(not so basic) wardrobe basics

Every girl needs some fashionable basics in her wardrobe. LBDs, cardigans, dark-wash jeans, simple tanks and tees in a multitude of neutral colors. But you already knew that, didn't you?

What really makes an outfit are the items that you pair with your basics; that bright pop of color, those killer stilettos, the statement piece.

Here is my take on some not-so-basic essentials to completing your wardrobe:

1. Nude Pumps

Nude is the new black when it comes to pumps. It's a neutral, so it goes well with almost anything. The great thing about nude pumps is that they make your legs seem miles longer!

2. A Body Con Dress

Body Con dresses in basic colors are great wardrobe staples, simply because they are so versatile. You can add a full skirt for a daytime look, or you can dress it up to go out at night! American Apparel has a pretty good selection of Body Con dresses that aren't too expensive.

3. A Timepiece

One that you want to wear every day! I'm partial to Rolex, but I also love Michael Kors.

4. Standout Nail Polish

I'm loving jade right now.

5. A Biker Jacket

Biker jackets are as wearable as cardigans. I throw mine on over almost anything!

What are your wardrobe essentials? Let me know!

T

(not so basic) wardrobe basics

Every girl needs some fashionable basics in her wardrobe. LBDs, cardigans, dark-wash jeans, simple tanks and tees in a multitude of neutral colors. But you already knew that, didn't you?

What really makes an outfit are the items that you pair with your basics; that bright pop of color, those killer stilettos, the statement piece.

Here is my take on some not-so-basic essentials to completing your wardrobe:

1. Nude Pumps

Nude is the new black when it comes to pumps. It's a neutral, so it goes well with almost anything. The great thing about nude pumps is that they make your legs seem miles longer!

2. A Body Con Dress

Body Con dresses in basic colors are great wardrobe staples, simply because they are so versatile. You can add a full skirt for a daytime look, or you can dress it up to go out at night! American Apparel has a pretty good selection of Body Con dresses that aren't too expensive.

3. A Timepiece

One that you want to wear every day! I'm partial to Rolex, but I also love Michael Kors.

4. Standout Nail Polish

I'm loving jade right now.

5. A Biker Jacket

Biker jackets are as wearable as cardigans. I throw mine on over almost anything!

What are your wardrobe essentials? Let me know!

T

closet cleaning 101

I'm undertaking a monumental task- cleaning out my closet(s). I say 'monumental' because I am a serial hoarder; if I think there is a slight possibility that I might one day wear that striped rugby polo again (even if it's just to sleep in!) you can bet I'll be holding on to it.

I didn't realize how serious this problem had gotten until I came home from college, hung up my dresses in my already-quite-full closet (I don't pack dresses, they go into the car on hangers), then turned to my mountain of bags that were waiting for me to unpack. About halfway through unpacking my first suitcase, my closet and dressers were full to bursting.

To make matters worse, the next day I received two more boulder-sized boxes in the mail- all filled with the clothes that stubbornly refused to fit in the car.

So I came up with a solution: I would begin to move my things in to the guest room closets. While this certainly was a temporary solution, I literally couldn't find ANYTHING. I knew it was time to toss out old clothes.

I've begun to sort through nearly a decade's worth of clothes, Sex and the City style. Here is my criteria for what stays and what goes:

1. Toss clothes that are too small. It doesn't matter if it's a label or if it's still in style. It's time to admit to yourself that your old favorite skirt is just too hoochie now, and that that fitted henley is just...too fitted.

2. Don't keep Special Occasion dresses. I know you keep telling yourself that you'll have another opportunity to wear that Sophomore year homecoming dress, but face it: some things are simply dated. I know you probably loved it and might have paid a lot of money for it, but unless your Special Occasion dress was an LBD or something equally re-wearable, it's time to let go. Hand it down to a younger sibling or friend, sell it on eBay, bring it to your local consignment shop...just don't leave it hanging in your closet, collecting dust.

3. You don't need all those t-shirts. Don't toss them all, you'll need them for working out and sleeping in, of course! But do you really need that oversized, washed-out shirt from day camp 7 years ago? Too many tees just cause clutter. Get rid of some of them.

4. Keep the clothes you LOVE. This might sound obvious, but leaving yourself with nothing but your very favorite pieces will lead you to dress well every day!

5. Go Shopping! Your closet will feel pretty bare. Buy some fabulous new clothes to add to your fresh wardrobe.

Donate all your old clothes to charities or clothing drives, or bring them to a consignment shop. Not only will you benefit from cleaning out your closet, but others will, too!

And lastly...

I'd love a bigger closet, please.

T

closet cleaning 101

I'm undertaking a monumental task- cleaning out my closet(s). I say 'monumental' because I am a serial hoarder; if I think there is a slight possibility that I might one day wear that striped rugby polo again (even if it's just to sleep in!) you can bet I'll be holding on to it.

I didn't realize how serious this problem had gotten until I came home from college, hung up my dresses in my already-quite-full closet (I don't pack dresses, they go into the car on hangers), then turned to my mountain of bags that were waiting for me to unpack. About halfway through unpacking my first suitcase, my closet and dressers were full to bursting.

To make matters worse, the next day I received two more boulder-sized boxes in the mail- all filled with the clothes that stubbornly refused to fit in the car.

So I came up with a solution: I would begin to move my things in to the guest room closets. While this certainly was a temporary solution, I literally couldn't find ANYTHING. I knew it was time to toss out old clothes.

I've begun to sort through nearly a decade's worth of clothes, Sex and the City style. Here is my criteria for what stays and what goes:

1. Toss clothes that are too small. It doesn't matter if it's a label or if it's still in style. It's time to admit to yourself that your old favorite skirt is just too hoochie now, and that that fitted henley is just...too fitted.

2. Don't keep Special Occasion dresses. I know you keep telling yourself that you'll have another opportunity to wear that Sophomore year homecoming dress, but face it: some things are simply dated. I know you probably loved it and might have paid a lot of money for it, but unless your Special Occasion dress was an LBD or something equally re-wearable, it's time to let go. Hand it down to a younger sibling or friend, sell it on eBay, bring it to your local consignment shop...just don't leave it hanging in your closet, collecting dust.

3. You don't need all those t-shirts. Don't toss them all, you'll need them for working out and sleeping in, of course! But do you really need that oversized, washed-out shirt from day camp 7 years ago? Too many tees just cause clutter. Get rid of some of them.

4. Keep the clothes you LOVE. This might sound obvious, but leaving yourself with nothing but your very favorite pieces will lead you to dress well every day!

5. Go Shopping! Your closet will feel pretty bare. Buy some fabulous new clothes to add to your fresh wardrobe.

Donate all your old clothes to charities or clothing drives, or bring them to a consignment shop. Not only will you benefit from cleaning out your closet, but others will, too!

And lastly...

I'd love a bigger closet, please.

T