my top 10 closet essentials

1

A big comfy sweater or sweatshirt are major must haves for my autumn & winter wardrobe. I love my knitted white chunky sweater from Zara (as shown above). It goes with literally everything. Having a neutral coloured sweater can make it easier to create a monochromatic flowing look. With that said, don't be afraid to stand out with a pop of colour. Lately I've been hooked on wearing oversized sweatshirts (I love my coral & periwinkle blue ones) paired with my long skirts or flowy silver pants. Don't be afraid to wear baggy on baggy outfits, it gives a nice relaxed, effortless look. I always find great comfortable yet affordable sweaters at Zara or H&M.

"Be careful not to get caught up in brand names! Make sure you love the vibe of the actual item you are buying. Don’t just be obsessed with the brand, be obsessed with the style and confidence it brings to you everyday."

2

The essential crossbody purse. Perfect for any occasion!I love having a crossbody purse layered underneath my jackets. This is such an easy trendy style to try. Try it with fanny packs as well! It makes it so much easier to not get tangled up in your purse when you take your jacket off. I prefer to have a mini clutch style crossbody to wear out to drinks or dinner, just to fit my cards, cash and lipstick. I also like to have one that I can wear out shopping or as my, 'everyday bag'. One that fits my whole wallet, keys, sunglasses, etc. My recommendation for finding the perfect crossbody, is looking in vintage stores. The best thing about vintage/thrift stores is the unbeatable price, and there is usually just one of every item. This way you won’t match with anyone else- and have your own unique items and style. I like having a vintage vibe for my clutch styles, and a muted neutral tone for my everyday bag.I’m usually pretty thrifty, and try not to spend too much on things I don’t really need. Of course, there are a few things that I will spend money on; Skincare, shoes and purses. I do absolutely love my Kate Spade purse. She has lasted incredibly for years now. A timeless classic style is key. Be careful not to get caught up in brand names! Make sure you love the vibe of the actual item you are buying. Don’t just be obsessed with the brand, be obsessed with the style and confidence it brings to you everyday.

3

Stylish mini skirts are an essential to me because of their versatility. When some people first think 'mini skirt', it worries them because they think, risque’ and revealing. I think it is all in how you put the outfit together that can ease those concerns. For a more casual vibe, I usually wear one of my flowy black silk mini skirts. I would usually wear it with an oversized sweater or graphic/band tee. To give a more relaxed illusion, I love wearing oversized sweaters or longer shirts not tucked in, but just hanging loose. If you have a sweater or long shirt just hovering the edge of your skirt, it gives the perfect effortless look. To complete a casual vibe, I would wear lower heeled knee high boots or sneakers. For a more dressy look, I would wear a bodysuit or fitted turtleneck with a leather or sequined mini skirt. I might layer it with an oversized jacket of choice (I love my black flowy blazer, or my nude oversized corduroy jacket) The shoes need to be a bit flashier- maybe some pumps or booties or some fun patent leather knee high boots. It all depends on your vibe! Simply play around with some of your everyday pieces, and try to incorporate a miniskirt! If you don't want to have bare legs, I would highly recommend black or nude nylon tights; The Bay has a huge selection.

4

Trendy faux leather pants! A huge necessity in my wardrobe~ I am absolutely obsessed with leather look pants- they can always make you look put together. You can look so easygoing and chic at the same time, without even trying. I’ve seen so many paparazzi photos of celebrities in their effortless 'going to the market' outfits. Often, they look so good because they are wearing leather looking pants and big sunglasses. It's such an easy look to achieve, and because it’s ‘leather’- it’s gold. Lately I have been loving my ‘leather’ joggers from Zara. It's super easy to dress ‘leather’ pants up or down. For a going out or dinner look, I would throw on a chic bodysuit or statement top. If I wanted a more casual vibe, I would put on a sweatshirt or turtleneck with some sneakers, and an oversized longer coat. The perfect comfortable, yet still chic look.

"You do not need to spend a fortune to be stylish, just be smart about what items to spend your money on!"

5

Perfectly fitted jeans, preferably mom jeans. (MJ’s) I only recently have found my holy grail MJ’s from Topshop. I always find it nearly impossible to find jeans that fit my legs, hips, bum, and waist! I have found that Topshop is really good for finding jeans/pants that fit your body. Conveniently, they have tall, petite, and plus size sections. This has been so helpful to find jeans that can fit perfectly, everytime. Obviously with jeans, you can wear them with almost anything. Lately I have been using jeans to help dress down my outfits. I’ve added MJ’s with my fancier tops with some chunky heeled sandals to help chill out the look for a more casual Spring look.I’m the kind of person that only needs a small selection of jeans at a time. You definitely do not need 50 pairs of light wash MJ’s! I personally only have 3 pairs of jeans that I actually wear, going in rotation. I like having a MJ with rips, a MJ with no rips, and a straight leg. You do not need to spend a fortune to be stylish, just be smart about what items to spend your money on!

