Classics "I Want" List

One of my favorite Pinterest boards is my "I Want" board.  It contains those items I spy when virtual "window shopping" online that I would like to have. Some are affordable and some are pipe dreams. There are tons of trendy items I'd like to have. Some I buy, like these boots. In reality I have lots of clothes and I need to pair down and clean out my closet. I'm planning a massive closet purge soon. My style is eclectic but there are items that I consider classics or basics that will be used and worn for years and years to come. Here's my current classics "I WANT" list.



Click on the pictures above for buying information.

• Nude or Tan Top Handle Tote - The color needs to be muted, more nude than brown. I want the top handles to be short so it's easy to carry down at my side or in the crook of my arm. It also must have a long strap for hands free ease as well as internal pocket(s) for organization. This one from Zara fits all my criteria.

• Chunky Gold Chain Necklace - I have tons of silver necklaces but I don't have many in gold. I like this one from BaubleBar but I'd prefer a single, thick chain that I can wear multiple ways.

• Full Skirt - This circle skirt from ModCloth is the right length and the right amount of fabric, at the right price.

• Nude or Tan Chunky Heel Sandal - I need a neutral sandal like this one that I can dress up or down. It can go to the office or out to dinner. This pair from ALDO is simple but still has interesting detail.

• White Jeans - I own a pair of white cropped pants but I'd love to have a pair of white jeans. I want them to be a narrow cut or skinny but they can't be tight.  The trick to making white pants look good on us curvy girls is fit.  If they are too tight or pull in the wrong place, they'll be terribly unflattering.

• Printed Pants - I'm sure these paisley pants don't seem like a classic.  But I love printed pants and I'm sure I will be wearing them for several seasons or more.  I own four pairs and I wear them constantly. They have become my go to pants this spring and I wore them all winter too. I think I need to hit the Talbots Outlet soon. Three of my four pairs came from there and they were all great bargains.

Do you have a classics list?

Inspiration - Classic Makeup

Although the thought behind this post is wedding related, this one is something that anyone who loves the classic look of black eyeliner and a red lip could use.  My wedding dress is a being custom made for me by my Mom and it's a vintage Vogue pattern from the 1950's.  I don't want to look costumey, like I'm going for a 50's theme but the classic makeup of that time period is beautiful and timeless.  I wear black liner on a regular basis and I also love a bold lip.  Choosing this classic look but in an amped up version means I won't look overly made up but I'll just be a better version of my everyday self.

Over the weekend I caught a replay of the movie Burlesque on TV.  The scene where Christina is singing "Bound To You" is incredibly striking.  The song is beautiful but her look in that scene is stunning.  I love her makeup.  In this movie of over the top costumes and crazy makeup and hair, this scene is a stark contrast.  She looks sultry but also soft and beautiful. For more on my classic and retro inspired wedding makeup, including some great tutorials, read more after the jump.

Inspirartion - Vintage VOGUE

Maybe it's my decision to use a vintage pattern for my wedding dress or maybe it's my eternal love of Grace Kelly but I've been really inspired by vintage fashion lately.  Specifically, vintage Vogue magazine photos. At the end of the movie, The September Issue, Anna Wintour says, "Fashion's not about looking back. It's always about looking forward."  I don't agree with her at all.  I think that learning from fashion's past is a great way to make updates for the future. Fashion is always influenced by the past. Great vintage style inspires me constantly.

Sweeping black liner and a red lip are always in fashion.

Classic Audrey Hepburn

Grace Kelly's Elegance

photo credit:  All photos are copyright Conde Nast via VOGUE

Moment of Lust - Celine Luggage Tote

Women's Wear Daily declared the Celine Luggage Tote, the 'It' bag of NY Fashion Week.  I've been lusting after this bag for a long while now. It's one of those classic bags that will never go out of style. It comes in lots of colors.  If you can get one, usually via a waiting list, you'll pay $2,500 or more.  I spotted one on Overstock.com for just $2,669.  Of course it was sold out but it's not like I would have grabbed my credit card, even if it were available.

