some serious poking out or they will detract from your chic cap!

Cute & chic and found at savvy prices make this beret a definite trend worthy try!

Ciao'

Photo courtesy: Urban Outfitters

First Frost Beret $14.00 - $24.00 Urban Outfitters

Chunky Knit Beret $19.99 Gap

Cocktails Anyone: Cocktail Rings

Cocktail Rings

Want a chic often inexpensive way to change up a basic dress or outfit...slip on one of these stylish cocktail rings.

Personally, I own several and LOVE everyone in my collection. I'm thrifty so my collection consists of items handed down to me by family members, baubles I've found in a vintage shop or even a great sale find. No need to spend a fortune to look like a million!



Cocktail rings can are fun & gaudy so don't be shy when slipping the largest bauble you can find on your dainty finger! Enjoy their purpose of allowing you a night of a Hollywood glamour.

• Add to your LBD for an unexpected pop of color especially if you select one that is jewel tone or white rhinestones
• Slip one on with your skinny jeans & classic white shirt
• Dress up your black suit for after dinner drinks
• Make that pencil skirt & fitted tee less bland

No matter what your style cocktail rings are an affordable way to add some chic to your savvy look!

Ciao'

Purple Pave' Ring Banana Republic $29.99

Faceted Glass Ring Banana Republic $29.99

Enamel Graphic Ring Banana Republic $24.99

Chic Coat: Rain Jacket

Chic Coat: Rain Jacket


As the raindrops fall and the wind bustles against the window outside I'm pondering a chic way to dress for the weather. Fall and winter collections are definitely my favorite due to the wide range of color, texture, fabric & layers.


Cold can be chic and rain can be ravishing! I've selected a few rain jackets that you could wear with any of your daily wardrobe selections.


Black is basic and timeless. But a metallic or jewel tone is a fashion statement that will turn your dreary rainy day into a delightful journey!


As with any coat a rain jacket should fit and compliment your body. Winter weather calls for extra clothing but don't get lost under the layers!

Metallic colors can be mixed among your existing wardrobe as well as jewel tones. Jewels and metallics look exceptional with earth tones, navy & of course black.

Break the rules with length. Long doesn't have to mean dress & short casual. Pair long with trousers or short with skirts or dresses. Keep cuts proportional...we want to see you!

Color selection depends on your style & flair. Personally, I tend to favor flair so I my rain jackets consist of a champagne metallic, gray, black & jewel tones of red, pink and blue.

Jackets are an accessory...an item to give your outfit a pop of color or a polishing finish. They are so inexpensive you could probably purchase a couple. But if you must only purchase one I would suggest a metallic gray or a jewel tone of red.

Either of these colors would blend & mix with every single color in your existing wardrobe. Gray before black because you could mix more easily with brown without worrying about the whole black brown concept! (Which we can clear up later).

Regardless of your choice...pick the one that suits you and makes you embrace that rainy day! Go ahead...jump in the puddle you know you want to!!

Ciao'

Hillary Radley Belted Satin Jacket $129.00 Dillards

Gray Antics City Windbreaker $39.00 Urban Outfitters

Long Sateen Trench Coat $35.00 Old Navy

Architecturally Inspired Heels

Architecturally Inspired: Heels

Fashion forward, modern, strappy, contemporary...I LOVE THEM!

These are not for the timid so buyer beware you don't want to just let these beauties sit in your closet.


Givenchy paired them with everything from suits to frilly dresses. So, if you label lust for the extreme lines, caged platform & stiletto Givenchy designs but can't quite afford your desire here are a couple of more affordable options.



Runway to Realway:


Luichiny created this hot little gold number inspired by the designs on the runway. Fabulously paired with skinny jeans & basic tee, black trousers or even LBD with black tights. Take a step in the fashion forward direction!

Basic black more of your taste...then this option is a definite must have.

Lace up front, caged platform & suede make this shoe by Dolce Vita a stylish choice.