6

The silk slip dress. This is a more recent must have for me. Another item in your closet that can help you look so posh, so easily. The best place to find the perfect silk dresses are at vintage shops- shocker! If you are in the Vancouver area, I recommend, Community Vintage (they have two locations in Gastown), Kool Thing Vintage ( https://www.instagram.com/koolthingvintage/?hl=en ) and the shops in Mintage Mall. Layering is such an easy way to incorporate your silk dresses. Wearing a turtleneck, long or short sleeve, underneath your thin strap silk dress (or any thin strap dress) can really elevate or personalize the look. If you have a long sleeve silk dress, you can always add a thin strap loose dress overtop as well. Don’t be afraid to layer and add different patterns and textures to personalize your outfits. I love silk because it has a super light delicate, feminine vibe, that can help you soften up your wardrobe and outfits.

"Watch out for 'storewide sales', when absolutely everything is on sale. This way you don't get stuck with items the store is just trying to get rid of!"

7

Long fuzzy coat (or any long coat!) I wear mine almost everyday in Autumn & Winter! I am obsessed with my long white teddy coat that I got on Black Friday, at Zara! I wear my teddy coat with literally everything and anything. Jeans, leather pants, sweaters, dresses, and almost everything in my wardrobe. The point of a coat like this, is to have something you can wear everyday. Most of the time trendy coats, such as teddy coats, are super expensive and frankly, overpriced. I recommend getting your coats when they are on sale. Watch out for 'storewide sales', when absolutely everything is on sale. (This way you don't get stuck with items the store is just trying to get rid of!). Zara is the best for getting deals like this when they have their big sales. My tips for buying a coat: The best thing about a good quality coat, is that they can last in amazing condition for years. I also recommend getting a timeless coat; something that will never go out of style. A long ‘fur ’look coat is always a yes. Remember- you don’t need a thousand coats to be stylish. Look for well textured (fur, leather, or corduroy to name a few) and neutral tones (such as white, nude, grey, brown, or black). Something that will make a statement, but also compliment almost any outfit.

8

Perfect statement boots! Statement boots means- loud colours, patterns and textures. Something out of the ‘norm’. They set the vibe or tone of your outfit. Lately, I have been finding any excuse to wear my red patent leather block heeled booties or my silver glittery booties with a round heel. Of course, you can still have classic black or white boots~ However~ try to upgrade neutral booties by finding them in a flashy leather print or a peculiar heel choice. Find something outside the box- that always makes you feel confident. Don’t be afraid to wear statement boots with other bright colours or patterns corresponding with your outfit. Although a statement, don’t get stuck wearing all black, with just your boots popping out. Incorporate your makeup, hair accessories, purses, and of course, the rest of your outfit to help accentuate your shoes! Build your look to have everything compliment each other.

9

The classic blazer. A blazer is the item in your wardrobe you get when you are ‘adulting’. I personally like having my blazer slightly oversized. My outfits underneath my blazers are generally tighter fitting, and I love the contrast of a baggier jacket. To be honest, I just recently got on the blazer train. I used to not like them. They were too 'old ' looking for me! With that said- I have now collected a few basic black and white blazers. I’m still searching for a perfect plaid printed blazer! I have found the best place to find affordable blazers are Zara, H&M, and Dynamite.I mostly wear my blazers when I go out for dinner or drinks. I usually pair it with anything from dresses, bodysuits, bralettes, or a crop top, with some MJ’s or a skirt. I would also wear a blazer when I’m going to an important event, and need to look professional.

*Whenever you want to feel and look like a badass in charge, throw on a blazer!

10

The bodysuit. This is my all time #1 must have! This is one of the items in my wardrobe that I do have an abundance of. Halters, thin snap, strapless, turtlenecks, low back, high neck, plunging neckline, the list goes on. You can wear a black bodysuit with almost anything, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s a timeless item that's always attractive. I recommend getting some that are super comfortable, stylish, and very flattering on your body. Look for a neckline that compliments your body type and personal style. Pair your bodysuit with anything from long skirts, silk pants, flared pants, mini skirts, to jeans! The options are endless, don’t be afraid to try something new.