B.D.
Hi,
This is my passion! First, go buy In Style Magazine, my fashion bible. Next, find out what looks good on you, by going to a department store, one time. Either Saks or Nordstrom and make an appointment with a personal shopper.( a free- service) You can bang this out in one day and you will feel sooo wonderful, no matter what size you are everyone should take meticulous care of themselves. Once you have the appointment, look in your closet and get rid of outdated, ripped, "never-going-to look at"clothes and donate them to someone in need. Then take note of what you have left, and before you go to a department store, that offers this free service, go to the gap.com and ourchase, the basics.
The basics
* White. black, and any colored long sleave, short sleave and tank top t-shirt, plain.
* 3 cardigan's that are interchangeable with the t-shirts.
preferably black, grey and a color
* Good fitting jeans. I think you need one skinny fit, one bootleg and a dressy pair.
* A great coat for spring
Trench coats are it this spring. The gap has great ones, and then if you can really swing it, it is always wonderful and timeless to go to burberry.com and get the classic trenchcoat in burberry beige. Somewhere in the middle, Juicy Cuoture makes a pique trenchcoat which I have on my list of must-haves.
* You can go to Zappos.com for shoes. You need a basic black loafer and I would also purchase a metallic loafer or ballet-slipper and you can basically spend a small fortune on a pair of JP Tods or Bruno Magli. A wonderful, well-made less expensive shoe is fine. While there if you live in the colder-climates, pick up a pair of Uggs or a good knock-off, an espedrille, a low-healed pump in black and a walking sneaker. For me the only sneaker I even consider is a New-balance, which you can also ____@____.com
* Getting back to the clothing, Purchase a knee-length form-fitting black skirt, and a pair of black trousers, lose the pleats as nobody wears them and nobody looks good in them.
* A gap white blouse
* A metallic belt with some bling
* a basic black dress that has longevity and the ability to take you from day to evening with a few quick changes.
* black leggings
* basic black riding boots
What you should purchase @the department stores are special "I have to have them" items. Don't get talked into anything too much, just a few really unique completely fashion-savy items that you can mix and match with the basics. Now I didn't include seasonal items like a one piece black bathing suit, and a black & grey turtleneck. Well made socks, panties that fit and always a bra to match. Buy a pair of silver and gold bangle sets and a funky choker, perhaps on a velvet ribbon and you are good to go.
Some pointers
* If you have great legs, bring the hem-line up a bit and where more short-skirts, always with Hue Black tights. Spanks are O.K.
* If you don't like your legs and arms where long pants and cover the arms with a shrug or a cardigan.
* I forgot to include a black sheath and depending on the accesories you purchase from the personal-shopper, mix things depending om yout tastes and lifestyle.
* Leggings are big this season with a tunic and if you hate your midde-section purchase a (victoria's secret.com) babydoll style one and for this go colorful. Good luck