Necessary Necessities

Have you ever been at the mall feeling good about yourself, possibly wearing a cute outfit because you know today is going to be your day to really stock up on some cute new items, but then store after store becomes more and more disappointing and you find yourself roaming the mall aimlessly, sweating from all the clothes you've tried on that make you look like 10 pounds of sugar in a 5 pound sack, finding something that you love but is completely out of your price range, or my favortie of actually having money to spend like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman but you can't find ANYTHING that you like?  I've been there so many times that I've had to go center myself in Headquarters (shoe dept.) and buy a pair to make myself feel better. Guilty! 
In these times of frustration and desperation, I find it's helpful to return to the basics and see if you can shake your current wardrobe up a bit.  It's funny how women always say "I don't have a thing to wear!" but yet we have taken over every closet in the house and possibly underneath the bed.  Some of the best outfits are put together by simple, basic clothing items (almost) every woman should have in their closet.  When I can't find anything new I like in the clothing department I buy a new accessory like a scarf, necklace, or pair of shoes, and go back to the drawing board to add some flair to an oldie.  The following is a list of 10 Necessary Necessities I think you should have in your closet:

1. A flattering dress. Every woman needs a dress that always makes her feel good about herself.  You can call it your happy dress, fat dress (when you just can't bring yourself to wear pants. bleh!), hot mama dress, lucky charm;-), etc.  It doesn't have to necessarily be the LBD (little black dress) but black,  navy, or chocolate brown are safe colors that you can always work with, so this is why I suggest a dark color. Also, if you are worried about others noticing you dusting off 'lucky charm' too often, stay away from patterns.  Keep it simple and solid so it isn't so recognizable.  You can look for a unique hemline, cut, or fabric to make it stand out a little more.  You want to find something in between casual sundress and cocktail hour, this way you can dress it down with some cute wedges or metallic flip flops or dress it up with some pumps. Oh, and look what is next on the list...
2. Black pumps.  I know some of you are going to want to buy the fun, sexy stillettos; the hot pink pair that make you feel like Barbie goes to a Bar; or, and I shudder to think, some sensible slip ons. I really have no problem with any of these, even the slip ons, but make sure you have at least one pair of nice, simple black pumps.  You can wear them with tailored shorts, dresses, pants, or jeans. They are probably the most versatile shoe you will ever own.  Mark my word! 
3. Crisp, white tee.  This may sound odd and casual but let me remind you of the year Sharon Stone paired her white Gap tee with a Valentino skirt to the Oscars...and she was a nominee!  She made many of the best dressed lists and people applauded her for mixing it up! If a white tee is too clingy or drab for you substitute a white collared oxford.  Just remember it needs to be crisp and clean. This will be an item you will have to replace more often than the others b/c we all know white can get dingy pretty quickly.  You don't want yellow pit stains to be the focus of ANY outfit. Ew!
4. Fitted blazer.  This can be any neutral color but it needs to be tailored to your body.  We're not talking the 80's style, shoulder padded, baggy blazer with the rolled up sleeves.  While this style has made a comeback recently, it's also just a fad that won't be considered a classic. 
5. Dark slim fit or bootcut jeans.  We have been bombarded with every type of jean you can think of:  The beloved mom jean, jeggings; skinny; ultra skinny; and the most ridiculous one, BOYFRIEND fit. I find the boyfriend fit to be the most offensive because, for the most part, women are not built like men.  Even the girls who have no hips or butt don't look their best in this type of fit.  I don't know of any girl that has tried on her boyfriend's jeans and had them not only fit but look good.  The only times I've tried on a boyfriend's pair of jeans was to A) be funny, or B) make sure he's still bigger than me;-) Back to business.  Go with a dark wash beacause it will always make you look slimmer than the lighter washes.  I would also stay away from high waisted fits and the flare leg.  High waists draw attention to the evil paunch or tummy if you have one.  Don't you remember when Jessica Simpson got crucified for the mom-jean debacle?  As for the flare, it's really just a bell bottom that got lost in the wrong era. I also think they look juvenile.  They remind me of something the kids from Nickelodeon would wear only they would take it tacky step further and bedazzle the crap out of the back pockets. 
6. Boots (black, brown, or tan).  I think this is pretty self explanatory.  Again, follow the same guidelines as the black pumps.  Keep one pair simple and versatile.  Yes, you can buy some fun ones that have the Stripper Technology (thank you to my cousin, John, for that description).  This is when you have a 5 inch heel with a platform on the ball of the foot. You know, to make it easier to work that catwalk;-)
7. Black or dark colored slacks.  This is actually one of the hardest ones for me because my waist is small but I have major junk in the truck with athletic thighs (athletic makes me feel better than saying big).  Stick to the same fit as your jeans: slim fit or bootcut.  For those of you who can't find pants to save your life, never forget about tailoring.  I know it's a pain and costs extra money, but they will fit properly and flatter your body.  Also, if you have a pair that fit like a glove, you will find yourself wearing them often thus getting your moneys worth.
8. Fitted jean jacket.  What?!?! Jean jacket? I know this seems odd, much like the white tee, but look around you.  Look in the stores.  The jean jacket is still around.  It's come a long way from stone washed and oversized.  It's a nice piece to have, especially on cool spring nights or the one or two breezy nights we might have here in Houston.  Heck, with the Houston weather you can even wear it in the winter.  You can roll the sleeves up and wear it with a sundress or even get out the white tee, black pants/jeans, and colorful necklace for a completely fab ensemble! 
9. Nice pair of sandals.  I don't care where you live, for the most part, it will get warm enough to throw on a sandal and call it a day!  I think a nice metallic or jeweled flip flop, slide, or low wedge is always good to have.  You can wear them with some shorts and head down to your local watering hole for some day drinking or throw on some jeans or a sundress and take them into the night.  Keep it fun and neutral for an effortless look. 
10. Animal print.  This is probaly my favorite! I don't want you to picture some frightening cat suit made completely of leopard print spandex. That's not what I'm peddling here.  Examples: pumps/sandal, scarf, button down oxford, belt, or cardigan sweater.  Animal print is appropriate for any age if worn correctly.  How sexy is a little black dress with the pop of an animal print pump! It's unexpected yet classy and fun.  Too fancy for you? Wear some jeans, boots or flats, and throw on a thin zebra or leopard scarf to 'sugar' up your look. Besides, this is a good way of wearing 'animals' without upsetting PETA.  

Remember, I'm not saying this serves as a person's complete wardrobe.  Look at these items as building blocks for reinventing an outfit.  Using these pieces as your base allows you to change the focus to an accessory instead of just the clothes.  This is why I think accessories are so important to have on hand, but that's a whole other post. 

Obviously you will have to update these items.  I don't want you roaming the streets with tired, blown out pumps or a ratty scarf that looks like it's been through the shredder.  It's okay to have multiple options for each of the basics, just make sure you have at least one of each because they will get you through any day-to-day event.  So go back to your closet, take inventory, and create something new. Besides, if you're missing one of these items, you have a new reason to shop!

Love and shoes,
Kim