The Essentials: Wardrobe Staples 6-10

As much as I enjoy buying up every autumn inspired item in sight,  I rely on essential wardrobe staples to tie everything together. I previously discussed the quintessentials including a trench, and a little black dress, (see them here) and today I'd like to share the next 5 in my series...

Bag by Chanel
Image via bagsnob.com

6. Black Bag- I always consider my bag to be my car. I lug around every necessity (and every frugality) I can fit. I'd be truly lost without it. While I love my grandmother's vintage clutch bags, and my worn in Michael Kors Astor tote, the one quintessential bag every woman should own is a classic black bag, the Chanel 2.55 being the most classic of all. This is a piece akin to the trench, any woman, any age can carry it, it will never go out of style, and well, just look! It's gorgeous! I think I need to invest in several as I don't want my future grandchildren to argue!

Alexander McQueen jacket.
Image via net-a-porter.com

7. Leather Jacket- Once reserved for bikers, the leather jacket now looks just as fabulous thrown over a ball gown as it does over jeans. The perfect way to add some edge to your every day, a leather jacket is both at once edgy and classic. It is James Dean and Anne Hathaway all rolled into one!

Chloe t-shirt
Image via net-a-porter.com

8. White Shirt- Everyone needs a clean canvas to build their outfit on. There is room to play with this item. While I prefer a white tee for its versatility, a white button down is a perfect acceptable and chic substitute-Sharon Stone wore a Gap button down to the Oscars once! Wear it to the grocery store, wear it to a ball, this item is a classic and a staple.

Mimi Holliday by Damaris bra.
Image via net-a-porter.com

9. The Perfect Undergarment- Undergarments are the foundation of an outfit. Every woman should know her proper cup size. Once you have obtained that information, play to your heart's desire. I recommend doing as the French do and wear the most expensive matching sets you can afford. It will give you that extra boost of confidence, not to mention a sexy secret.

The Row blazer.
Image via net-a-porter.com

10. Blazer- A blazer is another versatile essential. I would recommend one in blue or black, but there is most certainly room to play. There are many different cuts and styles so it's best to try on a few options before you commit. The perfect blazer will take you from the board room to an evening out and look just as flattering with jeans as it will with a sexy dress. Whether you choose a navy schoolboy blazer or a classic black tuxedo, it's a smart investment that will stand the test of time.

To be continued...

Fall Fever.

Image via instagram.com

Confession: I don't get spring fever. There's something mildly cringe inducing about the thought of baring my white as a ghost flesh all of a sudden in strappy dresses, and sandals after being confined to cozy sweaters and knee high boots for 6 months. I do however, experience fall fever, and when it hits, it hits hard. I long for the first chill in the air, the first excuse to break out the cashmere, the time of year where dark, rich nail polish colors don't look out of place. I love it. Fall fashion is simply the best from the luxurious fabrics including silk, cashmere, and leather, to the rich palate of colors- deep burgundy, camel, and all shades of black. This year I've been extra attentive with finding my fall fashion inspirations and I want to share a few with you...

I believe the key to fabulous fall dressing is layering textures. Faux fur fits fabulously over chunky knits and wooly leggings. A large leather bag is the perfect finishing touch.

Camel colored leather pairs perfectly with thick cable knits and waxed denim.

Color is a perfect proponent to play with. 

Ignore staid wardrobe dictations and wear winter white.

Animal prints are the new neutrals. Pair them with bold jewel tones.

Lastly, finish off your fabulous fall look with a pop of color and a touch of shine.

Chunky bold jewelry looks luxe next to sumptuous fabrics.

Dress up your look with a feminine heel in a contrasting color.

Happy fall!

What I Want To Wear.

Fall is officially here and I am elated! Unfortunately, the weather isn't quite cool enough to pull out sweaters and tights, so in order to utilize pieces I've already purchased, I will be relying on layering. I've already purchased this fabulous wine colored Kain dress. Perfect alone, as the weather cools I will be completing my outfit during the day with fabulous sweaters, and at night I will adding a leather jacket. I haven't found the right one yet, but how perfect is this Rick Owens jacket? I'm dying for a leather jacket with draped lapels. I purchased the Rag & Bone Newbury booties back in June in anticipation of fall, but I'd also like to add a boot that is a bit dressier. These Zara booties are versatile and the price is right. I didn't intend to buy anything from Target's collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim, but when I saw the mini Pashli in black, I couldn't help myself. I like it better than the original!  I love myself a leopard print, and this leopard scarf from Oasis is the perfect topper to a chic transitional outfit.  Happy fall!

Iconic Image.

Image via condenast.com

Audrey Hepburn's outtakes from her various Vogue shoots are among my favorite in fashion. This particular shot is from a 1964 shoot, and I adore it. In fact, I love it so much it's my iPhone wallpaper. 

Em-mazing.

The Emmy Awards red carpet is always an interesting one. It's not quite as fancy as the Golden Globes, but it's a step up above the SAGs. I am typically completely underwhelmed by what walks the Emmy red carpet, but this year I was pleasantly surprised. 

Claire Danes looked absolutely ethereal in this plunging v-neck Armani Prive gown. I love that she kept the hair simple and the makeup and jewels minimal and was able to avoid looking like an overdone poodle. 

I fear I may be in the minority, but I LOVE Julianne Hough's Jenny Packham gown. She has really snuck her way onto my fashion radar in the last year, and with good reason. My first glimpse of this gown was on her Instagram and I was intrigued from the start. While I would love this dress without the transparent skirt, I think it really gives some edge to an otherwise girly gown. Imagine the Duchess of Cambridge strolling the red carpet in this one!

Padma Lakshmi really shines in this ice blue creation by Kaufman Franco. I simply adore the minimalist cut, as well as the open back. Again, I love that she chose little in the way of accessories; the gold earrings and big bold cuff are the perfect compliments to this stunning look.

All images via thedailymail.co.uk