WARDROBE BASICS

Ever wonder what are 12 super-easy basics that all women should have to support a fabulous wardrobe?


Undergarments. I am sure you are thinking, “duh, yea that is obvious.” Well I am actually talking about proper fitting undergarments. They are the solid foundation for a great outfit! Without the proper fitting bra and panty, you can end up looking like a stuffed sausage or droopy drawers in some of your favorite ensembles. (Read Tips & Tricks to Finding the Perfect Panty and How to Get the Best Bra for your Body)

Little black dress. Also known as, the “LBD”. This is super essential for date night, post work cocktails, or the art gallery opening on 3rd. Choose a silhouette that flatters your body type. (Read How to Find a LBD for Your Body type)

Trench coat. Whether it’s a chilly spring day or a nippy autumn afternoon. A trench coat is classic and timeless. The best part of a trench coat is they are for every body type. They can create curves for those without them and they can enhance your shape even more. Perfect coat on top of a dress, over jeans, and even a great slack.

Classic dress pant. Pleats are actually trying to make a comeback, however, if your tummy is not taut, I’d suggest opting for a flat-front slack. Stick to basic colors: black, white, khaki, and navy blue.

Classic white shirt. You can never go wrong with a white fitted shirt. It can compliment a pencil skirt for the office, a V-neck sweater for lunch with the girls, and your favorite dark jeans for date night. This versatile piece will have more friends in your closet and can go with almost anything!

Skirt/Short. If you are more on the feminine-side, I’d suggest looking for a skirt. If you are more the tom-boy girl, then an appropriate-length short is perfect for you! Skirts come in many varieties, from full length, tennis, above the knee, pencil, and even flare. Select the shape that compliments your body shape. 

Blazer. This little jacket works wonders on every body type and can even make you visually lose 5 lbs instantly. Button up one of these beauties and you have an instant waist line and you can adapt this from the office to the company party in no time! 

Day dress. Fun, flirty, and another essential that many might not be sure of. Think of a Sunday brunch, baby shower, or a errand dress. I suggest a maxi dress in a soft cotton in a fun pattern. If you are 5’9” or taller, I’d suggest a floor-length maxi dress for a chic sophistication. If you are shorter, then maximize your body length by going for a shorter hem. Comfort is key, but remember comfort doesn’t equal sloppy at all. 

Belts. One of the most overlooked essentials in anyone’s wardrobe. A belt is the finishing detail to an overall outfit. Just like eyeliner and mascara complete a beauty look, belts define your waist and keep you polished!

Jeans. Every human owns them, but I can already read your mind, but I can’t find jeans that fit me. No matter what your issue, there is a jean for you! (Read Be a JEAN-IUS)

A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit. My best suggestion to cure the “sweatsuit” is comfy leggings and a tunic. Both meet the comfort factor that a sweatsuit has, but with a bit of panache. Belt it and add a long strand of necklaces and you are good to go! With flats for errands or heels for a casual stroll down Robertson. Like I will always say, a sweatsuit serves 3 purposes ONLY! 1.) @the gym, 2.) @home, and 3.) @LAX when you are traveling on a long flight! 

Studs. Sparkle and shine. Every girl needs a basic pair of earrings to balance off every ensemble. If you are a conservative, try a simple pearl. If you like more bling, opt for a diamond stud. Either way, you need a great earring to complete this list!

2010 MEN'S STYLE GUIDE

Admit it: You've got your fair share of oversized, outdated fashion relics gathering dust in the far recesses of your closet. It's time to weed out the old and ring in the new—and this month's Men's Style Guide can help. Our latest installment examines 'The New Standards'—those hard-working essentials that form the backbone of every guy's 21st-century wardrobe. Think your bases are covered? Before assuming you're totally up to date, you'd better measure your ties, check your denim, and take a second look at how your suit fits. We cover all this and more, with in-depth tips on seven style staples for work, weekend and beyond.

While you're there, check out other Men's Style Guide features, too-- that pinpoints your style type and suggests clothes tailored to your taste.

