10(ish) wardrobe basics to buy this season
Friday, October 1, 2010
Did I scare you? No, my 10 picks for fall aren't comprised solely of leopard, but I did round up all things animal print for BagPoor's new magazine that will be launching later today. Shopping details from my picks above are in this issue, so be sure and check it out!
Television makes styling seem like an exotic adventure, but the reality is that it's mostly about hunting down very nice basics that are extremely flattering on your client and work for their lifestyle. Because I don't have as much time these days, whenever I can, I encourage my clients to educate themselves on the basics, and then work with them to fill in the gaps. This week a client who recently lost some weight called me for advice about wardrobe staples she should add to revamp her wardrobe. I refered her to Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Elements: Must-Have Basic Wardrobe Pieces for Any Woman. I think the list is a practical starting point for everyone and it made me start thinking about my own wardrobe.
Stocking up on the basics is sort of like buying a great case of wine. It's kind of expensive and takes a little extra thought, but it's so nice to have for important interviews, dates, and impromptu parties and events.
1. Basic Black Dress
The LBD is is a classic and for years I probably had too many simple lbds and not enough fun in my closet. It was the inspiration for the knot dress in my line; I wanted something classic with a twist and sexy without being hoochy moma. The model is exaggerating her pose to show off the keyhole slit at the bust, but straight on it only shows a hint of skin--I don't know about you, but I love that kind of subtle allure.
2. Trench Coat
I bought a swingy little Armani macintosh years ago. I love the A-line cut and it's great to wear the one or two days when you actually need a raincoat here in California. But I'm thinking this might be the year that I break down and buy a proper trench.
3. Dress Pants
Luckily I have this one covered. I only designed one pair of pants for the line because I wanted to do them right and I have to say, the fit is amazing! I'm thinking I'm going to offer them in black as well.
4. Classic Shirt
According to Mr. Gunn this should be white, but rules are made to be broken. I can't bring myself to buy a white shirt, it just feels too corporate. This week I finally picked up the denim shirt I was meaning to add to my wardrobe all summer. For me it will be a classic!
5. Jeans
Another one I'm skipping. For whatever reason I'm over jeans at the moment. I just got a pair of skinny leg cargos and will probably add a few more to my wardrobe before winter is over.
6. Any Occasion Top.
I'm kind of a top freak--it's all I ever seem to buy. I fell in love with this peasant blouse in classic blue and have been wearing it non-stop the past couple of weeks.
7. Skirt.
Ugh, I have the terrible ocd habit of buying duplicates when I like something. Do you ever do this? I have 3 gray sweaters and this is the second army green skirt I've bought in the past few months.
8. Day Dress. For someone who works in
9. Jacket.
I LOVE jackets! Probably because it's never cold enough to wear a coat here. Besides my sick penchant for velvet ones, (it pained me to put my favorite Marc Jacobs one to rest last season) I've been eyeing this army green jacket. It's more of a trend purchase but I'm really liking it.
10. Sweatsuit Alternative. Hmmm. I don't wear sweatsuits, do you? I guess this means see #5.
Bonus: One Indulgent Trendy Item.
Since I skipped #10, I gave myself license to scoop up two indulgent trendy items--thigh highs because girls just want to have fun and leopard, just because.
So please tell me, what are your classics and trendy pieces this season?
1. Basic Black Dress: Mary Jo Matsumoto Fall '11 collection available via custom order
2. Trench: Burberry
3. Dress Pant: MJM Fall '11 collection available via custom order
4. Classic Shirt: J Crew
5. Cargo: Current-Elliot
6. Any Occasion Top: Zara
7. Skirt: Zara
9: Jacket: Zara
Bonus: Thigh highs and Leopard belt J. Crew
Labels: 10 Essential Wardrobe Elements, MJM Fall '11 Preview, Tim Gunn
posted by Mary Jo at TrustYourStyle at
Friday, October 01, 2010
I'm Mary Jo, a handbag designer living in sunny California.
TrustYourStyle is where I
share inspiration and connect with other
style lovers. Did I mention I celebrate 
11 Comments:
Love the dress pants!!! They look like they would fit amazing. Have a great weekend!
YAY! Thanks for contributing and sharing. I LOVE your pants! The whole look is gorgeous.
jackets and dress pants - always so versatile. plus, throw the jacket on with some jeans and you're right into the night time.
Gorgeous selections, darling!
I need a leopard dress!
xoxox,
CC
You're the third person today who has posted about Leopard prints! It's so awesome.
I fully disagree with the sweatsuit alternative. It's good to have workout clothes but I only use them for working out. That said, I do need to get to work on this list -- maybe I'll be lucky this season and stumble across a trench coat that I fall in love with (after all, it is fall).
Have a stylish weekend!!
I love your picks, Mary Jo! I want those animal print gloves, your pants (beautiful!) the skirt, and jacket.
I picked up a great pair of black pants, which I'm wearing way more than my favorite jeans, some tights, two black dresses, (one with metallic sequins) and a silky, cream sweater. I'm also into camel, so I picked up a new clutch and camel oxford heels. On the list still is a white dress shirt, military jacket and three skinny leather belts.
Thank you for the inspiration :)
xoxo
This fall round up is awesome! Great guidelines on what to focus on this fall. I'm trying not to shop this fall. I know, not a fun statement. However, I kinda need that Zara skirt! In terms of the trendy item, my friend got me some thigh high stockings last year which I haven't worn yet, because I'm not sure how to style them, but I really like how they look in this picture. It's time to break them out!
Happy Sunday, Mary Jo!
I like your list. A black dress and trench coat can take you to so many different places. And I'm with you, a sweatsuit - I don't think so. :) Great post!
Oh what a lovely list. But I have always had trouble with trench coats. I just can't quite get one to fit me properly. I have quite narrow shoulders and I end up looking like I'm drowning in all the fabric on the trench. Any suggestions of a different brand to try?
And the Leopard skinny belt = too fabulous. Would love one.
It's been WAY too long since I stopped by, but I can't imagine a better way to end my sabbatical then with your LBD. How gorgeous and paired with your signature clutch, it's perfection. Congratulations, Mary Jo, on your upcoming collection. It looks absolutely amazing!
Love your list, especially the clasic black dress in the 1st pic!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home