Budapest

Budapest at night.

Photo source:
here

Number One Amendment: The Little Black Dress

I cannot stress the importance of a black dress. Any time of year or day, the LBD is vitally important. This wardrobe go-to is great for office and social settings. If you stick to a classic cut, the LBD can last your years if not decades. There are the ever-present rules, though, even for this holy of fashion holies. You will notice that this list is considerably shorter than previous ones probably due to the versatility of the LBD.



1- If you are wearing a LBD at work, keep the hemline at your knee, the material more subdued, and not sleeveless.
2- I don't advocate wearing a LBD at weddings. This can be tricky during Autumn and Winter. I tend to wear darker burgundies and browns instead.
3- LBDs give the wearer more license with creativity as far as accessories go.
4- As much as I adore Breakfast at Tiffany's, it is not appropriate to dress like Holly Golightly unless it's Halloween. You can, of course, borrow elements of her style however.



Photo sources:
here, here, and here

Number One

I'm one of the few women I know who is more comfortable in a dress than in anything else. To me, the dress is the most important piece in a woman's wardrobe. Paired with the correct accessories, it's also an instant outfit.



Jackie Kennedy Onassis had it right when it came to dresses (and pretty much everything else): keep it simple. That being said, there are some other guidelines that need to be followed.



The rules:
1- Length is important. Only if you have perfect legs (which I do not), keep the hem around the knee. I find floor length dresses tacky unless it's a formal gown.
2- Material is a major factor to consider for the seasons. Heavier fabrics are ideal for winter while lighter cotton-like materials are appropriate for warmer climes.
3- Belts are great with dresses. I usually pair a slimmer cut with a very thin belt while fuller skirts look great with a very large belt.
4- It's okay to wear flats with a full cocktail dress.
5- Keep in mind the time of day when wearing dresses. Taffeta and satins are best for night. Sequins and beading are also better for the cocktail hour.
6- If your dress does have a good bit of adornment, keep the jewelry to a minimum.



Please notice that I have not said anything about the Holy Grail, aka The Little Black Dress. That will be an Amendment.

Photo sources:
here, here, here, and here

Je suis désolée

Sorry, sorry. I know I should be posting Number One, but I'm enthralled with Audrey Hepburn's amazing wardrobe and Peter O'Toole's dreaminess in How to Steal A Million.



Photo sources:
here and here

Number Two

This is perhaps my favorite piece on the Top Ten. I love handbags. I don't mean just merely admire or perhaps have a passing fancy for them. Oh no. I covet a well-made bag. I remember reading an article in Vogue or some other fashion magazine years ago about Iman. She said that her husband, David Bowie, bought her a Kelly bag for her birthday. I knew then I needed a David Bowie in my life.



The rules:
1- A well made black handbag is the most important accessory a woman can own. Period.
2- Differentiation needs to be paid between your day purse and your night purse.
3- A classic bag (like the ones pictured) will never go out of style. This is true for everything in fashion but especially so for handbags.
4- This is a small detail but I abide by it carefully: Match your hardware on your purse with your jewelry. I won't wear silver jewelry with a bag that has gold hardware.
5- Now here is probably where you want to spend the most on a single item. A quality handbag will last you years (if not a lifetime).
6- If you are purchasing a good quality handbag and don't have an entire purse budget, practicality does need to play into your decision. Neutral tones are the most versatile.
7- It's okay to use the same bag every day (not night, see rule 2). I have dozens but I always use the same one it seems. I love that bag.
8- Different purses should be used for different seasons.
9- This is a rule I should have included with shoes: I do not find it acceptable when women wear black shoes (and/or belt) and then use a brown bag. NO!



I know those were a bit lengthy but it's a topic I'm passionate about. I think I'll do some more amendments to the handbag list but I'll give it some time. I'm anxious for Number One!

Photo sources:
here, here, and here

PS- I find it an opportune moment to say that Yes, I am one of those women who changes her purse three or four times a day.

Number Three

In all of the many Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis biographies I've read, I have always centered on what she wore. Though a definite lover of couture (Givenchy, Chanel), Mrs. Kennedy chose the somewhat unknown Oleg Cassini to design her White House wardrobe. Of course the gowns were the main attraction, but the First Lady wanted the designer to pay special attention to her outerwear. Mrs. Kennedy knew that crowds and photographs would often be of her in outerwear (airports, public appearances) and she knew a tailored coat would create the best first impression.

Coats and jackets are often the first garment people notice when they take in your appearance. I know I'm biased, but I never fail to appreciate a well-made coat or jacket when I see one. These ever-versatile garments can either make or break an outfit in one fell swoop.



