IMHO - What everyone woman should have in her wardrobe

One thing I've been able to maintain since my childhood is picking up "tips" about all things girly and I've noticed that some things never change, even after decades pass.

Therefore, I thought I'd share a few tips I've picked up along the way (just because I can't think of anything else to blog at the moment):

1. Black slacks
You should always have a great pair of black slacks. Whether it is a full leg or slim, it should be a light merino wool, lined preferable.

I'm happy to say a lot of the rules in fashion for women have relaxed in the past few years. Before, you couldn't wear full pants in a cigarette leg season without feeling like a dork. However, it's more about how you feel in your clothes, and whether or not you are polished, versus what is hip at the moment. Your slacks should make you feel confident.

Slacks are great for the office during the day, and with a pretty, slinky top at night, you're ready for dinner and an evening on the town.


2. White shirt
A crisp white button down shirt is a key piece. Yes, it's difficult to keep pristine, so you may want to change this every year or two, so I'd recommend finding a brand you like that fits you well that isn't over the top, price-wise. This way, changing it every so often won't be painful.

The white shirt is fantastic for looking office chic during the day. On weekends, you can dress up a pair of jeans for date night or brunch with the girls. It's versatile and never goes out of season. Just watch the collar so that it's not too large as to date it.



3. Jeans
A really good fitting pair of jeans that is on the dressier side it key. L.A. is really all about designer jeans. What you couldn't wear to a club or an upscale restaurant is now admitted so long as it's a designer pair and dark denim. However, you don't have to spend a bundle - just try on as many as you can and find the pair that fits you and your body shape best.

I would also recommend a versatile style, like a boot cut or a full but straight leg so it'll be seasonless. The skinny look is fine, and if you can pull it off, so much the better, but if you're going to invest in one pair, I'd recommend something that will last a few years. I'm not sure the cigarette look will last forever, nor is it very attractive, even on the thinnest ladies (unless your goal IS to look like a young boy, then this is the style for you).

4. Little Black Dress
The little black dress (LBD) is one of the many great items left to us by Coco Chanel and it still applies to women today. The LBD can be a nicely fitting wool sheath but it has to be somewhat simple and well fitted.

This should be able to take you from day to night with a quick change of shoes, jacket, and accessories. The LBD is perfect for an occasion when you're unsure of the dress code. You can dress it up with great necklaces, a scarf, killer shoes, etc., and should you arrive to find it less formal, you can take off what is overdone and go in simply with the dress (and if you can change your shoes to flats, even better).



5. Trench coat
You can never go wrong with a good trench coat. Great for spring showers, summer evenings, or as a top layer for fall into winter (for milder climates). I'm open to the classic camel/khaki color, but I think a black one is best since it is perfect to blend into the streets of NYC or for an evening out.








6. Sweater set
A nice sweater set is an ideal look for a business casual office paired with some nice slacks, or a fun and pretty look on the weekends with some jeans. I would stick with a neutral color but I find basic black to be the most versatile. A sweater set also works well for traveling as you can pack it without too much concern on wrinkles but with a great pearl necklace or some fun costume jewerly, you can liven up the look for day or night.

A black cardigan will also work great with your LBD or create a nice look over your White Shirt and black pants for the office. I prefer a thin Merino wool or lightweight cashmere (though wool is less hassle and more durable).


7. Shoulder bag
I think everyone woman should have one good medium sized bag for day. This should be a versatile bag to be held on your arm or put on your shoulder. There is a good brand for every budget - you just have to know where to shop.

I think the style is personal preference - hobo to structured to messenger, etc., but it should be well made, roomy without being oversized, and in a season less color. Doesn't mean it has to be black, but a solid color that works well with most outfits or fits your personality. A good bag should be more than just utilitarian - it should be another accessory to show off your personal style.

8. Evening bag
A good evening bag would be one that can double as a clutch just by hiding a strap (preferably a nice chain strap). Unless you're going to a formal affair, you won't really need a fancy bejeweled one ala Judith Leiber. Even then, if you truly want something that is versatile, a nice one in black satin is a good option.

Your evening bag should hold a cellphone/BB, your keys, ID & cash, and a lipstick. If it can hold your day items, it's too big.




9. Black sling back heels
You could also go with pumps, but I like sling backs because they look really great with a dress outside the office, while pumps tend to look like you should be behind your desk.

A mid-heel is most versatile and less painful than high heels. I prefer a slimmer heel versus chunky because it's more elegant and can move into nighttime with ease.

I'm ok with textured black, whether it be patent or something like snake skin print.


10. Ballerina flats
I love ballerina flats. They can make any outfit seem more feminine and yet provide comfort. Again, black is the safest way to go but you could choose a good neutral color that may have some black accents as a nice way to pair with anything.








Note: Your purse and shoe choices can dress up or dress down your outfit. A sweater set with jeans can be a day look with your shoulder bag and flats, but heels and an evening bag can signal dinner out (and of course great accessories).

11. Scarf

I love scarves. I'm always surprised how often I am complimented on a scarf I am wearing. A scarf can be any color or pattern that speaks to you, but you can wear it in multiple ways and it can add color to anything you are wearing. It can break up your head-to-toe black outfits, it can keep your head warm in cases of extreme weather, you can wrap it around your wrist as a makeshift bracelet, tie it around your purse strap to add some flair, and it can keep you warmer when around your neck. I also love using it as a barrier between my skin and my leather jackets to prevent it from getting oils and sweat around the collar.




12. Shawl
I never knew how much a thin cashmere shawl can add warmth when needed. If you're feeling that extra bit of chill at night, even a tissue-paper thin shawl slung over your shoulders will provide enough warmth you'll be glad you brought it.

When traveling, I can wrap it around my neck as a muffler or wrap it around my shoulders over my coat if the wind is too strong. A lightweight one can be mashed into my purse when it gets warmer and it hardly takes up any room. And I never travel without one since it's perfect to keep me warm on plane rides so I don't have to worry about used airline blankets that's been mashed under feet on the floor (yuck).


13. T-shirts
You should always have a good fitting t-shirt in black and in white. I prefer crewneck tees but there are wonderful boatnecks and v-necks. My favorite are the tissue tees from J. Crew but I've also been told my cotton stretch tee from BR looked great on me. (Who knew?)

I don't like to invest too much in t-shirts since lots of washing and wear will fade the colors, so it's easier to replace them every so often.





14. Accessories
Definitely to each her own, but I am always with:

a Watch

a Bracelet




Simple earrings (small hoops or diamond studs - real or fake)

A statement necklace or a simple chain

A hat for sun or evening chills (that's just

me - I really like wearing a hat during chilly evenings because you can lose a lot of heat from your head)

a Ring

I tend to see the top 10 in almost every iteration of "key pieces all women should own" articles in fashion magazines. I try to always keep these staples up-to-date in my wardrobe. I've been trying to strip my closet down so that I only keep what I always wear, and these pieces will forever remain in there with me.

I hope you'll agree or find these just as useful. xoxo

(If you like what you see: www.netaporter.com)