Don't you love corny titles? Here are some basics that you should keep in mind when/if you're trying to build a foundation wardrobe. I used to think that basics should be bought just as cheaply as other, more trendy clothes, but I eventually realized that wardrobe staples are the very thing that you should splurge on. If you buy good quality clothing, you can keep them for a long time and wear them for a long time, reducing the cost-to-wear ratio (you've heard this before, right?). Enough chit-chat, on to the clothing.
Tops:
- A blouse in a color that truly suits you. Take your time and find the right one! For me, it's a hot pink short sleeved blouse that I bought at H&M. Before that, it was a royal blue sleeveless shell from the Gap. It can even be a white oxford -- just as long as when you put it on, you look fabulous.
- Thin long sleeve shirts for layering. C&C California have good examples, though they are a little expensive. However, when it comes to things like layering shirts, you may want to spend the extra cash. These types of shirts are made of thin material, and it'd be best to have a shirt that won't get ripped after a few washes; you probably shouldn't buy these types of tops from a store like Forever 21, unless if you plan on buying a lot of the same kind/color... in which case you'd probably be better off just spending the money for a better quality shirt!
Shoes:
- A pair of black flats: They go with pretty much everything, and hey -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
- Waterproof shoes. I'm not a fan of rainboots, but patent leather works just fine.
- Brown boots. Yeah, I know it's weird that I'm specifying a color, but think about it: brown boots go with pretty much everything. After all, brown is just another neutral, just like black and white.
- A simple pair of pumps. They just have to be appropriate for work or a formal occasion.
Pants:
- Dark wash jeans. Dark denim is practically a neutral.
- Formal pants. Everybody has a pair of black pants that they can just throw on, but let's buck the trend and pick a different color, please! (And keep the black pants as a last resort)
Did I forget anything?
Season to Season: What's in for Summer that You Can Keep For Fall
As fun as shopping is, we are living in a world that could use a little less consumerism. So why not save some cash, gas, and time by going through your summer wardrobe and seeing what you can keep for fall?
1. Sunglasses
Shades are usually summer staples, but if you live in a windy area like Philadelphia, Chicago, or Washington, D.C., sunglasses can save you from watery eyes. Trade your super-bright Ray-Bans (fake or real) for darker frames. Classic shapes like cat-eye sunglasses are always in style, but try a shield shape for a bit of edge.
2. Shorts
Of course, hot pants won't cut it when the temperature starts to drop, but longer shorts like walking shorts or city shorts will get you through at least the first month of fall. If you can't bear to part with your short shorts, wear tights (not pantyhose!) underneath, or if you're feeling more daring, knee- or thigh-high socks. Urban Outfitters has awesome long socks that are actually worth the price that they are.
3. "Ethnic" looks
For summer, the safari/ethnic look is usually pretty literal and costume-y, but it's a look that is easily translatable to fall. Break up your vest and skirt combos, and keep your wooden and animal-inspired accessories.
4. Lightweight cardigans
The usual cardigan is thick and heavy, but a light cardigan is an even better layering tool. Try a sheer one, or one with an interesting shape.
5. Scarves
This one is a no-brainer -- everybody needs a scarf for warmth purposes. Instead of the usual thick scarf that goes with outerwear, try a thin, wispy one: tied in just the right way and paired with a few necklaces, it'll become the focus of your outfit while keeping you warm.
1. Sunglasses
Shades are usually summer staples, but if you live in a windy area like Philadelphia, Chicago, or Washington, D.C., sunglasses can save you from watery eyes. Trade your super-bright Ray-Bans (fake or real) for darker frames. Classic shapes like cat-eye sunglasses are always in style, but try a shield shape for a bit of edge.
2. Shorts
Of course, hot pants won't cut it when the temperature starts to drop, but longer shorts like walking shorts or city shorts will get you through at least the first month of fall. If you can't bear to part with your short shorts, wear tights (not pantyhose!) underneath, or if you're feeling more daring, knee- or thigh-high socks. Urban Outfitters has awesome long socks that are actually worth the price that they are.
3. "Ethnic" looks
For summer, the safari/ethnic look is usually pretty literal and costume-y, but it's a look that is easily translatable to fall. Break up your vest and skirt combos, and keep your wooden and animal-inspired accessories.
4. Lightweight cardigans
The usual cardigan is thick and heavy, but a light cardigan is an even better layering tool. Try a sheer one, or one with an interesting shape.
5. Scarves
This one is a no-brainer -- everybody needs a scarf for warmth purposes. Instead of the usual thick scarf that goes with outerwear, try a thin, wispy one: tied in just the right way and paired with a few necklaces, it'll become the focus of your outfit while keeping you warm.
I'm a little surprised, to be honest...
I found a copy of the Erin Featherston for Target cropped wool jacket.
Take a look, you'll see it's exactly the same:
It's in a cute color, and it's only $9.99. I'm actually a little tempted to get it, but the principle of the thing is really bothering me. Then again, if it bothers me so much, I should probably stop shopping at Forever 21, Old Navy, etc. So maybe I'll get it?
What do you think? Yes or no?
Take a look, you'll see it's exactly the same:
It's in a cute color, and it's only $9.99. I'm actually a little tempted to get it, but the principle of the thing is really bothering me. Then again, if it bothers me so much, I should probably stop shopping at Forever 21, Old Navy, etc. So maybe I'll get it?
What do you think? Yes or no?
A Cosmetic Conundrum
I have in my possession a pair of original (as in, they were made in the 80's) Ray-Ban Wayfarers that used to be my mom's. She gave them to me when I was in the 4th or 5th grade and I've kept them ever since.
I wore them all throughout summer camp that year, which I'm sure made me the coolest 5th grader known to man. Since then, unfortunately, I've worn them exactly...ZERO times.
Actually, I was pretty disappointed to see them come back in style, because I feel like I can't wear them now without looking like a poser or a fashion victim. Of course, I'll eventually wear them because I effing feel like it, regardless of what people might think about me... but I need to figure out how to do so without looking like a hipster wannabe.
I'm not a fan of the hipster/club kid/whatever look; it's just not my thing. So maybe I should wear my Wayfarers with the girliest, frilliest outfit I can find? I'll think of something, but I hope I do it soon, because they are just lying on my dresser top, going to waste!!
I wore them all throughout summer camp that year, which I'm sure made me the coolest 5th grader known to man. Since then, unfortunately, I've worn them exactly...ZERO times.
Actually, I was pretty disappointed to see them come back in style, because I feel like I can't wear them now without looking like a poser or a fashion victim. Of course, I'll eventually wear them because I effing feel like it, regardless of what people might think about me... but I need to figure out how to do so without looking like a hipster wannabe.
I'm not a fan of the hipster/club kid/whatever look; it's just not my thing. So maybe I should wear my Wayfarers with the girliest, frilliest outfit I can find? I'll think of something, but I hope I do it soon, because they are just lying on my dresser top, going to waste!!
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