I get quite a few emails from my lovely readers asking for a little fashion advice and while I usually just respond via email, I think it’s about time to make it public knowledge. That said, Ayesha @ Creative Juices Photography and Surface Graphics recently asked “What are 5-10 great versatile pieces that every woman should have in their wardrobe?” …and I’m going to add “for Fall” because even though it’s still 100 degrees in LA right now, cooler weather is {hopefully} upon us. So …without further ado . .
Basics . . .
* A Classic Trench Coat ~ budget breaking Burberry trench or this budget friendly Michael Kors Satin Trench which will also cover your “something metallic” …and it’s kind of hot in red too.
* Leggings ~ Solid black leggings are a must but a sequined pair has a little something extra.
* A Black Blazer~ Cropped like this American Retro shorty or long like this Elizabeth & James version.
* Go-to Jeans ~ Current/Elliott gray skinny or the loose fitting comfy boyfriend jean can be worn in so many ways. Unfortunately, wearing holey jeans to {most} jobs is a no-no so try a similar style sans holes for work.
* A high waist, fitted skirt: mini, mid-thigh, or pencil will work. Shown above : Camilla and Marc {to die for} but I have this much more affordable BB Dakota version that I love …seen here and here …it’s thick enough to hide lady lumps 😉 while still being comfy and flattering.
* A great pair of black booties {more styles} …don’t forget to check amazon for shoes
. It’s my new favorite place to shop for shoes. My new favorite brands are Pour La Victoire & Velvet Angels but this Steve Madden peep toe is pretty hot. Shown Charlott Russe buckle bootie* Oxfords/Brogues or lace-ups for your flats …with socks or without. these are great
and totally affordable. I’m in love with {my new oxfords . . .the only flats I can really comfortably wear.
Something . . .
* Leopard Christopher Kane Leopard Scarf {or, go to your nearest fabric store and grab a couple yards of a great leopard print} …be careful with animal prints as certain fabrics can look cheap instead of chic! Christian Louboutin Leopard Booties
* Metallic {like leopard, it’s easier to pull off this trend in smaller doses by just adding it to a basic outfit} like this cute skinny gold belt from J.Crew or the gold statement necklace shown above. This Ana Sui for Target ruffle top is budget friendly and versatile! See also stretchy gold tiger belt top right.
* Lace …a little lace tank top {above} is great for layering. Looking for a budget friendly version? Try American Apparel’s lace bodysuit.
Accessories . . .
* Tights 1. Solid Black 2. A fun pair!
* Statement necklace {can also work as your “something metallic”} see above …I’m kind of dying for DSQUARED Leopard & Crystal necklace bottom right. I think I may have to DIY that like now.
Tips & Tricks . . .
* Accessorize your basics for new outfits!
* Wear your favorite summer dress with tights or leggings and a blazer for fall or wear a thin black turtleneck under it and add a short chunky necklace.
* Make your own leather over-the-knee spats and wear them with any pair of shoes!
* A pair of great cut-out wedges, stilettos, or platforms you wore all summer can be worn with black socks or tights for a boot look.
* Layer matching toned necklaces {rhinestone, chains, gems} on top of each other at the base of your neck for a great collar-bone piece.
* Pick up a great loose-fitting white v-neck in the men’s underwear section …or better yet, just grab it out of your husband’s closet like I do.
* Don’t forget to check your local thrift/vintage shops for one-of-a-kind pieces that save you green while being green at the same time!
* Of course I got carried away. 😉
Jacqueline
I love all the pieces you picked! I totally agree, except I don’t want colder weather yet…
http://www.fashionsnag.com
Chessa!
thanks for the tips! the fall is definitely upon us here in NY and I’m due for a shopping trip toupdate my closet! 🙂 xx
Sal
Great picks, lady! I’m still unsure about brogues myself, but your gorgeous outfit is making me waver …
Moomby
great tips! thanks for sharing!
Summer
As always, amazing! I agree with each and every piece, especially the sequin leggings. I need those badly!
Karobaro
3 words: love your blog 🙂
bananas.
yup pretty much what i’m lusting over this fall. i have all but the blazer…still seeking the perfect one.
freeteyme
great tips M, specially the tricks!
