What I wore: basic black

I own a lot of black. My wardrobe, like many others, got to be heavy in black pieces the more I gained weight and wanted to hide my body. And while this might not be the case for some (many just love black because it's easy to wear and looks polished) I want to show you how you can update your black pieces to look new and fresh.

Look One: pants and top



The easiest (and cheapest) way to dress up the basics is with an Animal Print scarf and Stand out shoes. You can pick up an amazing animal print scarf at H&M for ten bucks!

Top: Gap fitted tee $15
Pants: Gap cropped riding leggings $29.99 on sale
Scarf: Nordstrom $28
Shoes: Jessica Simpson 'Dany' $98

Second outfit: black dress



Don't be afraid of hats and belts!!! They are your friends! A straw fedora is perfect for the Spring/Summer months and a felt or wool fedora works for Fall/Winter. If tour feeling extremely gutsy try a cloche! Very 1920's feel! Cinch your wait with a belt and rock some platforms to complete the look. An an amazing handbag is always a MUST!

Dress: Old Navy $14.99 on sale
Hat: From a boutique on Second St. In Long Beach, CA $22
Belt: Another line, Nordstrom $38
Shoes: Jessica Simpson 'Dany' $98
Handbag: Jr. Drake from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. 60% off right now... $198.90
Sunglasses: Ray Ban oversized aviators $129

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Oh the essentials

One of my very first blogposts for my fellow fashionistas was on what I considered to be a closet essential.

And at that time The Rachel Zoe show was on and I had a slight love affair with the cast and Ms. Zoe herself. I wasn't expecting to like her much since I bought onto the rumors that she made her clients do whatever possible to be skinny and to wear couture (ahem...drugs). THEN I found out that her first client was Jennifer Garner. I love Jenn because her hubby (my first celeb crush that has lasted the test of time. I STILL crush hard when I see him :)) loves her in all her natural glory. Then I found out she dresses "Annie". That would be Anne Hathaway for the rest of us common folk. And I think that she always looks incredible. Style crush? I think so. I now receive the Zoe Report in my inbox daily. She sends out her favorite items. Which is kind of like what I am doing in my 365 posts. Hmmm....

Anyways, back to the basics.

Rachel put together what HER top 20 items are.

Check out MY post first. Hehe

Then check out HERS.

Do we think alike? Let's find out!

What's in your closet?

I am having a work wardrobe crisis. I don't know how I want to portray my look on a daily basis. I want to be known for a signature look. Right now I have been trying to incorporate too many trends into my wardrobe. I hate having to look "professional" but know that it is important. How can I keep dressing like "me" and still set a standard that is professional and fashion forward? I went to my closet and started going through to see what items could be worn with many different things to create the look I want. That is when I realized that I have totally neglected my "closet essentials".


And that got me thinking... What should every woman have in her closet?
Here is my list...


Apparel
1. Black pants: skinny and wide leg
2. The perfect jean: two pairs...one to wear with flats, the other with heels
3. Black Sheath: Form fitting and in a wearable fabric. I like Ponte knit. Also should be simple enough to dress up or down.
4. Collared, long sleeved button up: Form fitting and long enough to tuck in
5. Boyfriend cardi: covers your booty and looser fitting
6. Short sleeve crew neck tee: one that has a little stretch in the fabrication
7. Blazer: Tailoring and fit is what makes this piece timeless. I like one button on mine
8. Leather jacket: in a soft, supple leather. The motorcycle jacket gives the most versatility. It will dress up a dress or dress down with jeans and a tee
9. Dressy shorts: look for a thicker fabric and a cuff
10. Pencil skirt: form skimming and below the knee is the most flattering and elongates the leg


Accessories
1. Satchel handbag: this is a piece that completes the look. Satchels can be very ladylike or funky and tough
2. Oversized sunglasses: in black or tortoise and a solid, dark lens
3. Cashmere wrap: worn as a scarf or wrap in a stand out color
4. Belts: skinny or wide in black, brown and trend color or fabrication. Creates and highlights a waist and changes the look of any outfit
4. Statement necklace: choose a look that works for you. Layered, charms, pearls or bib
5. Oversized watch: in gold and silver
6. Hoop earrings: silver, gold and crystal
7. Cocktail ring: real or faux, choose a color or interesting jewel or rock
8. Ballet flats: in black and leopard
9. Peep toe pumps: the most comfortable are seude because they form to your foot but classic leather is more wearable year round
10. Knee high boots: in leather choose a pair with a heel, flat boots look great with skinny jeans


The most important thing to remember is that ALL of these pieces can be mixed and matched to create a look. BUT fashion should be exciting and ever changing. You can buy trendy or fashion forward pieces to update your "closet essentials" and look like you walked off of a cover of a magazine. I have learned that I don't have to buy a whole new wardrobe to embrace a trend. If I have the essentials I can change and evolve season after season and not spend more money than I need to.