Core Pieces Part 2

A few weeks ago I wrote about your closets core pieces. Due to my excessive gab, I stopped after the first five pieces. To recap, the first five core pieces were:

1.  Jeans

2. Solid Tank Tops

3. Statement Necklace

4. Black Blazer

5. Classic Pumps

As promised, here are the final five core pieces:

6. Ballet Flats

7. Oversize Watch

8. Button Down Shirt

9. Black Skirt

10. Little Black Dress

Ballet Flats:

Black Flats: Coach Size 9.5 $40              Cheetah Flats: Kensie Girl Size 9.5 $16

As glamorous as heels are, they just aren't practical for everyday wear. Therefore every closet needs a cute pair of ballet flats. Ballet flats are the solution to the need for cute shoes that you can actually walk in! Like shopping for heels, it is important to buy flats in a color that goes with a majority of your wardrobe, but keep in mind that a fun color or floral pattern can brighten up most outfits and is a nice change from a simple black or brown shoe.

Oversize Watch:

Xoxo $15

Now I know what you're thinking “who actually uses a watch these days?” In a world where our cell phone is almost always in our hands, a watch may seem like a superfluous piece. However, there is just something so classic about a large menswear inspired watch. Simply adding a watch can make a casual outfit look more put together, and a formal outfit look more stylish. Sometimes it's the small details that make an outfit incredible.  Take your time looking for a watch and make sure to buy one you love. And don’t worry if it’s hard to read, it’s more of an accessory than a tool anyway.

Button Down Shirt:

          Pink Button Down: Ralph Lauren Sport Size 6 $18       White Button Down: Calson Size XS $6

Very few things are as chic and versatile as a well-tailored button down. Paired with dark jeans and heels, a classic white button down can be stylish and playful, but on the other hand, a white button down can symbolize power when paired with a black pencil skirt. Although I believe it is essential for every woman to have at least one white button down, a well-tailored button down is stylish in any color. The most important thing to look for while shopping is fit. Make sure the shirt hits you at the right places and shows your figure to its best advantage. Also have fun with how you pair your button down. A button down can be chic and formal, but also playful and funky when paired with the right pieces.

Black Skirt:

Black Skirt: J. Crew Size 8p $20

Every woman in the corporate world knows that a well-fitting black skirt is a must have. That being said, I believe it is also necessary in every wardrobe. Even if your job doesn't require you to wear business wear, there are many situations in life where business wear is needed.  A black skirt is an easy answer to every wedding, Christmas party, and interview that you will have to attend. Some style blogs say that every woman should own a pencil skirt, but I don't believe this is necessarily true. I believe it is important to own a skirt that best flatters your body. I recommend trying either an A-line skirt or a pencil skirt, and remember to be conscious of the length.

Little Black Dress:

There is something so effortlessly magical about a little black dress! I think a woman’s closet is truly lacking if she doesn't have one.  The beauty of the LBD is that it becomes a blank canvas on which you can create your style.  The LBD can be transformed into many different outfits by simply changing the accessories, footwear, and outerwear. The key to the perfect LBD is fit. The dress should showcase you and your best assets while still being sophisticated. Also remember versatility. You can always add a shrug or a jacket to a sleeveless dress, but you wouldn't want to wear a long sleeve dress in the summer.

So there you go!  You now know the top ten core pieces that will transform and double (if not triple) your wardrobe. Assess your closet, see where you are lacking, and then head to Hut No. 8 to fill in those gaps. And come back in two weeks to read our next blog!

Core Pieces Part 1

I am ashamed to confess that at times, my closet has one or two (okay…more like five or six) items that have only been worn once. But let’s be honest, it's just easier to go with what we know. That's why I am a huge believer in buying core pieces.

Core pieces are what your closet revolves around. They are the bones to your stylistic expression. They can take the backseat, or play the leading role. They are essential for every well rounded closet! The beauty of core pieces is that they can be worn and re-worn so many different ways! Ten core pieces can easily make up twenty to twenty-five different outfits, and I am all about doubling my wardrobe!

For the sake of this blog, I have done a little research. I've compared my closet and the closets of friends and have come up with our top 10 core pieces! Since I have a lot to say about these 10 essentials, this blog is coming to you in two segments; here’s the first 5!

