The Little Black Book...

Chapter 2: The Basics

 "Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." 

                              - Edna Woolman Chase

Words from the author:

"It is truly unique when you see that one girl who is so different, the one who you just have to walk up to and ask about her skirt, shirt, shirt, bag, etc. I don't see that girl nearly as often as I would like. Be that girl. "

A Style Icon Knows:

- HOW TO EDIT- She only buys what she likes and what looks good on her.

- TO INVEST IN "THE BONES"- (the classic trench, the little black dress...) and builds from there.

- TO BUY WITH DRAMA- She goes for the over-the-top, decadent item. If she falls in love, she takes it home.

- THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE OF SHOES- Lots of shoes.

- AND THE POWER  OF ACCESSORIES- Done just the right way.

- A GOOD TAILOR

- HOW NOT TO BE THE FASHION VICTIM- She never buys into the trends and she never carries the "it" bag.

- IT IS NOT ABOUT THE MONEY- She wears her flea market Mexican earrings the same way she would wear her diamonds.

- HOW TO MIX IT UP

- HOW TO BE IMPERFECT- She understands that every day is not a photo shoot. 

And that is style.

1. HOW TO EDIT

-If it doesn't look good on you, it should not be in your closet.

- Mornings are rough enough; help yourself out a little bit. Edit your closet, then edit your shopping habits, and I promise you that being stylish will become much easier.

- Throw out what you don't wear and what doesn't look good on you. 

- Buy the right size

- Don't be sucked in by the sale tag

- Don't play it too safe (A closet full of safe choices is no fun!)

- Do not buy according to the trends

- Be ruthless when you edit (Do not keep items in your closet for sentimental reasons.)

And now you're ready to begin. 

2.  INVEST IN "THE BONES"

- The bones of your wardrobe are those essential staples that go with almost anything, never go out of style, and are enduringly chic. They are meant to be a blank canvas that you can layer on to. 

- The little black dress

- A classic men's white shirt

- Cashmere cardigan or turtleneck

- A trench coat

- Denim

- A man's classic watch

- Diamonds

- Ballet flats

- A classic high-heel pump

- A great bag (The bag, like the shoe, is a great place to have fun and play with colors, textures, and shapes.)

Everyone woman should have:

- A tote or shoulder bag

- A clutch

- A medium-sized handbag, with a chain link strap

- The must have bag: Chanel 2.55, Louis Vuitton Speedy, Gucci's Jackie O, Hermes Birkin

3. How to buy with drama

- An oversize cocktail ring

- A knock-'em-dead evening or cocktail dress

- A cuff

- A piece of fur

- Killer shoes

- An exotic bag

- A stand-out coat

Go a little crazy.

Be a little dramatic. 

Have a lot of fun. 

Next week the list continues...

(all information from this post is taken directly from the book, The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia)