Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials #10

And Essential #10 is accessories!!

Accessories allow you to bring your own brand of flair to any outfit. You can purchase any mannequin's outfit and make it your own, simply by changing the accessories.

Example

 This dress isn't super girly but it has some super feminine flair. The hem has ruffling detail and the dress has a scalloped neckline. With different accessories I was able to create three completely different looks. The first look is very J.Lo. The wide brimmed hat and silver bangles give this look a glamorous touch. The second look is ubber-feminine and the pink notes pop with this muted dress. The third look has a bit of a punk rock flair with it's ubber-long double-chain cross necklace and spiked heels.

The important thing to remember with accessories are that they should match your specific style and personality. You will not see me with a big bow in my hair but I may do a flower... You may never see me in a flowered dress but I would do a flowered top with a blazer. It's about what makes your specific style unique.

A good example of this is my husband. He loves to match his shirt, hat and shoes. There is no fashion rule that says this is necessary but it's what makes his style completely him. I like my accessories and my shoes to match some color found in my outfit. Again, there is no fashion rule that says this is necessary but I like the polished look of a completely pulled together outfit. Also, I will wear a Bullet For My Valentine or Avenged Sevenfold t-shirt under a blazer with some heels. Sometimes I even walk out of the house in a cute t-shirt and jeans but I always do something to bump up the style factor, whether it's a new hairstyle (ehem, ladies... HAIR IS AN ACCESSORY!) or bangles, or even a jacket.

Also, accessory size should be relevant. If you are tiny, don't buy HUGE jewelry. You will look like a kid who has gone to play in her mother's closet. Also, luscious ladies, do not go buy the daintiest accessories you can find. Your limbs, neck or whatever else you can accessorize will look even bigger.

Hope you enjoyed this series of postings... Next will be, how to dress your specific body type.

Today's outfit was purchased at Target! $15 for the dress and $20 for the hat :)

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials - Essential #

Wardrobe essential #9 - A Nice Tee

Here's where fashion/taste can really come to a head. This is the item people choose that can make or break a mix and match wardrobe. I say this because people tend to not pay attention to fit when they are purchasing a tee. They buy it too baggy or too tight... They buy it too low cut... or too high cut.

Some essential rules for the Tee:

• If you have a large chest, MAKE SURE you are purchasing a tee that has a low cut neckline. Either a vee-neck or a faux-wrap. It can be a scoop neck as well but it must expose as much neckline as possible without showing too much cleavage. If you try to wear a crew neck or turtle-neck, you will look even bigger.
• On the flip side, girls with small chests, DON'T SHOW WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE. I have seen MANY small girls try to wear low cut shirts. The only thing they succeeded in was proving that there was nothing there to see. However, crew-necks and turtle-necks will make you chest look bigger. Take Jennifer Aniston as an example. She has GREAT skinny/athletic girl style. Her necklines are sometimes VERY high and her sexy back exposed. Play up YOUR best features.
• Buy a universal tee. What I mean by this is, buy something you could wear to the office on Jean Friday or to a concert that night. It needs to be fun and it needs to be you.

I made the mistake of thinking I could put on a pair of jeans and any old tee a while ago. I bought plenty of the same tees in different colors. It made my style truly boring. I don't ever want to hear the words... "Oh that shirt again", come out of anyone's mouth again. (This being said by my own mother after I showed her some things I had purchased one day).

This is also where you will see all elements of your style come together... Let me show you what I mean...

 Here is a single tee with all of the elements we have covered so far. You see how the tee pairs well with the broken up suit in examples #1 and #3. Then in example #2 we have the A-Line skirt and the cardigan. I've even decided to throw in all the essential shoe types. This is how you build an "essentially" functional wardrobe. The only thing not shown here is essential #10 (well and technically #2) and that we will save for another day!!

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials- Essential #8

Wardrobe Essential #7 is the Cardigan!

The cardigan is essential because it changes the look of an outfit. Why is this important? You know that dress you love... you know, the one you've worn roughly a thousand times? How about that t-shirt you just can't get enough of? Putting a cardigan on over your dress or tee will completely change the look of the outfit. Plus, cardigans and camis are the easiest way to make an outfit come together.

