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TwitterOne of my resolutions this year was to live simpler, purchase with purpose and buy less, but buy better.
I have sorted what seems like thousands of items from my drawers, closets and storage bins. Some things were really easy to get rid of, and some weren’t. But there were those few pieces that I will probably hold onto as long as they are wearable.
Here is my top 10 list of must-keep classics, and pictures of some great right-now options, if you’d like to add a few of these to your wardrobe (shopping info on Polyvore.com):
1. Navy J. Crew hacking jacket.
Always gives you a polished look, even over jeans and a t-shirt.
2. Bright J. Crew ballet flats.
Can put a “pop” in any outfit, even if it’s all black and they are comfy, if you are going to be on your feet for awhile.
3. Tahari polo-style knit dress.
This was a $400 dress I picked up for $27 more than 10 years ago. It’s so versatile, I even wadded it up and took it to France for my one dressy outfit.
4. GAP denim shirt.
These have come and gone many times over the years. And it just so happens that I still have mine and don’t have to buy another one.
5. Brown Prada Pumps with a silver buckle.
I cannot tell you how many times I have worn these. They were expensive even on sale, but I figure my cost per wear is very low since I have worn them a million times over the years, with almost every item in my closet.
6. Diane Von Furstenberg ruched dress.
This is an odd item, but let me tell you that if you can wrangle up a DVF dress on sale, you can probably wear it forever. In fact, you can find both vintage and new ones (they aren’t much different) on eBay for a fraction of their retail price.
7. French Connection black skirt.
I probably don’t have to tell you why you need the perfect black skirt and where you can wear it.
8. Robert Clergerie black knee-high suede boots.
These were another major find for me many years ago ($150 down from $600.) They are dressy enough to put on with tights and dresses or skirts in the winter, and casual enough to wear with jeans.
9. Banana Republic cardigan.
Cardigans in brights are so versatile. Belt them, leave them open, throw them over a tank for a cool day or use as a layer under blazers to pump up an otherwise drab outfit.
10. GAP khaki Bermuda shorts.
Most of you probably already own these. They are the perfect summer staple. Wear with bright tunics and wedge sandals or a white t-shirt and flip-flops. They will take you almost anywhere.
***
If you’re interested in fashion, read Amy’s other blog posts “Mad Style” and “Why can’t my husband dress like a grown up?”
Amy Grace is married with two children. Read her Fridays on momaha.com
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Posted by: Jessica H. on 02/22/2012 @ 12:50 pm:
What a fun and useful post! Great job, Amy aka our momaha fashionista.
Posted by: Lisa Andrews on 02/24/2012 @ 7:38 am:
I think my closet needs an intervention. Why is it so hard to part with things you like, but don’t wear? I always have that: I’ll wear it someday attitude. You have inspired me to purge. I have a boat load of very expensive twin sweater sets that are no longer in style, I don’t wear, but can’t throw out because they cost so much. I am going to re-evaluate. My must haves are black pants, skirt and various jackets to go with both. I love the camis in different colors to go under jackets, sweaters or low cut tops.
Posted by: Amy G on 02/24/2012 @ 8:11 am:
If the sweater sets aren’t too dated, the YWCA needs petite and plus sized clothing for women, who are training to get into the workforce. See here for info: http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=6nJCLONmGiF&b=227282
Black everything is my staple too. If you buy all black, you never have to worry about anything matching!!
Posted by: kathy joyce on 02/24/2012 @ 8:44 am:
My top ten is pretty casual. I am too lazy to check the labels.
1. Pair of jeans
2. Pair of black pants
3. Black cotton v-neck sweater
4. White long-sleeve T
5. White no-iron button-down shirt
6. Black St. John knit skirt
7. Pair of black ugg platforms
8. Black Tory Burch flats
9. Brown suede jacket…hmm, I am wearing it in my blog picture
10. Black and white St. John jacket
OK, the St. John stuff is dressy, but it fits no matter what size I am.
Posted by: swepfer on 02/24/2012 @ 8:48 am:
May I shop in your closet please, or could you just start shopping for me?
