wardrobe staples

What you wear can define you as a person. Our style, whether you like it or not, tells the outside world what you are all about. It can indicate what kind of person you are, what your lifestyle is like, and even what music you’re into. Fact is, it will always be very important that you’re comfortable and confident with your clothes.

Despite all that, there are still certain items of clothing that I feel every woman should have in their wardrobe. The style and cut may vary, but these essentials are timeless, and can be relied upon in almost any situation. Don’t worry…I’m not about to force harem pants into your wardrobe.

1. Little black dress (LBD)

Every woman should have one of these – the default outfit for any dressy occasion. It could be a date, a party or even an interview – with the right accessories the LBD can cover all the bases. Get one you really like and it will provide you with years of reliable service. Not bad for one little dress, is it?

2. Black blazer

Very similar to the little black dress, the black blazer is all about versatility. It can look great as a casual or smart item. Team it with some jeans for a stylish, understated look, or with a black skirt for a smart, authoritative appearance. It doesn’t need to be expensive, just the right cut and fit. By changing accessories, you can alter its appearance to suit any situation.

3. Quality blue jeans

Denim is more or less universal. Originally made as a tough material for cowboys, it’s now the world’s bottom-half material of choice. I feel as though, with jeans, you get what you pay for. Buy cheap and they’ll look just that – probably won’t last very long either. Go with a respected brand like Firetrap and your jeans will look great with everything for years to come.

4. White, button-down shirt

A great white shirt should subtly accentuate your shape and your best features. Like so many wardrobe staples, it really works with anything – the true meaning of a ‘wardrobe essential’!

Style is all about individuality and expressing yourself through your clothes, but these items are ones that we should definitely all have in our closet. Use them as a base from which to accessorise and build up your own individual je ne sais quoi!

veronica lodge
Veronica Lodge (yes, of Archie’s “Betty and Veronica”) is a style goddess and one of my all-time favourite fashion plates.

Sure, she is technically a cartoon character who will celebrate her 70th birthday next month, but that cartoon character’s closet is composed of something very special. Think about it – this character has spent seventy years in the forefront of American illustration.

As I was growing up, though she was always with her frenemy Betty Cooper, Veronica stood out to me as a passionate – albeit narcissistic – creative. Betty’s illustrated wardrobe, though “trendy”, lacked the flair and attention to detail of Veronica’s. Obviously, this sartorial depiction of a spoilt teenager was intentional, but as a pre-teen who was becoming interested in cuts, trends, and more than “mall clothes”, Veronica offered a wonderful escape.

So here’s to you, Veronica Lodge. Happy (early) birthday.
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Dream Works Iris Strubegger
Vogue Deutsch‘s best shoot from their September 2011 issue, “Dream Works“, was a huge surprise to me. As I am typically a fan of lively, character-driven models, Iris Strubegger‘s wax figure-esque appeal in this shoot is gorgeously atypical. The clothes are the main focus here, and with stylist Christiane Arp‘s talent, they are completely worthy. Final pro? Alexi Lubomirski on lens. View Post

Emporio Armani SS12
Giorgio Armani certainly packed a punch with his Emporio collection this season. Titled “Neodesign“, his Spring/Summer 2012 showing was almost entirely composed of black and white. Verbally boring, but aesthetically captivating.

There was a brilliantly icy uniformity to the garments; usually white, often crystallized, and sometimes extra-striking against black piping or bright pastels. Silhouettes were otherworldly yet always flattering – it was incredibly obvious that construction was the name of the game. Strangley, the futuristic concepts did not date the clothes. In fact, the mindfulness of the current customer met with the Italian’s innovation produced a truly alluring collection. Brava. View Post

Secreto Bosque Ymre Stiekema
Do werk, Ymre Stiekema! For Harper’s Bazaar España‘s issue for September 2011, they Bazaar Gods (photographer Gonzalo Machado and fashion stylist Leticia Riestra) brought the beautiful model in for an ethereal photo shoot titled “Secreto en el bosque”. It’s beyond beautiful, and checking all of my clothes-lust boxes; YSL cape coat and an absolute abundance of Dior. Tick tick. View Post