In addition to being seen on many women walking into the shows at Fashion Week, magazine editors, and socialites, it has been on the arms of lots of celebrity fashion darlings.

Nicole Richie

Reese Witherspoon

Kourtney Kardashian

Leighton Meester

Until recently, my search to find a similar bag of good quality hadn't come close.   This time I'm being really picky. I want a bag that is leather and will last. Even though I can't afford the $2,500+ price tag, I still want a bag that has the same qualities. Then I heard about the J. Crew Tillary Tote. At $328 the bag is still pricey but it's leather, a classic style and there is nary a logo or trendy accessory in sight.  The Tillary has all of the markers of a long term investment bag. It comes in blue and tan.  I love the blue but either would be a great color I'd used often. Maybe it would be worth saving all of my shopping money over the next few months to purchase it.  If you are lucky enough to order it now, it will be shipped in May.  So even this great classic bag has a bit of a wait list.

J. Crew Tillary Tote

Shop Now, Wear Forever - Via a Nordstrom Sale

It seems strange to think of spring now but retailers are beginning to get their new merchandise, which means markdowns.  You can cash in on their need to clear their racks and score a great deal.  Some of the items on sale can be worn now and into the spring. If you choose wisely, you can find some classic pieces and some trendy items for a bargain. I've had my eye on a great pleated chiffon skirt on Nordstrom.com and since it's half price I decided to order it right away.  My online shopping excursion got me thinking about the great sale items that you all could buy now, on sale, and wear forever. Nordstrom has free shipping and returns and the quality of their items is top notch. You know me, always looking for quality at a great price.

Solid V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a crew neck cashmere sweater in fuchsia. I've been wearing it constantly.  Cashmere is timeless, it transcends seasons and can be dressed up or down. A v-neck is flattering on all body types. It will never go out of style. $50 is a bargain for a cashmere sweater!

Women's V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $49.90 and Plus Size V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $54.90

Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt
When I first spied this sheer cobalt blue chiffon maxi months ago, I was smitten.  As you know, my clothing budget is tight and $54 wasn't in the cards.  On top of that, I couldn't decide between the blue and the black. I know that some of you ladies don't feel maxis flatter you.  This semi sheer version could be your chance to change that way of thinking.  The under skirt is knee length but the sheer overlay won't make a petite woman appear shorter and it's sexy.  The micro pleats at the top of the skirt flatter a woman with curves. It could be dressed up with heels and dressed down with boots or flats. You could wear it now with a sweater or jacket and into the spring with a tee or a tank. When I realized it was now 50% off, I had to take the plunge. 

Women's Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $33.90 and Plus Size Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt $26.90

Low Heeled Booties
I love my heels but it seems that my lower heel shoes get the most wear.  I also love wedges because of their stability. A 3 inch wedge doesn't feel as high to me as a 3 inch stiletto. This winter I've been gravitating toward my booties.  They're versatile and also stylish. They look fab with a pair of slacks or jeans and also great with a skirt or dress. Nordstrom is known for their shoe selection.  These are both available in two colors.  The Clarks booties come in sizes 4 - 12!  They are a bit on the pricey side for sale shoes but they are leather and their understated, classic style means you will be able to wear them for many years.

SamEdelman Wilma Bootie $86.90 and Clarks Water Row Bootie $86.90

Interesting Cuff Bracelet
A metal cuff in an interesting design can be worn with all types of outfits.  It can dress up a tee and set off an LBD. The rose gold of this one is on trend but timeless (it also comes in silver). I love the curves and the diamond dust finish. For only $24.90, it's a great buy.

Diamond Dust Cuff $24.90

Leather Tote
Studs, buckles, sequins and embellishments are fun but there is something to be said for simplicity.  A leather tote in taupe or black can be worn with everything in your wardrobe.  It can go with you on your weekend errands, carry your laptop to work, and serve as your carry-on for a flight. This tote has classic lines and leather can last you a lifetime.  It's a bargain for only $48.90. It's available in taupe and black.