For 2010, resolve to reevaluate your wardrobe. Here are the pieces every new-millennium man needs—plus tips on exactly how they should fit:

DARK KNIGHT. 
Ditch your baggy, dated dad jeans. One clean-cut pair in dark blue will take you to work, weekend and beyond. Want to branch out? Try versatile neutrals like black, grey and white. My favorites: Buffalo by David Bitton, Straight Leg Jeans, Dresdon, $220. (Washed and whiskered for the look and feel of an old favorite, these Buffalo Jeans are a must-have look for a modern guy.)

JACK-ET OF ALL TRADES. 
One coat can keep you dry 24/7—from morning commute, to night out, to busy weekend. Find one that fuses function with fashion, complementing your look rather than covering it up. My favorite: G-Star Raw Outdoor Copeland Quilted Jacket, $160. (Multidirectional quilting emphasizes the slim fit of a stand-collar jacket with long, smooth sleeves. Embroidered logo details the color-blocked shoulders.)

MODERN MAN. 
Your new suit's narrower lapels, shorter jacket and flat-front trousers all work together to make you look taller and slimmer—no matter your shape or size. My favorites: Ralph Lauren Suit, Grey Herringbone, $350. (Expert tailoring and flawless attention to detail makes this well-constructed look from Lauren Ralph Lauren a great addition to your polished wardrobe.)

DRESS SHIRT WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS.
That billowy wad of fabric that balloons out the back of your pants? Put it behind you with shirts that actually fit. Streamlined but not skin-tight, they accentuate the positive on every guy's frame. My favorite: Thomas Pink Slim Fit Dress Shirt, $195. (Pink stripes on a black background distinguish a straight-collar shirt crafted in the tradition of classic British shirt-making. Contoured panels on each side perfect the slim fit.)

NARROW MINDED.

Today's universally accepted neckwear is not too fat, not too skinny, but a happy medium that syncs up nicely with slim suit lapels and smaller shirt collars. My favorite: Burberry Woven Silk Tie, $150. (Oversized check patterns an Italian-crafted tie with a modern, narrow width.)

STRAIGHT FORWARD.
With a new, sleeker fit, cotton khakis are no longer confined to casual Friday. They now look, feel and function more like high-minded jeans you can dress up or down. My favorite: BOSS Black 'Cagan' Flat Front Trouser, $155. (Subtly textured wool trousers cut with a hint of stretch offer a modern aesthetic.)

CASUAL KING.

Show some style initiative—even on the weekend. With a few low-key, fitted shirts on-hand, you'll look effortlessly with-it, whether you're headed to the art museum or the hardware store. My favorite: 7 Diamonds Zip Pocket Plaid Shirt, $99. (A horizontal zipper above one of the snap-flap chest pockets modernizes a spread-collar shirt patterned in classic plaid.)


   
       

365 DAYS OF STYLE: DAY 6

DAY 6: BACK TO BASICS. What is more versatile than a t-shirt? Ladies, am I right? You can toss it on with a pair of jeans or a skirt to alter it's mood. And fellas, what looks better under a blazer with jeans or with cargo shorts? My favorite t-shirts are from James Perse. Your choice of the V-neck or round neck, and your choice of the comfy boyfriend fit or body hugging. Stock up on cotton tees in varieties of colors, they are a good go-to piece for those lazy fashion days that we all will be going through this year! It's better to be prepared!

STYLIST MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR MEN S/S 2010

Thankfully men's fashion styles don't change as often as women's, but there are details one must still pay attention to. I will point you in the right direction when putting your look together as well as highlight fashion shows and profile designers so you always feel you're in the know. Every spring season I have my "top picks" for certain items such as jackets, shirts, shorts, and much more. I'm sure there is something in at least one of my lists that you can't live without.

1.THE JEAN-IUS.

A jean like the Diesel 'Zathan 71S' which has a dark wash and slight abrasions at the knees and pocket is a wardrobe necessity. Not only do you want a jean that shows off your assets, but one in a dark wash is a very current look. For a complete list of jeans, see my Top 8 Premium Denim Jeans for Men or for the budget minded, my top picks in Less Expensive Jeans for Men.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. GET GRAPHIC

I love graphic tees and am glad to see they are as big as ever in the spring collections. Besides, I have stacks of them, which equates to quite an investment. And like most guys, I'm very picky about what kind of graphic is on my tee. See my Top 8 Men's Summer T-Shirts.

