10 Fashion Staples: The Black Pump

#10 The Black Pump. Most of you probably have at least one pair of black pumps. Not me. I don't think I have owned a pair since I worked in corporate America 22 years ago. I attended an event this weekend which called for a pair of black pumps I thought. I ran out and got the platform patent leather ones above. Now before you go and say that there is no way you would wear a heel that high, hold on sista! The platform totally cancels out the 24" heel. I looked and looked and looked for a lower heel but nothing I tried seemed stylish enough. I have always thought that the platform pumps are cute, stylish and vintage looking. You know I need my vintage fix sometimes. Anyway, go on...try them. They are surprisingly comfy. BTW, in my next life I am going to buy the dress and bag.

links down below

10 Fashion Staples: Dark/White Jeans

#8 Dark Jeans and #9 White Jeans. The darker jeans are always a little dressier. They are the "go to" jeans if you are not sure that you should be wearing them wherever you are headed. Dress them up with a flowy, silk blouse, blazer and heels. 

I set the dark jeans aside for the fall and winter and go for the lighter denim. But I always prefer the white jeans or slacks in the summer. They can also be dressed up. If for whatever reason you don't like to wear white pants then your staple should be a pair of khaki pants.

Find my Fashion:

Dark jeans: Theory (old but sold at Bloomindales) (big sale right now!)

White Jeans: Citizens of Humanity (old but sold at Nordstrom)

Belt: (gift) similar here

Blouse (with white pants) old Zara (similar)

Sandals: gift

10 Fashion Staples: Trench Coat

#7 Trench coat. I have never been a trench coat kinda girl until I found this one. It has a very feminine flair in the full, pleated  skirt. It's so Audrey. And yes, I do refer to her a lot. I should re-think this blog and make it totally about Audrey Hepburn. Love her! This is what should be one of your investment pieces and yes, this one was for me. Although it could have been a lot worse. This one is so cute I actually love wearing it. I have tried to find it available for you but I am afraid to no avail. I will give you another link though. So if you do not have a trench coat, ladies, it's time to get one. They come in different colors now which is great. So you could even sport a pink one if you wanted to.

Find my fashion:

Trench Coat: Ted Baker (Bloomingdales) similar

Boots: (old) Nordstrom

10 Fashion Staples: Slim Black Pants

#6 Slim Black Pants. Moving along ladies. Need I say more? All year round staple. Even though now that I take a look at them again, they look a little blue. Hmmm, if I am color blind just please pretend they are black. Dark blue is good too though.
Links down below.

Sr Prom...sigh

The little girl is going to Sr. Prom. What a rite of passage. Though she did go to the Prom her junior year, there is something about this one. Seems like it was just September and we were saying "before you know it, Sr Prom will be here. Here is her beautiful dress in her favorite color. I am gearing up to be the hair and makeup lady. First a mani/pedi. It is a beautiful day here in DC and tonight she will be a beautiful sight. sigh...

Dress: Cache

10 Fashion Staples: Cashmere Sweater

#5 The Cashmere Sweater. It is a bit awkward to post this one because I am way over cold weather. However it is a staple that we should all have several of. I wear mine to death and keep a lightweight one handy for the summer. I can't bear the blasting air conditioning everywhere. My favorite one is a black one. I wear it several times a week in the cold months. I don't ever want to part with it so I just keep mending the holes. I always buy them at the end of the season on sale. By the way, I wanted to point out that some of the items in these collages are very expensive. They are just featured to give you ideas ladies. However, sometimes a girl's got to splurge right?

10 Fashion Staples: Little Black Dress

#4 The Little Black Dress. Well, my version of it. You knew this one would be on the list. We all have several on hand. That way we can just pull out the one that fits the occasion. I call this one my "Audrey" dress. I actually got it from an awesome online site called Posh Girl Vintage. They have authentic second hand vintage clothes and accessories. If you are into vintage check it out.

Here is another one of my faves.

Find my fashion:

2nd dress: French Connection (old) similar here

Accessories: (old) various places 

10 Fashion Staples: Black Pencil Skirt

#3 The Black Pencil skirt. You don't have to be a Twiggy to wear this classic shaped skirt. Timeless, elegant and a great "go to" piece for any occasion. They are usually worn long like this one, to the top of the knee or to the bottom of the knee. This longer version looks best on taller ladies. If you are petite go for the shorter version. Depending on the occasion, wear it with a blouse or even a tee shirt. Belt it too. You go sexy mama!
other pretty cowl necks here
read more for links down below.

10 Fashion Staples: Comfy Stylish Flats

#2 Comfortable and stylish flats. Need I say more. I think the key word is stylish though. They really should be worn without socks and with slim slacks that are cropped at the ankle or with leggings. I have also worn them with a maxi skirt hemmed at the ankle as well. They come in a million different styles so have fun choosing them. Try adding a pair in the cheetah or leopard print to your collection. Adds a punch to any outfit.

These are my "princess" shoes. Wouldn't you agree?

I love Sam Edelman shoes. They are soft, flexible and so cute. I definitely have a few of them.

These are your classic, soft ballet flats. Shoes by Me Too also have a soft, slipper sort of feel.

Data on The 10 Staples in a Woman's Closet compiled from these sources.

Find my fashion:

All shoes from Nordstrom

10 Fashion Staples: Crisp White Shirt

 #1 THE CRISP WHITE SHIRT. Here is a more frilly version of the must have staple. It is such a versatile piece. Goes with almost anything. Pants, suits, skirts and jumper style dresses. Pair it with the ( knee length) city shorts and a pair of wedges. I love to wear it with a pair of jeans and a cute jacket. Of course accessorize it and keep several on hand in different styles.

Photography by Kaelynn Serena

Find my fashion:
1st blouse: White house Black market
Necklace: And Coco
Sunglasses: Kate Spade
Jeans: (Mother brand): Nordstrom
2nd blouse: Zara
Necklace: Nordstrom

Take your pick

Wedges come in all shapes, colors and styles. They are surprisingly comfy and soooooo cute.  Every time I am out and about I feel like getting a new pair. Wear them with anything. Dresses (short and long) skirts and skinny pants/jeans. I love to set my flat sandals aside and wear them with Bermuda style shorts. Really looks cute!

It's all about the shoes!

I walked into Anthropologie and saw these shoes. Asked for them in my size and bought them. I love to mix things up with something that has attitude and makes a statement. These funky shoes are something you can throw on with a lot of different things. Rest assured that you will see them on the blog a lot this  summer. Have some fun and make your statement.

Photography by Kaelynn Serena

Find my fashion:
Shoes: Anthropologie
Sweater: gift
Blouse: Ann Taylor (old)
Skirt: Julia Farr Boutique
Bracelet: Henri Bendel

Fabulous friends: Kelley

To quote Tommy Hilfiger: "Fashion is now. Style is forever." So true. Style is how YOU interpret current fashion and what you do with it. It's easy to pick out an outfit that has been laid out for you on display. It's another thing when you mix it up on your own terms. I have always loved that about Kelley. She is always unique in the way she dresses and has her own great flair. Now that's style.

Photography by Blaire Butcher

Find Kelley's fashion:
Dress: Nordstrom
Shoes (old): Bloomingdales
Bracelets: Ippolita (Nordstrom), David Yurman