Back to the Basics.

So, one of my lovely work buddies (who shall remain anonymous on this fancy thing called "the world wide web") made quite the observation about my blog last night (my first reader! bless her dear soul). She said, "it's really about getting back to the basics..." Bingo!! Sure is...and the funny thing, I'm really all about the basics in life and in my wardrobe--Don't you love it when things come full circle?

I got my fashion sense from my mother--she has everything it takes to be a model and was one before I was born. Thin, tall, beautiful--clothes look amazing on her. However, the most valuable thing she ever taught me about fashion, is to keep it simple. Her closet is pregnant with high-end designers. You name it, the woman has it:

Chanel


Dolce & Gabbanna

Derek Lam

Diane von Furstenberg

Narciso Rodriguez

Roberto Cavalli

Yohji Yamamoto

I could go on, but the list would take up today's entire post. The point is, even in couture--she wears the clothes, not the other way around. She (and therefore I) live by three important rules:

1. Shape

2. Color

3. Detail

Find out what your signature 1 and 2 are, add in a sprinkle of number 3. That's really all you need to know.

Do I love trends? Of course, who doesn't? However, I am always careful to ensure that whatever I put on showcases me. And my goodness, how can clothes showcase you when they're screaming so loud, that they drowned you out?

Fashion is one of the few areas of life where you get to be the boss. So don't fall into that horrible trap of letting fashion boss you! Some of my favorite fashion dictators (other than ma mère)?

Sarah Jessica Parker: Dear heavens I want this outfit--ok I want everything she owns.

So, why it works:

1. over sized pant + high waist= lovely, lovely, lovely on all shapes!

2. Cropped pant to show off this season's ridiculously cool, sexy, stop-your-heart awesome shoes...which leads to number 3

3. Her shoes are F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C

4. Love how she tucks the t-shirt, keeping it relevant--showing her tiny waist

Note--you could take this same concept to evening in a snap! Change the pants to black, trade the t-shirt for a silk sleeveless black tank, ditch the coat and upgrade the newspaper for a gun-metal metallic clutch. Done.

Kate Hudson: Ok bottom line--she bugs me. And I personally think she needs to get to cutting her kid's hair sooner than later. And I don't condone the thong bikini. Ever. But that aside--she does have an easy-breezy "I always look effortlessly wonderful" thing going on. So, for that, she makes my list.

Why this works:

1. The color for fall: grey. nailed it.

2. The fit of her sweater says, "I am sexy and I don't even have to try." Loose, wide neck line, hits at hip.

Note: Don't be afraid to go up a size in tops. Even if you don't need to--a looser fit can sometimes give a piece a bit more laid back ease.

3. Her boots--a little slouchy--worn in, stacked heel. Just love them.

Cate Blanchette: Always perfect. The picture of classic elegance. And that is why I love her.

Why this works:

1. Why wouldn't it work? Fantastic color, metallics are huge right now, a little retro with the short sleeves and button front, effortlessly chic.

Note: Take a look at her accessories. Notice anything? She barely has any on. With a dress this dramatic and light reflective? Lay off the super glittery bling bling--the dress is enough.

So--like, "co-worker" so smartly noticed--this is about the basics. In life and in fashion. Sloughing off the excess and becoming comfortable with what's underneath.

In the weeks to come, I promise to chain my camera to my wrist and feature real outfits out there. Why they work, why they don't...how to make them work if they don't already. Stay tuned--and leave love. Fashion should always cause conversation, so join mine. Who are your style icons?

Almost Friday,

acceptingwhoiamnot