BACK TO BASICS

The secret of any great wardrobe is twofold: basics and personal style. It's like building a house; you can't pick the paint until you've laid the foundation. And if the foundation is bad, it doesn't matter how nifty your trinkets look when the house collapses. So if you've got the wardrobe essentials, then you can put your personal stamp on it.

Obviously, you need to keep several factors in mind when building your essential wardrobe: your body, your climate, and your lifestyle. As cute as they are, strappy stilettos aren't a good match for schlepping through a blizzard. Likewise, merino is so not a good idea at the Equator. I recommend that you take these factors into account while going through your closet and pulling out all the basic pieces you have. Once you have an inventory, determine what needs to be built upon, and what you should parse from your closet. After the basics are mastered, styling and personalizing is a cinch. (Of course, organization at all stages is key!)

As a Florida girl, my basics will differ from many of you. Here's my wardrobe essentials....

FOUNDATION
* Bras - I get sized by a local shop twice a year. The lifespan of most bras is six months before the band starts to go. My fitter recommends a new bra that hooks on the outermost hooks, so I can extend the life by going in on the hooks. I recommend three colors (nude, black, white) in each of three styles: strapless, push-up, and racerback.
* Panties - I firmly believe there is no such thing as too many panties. After the three main colors (nude, white, black) in preferred styles (thong, string bikini, boyshort), you can go crazy with it. Just remember to watch the shelf life on these too!

TOPS
* Tanks - Multiples in black and white. Straps that are wide enough to cover bra straps, or else have a bra top built into the tank. These are summer and fall lifesavers. Just be careful of deodorant marks.
* Tees - Multiples of these in black, white and gray. I prefer the look of V-necks, but I also have ones with a U-neck.
* Button Down - At least have one of these. White, black or a jewel tone.

BOTTOMS
* Jeans - In this day and age, denim is king. I think a good basis for jeans would be 1 white pair (any cut), 5 dark wash bootcuts or trousers, 2 dark wash skinnies, 1 dark wash flare, and 1 dark wash wide leg.
* Dress pant - I like to have one pair of muted gray plaid, wide leg dress slacks. For the rare occasions I go to a trade conference or have a meeting with creative directors.
* Leggings - These are my version of sweatpants. Pairs in black, navy and gray. Some are for casual errands, others are for working out.
* Shorts - Mostly Bermuda length, although I have a few dress shorts with higher waistbands and hems. 1 pair khaki, 1 pair gray, 2 pairs black, 2 pairs white, and 1 pair of skorts. I have a few terrycloth shorts for working out.
* Skirts - Maxi's are another sweatpant alternative, primarily in black and navy. Knee-length and A-line in black, muted gray, and white. Pencils in black, navy and white.

DRESSES
* LBD - The beloved little black dress. I prefer a deep V-neck and back, A-line, full skirted in a delicate, flowing fabric.
* Wrap Dress - At least one in black, maybe patterned. At or just above the knee.
* Sheath Dress - At least one in a neutral color.

OUTERWEAR
* Leather Jacket - Splurge item, if used a lot. I can make do with cheapies and knockoffs. Sometimes can get lucky at the thrift stores or flea market.
* Blazers - Neutrals. Way to pull an otherwise casual outfit together. Nice to have on hand.
* Cardigan - Any light to medium weight sweater for office work. Again, in neutrals.
* Gloves - Handy (*kneeslapkneeslapkneeslap*) and great for sudden snaps, but are always getting lost.

ACCESSORIES
* Belts - 1 black, 1 brown, 1 metallic.
* Purses - 1 black leather, 1 brown leather, 1 metallic. Clutch preferably.
* Scarves - Neutrals. Neck kerchief, large oval, and bandana sized.

SHOES
* Pumps - Black. Round toe. Stiletto.
* Tennis shoes - For workouts.
* Sandals - Wedges and thongs. Sand doesn't like leather, so mostly cork or fabric.
* Flats - 1 pair black ballet flats and 1 pair pink/nude ballet flats.


There you have it! It's seems like so much, but with this foundation, you can do so much more with your style.

WEEK IN CAMPHONE

So needed this by Sunday night.

No matter how natty these get, I'll never get rid of them.

Charles Schultz was right. Happiness is a warm puppy.

I am strait line challenged.

Bar graffiti is hilarious. Molly, this is for you.

Nothing says "should NOT be driving" like leaving the keys in the lock BEFORE going in the bar. Snaps to that guy.