The rules for outerwear:

1- Trenches are in a class by themselves (See Number Seven)
2- The big three colors: black, gray, and camel.
3- Length is very important. Bolero jackets are very fashionable when trying to dress up an outfit but should never go above the bottom of the shoulder blade. I also never buy coats that go below two inches under the knees.
4- Leather jackets are (mostly) acceptable if they are hip length, black or dark brown, and never ever fringed in any manner. (An acceptable is pictured below)
5- Never be afraid to replace buttons on a coat so that it has more allure. Gold buttons on a black military style coat kills me every time.
6- I enjoy a coat that nips in at the waistline so that you have a better silhouette.



I'll admit it, coats and jackets are my weakness. I have thirty (ish) but I definitely wear some more than others. One is a gray, military style coat I got in London ten years ago. Another is a gorgeous black wool with mink collar I bought at a vintage store for $45. Yet another, is a black leather jacket that I wore for Halloween as a World War I Flying Ace. So, for me every time I wear one of those pieces I'm reminded of something pleasant.

Photo sources:
here, here, and here

Tender is the Night

Both photos are Hermès 2010 RTW. The entire collection makes me want to go read F. Scott Fitzgerald.



Monday: Number Three.
Clue: Oleg Cassini and Jackie Kennedy

Photos source:
here

Amendment to Number Four: Jeans

I get the comment "You're dressed so fancy" all the time. I often try to tone my appearance down with a pair of jeans. But, to be frank, I don't like jeans. I only own two pairs. Now, I know this makes me a freak. I realize that 99.9% of the world's population wears jeans on a daily basis, but I still don't like them. That being said, I realize the practicality and comfort a good pair of broken in jeans offers.



Like with trousers (and pretty much all clothing) there are definite rules you have to follow with jeans.



1- (This is possibly the most important on the list) Never too low. Very low-cut jeans are extremely tacky and vulgar. No one should have to see your under garments outside of your significant other and even then that's debatable.
2- Length is very important. I have one long pair of jeans and one shorter. You guessed it: longer for heels, shorter for flats.
3- Quality. If jeans are your thing, be sure to invest in good quality ones. Chloe makes some nice ones.
4- Color. Never too light or dark. A nice medium shade of navy is ideal. I abhor colored denim (i.e. white, black). This should go without saying, but no distressed or acid-washed.
5- Condition. Frayed ends, holes, and other issues that make jeans seem over-worn are tacky.



Photo sources: here, here, here, and here

The top three are coming up! Any guesses?

Number Four

Yep, the Katherine Hepburn reference gave me away. Number Four on the countdown is all about trousers. Why, you may ask, is a woman who habitually wears skirts writing about trousers? Because even I, lover of the one piece outfit known as the dress, enjoy the comfort of a good pair of trousers. Paired with flats or heels, a t-shirt or silk blouse, trousers can be very, very chic.



As with the collared shirt, crispness is key. There is (almost) nothing more detrimental to a polished appearance than rumpled trousers. Have them dry-cleaned or use a lot of starch when you iron them yourself. If the pant is pleated, the pleat needs to remain very precise in order to appear stylish.



The most important factor that determines whether a pair of trousers looks sleek or sloppy is length. Now it will cost a little money, but tailoring is absolutely required in trousers of any quality. Before you have a pair of trousers hemmed, keep in mind what type of shoes you'll wear with them. I reserve some pants for flats, others for heels. If you plan to wear high heels with that pair of trousers, keep them longer. If you plan to wear a snappy little pair of YSL flats, have them hemmed higher.

Photo source:
here, here, and here

PS- Next: Amendment on Number Four: Jeans

Amendment to Number Five

First of all, I've been searching and searching the Internet to try and find a good shot of Holly Golightly in the tuxedo shirt from Breakfast at Tiffany's. This is as good as she'll get, kids. Secondly, I've been asked for advice on where to get men's shirts. That depends on how much you'll use your lovely men's button down. I don't use mine that frequently so I usually go for department store (Ralph Lauren) men's shirts. If you wanted a little better quality steer towards a non-franchise menswear store that can tailor the shirts. Or there is always Brooks Brothers and the Ralph Lauren stores in larger cities. A really nice touch are shirts with French cuffs, which force you to wear cuff links. A few words to the wise about men's shirts:

- Dry clean. Always.
- If you must iron the key to a nicely pressed shirt is starch.
- Always purchase shirts with some sort of reinforcement (very thick paper) in the collar.
- A popped collar with pearls is super-chic.
- A large black belt over an un-tucked white collared shirt is sexy and defines your waist line.

I hope that's given you some ideas about white button downs. Here's a clue for tomorrow's Number Four: Katherine Hepburn


Photo source: here

Number Five

A white collared shirt is both elegant and sexy at the same time. Just ask Carolina Herrera. You can pair it with pearls and be instantly chic. Or wear a really over the top necklace and some black leggings and be Left Bank cool. I usually wear mine with jeans, pearls, and light brown moccasins on my really casual days.



I'll admit, I absolutely abhor women's button down shirts. They're usually made poorly and are never long enough. I always buy men's collared shirts. They're crispier, the collars stay straighter longer, and they feel better all around.



Photo sources:
here, here, and here

Number Six

I felt like I needed to put an age warning on the blog for Number Six! However, this post is meant in all seriousness. Women spend countless hours making sure their outer wear looks chic but often do not exude that same effort for underwear. Say you are wearing some snappy little Chanel dress and then have cheap, non-matching lingerie underneath. Unacceptable! Women should take the same care for with lingerie as you do with your outerwear. I'm not saying you'll look like Elizabeth Taylor or Catherine Deneuve but at least you won't look like Bridget Jones.



I find it the opportune moment to argue for the single ladies as well. I personally do not have a fortunate gentleman who sees all of my wardrobe (to put it tastefully) but that certainly does not stop me from owning boatloads of lingerie. Dress well for yourself in all aspects and you'll find yourself with plenty of self confidence.



Bras and panties must absolutely match. Bottom line. Fit is extremely important as well. I am also a big supporter of slips and stockings. Most women would laugh in my face if I told them I wear both habitually and am not trying to impress a gentleman. Silk always feels lovely to wear and I often use a slip under dress and skirts so as to smooth everything out. Bottom line: coordinate your underthings with as much care as your regular clothing and you'll walk with a new found confidence and allure.


Photo sources:
here, here, and here

PS- after the countdown I think I'll do another lingerie post as the topic is near and dear to my heart.

Austen Addict

I'm taking a wee break from the countdown to watch Sense and Sensibility (2008). It arrived in the mail today from Borders after much impatient waiting. Yea! Colonel Brandon and Marianne!

Photo source:
here

Number Seven

I cannot stress the importance of a trench coat. Trench coats are timeless chic. Period. I have a collection of around ten (3 being classic beige, 2 black). I usually pair mine with huge sunglasses and over-sized pearls. Trust me, you can never go wrong with a good trench coat.



Audrey Hepburn was one of the pioneer wearers of good trenches (along with Cary Grant for the men). Here she is walking with her favorite designer, the ever-elegant Hubert Givenchy.



If you ever need any inspiration in the trench department do not hesitate to seek out The Trench Book. This little tome has picture after picture of this lovely garment.

Photo sources:
here, here, and here

Number Eight

A good shoe, specifically a good high heel, is an absolute must for any well-dressed woman. Yes, high heels hurt and aren't nearly as comfortable as a pair of ballet flats. But they make you instantly sexier and chicer. Now that being said, you can't go over a certain height (4 inches for me) or you can look tacky. Never, and I mean never, buy anything with any sort of platform. Don't purchase anything that wraps up your leg either.



Every single woman's wardrobe should include a pair of black stilettos. Non-negotiable. You can wear them with almost anything.



I'm not a huge fan of Carrie's wardrobe on Sex and the City, but her gladiator heels for the movie were an instant classic (and endlessly replicated). Plus who could forget the infamous black, patent leather Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes?



Photo sources:
here, here, here, and here

Number Nine

If I could wear sunglasses all the time, even at night, I would. I like eating at outdoor restaurants just so I can keep my shades on. I love sunglasses. You might even say I'm obsessed with them. Sunglasses, like earrings, add instant glamour to any outfit. They also add a hint of mystery.



Also like earrings, finding the right pair that suits you is key. I've found that very large, Jackie O inspired sunglasses suit me very much. If you have a narrower face maybe some Audrey-esque Wayfarers would suit you.



Another word to the wise: get really dark ones so people can't tell when you're checking out their outfits.

PS- Why couldn't Carrie dress like this all the time? Fabulous!

Photo sources: here, here, and here

Um, yummy

I made chocolate souffles tonight with homemade whipped cream. Yummola.

Photo source:
here

Number 10

One of the 7 fashion staples in Vogue's article were earrings. I completely agree with them. You can dress up an otherwise bland ensemble with a good pair of earrings. Holly Golightly also stated that you can always tell what man really thinks about you from the earrings he gives you.



I habitually wear pearl earrings (of one color or style) every day. Every day. Now, that is not to say I don't mix it up for parties or certain outfits. I learned early on that if you find something that works for you, wear it. You may not get to experiment as much as soon more trendy individuals, but you do have the satisfaction of knowing you are always in good taste.



The moral of this story: have fun with earrings for special occasions but find something that you can wear everyday.

Photo sources:
here, here, and here

The Top Ten

So the December issue of British Vogue has an article about 7 fashion staples. While I agree with the majority of their selections, I've decided to do my own take on fashion must-haves. For the next ten posts I'm going to give you what I think are the most necessary objects a woman can have to be well-dressed. Stay tuned!

Photo source:
here

Bucharest at Night

Photo source:
here

Freezing!

I wished for cold weather and goodness knows I got it. Freezing cold out! I'm sure I would feel much better if I was wearing this coat or this fox stole (both Lanvin RTW 2009).



Photo source:
here