My Must List - Summer 2014

As my style has evolved and I've become more selective, my seasonal must lists become smaller. I'm more discerning about the pieces that I add to my wardrobe. If I'm going to spend the money, I want them to be quality pieces that will last. I save the super cheap purchases for trendy items. Now that doesn't mean that I pay full price for my long term purchases. I still look for the best price and the best value for my money.

photo credits: Pink Peonies, Getty Images, Ms Treinta

The images above scream summer to me. Sun, beach, warm weather, sandals, white, and bright colors are all the best of summer fashion. They inspired me to make a few updates and acquire a few new summer items.

Click the photos above to view buying information.

I've been obsessed with mirror sunglasses since I wrote this post two summers ago. I purchased a couple of bargain pairs last summer and then Ray Ban released some new mirror versions. These green aviators are fantastic. I might just have to take the plunge. You can't get more classic than Ray Ban aviators. A big tote has been my constant companion lately. It can hold everything. I love this Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote in hot pink. A great summer update to a classic shape. I've been loving lace up sandals but I knew a 4 inch high pair wouldn't get much wear. I tend to gravitate more toward my 2.5 inch heels and below. Lucky for me, over the weekend I scored a pair by Nine West at Nordstrom Rack. I posted a photo on Instagram. I'm in love! A super flowy maxi dress in a bright color is high on my summer must list. I love this trapeze style that can be worn loose or belted. I'm in desparate need of a new swimsuit. We live by the pool and at the beach all summer. My suits have seen better days and I've had a retro one piece style in mind. I love this one in white.

What is on your summer MUST list?

A Basic Foundation

I love edgy, funky and standout pieces but I mix those with my classic pieces that stand the test of time. These go to basics are a great foundation, no matter your personal style. A while back I took a basic t-shirt and jeans and added accessories and shoes to make three different outfits. These basics can work for anyone as a foundation for their wardrobe.



Click photos for buying information.

At first glance these items don't seem exciting or stand out.  That's really the point. They are the foundation of an exciting wardrobe. They are the canvas for your statement necklace or coat, your fancy top, or that amazing jacket you just had to buy. You can even mix and match these basics for some great outfits. Add a few accessories and you're set.

White Button Up Blouse - can be worn with jeans or a skirt. Add a necklace or a scarf and you're set.

Motorcycle Jacket - I wear my leather moto jacket with jeans and with my skirts and dresses. If a biker jacket isn't you, choose a more simple leather or faux leather jacket. If you select a style with few embellishments and a flattering shape, it will last for years.

Cashmere Tee - I wear my lightweight cashmere tee alone and layered with a shirt. I throw it on with jeans on the weekend and with a skirt for work. The lightweight cashmere is warm but not too hot for layering.

Simple Women's Cut T-shirt - A simple t-shirt is so versatile. A women's cut is more flattering for women (petite to plus) and isn't boxy. I love my gray t-shirts. I have quite a few but any other neutral would do (white, black, ivory, tan). I usually snag mine at Old Navy or Target. I think paying a ton for a t-shirt is crazy.

Black A-Line Dress - Most lists say that you should buy a black sheath dress. I disagree. An a-line dress is flattering on all body types and it's more forgiving when you gain or lose a few pounds. If the fit is good you won't even need Spanx (bonus). I'm a pear shape (I'm sure you've noticed) and an a-line dress looks better on my shape than a sheath. My sister is tall and lean and proportional. She looks great in both.

Black Ankle Boots - They go with everything! Pants, skirts, dresses, casual or a bit dressy. I wear mine constantly. They work for more than half the year.

"Nude" Flats (or Heels) - I have both nude flats and nude heels. If you want something in between, go for a mid or kitten heel. They elongate your legs and will work with every outfit you own. Remember, nude is not universal. You'll want to try on your "nude" flats or pumps to make sure they work with your skin tone. My friends with darker skin tones will want to gravitate toward a tan or brown shoe.