Trendy enough to make a statement this year and classic enough to wear next.



Designers have been using pieces of nature & architecture to inspire their collections. These heels are clearly reminiscent of some serious contemporary artistry.



Mix these with your classic girly dresses for an edgy look. Pair them with a jewel tone dress & tights, your wide leg trousers or even your skinny jeans. Worth every penny...so show them off!



Ciao'


Luichiny Maven $71.00 Zappos


Dolce Vita Hilary $124.80 Zappos

Wardrobe Essential: White Shirt

Wardrobe Essential: White Shirt

No matter you're style, size or flair a white shirt is a must have for your wardrobe. Essentials are pieces that I recommended every wardrobe should include. By adding these basics into your clothing you are committing yourself to always being classically fabulous!

Personally, as an experienced stylist I own several white shirts. I tend to favor basics, flair & trendy pieces; ruffles, french cuffs, tuxedo, wrapped, tie in front, tie in back, classic....just to name a few from my closet.

Though these are all fashion forward pieces for me and I can easily mix these into my existing wardrobe...not every one wants to own a multitude of white shirts. For those I offer a classic cut with some stretch from Banana Republic.

Fitting Guide:

• Buttons should do their job. If the 'girls' are smooched or creating a bulge invest in some Hollywood Fashion Tape or securely pin the shirt with a white pin careful to not show the pin. If it's just too tacky...go up a size.
• Sleeves should come to the bottom of your wrist. Sleeves were not meant to cover the hands...buy gloves if your hands are cold!
• Mixed blend fabric: a white shirt always looks more crisp and flattering when the material contains some stretch. Stretch satin or cotton create clean feminine lines.
• Hems are most flattering at the hip length. Long enough to tuck & short enough to leave out of trousers.

White shirt possibilities are endless. Increase your style & your wardrobe just by adding this simple piece. Wear it!

Ciao'

Fitted empire cut shirt $39.99 Banana Republic

Wardrobe Essential: Denim

Wardrobe Essential: Denim

My go to denim: J Brand.

Universally flattering boot cut jeans are a classic fashion statement that will never go out of style. Known for their sophisticated lines & clean anonymous back pocket these jeans are a classic set for the ages.

Do:

• Pair these jeans with pumps & a flirty dressy top for cocktails
• Wear with flats, white blouse & a blazer for a lunch or shopping date
• Fold over & tuck into your knee boots with a Grecian style top (one shoulder if you dare)
• Buy these to fit in the thigh...all pants should always fit your thighs. Let the flare & wide leg remain in the calf & hem!!

Don't:

• Buy these too big!!! Quickest way to look undone or bigger is in a pair of droopy jeans.
• Pay full price for these jeans. Be savvy & shop around...J Brand jeans are always on sale & eBay is a terrific market place...wink wink!
• Own one pair...if you like them buy them in a dark color (Dark Vintage or Ink) & black (Jett).

Proving once again the denim movement toward straight & skinny is hardly a trend.

Ciao'

Photo courtesy: Revolve Clothing

J Brand 18" BootCut $159.00 ShopBop

Trend to Try: Longer Blazer

Trend to try: Longer Blazer

Seasons past have brought cropped, baby doll & 3/4 sleeve jackets. Finally, the classic is back! Think Miami Vice...but much cooler.

The longer blazer has to be cut correctly for it to work on your body. If you are long waisted, long legged or tall this is a definite must have item. Shorter gals beware it may cause you to shrink under it's length...so stick to pairing it worn open with skinny jeans & a tight tank or tee or skip this trend all together.

Designers have taken out the shoulders pads and extra darts...added classic lines & fine tailoring to create the modern longer blazer. A wool blend is best for year round wear & black is always a mainstay.

Fashion icon Gwyneth Paltrow seen in above photo paired her longer blazer with a girly frill dress. This look is not for the fashion conscience...but for the fashion forward.

