without eccentricity the world would get dull
the style strategy list the black pants as one of the essentials for ones wardrobe.
here’s how i’m ‘working’ it (well working one pair anyway…):
black trousers – banana republic (2010)
blouse – joe fresh (2011)
blazer – h&m (2007)
belt – gap (2011)
shoes – 9west (2006)
discovery: the h&m corduroy blazer – forgot i had it. also i shop at joe fresh far more often than I thought. huh.
me
think you need to buy an entire new wardrobe all in one go? thnink again.
do
make a list – even if you aren’t entirely sure of what you need, a list is a good place start.
this will help you focus on the key items (the must haves) and hopefully keep you on track and on budget while you shop.
you can modify, add to, or remove items from the list as you go along; use your smart phone to keep track and check it before you go shopping.
my winter wish list looks like this at the moment:
· Tall leather boots for work
· New winter coat
· Cashmere cardigan
· White turtleneck
· Chunky knit sweater
· Black wool trousers
me
saying, “i need everything!” will only get you in trouble when deciding to do a big shopping trip and is not likely to be true – unless you’ve just suffered a natural disaster and really do need everything.
starting from the position that you need to buy everything all at once will probably leave feeling overwhelmed, disappointed, and more than likely, wandering aimlessly for hours in the mall.
do
stick with one area of your lifestyle: do you need work attire or weekend-wear?
this will help you stay focused, cut down on the amount of stores you’ll need to visit, and make you less stressed.
Once you’ve tackled one area of your life then you can plan to tackle the other. and yeah, it’ll mean you’re back at the mall at some point but if you approach shopping more strategically, you’ll be in and out in less time and hopefully be less stressed as a result.
me
Mixing pattern and texture. how i can ‘work’ it:
skirt – (2011) *$20 at a boutique at my niece’s college
tweed blazer – jacob (2006)
blue button-down shirt – jacob (2009)
snakeskin purse – banana republic (2011)
discovery: i love this blazer. also it’s alright to mix my animal prints – grrrr!
me
this lwd was bought this summer. i didn’t wear it – i thought it was “too” white. *head slap*.
how i will work it:
white dress – zara (2011)
shoes – franco sarta (2011)
blazer – gap (2010)
necklace – fragments (2009)
discovery: i love white
me
i bought a jacket in h&m in Spring 2010 and thought it would look great in the summer with a pair of wide-legged white trousers – that i didn’t own… *frown*
according to flare mag – trend addition – peplum is a big deal this fall. well, this is peplum-ish…
how i’m working it now:
blue jacket – h&m (2010)
gray cropped pants – joe fresh (2011)
shoes – winners (2011)
handbag – marks & spencer (2001)
discovery: i can work this jacket with a skirt, dress, or with a turtle neck in colder temps.
me
Our choice of clothing can be one of our most creative forms of self-expression
you know that credit card commercial that asks, “what’s in your wallet?” well, when thinking of doing a major shopping trip, either for the season or because you only shop once a year (tsk, tsk, tsk), first ask yourself, “what’s in your closet?”
do
start with your closet – since we’re talking about work-wear here, take a look at the key basics like black pants and pencil skirts, are they in good condition, any loose threads, holes, or are they worn out?
check your white shirt(s) for fading and armpit stains – i now, gross but it’s even more gross when you’re wearing it.
take the time to figure out what you own and what needs replacing/updating. this will allow you to be more focused when you begin your shopping mission.
me
cropped pants aren’t my favourite trend – they always seem to look so much better on other people.
how i work it:
pants – gap (2011)
blouse – gap (2011)
jacket – h&m (2007 – gift)
shoes – marc fisher – winners (2011)
discovery: i’ve come to embrace the cropped pant
me
Swagger & Greys 