Wardrobe Must-Haves...and Myths

I love shows like What Not to Wear (TLC hosts Stacy and Clinton in pic) and Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. They do wonderful things for the women they work with, but they often press their own idea of what wardrobe 'basics' are onto the guests and the viewers.

Every woman is different. We all know this. We should all celebrate this. We have different body shapes, coloring, jobs and lifestyles. With this in mind, I sometimes tilt my head to the right and furrow my brow when I see yet another list of 'wardrobe basics' that is supposed to be universal.

Don't get me wrong, I love reading these lists, but inevitably there are items that just don't work for all women. Or maybe they just don't work for me. Every woman should have their own list of basics that is tailored to the life they live, not to someone else's definition of what style is. Either way, here is my list of wardrobe basics and my list of basics that just don't work for me.

My Mythical Basics:

1. Black suit

I bought a black suit when I graduated college. I wore it too a few interviews... only to feel completely overdressed. I don't work in finance or the corporate sector, so the black suit just doesn't fit my lifestyle. I suppose I could have worn it to a wedding or evening event, but I just never felt compelled to. I haven't worn it in 4 years, so out it goes. I feel much more comfortable in a dress or a black skirt, shirt combo.

2. The classic white shirt. I love white, I look nice in white. Button down shirts, however, are not nice to a busty gal with a smaller waist. It is so darn difficult to find a white shirt that fits. And then when I find one (or have one altered to fit), I find myself feeling constricted. If I can move my arms comfortably, the shirt looks too big. If it looks like it fits, I can't freakin move. So I have lots of nice white knits. Knits are much nicer to me:) I especially love the look of a crisp white sweater. Maybe I can find a mossimo ultrasoft in white! Off to target.com I go...

3. Black pants. Now I would have agreed that this was a staple in high school and college. But I have this strange aversion to black pants now. I have a boatlaod of black sweaters and tanks. Its just me, I'm sure. I had at one point like 6 pairs. Now I have none. I would rather just wear charcoal, navy or tan. I live in trouser jeans anyway. For me, the blank pants were a cop-out. I didn't really have to try hard to make my outfit look nice. The pants did it for me. I have to work a little harder to make my non-black pants look smashing and effortless, and I like a challenge.

My True Basics:

1. Nude heels. I love these. I had to search the world over to find a shoe that wa nude against my skincolor. I don't get some brands' definition of nude. Nude should be close to skincolor, by definition. Not 4 shades darker. Anywho, nude heels make my legs look longer, they go with everything and they just look chic to me. I always reach for these.

2. Trouser jeans. I live in and for these. My new Levis came yesterday... I will be reordering about 4 pairs just in case they are discontinued. Dressed up or down, they are my version of the classic black trouser. As long as the wash is semi-dark, they can work for most occasions in my life.

3. Faux-cashmere sweaters. V-neck of course. I know they are classic and ultimate chic, but I can't deal with cashmere. I'm always afraid of ruining it, I don;t have the time or patience to clean it properly, and I think I may be allergic to it. However, I do love the new polyester alternatives. I know, the word polysester brings back visions of leisure suits and other mystery-fabric nightmares, but polyester has come a long way baby!

4. A fabulous haircut. I don't care if you are wearing vintage, pristine Chanel with Manolos, the whole look is ruined by a lousy haircut. I'll admit, I'm spoiled as far as this goes. I've worked in the same salon for almost 10 years and have the most amazing stylist. And I get it done for free! But I would pay full price for her in a second because I always love my hair. I change up my hair seasonally, either with black low-lights (not as strange as it sounds) or blunt short bangs. My hair is my ultimate accessory.

5. Signature piece of jewelry. Mine is a gold dragon ring with a diamond chip for an eye and a 6mm ball of jade in its talon. It is so detailed, scales have been etched into the gold. It is beautiful. Stolen (with permission) from my mom, it came over from China during a business trip my dad took years ago. The signature piece doesn't need to be bold, but it should be interesting and hold some kind of meaning or significance for the wearer. I love anything Asian-inspired and was told by a Medium that my spirit guide is a Dragon with a really long name that I can't pronounce. And my favorite color is green, so this ring was basically meant for me!


6. A really good handbag. I don't care that much for labels or specific designers, but when it comes down to it, they make the best quality handbags. I myself am a slave for Michael Kors handbags. I used to replace my bags several times a year. I have now carried my favorite MK for over 2 1/2 years. I had to have some stitches re-sewn in the handle at one point, but it is in great shape and I love it more than ever.

What are your true personal basics? Your mythical basics?