Realway: Pair the longer blazer with a feminine dress such as Gwyneth or as seen here (at left) with fitted trousers and a simple tank. Don't go just basic...jazz it up with some major jewelry...statement necklace & cocktail ring.

Other options: skinny jeans & black patent pumps; grey sheath dress & knee boots; shimmery fitted mini dress & gladiator stilettos.

Remember: proportions & fit...the blazer should not hang but slightly hug your body, you don't want to appear as if you've raided your boyfriend's closet with this trend...save that for jeans! Own it...Your look!

Ciao'

Photo courtesy: InStyle

Long Tailored Jacket $69.99 Gap

Walk On...Knee Boots

Wardrobe Essential: Knee Boot


There is a small window of time for knee boots to be worn and not appear tacky. Fortunately, that window is open! Cool winds are in the air & your legs need a fabulous cover.

• Wear knee boots with skirts: short or long. Just make sure that your hem doesn't come to far over the top of the boot creating an odd body shape. You want to at least see 2 inches of leg.

• Tights or not...BOTH!!! Just because it's winter doesn't mean you always have to wear tights...that's what the high boot is for. Base your selection on occasion & the type of fabric used in your dress or skirt. Example: heavy fabrics such as sweater knit dresses...wear the tights.

• Tuck in your jeans. You purchased the knee boots to show off so do just that with your skinny jeans. Make sure your top is proportional to the sleek bottom you will create with tucking into knee boots. Fuller on top...skinny on bottom.

• Pair with the unexpected: Cocktail dress. If you dare to be a bit more fashion forward this season pair your knee boots with a flirty flared cocktail dress. Add a cropped tuxedo jacket push up the sleeves & a patent clutch...runway to realway!

I love this particular pair of knee boots for several reasons. The designer is one of my ultimate favorites in ladies footwear: Steve Madden. Simply stated: the guy knows sexy!

These knee boots are fitted to the calf creating a slimmer line. This slimmer fit and line allows for the boots to fit perfectly undetected under wide leg or flare trousers.

A pointed toe and stiletto heel have yet to waiver from the fashion world. Classic cut with major style and sex appeal...never goes out of fashion.

Get a pair & prove why...these boots were made for walking!

Ciao'

Steve Madden Zestie Platform Stretch Boot $69.97 Endless

Style Dilemmas...Savvy Solutions

Style Dilemmas...Savvy Solutions

Send me your style dilemmas and I will provide you savvy solutions. I want to hear from you...

Ideas:

• Have an important meeting or interview?


• Hot new date?


• Meeting the parents?


• Cocktail party & you really want to feel confident & look your best?


• Girl's night out & tired of wearing the same old stand by?


• Attending a wedding?

Write me...

SavvyStyle@StrategicEdge.us

Ciao'

Bold Bangles

Wardrobe Essential: Bold Bangles

Wardrobe essentials are the pieces that I as a stylist believe all women should have in their closet. Staples such as longer tanks, a wool blend black suit, crisp white blouse, black straight leg jeans, LBD, black leather jacket...I could make a list & perhaps I shall. All of these pieces are essential because they create the perfect wardrobe.

• Worn separately they are just classic pieces but when mixed together and paired with select accessories they become stylishly fashionable.

• Accessories are quite possibly the easiest and perhaps the most inexpensive way to liven your wardrobe and update your classics without breaking the bank.

• Gold bangles are a must have accessory...so if you just add one accessory this season select a show stopping pair and indulge! Bangles can be worn with anything in your closet...t-shirts, jeans, LBD or even your suit. These you will grab time and time again when you need just a touch of glam to your attire.

Arden B has made a unique set with iridescent stones which I love for the bit over the top factor...they add that extra pop I'm always looking for. These are also not just round they have a bit of squareness to their shape & hammered texture. All of these qualities make these bangles bold & budget worthy!