LifestyleBohemia
I love all of your selections! I am debating getting the jazzed up leggings…
Have a great day!
xx
Hanako66
amazing tips!!! i have much of what is on your list, but am always on the hunt for more (the fun part of being a girl!) lol
janettaylor
Gorgeous tips. Thanks!
XoXo
Momma@Live. Laugh. Pull your hair out
Now I just need a body like yours and I am set!
Larissa Wardrip
Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a blog award! You can go here to get it: http://fortheloveof-craft.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-award.html ♥
drollgirl
you have such great tips here! and those little black booties are TO-DIE-FOR. i even want them. me. yup. i do.
Namine
I want to go shopping so bad now!! Thanks for sharing now I just got to get the funds
josephine
great post! 🙂
Grace
You certainly are the girl to dish out this sort of advice! Great work.
Love Grace.
Shopaholic
I wish I’d read this post before starting the Capsule Wardrobe Challenge this week! this would have saved a lot of time!
anhesty
great tips and i am happy to announce that i have pretty much everything on your list!
TERI REES WANG
The real feeling of Fall will drape upon us all soon enough, and we will by then need to be prepared.
Rain is soon to swallow.
Well done.
Couture Cookie
Great collage! I’ve been eyeing thsoe Louboutins for a long time…
Chelsea Talks Smack
I just got a black blazer and I’m wearing it everyday, I love it.
Millie
I loved this! Thanks.
stacy
well thought out.
Lisa Petrarca
Another great post we all can use, thanks. I’m with you…over the heat!
anotherfishinthesea
great advice! thanks! i really like the way you organized basics and extra and added the tips in at the end!
Mariajosé
Hello!
Today I have written a link in my blog to your one. I hope that it does not matter for you.
I have transformed a sandals and want that the girls who read me see the things so marvellous that you do.
A greeting,
The entry is this:http://piedra-papel-o-tijera.blogspot.com/2009/09/diy.html
Christen
What a great post! Thanks for responding to all of us 🙂
Jill Pilgrim
Love this! Especially the trench!
TeeTee
thank you so much for these… i will definitely be going shopping soon!
Jennifer Fabulous
Fabulous tips! And you are definitely one of the best fashion bloggers to be taking advice from, my dear! 🙂
Lindsay [Bella Cene']
Fabulous post!
Just what I needed to read 🙂
rani
great choices and i agreed about choosing animal print materials, currently i’ve just ordered a leopard-print brogues from a local shoe maker and kinda stressed if they can find the right-fitted, proper materials as i wished :S
J-Diggety
This post rocks!! I feel like I just read a section in an issue of Glamour or Marie Claire 🙂
xoxo J
Mrs.Zeus
Loving all the pieces you picked out, this would be the best clothing pieces for Seattle weather but then again I am back in Cali now.
Bunnie
Mmm statement necklace, blazer and jeans. My absolute FAVE!
xo
K @ Blog Goggles
Is it a bad sign that I’m really craving all of those gold pieces?
Amy
Amazing post!! I love all your great tips… and what basic’s you should have for Fall. You will be proud to know… I have gotten most on the list just few more and I will be ready for Fall. 🙂
TheBeautyFile
Perfect! I love these tips, all your looks are perfect. Loving the animal print, trench, lacey things and tight black pants…I could live in this stuff all Fall!
Feelmore
Excellent picks. esp love the leopard shoes at the moment.
http://www.sayhellomax.blogspot.com
Savvy Gal
great picks.
Delmy
I love evrything you chose!
Angela
Thanks for the tips. I ordered a pair of Chinese Laundry over the knee black boots that turned out AWFUL (from zappos), so I’m returning them for some booties.
Also, I love that you shop thrift. I really encourage my readers to do this. There are so many hidden gems out there! Just Monday I scored a Diane von Furstenberg vintage full length trench for eight dollars. I KNOW!!! I was FREAKing out. It has the most beautiful 70’s A-line EVer. Eeeeee!!! It’s going to look gorgeous with my brown boots in the soon-to-come Colorado snow.