New new kitchen color! It used to be an icky gray. So much prettier now!

Aftermath of renovation and painting.

Our mascot.

Must be super expensive to personalize the mailing boxes like this!

One day's worth of data entry. There's butt loads more where that came from.

Past week and a half in a nutshell! YAY.

T-MINUS ONE WEEK

Oh fudgeruckers.

Why Hasn't Teleportation Been Invented Yet?

I mean, seriously! Is this the future or not?


Unfortunately, that glorious way of travel is yet in our future. Shucks. So, until then, we are doomed to travel on airplanes, buses and trains. Which means, we need to travel in comfort, and still keep our style.


As my frequent readers know, I can be a bit flashy, and make stupid fashion choices for the situation I'm in, but I also appreciate clean and simple T-shirt - and - jeans combo. And when you're rushing through the airport, juggling your luggage and trying to find the right gate, who wants to be inconvenienced by skyhigh heels, coochie-cutters and nazel baring tops?


I always say, no matter what your typical style is, you can pair a T-shirt and jeans that tell everyone what your fashion is, without too much broohaha.


To start, I am a fan of smartass T-shirts. Especially nerdy ones, like "Don't Drink and Derive" and "It's Not Rocket Surgery". Some of my favorites:

It's only fair to warn my fellow travelers.

If you don't know what that is, you probably were popular in high school.

MADE OF WIN.

All shirts can be found at Snorgtees.com

For early morning flights, I hate having to find jeans that are clean and pressed, but by the time I stumble off the tarmac, will look as if I've been sleeping in them for weeks. So, I always go the distressed denim route, figuring that no one will know if I've worn these for a week, or if they are freshly put on. That, and I like the way they look.

Vanilla Star distressed denim.

Diesel distressed denim. Homigawd, I want. *drool*

TSA gets SO pissed when you don't wear shoes that can come off easily. And your fellow passengers get SO pissed they may help you pass into the next realm. By setting about your person with fists and feet.

Luckily, there are flip flops. Even luckier, for those who like a more frou-frou or embellished look, there are thongs. As a Floridian, I wear flip flops. I don't really wear too fancy of a sandal, because that's how we roll where I'm from. Seriously. There's even a Facebook page titled, "I don't care how cold it is, I'm wearing flip flops!!!" Seriously.

I like flip flops because they are easy to get off and on. I like to curl up in my seat on the plane, feet tucked under my butt for warmth, and twisted to watch the clouds, so I always kick my shoes off before I do anything else. And before I get horrified e-mails about germs and bacteria, let me assure you, I KNOW. I know how dirty and icky and gross the carpets and seats are. You don't have to tell me. I go barefoot because that's my comfort zone. Got it? Good.

I love RocketDogs. These are cute, and the platform style makes them so much girlier.


Sometimes airports or planes are hot as balls. Sometimes, it's like you're in the frickin' Artic Circle. How on Earth they expect people to not only travel to diverse climates, but with such a frickin' unpredictable A/C system, it's beyond belief. Best bet is to bring a favorite cardigan or sweatshirt.


I always bring one of my grandma's oversized, comfy thrift store cardigans. It looks just like the boyfriend cardigans that were all over the place, and it only cost a buck. And, it's cozy as hell.

I love the pop of color. Oversized, light weight and perfect for a coverup.

Another awesome choice, and looks more like the one I always bring. I love it!



That's all for the outfit. The next Travel post will be about luggage and carry-ons!

Toodles!

Currently

I'm bringing back my "Currently" posting. It's fun, and I like sharing more than just my fashion choices with y'all. So, without further ado....

Reading:

The Pendergast series by Preston and Child.

Holy shit. These novels are A. MAZE. ING. By far, the most underappreciated authors out there. My buddy Ross turned me on to them, for which I love and hate him. They are like literary crack. You cannot stop. I've read each book multiple times, and I still go back for more. I'm reading the whole series again, and am up to Cabinet of Curiosities. Sweet Moses, they rule!

Eating:

Broccoli Cheddar soup

I am a total whore for cheese. I've actually had arguments with people over the merits of Wisconsin cheddar vs. California cheddar.

Yes, I need professional help.

Drinking:

Appletini

TGIFriday's makes the best Appletinis. I've tried all around here, and they make it strongest. Probably because I'm a regular and tip really well.

Listening To:

MC Mong

He's a Korean hip-hop artist and comedian. My friend Molly showed me the awesomeness that is MC Mong. He is funny, and weird, and totally addictive. He sings in Korean and throws in random English. Which is HILARIOUS. I embedded my favorite song of his, "Indian Boy".

