The Basics...

Alternately titled, "I'm as shocked as you, that I'm posting again, so quickly!"
Yet, something so absurd happened to me over the weekend, that I felt the social responsibility, to get you involved!  I had nothing to wear.  I mean, it's a completely ridiculous statement!  I have a closet full of clothes.  I'm a stylist, for God's sake!  It just didn't seem possible.  I have to admit that, despite my highly regarded post (dressing others!), I wear jeans primarily.  I can sort out any denim situation, at a moment's notice!  From pre-school pick up, to cocktails with the girls...I'm covered!

And then, of course, I've got the other end of the spectrum...special pieces that work for those formal affairs, that require a bit more pizazz.  But, that in-between.  The dressed, but not dressy.  For that, I was not prepared.  Or, so it seemed.  I, actually, had several pencil skirts that fit the bill.  And even a few flirty, tulip styles.  And, for this particular event. one of my favorite J.Crew numbers, in a bright pink and blue tweed.  Fun!  And, due to the chill in the air, it would be riding boots...to keep cozy.

Yet, as I sifted through my closet, there didn't seem to be any appropriate top.  I'm telling you...I was baffled!  Until I realized...I was missing my basics!  The tried and true wardrobe workhorses, that manage to pull together, just about, any outfit.

The first was my white button down.  I hadn't realized that I'd gotten a huge stain on the sleeve.  A grouping of tiny marinara fingerprints.  Hmmm...I wonder where those came from.  So, this one will be strictly for layering.  So, she must be replaced!  Immediately.

This one is my favorite option:

And, it's 25% off!  Right now!

And, here's another option...currently 40% off!  You are welcome.

The next favorite I reached for, was my boyfriend v-neck cashmere sweater.  Sadly, a family of moths must have dined all summer on that baby!  Thankfully, I've got a plan to keep wearing this cozy number...just a bit more casually.  More on that later... Unfortunately, the style I adored is discontinued.  Here are some great alternatives to that staple navy v-neck.

(P.S. You can substitute black, if you prefer, for this wardrobe necessity.)
Love this one:

And, if you're looking for more budget-friendly, cozy cashmere:

I also like to keep a back-up grey sweater, for a softer look.  I happen to own lots of those.  Grey sweaters are my shopping weakness, you see.  However, most of mine are cabled, ribbed etc. So, they  just didn't work with the skirt.  And my solid grey v-neck was... you guessed it!  At the dry cleaner! 

Here are some that I love:
My trusty v-neck!  I'm partial to this neckline, because it works with just about any jewelry/accessorizing addition...and is THE most flattering!

A classic turtleneck

And, the always-essential cable knit

So, most people would never be subjected to the bad luck trifecta of wardrobe malfunctions that I did.  Still, it's so important to keep tabs on your closet favorites, so you never "suffer," as I did, this Sunday.  In the end, I was rescued by my jewel-encrusted chambray.  Because, as we already know, chambray is the ultimate outfit saver!

Are you armed?
Love this one for winter:


But, this one is so fun!  And easy on the wallet:

With these few essentials...and a well-curated denim game, you too can be prepared for any wardrobing challenge!
The ultimate (psst...also 25% off, this very second!)



I like to get these a size or two bigger, and keep them slouchy:

And, for a great non-deconstructed option:

I also like to keep a striped tee on hand, for keeping it comfy!
This is my current fave (Sale alert!):

And the turtleneck version is amazing!

And, lastly, the ultimate classic:


So, there you have it!  These few items...paired with your fave scarves and jewelry...make for chic, uniquely yours, outfits!
Check your basics!
And, you will have the lowest probability of this stylist's unlikely predicament of...
I have nothing to wear!

(And, no, of course I do not have a photo of the final look!  Too busy enjoying the event! :-)

J.Crew Never Fails...

It has been widely questioned, when my style blog, became a strictly J.Crew concept blog.  I will preface that it is not meant to be.  I feel, somewhat, inclined to explain my undying allegiance to J.Crew.  And, although this area is not intended to be any sort of fan club, I will always be loyal to a brand that does not ever seem to disappoint.

For me, it dates back a couple decades, and begging my mother to order the iconic barn jacket in navy for me.  The timeless rollneck in every color of the spectrum.  And that bandeau polka dot bikini?  I swear, if I still wore a two piece, it would continue to be the best suit ever!

There came a time, however, that I became responsible for my own clothing budget and, although still favored, I was drawn to less expensive, "fast fashion."  Oy.  Can we just burn all the college year pics, please?

And alas, after college, I began a long, and storied, career in retail and merchandising.  My first job was at a wildly popular, albeit largely inappropriate, collegiate mainstay of clothing.  I developed a vast knowledge of work ethic at that very company...but, fashionista, I was not.

My stylist tendencies were rooted, strictly, in "dress up" scenarios.  Any other time, you'd find me in low rise jeans, a too-tiny tee and flip flops.  Any guesses?

So, as it turns out, I was not a born stylist.  Flashback a decade.  I was a newlywed, a new mom, and adapting into my "adult" life.  And, I was not dressed appropriately for any of it!

So, I made a decision...one that my best friend still recounts me telling her.  I would head back to J.Crew.  That's where I would find my new style...one rooted heavily in denim, but with much more flash and fancy!  I shopped so much in those first few weeks, that I got offered a part time job!  Which definitely helped a lot with affording my new style, although my ex-husband would still grossly disagree!

And, although I am a successful stylist today, working with countless brands and budgets, from Old Navy to Valentino...my go to has been, and will always be, this...

I ADORE the holidays!  The decor, the fashion, the parties, the presents...love red against ivory!  And the return of the cocoon coat!

 The side zip has been so popular this season...love it on this jacquard pullover...with the best holiday party pants ever!  Pull on (moi importante!), and a gorgeous shade of red!

 This is, inevitably, how I envision my family decked for one of our NYC treks.  You know, all winter white for me, sequin skirts on the girls.  My boy, super cool, in his blazer.  Bitter temps and filthy city streets always seem to intervene.  Maybe this is my year?

 So many favorites in one pic!  The chateau parka is perfection...obviously...and selling so quickly.  I have yet to meet one person that is not madly in love with the Turner pant...and, in this outrageous shade of blue, get it now!  This flannel was gone in an instant...the only reason you haven't seen it on my Instagram!  The sequin trim sweatshirt has been a crowd favorite...and comes in (cue the drum roll) blush!  You've seen this scarf, in solids, all over instagram... but this plaid is my dream!

 More jammies!  And the newest Hugo Guinness...dazzling, with a little sparkle!

 Another shot of the matchstick necklace...must have!  And this geo bomber is now on sale...just saying.

 Just another reminder that the camel cocoon exists...paired with a sweater/sweatshirt combo.

 You know me...loving the blush moment!  Here is the sequin hem sweatshirt I mentioned.  Gorgeous!  The matelasse pant is stunning!

 More winter white...and with a whisper of heather grey...just too pretty!  The cashmere infinity scarf should be on every one's wish list.  So luxe.  And, let's take a moment with this rhinestone trim sweater...

 Enough for you?  The braided rhinestone detail is perfection!  A classic...with a little flash of fancy!

 This look screams the winter season, for me!  Nordic sweater, broken-in jeans and the cutest red knit cap!  So festive!

Ending on the sequin banners, and these pops of red!  Against the ever-classic black and white palette.  I feel pretty confident in my chosen style roots.

Have you found your style inspiration?