How to Wear a Cardigan

I honestly don't know why all of my chosen looks came out ubber-feminine today, but they did. Anyway...

The first look is a day-to-night look. The sparkly top is offset by the grey cardigan and darker denim. The cardigan has a fun shape and ubber-feminine appeal. The rose detail makes it a statement piece instead of just a piece to keep you warm. The shape of this cardigan could work for the skinny girl as well as those who fall somewhere in the middle but curvier girls should avoid this particular cut.

The second look is another meet-the-parents outfit. It's "buttoned up" and polished. The shoes give it an added flair but this cardigan is a bit more plain, and that's okay, it simply means it is a bit more versatile. And versatility is key in your wardrobe essentials. This is a good shape for all sizes. It skims your body without gripping it. It is easy to belt and it is easy to leave open.

The third look is just a fun girlie look for anytime. The cardigan is detailed and creates such visual interest. This may not be as versatile as the other two, because of its design, but it is still a piece that will attract attention. This style should be avoided by women with large chests. Ruffles are not your friends.

A few more tips:

• To create an hourglass shape buy wrap cardigans.
• If you have a large chest stay away from anything that clasps or ties at the neck. You want the visual line to be broken under your breasts. Empire waist, belted or wrap cardis are the way to go.
• If you have large hips avoid the longer cardigans. It is not distracting or covering, it is attracting (and not in a good way).
• Skinny girls, rock the ubber-long cardi... It will look fabulous on you! Draped looks work best on a lanky figure. If you have a fit body grab one with a belt that cinches around your waist.
• Anything that can be belted is always a good thing.
• A sweater set is always a good option. It takes some of the guess work out of getting dressed in the morning. Just make sure you are purchasing two separate pieces, not a faux undershirt. These have a tendency to not fit correctly.
• Avoid fabrics that are too thick because this should be a piece you can wear for three of the four seasons. (I am discounting Summer. Who wears a cardi in the Summer LOL).

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials- Essential #7

Essential #7 - The Day Dress

What is a day dress, you ask... Something similar to a summer dress. This is that comfy, go-to piece you wear when you want to look cute but not over-done or too sexy. This is the dress you wear to meet-the-parents, picnics, sunday brunch, or even on a day-date. This SHOULD be the go-to for mommies-on-the-go.

Some tips in choosing a day dress are...

Look for a dress that flatters your figure - Skinny girls should look for either draped fabrics or body-hugging fabrics. Both extremes will work well on your body-type. The t-shirt dress is a style you should embrace. Something with a spaghetti strap will work well on you if you have the shoulders to hold the dress up. Bare shoulders look the best when you are fit but as long as you don't have bony shoulders, I would say even go strapless.

For the Medium sized girl- Find something with an empire waist. If you have a large chest, stay away from draped fabrics and find a more fitted top. Spaghetti straps can work for you if you are my too busty. Avoid wearing them though if you can't find a good strapless bra. Thick shoulder straps under the thin spaghetti straps is not attractive.

For the Thicker girl - Find a dress that skims your curves... not hugs. DO NOT wear draped fabrics! It will add volume that you do not need. My advice would be to buy the dress a size too big and have a tailor work his/her magic. I say this because you really do need the dress to mimic the outline of your body without clinging to it. Also, look for sturdier fabrics. A denim shirt-dress would work well for a curvier figure. Aslo, avoid spaghetti straps. Got for a thicker, sturdier strap that does not show off your mega bra-strap.

Another important thing to remember is that this dress should be as versatile as possible. Meaning,  it should match or coordinate with your current essentials. Don't go invest in that cotton, white, cowgirlish number when all you own are black stilettos with different designs. This is an essential part of your wardrobe and should fit your personal style.

Last tip... Buy this dress in a fabric that can stand wear. Because this is such a go-to piece it needs to be one that can run through a cycle a week and not suffer too horribly. Also, I have a tendency to stuff mine into my gym bag for a change of clothes. 

Latest Purchases

These are my latest purchases! Bought the dress on bottom for an interview! I absolutely LOVE NY&CO.!!!

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials- Essential #6

Let's talk shoes!!!

