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.)


   
       

RECESSIONISTA: MEN-- THE DRESS SHIRT

Alright guys, it's your turn. Whether you are the metro-male, the bad boy or the 'guy's guy'-- a fitted dress shirt is alot more versatile than paired with your Hugo Boss suit. Stripes, plaids, or solids can transform right before your eyes with pieces you already have in your closet. Put your wallet down and take a new look at your favorite dress shirts.

Pinching pennies without compromising current fashion trends-- is it possible? The answer is yes. The fashion movement is called "Trans-fashion". It's the ability to manipulate one item that your currently have one of or multiples of and wear it in a new way that you might not have even thought of before. An important trend for men in '09 is the European fitted and extremely tailored look. Warning, only go for fitted if your body worships the treadmill daily. Stick with a slightly less severe tailored shirt if your body isn't beach-ready. (Don't worry you have some time!)

Here are 5 Dress Shirt Looks that will definitely take you from Winter to Spring in style!

1. DAPPER POET'S SOCIETY. Layers are important when creating a crisp, clean, and polished look. Start with a solid black turtleneck, light color buttoned dress shirt, and a tailored blazer. This look can be dressed up or down depending on mood or attitude. For a casual twist, add a pair of distressed jeans and your favorite kicks. To take this look away from casual, opt for a dark slack and a dressy boot. Celebs who love this look: David Beckham, Hugh Grant, Zac Efron

2. THE BAD BOY. Who doesn't love a bad boy? Edge your personal style by incorporating the vintage rock tee, a dress shirt left open, and a leather jacket. The mixture of textures screams trouble! And now there is another reason to wear your favorite ACDC shirt in a new 2009 kinda way! This look is for the hipster strolling Melrose or the record exec who is scouting new acts. Stick with dark denim for that alternative flair. Just say no to SKINNY jeans, a man should wear jeans that fit his body. (Do not emulate photo completely, could be hazardous to your dating life!) Whether you are a "regular", "mid-sagger", or a "full sag" this ensemble can work for you too! (Note: if you are above the age of 14, a full sag deserves a citation from the Fashion Police). Celebs who love this look: Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Rob Patterson

3. A SOLID IN-"VEST"-MENT. How to dress like a GQ cover with your wardrobe basics? Patterns, such as, tweeds, herringbone, and plaids are a big trend for menswear 2009. The easiest way to try this trend is by separating that 3-piece suit that you might have worn once to your best friend's wedding. The key piece is the VEST. Try a solid dress shirt under a fitted vest. Add a stripe tie for a contrast effect. Celebrities who love this look: Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, George Clooney

4. THE PERFECT PROFESSOR. Here's a quick fashion lesson to learn-- Less is More. Yes, guys this applies to you too. Stay simple- dress shirt, great tie, and a bold sweater. This look works for all body shapes & sizes. Make sure to tuck your dress shirt into your favorite jeans-- no one likes to see your tails sticking out. Take the time to dress for success and you will definitely get an A for applying these rules in fashion! Celebrities who love this look: Michael Vartan, Tom Cruise, Ryan Seacrest

5. THE HOT & HOODED. Experiment with the looks that work for you. A hoodie can be a deal maker or a deal breaker. Here's a look that is for the guys who are going from college and transitioning into the Hollywood scene-- begin with a light colored dress shirt, layer on a contrasting sweater, and complete the look with a dark or colored hoodie. Key to pulling this off with ease, stay away from printed or obnoxious graphics on the hoodie. Celebs that love this look: Usher, Jason Mraz, Robin Thicke

And just because I love the men in my life, . . .Here's one more tip, aside from the typical dress shirt, tie, and blazer, why not skip the first 2 buttons on the dress shirt, toss out the tie, and cozy up to the idea of a cardigan. Not talking about Mister Rogers' favorite thing to put on in his neighborhood, but a varsity sweater can be sophisticated without aging you a bit!

Look for more exciting ways to wear your favorite pieces in the weeks to come, . . .every guy can dress with style and still have money for the most important things in the world, like family & friends!