Jeans (Dark Wash) - A great fitting pair of jeans (skinny or straight leg) can be dressed up or down depending on the day. I own both skinny and straight leg jeans. There are lots of brands and they all have a different fit. I love NYDJ jeans. They work for my pear shape and come in tons of styles and colors. You can always find them on sale for great prices at places like Nordstrom Rack, 6pm.com, and Amazon.com.

I'll expand on styling these basics over the next few weeks.

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?

Spring Picks - Neutral (But FUN!) Flats

I have a confession to make. I don't think flats are sexy at all.  My sister and I were discussing this the other day.  Flats are cute, they are fun, they are interesting but not sexy. Even the peep toe ones aren't sexy.  Even though I feel this is true, on most work days I gravitate toward my flats.  Unless the heels are super comfy I leave them in the closet. I don't like commuter shoes but sometimes will wear a pretty pair of flats and carry my heels.  I don't like to do that because I feel like, if I choose heels, I want to wear them all day with my outfit.

I've noticed that my stash of flats is becoming worn and frankly kinda stinky. I wear my flats without socks, hose or footies. Because of this, the curse of stinky feet that I inherited from my mom, can render some shoes unwearable. I've tried insoles and they only work temporarily.  I'm also really hard on shoes. I wear the toes down, scuff them, and nick them. If the shoes are of high quality, I will have them repaired. If not, they are either donated or trashed. Spending $20 to repair a pair of $15 shoes isn't usually worth it. The neutral shoes are the ones I wear the most.  My bright colored flats are fun but I don't mix them in as often.  Almost all of my neutral flats (black, nude, and metallic) need to be replaced but I don't want them to be boring. I went searching for flats that had a price tag of $100 or less. 

Click on the picture to get purchasing details on the flats above.

1) These silver flats have a cool zipper detail that sets them apart from your average metallic flat.
2) I like the t-strap on these nude flats. It adds a girly vibe.
3) The mixed metals of these metallic flats give them an interesting twist that I love.
4) I love the classic and girly bow on these flats. It gives them a Ladies That Lunch look.
5) I feel like the horse buckle on these black flats ensure I'll fit in at the country club. I might need to buy a polo shirt too.
6) Many might not consider glitter a neutral. Silver can be a neutral.  I think the glitter mixed with the silver studs is both tough and cute. 
7) These flats have so many great details.  I love the d'orsay cut, the nude and black mix and the ankle strap.   
 

I think numbers four and seven are my favorites.  It's funny because I started hunting for silver and gold flats and the ones that I ended up loving aren't even metallic. 

Which flats do you like the best?

"Nude" Polish for Every Skin Tone

I'm sure you've noticed that nude nail polish is all the rage. It's been featured on blogs, websites and in every major fashion magazine. That's because it goes any where and every where. I've been wearing lots of neutral polishes on my nails this summer. My toes have been every wild color imaginable and I've balanced those wild toes with neutral polish. Most magazines contain features of the "best nude polish". The choices are pretty but most of the time they are in the off white to tan range.  The last time I checked, the women I know aren't just one skin tone. Nude comes in every shade, depending on who is nude. The shade that works on me doesn't work on my friends who have much lighter or darker skin tones. As I was choosing polish last night I realized that my go to polish lately has been essie Jazz. It's the perfect shade for me, winter or summer. My skin tone is close to Julia Roberts without a tan and edges closer to Frieda Pinto's with a tan.

My Favorite - essie Jazz

I've picked some famous faces and matched up polish that I think suits their skin tone. Hopefully, this will help you find a "nude" polish you love and that suits your own skin tone.

Zhang Ziyi - Wet n' Wild 2% Milk

Dita von Teese - Sally Hansen Nude Now

Julia Roberts - Revlon Sheer Nude

Frieda Pinton - Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Sand



Shoreh Aghdashloo - China Glaze Caramel



Eva Longoria - OPI San Tan-Tonio

Oprah Winfrey - essie Mink Muffs

Alex Wek - Revlon Top Speed Espresso