Shoes can make or break a wardrobe just as easily as refusing to buy shapewear. Why? They finish the look of your outfit. I have to admit, I am a bit of a shoe-junkie. I cannot stop myself from buying the next big shoe trend. I have some red heels with spikes all over them. I have a pair of TOMS. I have ballet flats in all different colors... it's an addiction. But I'm not here to talk about my shoe addiction, I am here to address some DOs and DON'Ts in the realm of shoes, as well as remind you what shoes you should be purchasing.

Since it's spring, and summer is just around the corner, I figured I would address sandals first.

Who doesn't love a good sandal? They are versatile and airy. They can be worn with shorts or jeans and still look great. They compliment skirts well. There is a lot that can be said about a good sandal.

Now to address some issues:

BUY LEATHER!!!- This is essential in choosing a good sandal. Leather is comfortable and will not scratch your feet up like the fake plastic ones will. Why spend $30 on a pedicure just to have your shoes destroy it?

NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS!!!- This does not a sandal make... When I am talking about sandals I would like you to take in the picture above. Yes there is a pair of LEATHER thongs but they are not the $3 plastic things that engulf half of your local Old Navy. I have nothing against Old Navy and in fact I shop there quite often, I just wish they would STOP promoting flip-flops as the GO-TO sandal. Flip-flops were made for the beach and the dorm hall showers. Do I even need to say why Crocs are a bad idea? I think not!!!

Sandals should reflect your personal style. - Don't go out and buy the cutest pair of sandals you can find just because I told you to. See the black gladiators? I own some like those, a lot of what is in the above picture is too cutesy for me but I have found gladiators have just enough of an edgy look that I am more than willing to wear them. On the flip side, gladiators have an edgier look to them... if that's not your style, don't buy them. Maybe the red one with the hearts suits you more. That is more than okay. We do not all have the same style and it would be a really boring world if we did.

Shoe #2- The Wedge!!
Okay, I am aware that this is not everyone's favorite style of shoe but it is an essential because it brings a fun and funky quirk to your wardrobe. They are GREAT shoes to wear with jeans! They are also a summer/spring essential because you can walk a long distance in a nice platform heel without taking the pain, and sinking heel episodes, you would have in your heels. They come in so many different styles I had a hard time trying to decide which ones to showcase in my picture.

And shoe #3- HEELS!!!!

Every woman should have 2-3 pairs of KILLER heels! These are the shoes that make you feels sexy and empowered! Do they have to be 5inches tall? NO! (although, you wouldn't know by looking in MY closet LOL) But they do nee to be a height that allows you a level of confidence.

The Kitten Heel- Even though there are none shown in the above picture, I know of a few women who are completely satisfied with just an inch or so. These styles can be just as sexy.

The Platform Heel- There are a few of these above so there is no need for a picture here, but the platform of today is not the platform of the 70's. (Even though, there are some of those around too). The platform has a 1-2inch rise at the ball and a substantial heel on the back. This allows for extra height as well as a sexy, long line. I am a short, squat woman so any added length to my nubs is welcome!

The Pointy-Toe- Okay, we all know what this is and we either love it, or hate it. I will tell you now, if you hate it, you are doing yourself a disservice. These shoes allow for a flow of the eye-line, causing you to look longer, and essentially leaner. If you have had a problem with the pointy toe being too narrow, you are probably buying, either too high of a heel or a crappy product. First, this shouldn't be an issue if you are buying leather. Leather gives and will form to your foot after you break them in. Yes, the first few times you wear them, they could be a bit snug but like I said, leather gives. Second, if you are buying a higher quality product you shouldn't have to worry about them hurting your feet. They are more expensive for a reason. Spend $50-$100 for a good, quality pair of pointy toed shoes and you will not regret it.

If there are shoes I did not list here... they are NOT wardrobe essentials. Of course, there are styles that suit individual tastes (ie, TOMS) but that does not make them key, or essential to building a working wardrobe. Tennis shoes and flip-flops are the enemy of great style, so if these are your go-tos, I would seriously advise you to change it up. Tennis shoes were made for sports and the gym, not for the fashion forward diva!