3. BUTTONED UP. 
A button-up that is perhaps more fitted and/or has a nice pattern is a stylish alternative to the plain dress shirt. They are perfect worn with jeans alone or under a blazer. Take a look at my Top 6 Men's Summer Shirts or my Top 6 Modern and Stylish Men's Sport Shirts. 

4. POLO CLUB.
I love polo shirts. They are easy to wear and can be classic yet modern at the same time. They can be worn to the office under a sport jacket or with shorts on the weekend. Top 6 Men's Polos.

5. GET SNEAKY.
The retro sneaker is bigger than ever. I personally love the Asics Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 which was introduced in 1966. These were the first shoes with the famous tiger stripes and worn at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968. If you don't like these, there are many Cool Retro Styles in Men's Sneakers.

6. FREQUENT FLYERS.

Aviator sunglasses are having quite the comeback. At first I wasn't sure about them but when designers like Ray Ban re-imagined the standard aviator, I had a change of heart. Whether a pair like this or some other, they are definitely a must have. See my Top Picks in Men's Sunglasses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. GET BELTED.

Brown woven belts are essential for Spring/Summer 2010. Try to incorporate the trendy look with a fun belt buckle. Another chic pulled together belt is white. I know, don't gasp too soon, it can look divine paired with a nice grey slack or a dark denim. 

   

HOW TO BREAK INTO JEANS

By Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Toni Ferrara

We all love our stretched out, worn-out, broken-in jeans. They are like long lost friends who know you and are so comfortable. As we drift into fall and make new friends (and buy new denim), here are a few tips on how to speed up the process to personalize your brand new jeans.

WASH WITH CAUTION.  Read the label if you want to break in your new jeans. Many labels call for cold water wash and air drying, if you want to speed the process, follow these instructions closely. Otherwise, the fibers and hard work you have put in will tighten up and shrink if you are careless.

DE-STRESS YOUR DENIM. Simply put, take your aggression out on your new jeans. Denim is one of the strongest fabrics and were made for heavy duty activities.

1. Start by soaking your jeans in the bathtub in warm water, getting the fabric and fibers wet is key.
2. Squeeze out excess water.
3. Lay the jeans on a hard surface (hardwood, concrete, or tile floor) with the waistline facing you and the legs extended away from you.
4. Begin by rolling the jeans away from you and toward the hem of the legs as tight as possible. This process pulls and stretches the fibers.
5. Unroll the jeans and pull them back into place. This will soften the fabric.
6. Turn the jeans inside out and repeat the steps above 3-5 at least four or five times.
7. Use a rolling pin starting from the crotch area and working down the legs and along the width of the waistband to continue the stretching out process.
8. Throw jeans in the dryer on a high heat setting with 2-3 pairs of sneakers. The friction between the jeans and the fabric will also cause the jeans to stretch.
9. Let the jeans cool completely, they will definitely be more comfy than when you bought them.
10. Repeat 1-9 for at least 4-5 days, it may seem like a while, but 4-5 days is better than 4-5 months.
    

CUSTOM-FIT JEANS.

1. Place your new jeans in the washer on a cold setting inside out.
2. After the cycle is in the final rinse stages, remove from the washer.
3. Put on the wet jeans (this is for the brave, fearless fashionista who aren’t scared of getting a little wet for the sake of comfy, broken in jeans.)
4. Do squats, lunges, and bend over in the jeans. it’s a great workout for you and your new favorite jeans.
5. When the fabric dries, the jeans will be perfectly sculpted to your body, hugging your every curve.
   

WEAR THEM OUT.

• Wear them as often as you can.
• Lounge around the house in them.
• Sleep in them.
• The more you wear them, the more they will become just as great as your old favorite pair.
  

The best way to avoid having to give your new jeans a workout is by always purchasing jeans with a little stretch. They don’t have to be “jeggings” (the jeans + leggings that is the new terminology). They just have to have a small percentage of Lycra mixed with the cotton. Naturally they will appear more comfortable and definitely softer than the stiff, tight ones.

Favorite brands: J Brand, William Rast, Stitches, Prvcy, Blessed & Cursed, MEK, and Hudson.