Posted by: Amy G on 02/24/2012 @ 8:56 am:
You already do shop in my closet, silly. You’ve been the benefactor of that black dress a few times!
Pingback: My Paying Gig: Fashion Classics Top 10 | little black sweats
Posted by: Kathy Joyce on 02/24/2012 @ 8:54 am:
Also, I would not wear my ugg platforms with the st. john. I bought some knock-off Christian Louboutain pumps for $125, but I don’t wear them every day. So, they don’t make the top ten. What I noticed is that the shoes are from Nordstroms, as is the St. John, which was a gift from my mom. The sweater and the no-iron shirt were from Sarah’s. I miss that store! The jeans and T are J. Jill. The pants and jacket are Von Maur. You almost need a winter top ten and a summer top ten.
Posted by: mom2lulu on 02/24/2012 @ 9:01 am:
I think Amy should do a QNA seminar on how to dress — I’d even host it at my house!
Bring your questions and clothing pieces you have questions about…
And wine. WIne would be a must!
I have learned — if I’m not sure about clothign and decorating, I find friends who know how to do it and have them just tell me what to do..I leave it up to them.
Posted by: Lisa Andrews on 02/24/2012 @ 9:16 pm:
How about you have a contest for a fashion make-over…pick me…pick me, and then post the before & after…
Posted by: Amy G on 02/27/2012 @ 7:55 am:
Ohhhh that would be fun!!
Posted by: kathy Joyce on 02/24/2012 @ 9:24 am:
Amy is the go-to girl for shopping.
Posted by: Amy G on 02/24/2012 @ 10:33 am:
That’s what inordinate amounts of time on the Internet will get you. It’ll also get you on spending freeze – trust me!!
Posted by: Ashli B on 02/24/2012 @ 4:13 pm:
Your top ten are so much better than mine… I think that I can think of ten things I wish I had in my closet that would be really useful but with gaining and losing baby weight, I feel like I’ve failed at buying the staple pieces that will serve me well year over year. Something I’m always looking for is the perfect tan trench coat.
I will say that I am a staples accessory girl… diamond studs, tiffany sterling silver bracelets, and my wedding ring. All classic pieces that never go out of style. And they complement my polar fleece and long and leans so well:). One thing the Momaha crew has taught me… always take the pricetags off your items;).
Posted by: Amy G on 02/27/2012 @ 9:31 am:
How ’bout this one, Ashli B? http://www.zappos.com/product/7975734/color/355308
Posted by: AmyH on 02/26/2012 @ 3:32 pm:
I love shopping, thus, I love clothes. Here are some of my staples…
*Flat shoes. I am short, but I HATE wearing heals except for special occasions. My legs always hurt
*Cardigans. Any color. They can let you wear that wonderful tank even in the fall
*Jeans. As a mom, this is ALL I wear!
*Comfy sweatshirt for really cold days or lazy Saturdays around the house
*Cute dresses. Whether its summer or fall, I wear them every Sunday (with a cardigan if needed!)
*Tank tops. See above about cardigans. However, finding non-low-cut cute ones is becoming harder every year
*Scarf. To wear over t-shirts or sweaters for a little dress look. I have 4 (white, blue, multicolored and pink).
*Flowy skirt for the summer. I hate wearing shorts.
*Ugg type boots for the summer/spring so I dont ruin my other shoes!
Posted by: Fashion Faux Pas on 03/01/2012 @ 8:41 am:
Wow, and I was just happy with the array of t-shirts I got from JcPenny for 6.99 a piece. I am having a hard time with everyone listing thir NAME brand items, it’s almost a “look at me and what I have and guess how much it cost”. I wish my worries were as small as finding that right pair of shoes.
Posted by: Jasica Hynes on 04/20/2012 @ 9:34 pm:
ya i agree ( What are your fashion musts? Which items in your wardrobe are pieces you couldn’t live without? ) checkout here more skinny jeans collection http://www.mih-jeans.com/womens-jeans/skinny-jeans