1.     Jeans

2.     Solid Tank Top

3.     Statement Necklace

4.     Black Blazer

5.     Classic Pumps

Jeans:

 

American Eagle Size 2 $16

Let’s be honest. I could dedicate a whole blog to jeans! Skinny, flared, light wash, dark wash, colored or printed, jeans are an essential part of every wardrobe. But as fun as it is to get crazy with your denim purchases, it’s also important to have a staple pair or two. I’m having fun experimenting with colored denim, but my classic dark skinnys have always been my go-to staple. Because every woman’s body is different, it’s important to spend some time finding what style and wash you feel most comfortable in. After you've figure that out, shopping for jeans will be easier and less stressful! While you're shopping, keep in mind that darker wash jeans are not only more flattering, but universal. They can easily be dressed up as well as dressed down. You'll wear them a lot and with lots of different looks!

Solid Tank Top:

Spring Street Size Medium $5                            L.O.G.G H&M Size Small $8

Tank tops are probably my most frequented item; I love to layer and layers are super trendy! In the winter, I wear them under everything. And because I’m not a huge fan of the summer heat, I wear them practically every day. Solid tank tops can either be worn as an extra layer under revealing clothes, sheer tops, or by themselves. They can be dressed down with shorts and sandals, or dressed up with jeans, jewelry, heels, and a blazer. Needless to say, they are must-haves for your closet! Every wardrobe should have a few well-fitting tank tops in basic colors. Grey, ivory, and black are essential, but a tank top in a bright color can also add a nice pop of color.

Statement Necklace:

Purple Necklace $6                                       Black Necklace $5

A necklace may seem like an odd core piece, but a good statement necklace can make a simple outfit outstanding. Picture this: you're going out and you need to be dressed up. You're wearing jeans, a black tank top and sandals, and don’t feel like going through all the fuss. All you have to do is add an eye catching necklace and heels and voila! You look simply classy and totally put-together! Have fun while shopping for a statement necklace. Buy something you truly love and you're guaranteed to wear it often!

Black Blazer:

Ann Taylor Blazer Size 4 $14

Much like a statement necklace, a black blazer can transform an outfit. Not only is it chic with a dress or skirt ensemble, but it looks equally as classic with dark jeans and heels. A black blazer can be used as formal or business attire, but it can also be paired with a fun blouse, skinnys, and heels for a night out. When shopping for a blazer, make sure to find one that flatters your body type and accentuates your waist.  

Classic Pumps:

Aldo Size 9 $20

Guess Size 10 $20

Who doesn't benefit from a good pair of heels? Heels have the ability to make outfits look classier, our legs look longer, and our confidence skyrocket! While shopping for heels, keep in mind comfort and color. Although it's fun to have that pair of awesome, albeit completely impractical heels, it is important to have a pair or two of comfortable, versatile pumps. While shopping, chose colors that go with at least five of your outfits. While black is a classic choice, keep in mind that red pumps add a fun pop of color, and nude pumps will elongate your leg.

Ok, Fashionistas, I’ll stop here for today and let you marinate on our top 5 Core Pieces! Come back in two weeks for Part 2. You might be surprised at pieces 6-10! Oh, and stop in at Hut no. 8. They have 1,000s of items for spring and summer!

Spring Trends

Warmer weather is here at last, so it’s time to shed those layers and go shopping!

I love when the seasons change. A new season = new clothes. To get through the cold wintry months, one of my favorite things to do is educate myself on the season’s new trends. I love sitting in Barnes and Noble, looking through magazines and online lookbooks. While the snow is falling outside, I can sit for hours, flipping through magazines and lusting over spring’s new trends.

Here is the thing I've learned about trends…they don’t last. My closet is filled with items that are cute, but just not “in” anymore. And to be honest, buying new key items each season is simply more fun than re-wearing the items I wore (and wore and wore) the year before!

The lesson I've learned is simple; don’t invest a lot into trends. Have fun with trends, buy the pieces that make you happy, but consider that the item of clothing will probably only last one season and don’t spend more than it’s worth.

So what’s a fashion-forward, girl-on-a-budget going to do? Shop at Hut no. 8! Resale shopping is an easy and simple way to have fun with the season’s trends without spending a lot of money on one-season clothing.

Here are some of my favorite trends at Hut no.8:

Trend: High/low

                                                       Simply Vera dress size small $16

High/low is such an easy style to pull off this spring. The short hemline in the front is tamed down by the length in the back. This kind of dress is best paired with some kind of heel.

Trend: Peekaboo

                                                           Forever 21 dress size large $9

Have fun playing around with peekaboo pieces. Little cutouts in the sides and back add visual interest without showing too much skin.

Trend: Black and white

JLKA California top size small $8, White One 5 One crop pants size 8 $14 and Bebe dress size medium $35

In the midst of bright colors and floral patterns, black and white is extremely chic for spring. Try pairing a black top with white pants or a black and white dress.

Spring fashion can’t be summed up in one blog, but my hope is that my spring trend favorites will inspire you to find your own. Just remember, evaluate the worth of an item before you invest in it.