Totally amazing!

Formspring Answers

What is your skincare regimen??

This is going to make me sound weird, but other than using a cleansing toner and makeup remover, I really don't do much.

I wash my face every day with Clinique facial soap for dry skin, same I've used since I was fifteen. I sometimes use Olay facial moisturizer, but usually don't bother since it's so humid here it ends up making my face look oily. After a night on the town, I'm usually too tired or hammered to trust myself with too many chemicals around my eyes, so I use presoaked makeup remover pads from Target.

For the rest of my skin, I use Olay or bodycology body scrub in the shower, and use Lubriderm unscented moisturizer every day. I use that one because my tattoo artist recommended it.

And that's that.

Your hair looks so healthy! What products do you use?

I have had super awesome luck in the genetic department. Like my skin, I really don't use many products. It's thick, strait, and generally does what it wants.

Instead of fighting it (exception: color) and trying to make it do what I want, I kind of let it do it's thing.

Mane & Tail shampoo and conditioner. Herbal Essences for thick hair. Intensive repair hair mask once in a blue moon. Cream to smooth any fly-aways. Air dry. Hairbrush I bought in the Keys years ago.

Every so often, I get a bee in my bonnet, and I'll make a hair mask from avocados, whole milk, and kiwi.

Ask me anything

COVET: Flounce for Spring

I love spring. Down here, it's a nice break from the random winter cold snaps and the oppressive 100+ temperatures of summer and fall. We tend to average 85 degrees, sunny days, afternoon showers, and balmy nights.

My childhood springs were spent in soccer tournaments all over the state. I remember having a late morning game, being sweaty and gasping in the humid air, then all of a sudden in the final quarter the skies would open up and transform our game into a mess of mud and puddles. I loved it! My away uniforms were white, and I would get back to the hotel room soaked in black mud. Only my shins and feet would be clean, thank to my shoes and shin guards.

For some reason, this season is making me crave ruffles! I cannot explain it. I want it all. Lace. Ruffles. Tiers. Gauzy fabrics. Flowing skirts. Pastels. Creams. Peekaboo panels. What is the deal? I am blacks, grays, sequins and tourniquet-tight clothing! How does THAT happen?

Even accessories! I find myself drawn to the whimsical and romantic designs. Granted, when it comes to earrings, I like them big and funky. But pins? Scarves for spring? Never had I been attracted to those things before. I've decided that, in my world, make up is an accessory. And that bright eye shadows are my new favorite thing to play with.

Moving on, here are some of my lusts for the day. (Hour. Fine, minute.)

Familiar? These are the Miss Me wedges I was drooling over a while back. I said I was ordering them, but I didn't. I lusted and dreamed, and it was no longer in my size. *sob*

But! They have been restocked and my paycheck clears the bank tomorrow! Can you tell where my devious mind is going with this? Oh, hell yeah.

Initially, I was hesitant on this skirt. The ruched (ruffled?) waistline makes it look like a burlap bag belted about the body. (Alliteration is awesome! I'll stop.) But, the more I pondered and visualized it in outfits, the more I loved it.

Right now, I'd say I'm on baby-making terms of loving this skirt.

Really. Do I even have to say why I love this?

That's what I thought.

The beading! The intricate neckline! The casual chic! The mint color!

*POP*

RUFFLES.

TIERS.

TIERS OF RUFFLES.

Dude, THESE ARE PEACOCKS. Fuck yeah I love them!

*fawn*

COVET

Hello again! For this afternoon, I'm doing another hodge podge COVET. And a quick 'n' dirty one.

Here goes!

Novela Wonder heels.

I love these. They aren't as daring and "Fuck me" pump as I usually wear out and about, but I think these are perfect for the office. The colorblocking is adorable. Gray is my new favorite neutral. I don't know why that is. And the blue is steely and complements the shoe nicely.

Contemporary Flowers top.

I don't care that it's kinda girly, I dig this top. The whole 'sweater top' thing is a bit off-putting to me, mostly because I'm afraid it'll be too hot to wear down here.

Augh! Cute or comfy?!

CUTE.

OR.

COMFY.

*despair*

Sultry Goddess dress.

*POP*

This blows my mind. GORGEOUS. I really love the one shoulder trend that has been going around. I have awesome clivicles and shoulders, so I will flaunt them at the drop of a hat. DROP OF A HAT.

Luuuuuuuuuuuuuurv it.