Ciao'

Arden B Hammered Bangle Set $28.00

Make A Statement...Necklace

Every season brings new trends. New trends bring excessive shopping dilemmas. Shopping dilemmas bring too many choices. Too many choices lead to buying high priced items that hang in the closet...I feel your drama!

• This season's must have trend...the Statement Necklace.

• No matter what your personal style accessories are the easiest and often the most inexpensive way to revive your wardrobe and add an extra kick to those old stand by outfits.

• Statement necklaces basically...make a statement! Don't just save this pretties for just formal occasions. Wear your statement necklace with jeans & a blazer, LBD, white blouse & trousers, pencil skirt & turtleneck.

Keep it simple and let the necklace be the statement!

Ciao'

Forever21 Snake Chain Knot Necklace $9.80

Personal Shopper...Recessionista Style

Many things I love...cozy socks, perfect fitting jeans, ice cream cones (yes just the cones), fashion forward boots, statement jewelry, vintage scarves....

I could go on forever! But rarely do I find a site that is truly worth the effort to review & refer. Until I stumbled upon: ShopItToMe

Shopping just became personal and they will be your very own personal shoppers for FREE! Simply register, select your favorite brands & enter your sizes from everything to intimates to shoes & leave the rest to ShopItToMe.

ShopItToMe will send you sale mail whenever your favorite brands are on sale...frequency & days are up to you.

No more scouring the web just to miss the latest markdown. They do the searching...you do the shopping!

Go register...you will definitely be savvy shopping soon!

Ciao'

Found: The Perfect Little Black Dress

Wardrobe Essential: Little Black Dress

Why do I love this dress? Besides the fact that it is universally flattering, the fabric is versatile to year round wear, the cut lends itself to layering, the styling can be dressy or casual...it's a killer bargain!!

Grab this dress for work, cocktails, a date or girls night out. Remember ladies...accessories are your friends!

• Work: pair with a blazer or belted cardigan, oversize day bag, sharp pumps and your favorite men's watch.

• 
  Cocktails: pair with a metallic shrug, embellished black clutch, black peep toe stilettos & a gold cocktail ring.

• Date: pair with belted statement coat (once arrived loose the coat & belt the dress to show off that widdled waist!), pile on silver chains and strappy peep toe booties (such as the ones in the photo or bolder) & a jewel tone clutch.

• Girls night out: wear with a cropped leather jacket (push up the sleeves), killer sexy knee boots, a metal silver clutch and tons of bangles.

One dress...four great looks! Work your closet...buy what you need and wear what you have. Remember accessories are your friends and by mixing up your existing wardrobe you will never say I don't have anything to wear!

Ciao'

BR Monogram Faille Sheath Dress $159.99

Recessionista...Fashion on a Budget

Economy woes should not mean your style should suffer as well. If your budget is tight the best place to go for new looks is your own closet.



One of my favorite recommendations: Shop Your Closet



Here are a few tips to revive your existing wardrobe with pieces you already own.

• LBD (little Black dress): pair with black tights, a belted cardigan & red platform stilettos.

• LBD2: pair with a faux fur shawl, wrap or bolero & metallic strappy pumps & a jewel tone clutch.

• Skinny Jeans: pair with a white button down shirt, your suit blazer, funky silver chains & silver flats.

• Black suit pants: pair with that jewel tone top you've been saving, gold bangles, a cocktail ring and strappy stilettos.

• Pencil Skirt: pair with a tucked in white blouse, your favorite statement coat (buttoned & belted if the style lends itself) & a pair of navy or red slide stilettos.

Accessories are your friend. Don't be afraid to mix bold pieces (jewelry, tights, platforms, statement coats) in with your basic suit pieces...because seriously when was the last time you actually wore all of your suit pieces together!



The hottest looks right now are menswear inspired...keep in mind pair sexy with classic or else it just goes wrong...sometimes too much is well just TOO much!





Mix & Mix: textures, metallics, tights, unexpected jackets with sexy dresses, menswear inspired pieces with skinny jeans.

Stay fabulous!

Ciao'