Don’t you find the beginning of a new season to be like a visit to a department store makeup counter . . . full of promise and possibility?  The fall especially feels like this because it’s a new school year, which makes it feel like a new closet year, too. Instead of trying to make everything that you already own work, you get a start over.

Lately, I’ve had my eye on two pieces that could really spice up my outfits year round:

1. the C. Wonder necklace that I mentioned when I wrote about the importance of a third piece, and

2. these leopard Emma shoes from Alice Alan (she has a clearance pair available for me).

Both of these would be what Imogen Lamport describes as Hero Pieces, and together they would wipe out the rest of my fall clothing budget. I have been looking for less expensive substitutes, but so far only the originals call to me.  This has caused me to take inventory of my wardrobe once again to determine what I have and what I need.

Even though I discussed foundation pieces with you last May, I forgot that I actually have a lot of basics in my closet. I list them at the bottom of this post if you’re interested. I also wrote last May that “what I’m missing are shoes, colorful tops and accessories.” Yikes! Maybe I can actually justify purchasing the items above! I’m still moving cautiously. Here are some of the other items on my basics shopping list:

1. a sheath dress in navy, camel or caramel. The same friend who trained as an image consultant and said to buy the C. Wonder necklace a few weeks ago also told me before the law firm cocktail party I told you about in July that I could go anywhere with a sheath dress, a color cardigan, a neutral shoe and a good bag. So needless to say, these items are ALSO on my list.

2. more color cardigans, including the blue Ann Taylor cardi I wrote about  ( I adore this C. Wonder cardigan in cyan although the 5% angora is slightly itchy)

3. black heels to go with dresses and my pencil skirt

4. nude pumps (also considering this Alice Alan pair)

5. a good bag

Not a basic but I want it anyways:  the Ann Taylor blue squiggle dress because it became available again online in my size yesterday and I’ve already ordered it! I would also love to find some purple tops, a winter coat with a little pizzazz and more flattering pants.

Have you noticed that I haven’t said anything big-bust-specific this entire post? That’s partly because the necklace and leopard shoes will look good on a woman no matter what her bust size (although for big-busted women they will also do a great job of drawing the eye from the bust). It’s also because basics are basics regardless of bust. I’m only making a list here. We’ll see what big bust issues arise as I look for that magical sheath dress!

I’ve taken a pretty unusual approach to creating my fall shopping list. It all began with falling in love with two pieces and trying to justify their purchase. How are you approaching your own list?

If you’re not sure how to begin, you may be interested in the approach of another one of my favorite image consultants, Karen Hughes. I find her newsletters extremely helpful, so consider signing up for them. Last March she sent out a series called “How to Shop Trends”. Her first piece of advice is to identify a color for the season (vs. a neutral) and to go on a “non-buying” shopping trip to see what’s out there. Next, she lists trend categories that you will see every season. It’s simply a matter of identifying your own and then purchasing items that support your personal style:

  • classic/traditional
  • trendy/chic/fad
  • dramatic/edgy/motorcycle
  • sporty/utilitarian/preppy
  • feminine/artistic/Bohemian

Of course it’s more complicated than this, but ask Karen if she would be willing to send this series to you! I’ve decided that I am firmly in the classic/traditional camp, but I’m still out on what my color is for the season. It may be purple. This is pretty inconvenient since I’ve just purchased the blue squiggle dress!

—————————-

The Basics in My Closet

  • 2 pairs of nice jeans
  • 1 pair each brown, grey, black and taupe pants
  • 3 white button-front shirts (of course)
  • 3 good black tees and 3 good black sweaters
  • 2 V-neck cardigans in red and black (and a new one in coral from Ann Taylor on sale for$19.99 that I’m going to get your opinion on soon)
  • 1 long cardigan in camel
  • solid taupe dress
  • solid blue knit dress
  • grey floral sheath dress
  • black pencil skirt
  • charcoal grey knit skirt, ankle length
  • black boots
  • brown heeled loafers
  • lace up shoes in brown and black
  • 2 pairs black heeled loafers (high and kitten heels)
  • wide belts in black, pewter and brown