In a 4 year span I made two pretty drastic moves that required me to retool my wardrobe.  The first was from sunny Miami to Maryland.  After living in Miami for 5 years, most of my sweaters were either too small, too ragged, or just not the right style (not many teenagers dress the same as 24 year olds).  I spent the next year buying jackets, long-sleeve tops, etc.  Then, two years later, I moved to Syracuse where it gets frigid.  Jackets are necessary year round and fall and spring often times require heavy coats.  My point is that regardless of where you live, it’s important to start with the basics.  No matter where you live, you should have these 10 essentials which will allow you a neutral pallet to add color.

Leggings by Juicy Couture
Flats by Ann Taylor

1. Go-to Jeans: Everyone needs this, regardless of what you do or where you live.  Everyone needs that one go-to pair of jeans that they can dress up or down.  No holes, not too faded, and typically bootcut.

2. Black Pants: Whether its going to work or an evening out, you can use a simple black pair of pants as a basis to anything.  Your top will determine where the look takes you, but they are a must.

3. White tank top: Something that can be worn alone in the summertime (with a fun necklace) or under a cardigan in the fall.  Layering is essential in different climates, and a white tank will allow you to create a few looks.

4. Gold flats: This might not seem like a standard for most people, but my gold flats are a staple.  I can wear them all summer long to work or for a day of shopping and they match just about everything.  If you chose black or brown, you’d be much more limited.

5. Black pumps (rounded toe): As long as you don’t torture them, they will work for years to come.  Pair them with aforementioned jeans or black pants, as well as skirts, dresses, whatever!

6. 3/4 Length Tops – The great thing about this length is that you can wear it year round.  Loop a scarf around your neck and it’s totally appropriate in the winter or pair with shorts in the summer – either way, it’s a safer bet than short or long-sleeved.

7. Black/White Cardigan: Wear your favorite summer tank underneath to extend the life of your summer selections or button it up for a little sophistication.  It will work over anything, even a dress for a romantic evening out (restaurants are chilly)!

8. Black Leggings: Even the people who don’t want to walk around in body hugging clothing should have a pair of leggings.  They look great under a dress (make your look more casual or appropriate for the season), tunics, or with a hoodie around the house!  They are the ultimate in comfort and you will wear them – trust me.

9. Black Blazer: I love that blazers are back in style, and they aren’t going anywhere for a while.  They can be worn totally casually (with jeans) or to work for a create-your-own suit look.  I love mine – especially paired with a simple white tank underneath.

10. Wool Coat: Black or camel colored will be great for you.  Wool coats do not go out of style.  Camel can be a better shade since it doesn’t show as much lint, but black is obviously a great choice as well.

***A couple other wildcard picks that I’d throw in there: black boots (ones you can tuck pants into but also wear under pants), a long silver necklace, and anything else that you need to have.

Start with really neutral colors and add color from there.  You can always add a pop of color with a scarf, handbag, or jewelry!  Happy Shopping!

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So there are two really important things to consider when traveling to a big city: pack light and be ready for anything!  You need to pack light because the hotel rooms tend to be smaller, your mode of transportation may require that you carry all of your belongings, and you want to resist the temptation to spend too much time in your room.  The third reason leads me to my second important factor: be ready to anything!  When I visit Manhattan, I normally get up for breakfast and don’t get back to the room until evening because there is so much that I want to pack into my short weekend.  That being said, it’s super important that your look can easily go from day-shopper to bar-hopper (no bar hopping for me this weekend, but I still want a simple way to get ready for dinner without spending hours in my hotel room).

My biggest tip would be to accessorize!  Pack some essential pieces that you could re-wear (jeans and shoes) and bring neutral tops.  It’s so simple to transform your look by throwing on a statement necklace or swapping earrings.  Never underestimate the power of some bold jewelry.

This evening, I’m hosting a Lia Sophia Jewelry Party.  Lia Sophia is a direct sales jewelry company and they make beautiful pieces for a good price.  Think of them as a “Luxe-for-Less” line.  I went to my first party a couple months ago, and when my friend said she was going to start selling, I quickly signed up to host!  Besides the fact that it’s fun, you get sooo much free stuff when you host a party.  Feel free to check out the site and place an order if you’d like!  I’ve seen their jewelry in some of the gossip mags lately too.  LS makes just the pieces to turn your look around!

So next time you’re packing for a big city, think carefully before packing.  Most likely, you will wear less clothes than you anticipate and being able to throw on a new necklace, earrings, and pumps will make your life easier!

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In honor of the Bachelorette finale, I thought I’d quickly discuss Ali Fedotowsky’s style.  If I’m completely honest, I think Ali is a little dull, but that translates really well into her wardrobe!  She wears simple clothes but looks super chic.  Her laid-back chic style includes simple tanks with lots of funky jewelry and pairs them with leggings or ripped jeans.  Designers like Michael Stars, Joe’s Jeans, and Converse top her list!!  When she was on the Bachelor, she rocked numerous pairs of flat knee high boots that looked great with skinny jeans.  I like to think that my style is somewhat comparable to Ali’s – but unfortunately for me, I don’t have a team of stylists choosing my clothes (and giving them to me for free)!  I’ll keep on working on that, but until then…I’ll keep on shopping!!!

Here are some of my picks of things that I would totally wear (and so would Ali):

The first top (Michael Stars) was worn by Ali on the Ellen Show.  The second is a pair of True Religion jeans that I love love love!  Lastly, the turquose tear drop necklace resembles one worn by Ali during her season as Bachelorette.   Ali’s season is over (can’t say that I’m too sad about it), but now we can rock her style for a little while longer!

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I had been wanting a “mommy” necklace for quite some time and happened upon the Nashelle Jewelry line.  Everything is customizable from the stones and metals, to the engraving, to the different size discs.  There are a number of brands out there, but Nashelle happens to advertise everywhere and they include coupon codes!  So I was *super subtle* when I hinted to my hubby that I wanted one…by *super subtle* I mean his inbox included the exact number of discs, wording, and chain lenth that I hoped for (and of course I included the coupon code).  Surprise!  On Mother’s Day he had given me exactly what I wanted – how lucky was I?!  The only thing this shopper likes more than shopping herself, is when other people shop for her!  Long story short is that the Nashelle jewelry is adorable and long lasting – something I’ll treasure forever because it has the name, birthdate, and birthstone of my favorite little girl.  My sister has two kids (adorable if I do say so myself) and decided to get 2 necklaces (one for each child) and the different chain lenths make them work together perfectly. 

The best part about these necklaces is that you can add to them…start with your initial and add on as your family grows if you please!  They also have rings, earrings, and necklaces that are not personalized – super cute.

If you use the coupon code OURPLEASURE you’ll receive 15% your order!  Enjoy

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