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What You Need in Your Closet

Having noticed my Tivo full of "What Not to Wear" episodes (and therefore glued to said Tivo all week) I must say I am feeling the need to satiate my closet with marvelous new pieces. Wishing Stacy and Clinton would knock on my door with a loaded Visa (while wondering if Stacy and Clinton receive "wardrobe bonuses" as part of the job description). Alas, She She Me shot down my dream by pointing out that it is first requisite to wear hideous clothing in order to receive free new wardrobe. I am convinced the best thing would be for me to join the bubbly fashion duo. Three is no crowd where wardrobe overhaul is concerned. (Especially when all three have red-carpet smiles.)

Seeing the drab (read: have not made substantial purchases in over two weeks) state of my closet, I have found myself wanting (though, can't remember a time when I was not wanting; after all, shopping is as natural as breathing to yours truly). It is a proven fact that empty hangers must be filled, and filled stylishly.

Fall is just around the corner, which means sales are in the air. Now is the time to pare down your wardrobe to the basics in preparation for the upcoming change of seasons. The following are the rules to follow in order to get the most out of your wardrobe, no matter the season-make sure your closet contains these staples and necessities:

Quick Tips:

• First and foremost, purchase only pieces that can be mixed and matched with those stylish and timeless staples already in your possession. Those gorgeous patterned Vince Camuto pumps will not, in fact, magically spawn coordinating attire. The key to a never-ending "I don't believe she has ever worn the same outfit twice!" wardrobe is in purchasing versatile apparel.
• Always shop to wear-not to simply own . Much better for your girlfriends to see you stylishly attired in your acclaimed Roberto Cavalli (LOVE the brooch) than for you to simply brag about it, tucked away in your closet-tags still on.
• WEAR A BRA. That's right. Nobody wants to see your ladies sagging or swaying in the summer breeze. Keep them up where they belong-you'll be pleasantly surprised the way proper support for the girls will alter your figure for the better.

Must-Haves:

• The right shoes. Ultimately, the lynchpin to every outfit. Must-have basics: This season, look for shoes with a pointed toe, (spectators are always a great classic) as they will help to elongate your legs to give you an overall leaner, sexier, more feminine look. For a heel, go with this Quai D'Orsay slingback. If you are in search of footwear that can be worn year-round, a great boot is the place to start (and with fall en route, boots will be popping up like Starbucks in the late '90s).
• No closet is complete without the quintessential jacket and/or blazer, both of which happen to be remarkable in their ability to dress an outfit up or down. Obviously then: necessity. Wear this velvet blazer with a feminine tank to doll up relaxed attire, or pair this preppy jean jacket with this Pucci halter to create a more casual look. If you have a great jacket on hand, you will be prepared for most any situation that comes your way.
• A lovely (and versatile) blouse will go a long way. Which is why you will want/need several of them. Essentials: a sassy short sleeve, a chic printed tank, and three-quarter sleeve styles are a good start.
• Tailored trouser; these three classics are great building blocks: Black pinstriped D&G flares (hey, they're Italian and they are red-hot runway chic), these brown slim legs (brown is the new black) and leisurely linens. Be sure to find the right trouser for your body type-fit makes all the difference, girls.
• Update your denim. Fitted designer jeans are a terrific booty boost, and they give great 'tude! Nothing says sassy like new Sevens! Perfect year-round, either casual with a flirty cami or über-chic with stilettos and a fitted blazer.
• Little Black Dress. Staple item. If you haven't found your perfect LBD yet, get thee to a Neiman's! Follow the LBD guidelines: top quality, great cut, timeless design. It should never be trendy or dated, but should blend seamlessly with the current styles. If ever there were a time to splurge on a designer purchase, the LBD is it; it will quickly become your most basic wardrobe staple.
• This fall's hot, trendy must-have? The baby-doll dress. No need to channel Shirley Temple however. This all-grown-up version with sequin details will have you looking stylish and sexy, and will definitely put a smile on your face.
• Be sure to update your skirts. Pencil skirts, one of this fall's hottest trends, are sexy and form-fitting. A timeless denim should also be a staple in your wardrobe.
• Don't forget accessories. Different circumstances call for different versions of the perfect handbag, but here are the essentials: One for basic work use, one for everyday casual and one for an evening at Nobu . Also be on the lookout for a sexy pair of sunglasses to polish off your look while the sun still shines.

Keep your closet stocked with these staples and I assure you that you will never spend another morning with "nothing to wear." We've all been there (well, most of us), but with these basic, fundamental items anchoring your wardrobe, mornings will prove nearly effortless starts to the rest of your fashionable days.

Stay gorgeous and keep smiling!

xoxo

Shop Girl

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