10 Fashion Basics

I'm a huge fan of Garance Dore's blog. She recently posted her top 10 fashion basics and she challenged her readers to do the same. It got me thinking.....what items encapsulate how I express myself and what makes my look authentic? I mean, I could list a pair of Louboutins as the quintessential wardrobe basic but who am I kidding?!? Alas, that is not "me". Shit- I can barely walk in my 2 inch heels! There is wishful thinking and there is being authentic.

Speaking of authenticity, I really appreciated reading one comment from Dore's post, who said:

"What I get from Alt’s list (and Garance’s as well), is an idea of how to be at ease and oneself in clothes, rather than a list of stuff per se. Perhaps this reflects the fact that I’m forty and so not a very young woman. I think of the basics as things that put a person at ease in the role that they play in life, and in the purpose that they set out to fulfill each day."

Well put. So I set out to list the things that make me feel...well...like me. Well tailored clothing that reflected my love of craftsmanship and quality with accessories that have panache and color. And I reminded myself that less is more. So here it goes:

1. Button-down Shirt:


I like mine tailored with a slim fit and I always try to keep mine crisp and pressed. Tucked in or worn out, black or white- either way I'm game. Sometimes I roll the sleeves up for a sporty look. Now that I have lost some weight (I went down a whole cup size), I can wear these nicely without the buttons looking like they are about to pop off. Anne Fontaine makes the prettiest white button down shirts in the market.

2. The Perfect Jeans:
One commenter on Dore's blog said it perfectly: "No muffin top, no bell bottom, not “skinny”, not wide. Dark, simple, lean and long. This is a never ending quest." Yes, yes, yes! I'm partial to Hudson Jeans boot cut- they give me that nice long lean look.

3. Colorful Scarves and Sunnies:


Ok- so I'm lumping two into one. But besides being accessories, they keep the elements at bay, both the sun and the cold. I wear both scarves and sunglasses year round; silk blend scarfs in the summer, cashmere during the colder months. I love my sunglasses from Oliver Peoples… not only are they stylish but they actually get the job done. I’m a photosensitive epileptic and these beauties keep my seizures at bay. Isn't the photo taken by Dore so much fun?!

4. Blazer:
I probably have a jacket for every outfit, every season and in every possible fabric out there. I admit- they are a bit of a security blanket but they just make an outfit in my opinion. I heart my jackets!

5. Red Lips and Manicured Red Nails:


Another lovely Dore photo. I honestly feel 100 x prettier when I wear my raspberry red "Romantic" lipstick from Chanel. It makes my blue eyes pop and livens my mood. And red nails? Well- I grew up around a mother who always reminded my sister and me to keep our nails manicured and hands well moisturized. And I love the color red.

6. Flats:
I almost listed boots on here but I'm starting to veer away from wearing them so often. My sister turned me on to the wonderful world of flats and I’m hooked. Flats are just more multi-functional and comfortable; you can wear them for both work and play. Tod's makes the prettiest flats and so does Miu Miu, Repetto, Tory Burch and Roger Vivier

7. Leather handbag (black or brown):



You can get a well made, long lived handbag without spending a fortune. I love the handbag I recently purchased from Country Road; the leather is buttery soft, it has all the little pockets I need to store my stuff and it goes with everything. It looks just like the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag shown above but I got it for much less:)

8. Super Soft Tees:


I love v-neck and boat necks soft tees, preferably with 3/4 length sleeves. Any color really although I'm loving the nautical stripe right now. Splendid and Alternative Apparel make great t-shirts.

9. Timeless Watch:


You will never see me without my Cartier tank watch. It is to date the best investment piece of jewelry I have ever received. Jack bought it for me years ago and I wear it every.single.day. The workmanship is exquisite and the design timeless.

10. Nude bra:
Last but not least... a great fitting nude bra. Not the prettiest undergarment, a bit plain, but it can be worn under anything and if you are fitted correctly you will have all the support you will need. Nobody likes droopy bewbs.

What are your fashion basics? I'm truly curious- I had so much fun reading other people's basics on Dore's blog:)