Halogen Everyday Tote $48.90

All of these items are available from Nordstrom.com and you'll even get free shipping. You can also shop Nordstrom Rack online via the same site. I've already ordered the Pleated Chiffon Maxi in cobalt blue and black.  I couldn't pass them up at $26.90 each.  Two skirts for the price one cost originally. With a little searching you can find some great deals on items that you can wear for years to come. I may have to recheck my budget and do a little more shopping.
 

Moment of Lust - Marc Jacobs Stam

Every season magazines declare a list of "IT" bags for the season.  Sometimes they are cool, sometimes not.  I love trends and always go for the less expensive versions when I'm buying a trendy bag.  I found a great studded bag last fall for $25, that I use often. Spending big money on trends is never my strategy. They come and go so fast that it's not worth the cost.  When I have the money to spend more, I gravitate toward the timeless bags. You know, the ones that 20 years from now, you'll still be able to carry and look great.

Big logo bags are also not my thing. The timeless bags have branding on them but it's never screaming and loud. I've made my love known for the Chanel Flap Bag (2.55).  It's a beautiful bag although there is a double C logo is small at the buckle. I've heard it said that the smaller the double C logo is on a Chanel bag, the more expensive it will be.  Since I don't shop at Chanel on a regular basis, I haven't tested that theory.  Many people swoon for the Louis Vuitton logo speedy.  I prefer the LV speedy in Epi Leather.  The tiny little LV is subtle but the bag's style is classic. The Marc Jacobs Stam bag fits this category perfectly. The quilting is beautiful. The shape and handles are functional. The lady like silhouette is perfect with any outfit.

Model Jessica Stam carrying her namesake bag

The Stam retails for about $1,350.  I love its beauty but at that price it won't be in the cards for me, unless My Honey wins the lottery for us. I don't count on the lotto because I have never had that kind of luck.  So I went searching for a less expensive version.  I found this bag on Handbag Heaven. They sell great handbags that are similar to designer styles but they aren't replica bags.  They don't have the logos or branding of the real bags but the shapes and styling are similar. The bag comes in several colors. I like the pewter because it's different but can also be used as a neutral. The Handbag Heaven version costs $54.95.  That's $1,295.05 less than the designer version.  It's a perfect swap for me.

What do you think?

Classics with a Twist

This dress and sweater are two of the pieces from my shopping trip last weekend. I'm sure this classic shirt dress will get lots of wear throughout the Spring and Summer. The khaki means that I can mix it will lots of other colors. The sweater is so versatile and light. I'm sure I'll wear it lots of ways. I threw on the bright blue shoes to add a pop of color to the neutral ensemble.

Sweater - Calvin Klein via Macy's, Dress - Lane Bryant, Belt - Kohl's,
Necklaces - Kohl's, Shoes - Coach via Nordstrom Rack



The only thing I don't love about this dress is how easily it wrinkles. I snapped my photos after a day at work so you all are getting the full wrinkle effect.

Moment of Lust: Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle

The Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle has been the "it" bag since Mary Kate Olsen began carrying it, before it was available. It's also showed up on the arms of other NYC and Hollywood fashionistas. I've heard there is a waiting list of 400+ at Barney's in NYC. This bag is proof that fashion girls will eat ramen in a recession, if the right bag comes along. It retails for $850. The black leather version is sold out everywhere. There are options available in other colors and materials.





I love this bag because it is both classic and edgy. The satchel style is timeless. The studded bottom gives it a punk edge that is fun and unexpected. Other fabrics and colors can be purchased on the Alexander Wang website. I personally like the gray denim, which isn't actually denim but distressed gray leather.

If, like me, neglecting to pay the rent or power bill isn't an option. There is a chic and lower priced alternative, thanks to Steve Madden. The BSTUDLEY bag is very similar and about 1/10 of the price at $88. It also comes in white.



You can order this bag on the Steve Madden website. Happy parsimonious shopping!