Fashion Forward #2
Wardrobe Essentials
Now that I’ve helped you spring clean your wardrobe, I’d like to advise you on how to fill it with the basics that EVERY closet needs.
The Little Black Dress
There is nothing more essential than a black dress. You can dress it up with pearls for a classy look or make it funky with unique accessories. This look is a palette for personal expression. My personal favorite is a wrap style dress. This cut compliments virtually every shape and size, and it doesn’t have to be from Diane Von Furstenburg (though it would be an investment!). I recommend trying the L)Banana Republic Wrap Dress $148 or r) Victoria Secret $69 (available in black).
The Classic White Button Down Shirt
This wardrobe staple is necessary for multiple reasons. It can be dressed up with a suit, dressed down with denim and dressed corporate casual with jeans and a blazer. You will never go wrong with a white button down dress shirt in your closet. The shirt will need to be cared for and replaced every couple of years because white tends to yellow due to detergents in laundry products. You can get your basic white dress shirt from any major retailer. The Gap sells a great one for $38 (currently on sale for $29.99).
The Black Pump
I find it hard to believe that every woman does not have a pair of black pumps in their closet - this seems like an urban myth to me. For those out there who don’t own a pair already, literally every shoe designer has a black pump. EVERYONE! EVERYBODY! If you don’t own one, go to your favorite shoe saleperson and purchase a pair that matches your style. I’d recommend styles from Steve Madden ($85) or Guess ($99) - the price point is completely affordable and they have stylish shoes that fit every personality.
A Good Fitting Bra
I know a woman who does not know her bra size. When shopping for bras, she literally puts the bra against her chest in the store and buys it if it “fits”. This is not the way to purchase a bra. You should go for a fitting every 6 months or after any considerable weight loss or gain (15 lbs). Victoria’s Secret offers fittings, as does Intimacy Boutique. Fittings should be done regularly because you will always look better in your clothes when you wear undergarments that fit properly.
More tips coming up soon!
Arlene Shadesnyc
Arlene is a fashion stylist, event planner, and advertising executive. Contact her at shadesnyc@yahoo.com for all your editorial, advertising, and album packaging needs.
Message Arlene Shadesnyc and tell her what you think
By Arlene Shadesnyc on 5/11/2006
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[31 comments]
The 2-Way
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posted by: SeeLaH on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
- Tell me which deodorant is best for NOT having the white underarm stains on a black dress…or if you have any tips for avoiding this, that would be great.
-good looks on the white shirt. Mine always get too small so I’m headed for the Gap.
- I don’t have a black pump (seriously). LOL
Keep up the good works. I’m learning…I’m learning!
posted by: MsBrg722 on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Girl you forgot the most ESSENTIAL wardrobe item. A FULL LENGTH MIRROR.
Many people simply need to start there. $5.99 is worth the investment.
posted by: The Big O on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Nice Arlene is juss a dream juss a dream!!!!!!!! You can dress your a#% off, I give you that.
I think you need to send this article to a bunch of women becasue they don’t know the basics. Without the black dress, the white shirt & the pumps a woman is not a woman (yes I said it).
posted by: SocialB77 on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Thanks for the tidbits Shades, keep ‘em coming. I have the pumps. several white button downs, recently gave away 2 wrap dresses & now asking myself WHY
posted by: Kimmie on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Thanks for the tips…wrap dress (check)
black pumps - you’ll be proud of this answer (check)…and how about three different pairs that vary in heel height…
you’d be so proud!
posted by: GoodieGoddess on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
I love you for this.
posted by: tarheelnny on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
GOOD ARTICLE and I’m at my computer now thinking…out of that list..i only have the good fitting bra…the rest…i don’t own..
let me ask you this…you really think the wrap dress looks good on everybody?
It looks HORRID on me b/c i have small boobies. I think it looks nice with like a b or c cup…but an A cup? ..it looks like someone caved in my chest with a bulldozer…
posted by: Madi on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Nice.
Shades - You should be doing columns for Vogue or something. For real.
Good look 770. I sees you!
posted by: bigitup on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
You read my mind, cause I am buying my mom a DVF wrap dress for Mother’s Day.
Tar, whatchu think about these wardrobe essentials?
Edit: Thanks Shades!
posted by: dimendaruff2 on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
love the wrap dress…
shades ur eyes 4 fashion r incredible!! 4 real!
posted by: tarheelnny on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE
Tar, whatchu think about these wardrobe essentials?
LOL, i know girl, right? but the last thing I need to do right now is be shopping…
it is a necessity eh? lol
ok ok…i can breakdown and get the above, but BIGITUP…i don’t know about those damn pearls though…….IF SO, it would have to be some type of rocker/punk type pearls that is mixed with other stones or silver beads…with some pearls thrown in the mix….not just a straight string of pearls….the str8 pearls are so contradicting to my personality.
posted by: shadesnyc on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE (tarheelnny @ May 11 2006, 09:27 AM)
GOOD ARTICLE and I’m at my computer now thinking…out of that list..i only have the good fitting bra…the rest…i don’t own..
let me ask you this…you really think the wrap dress looks good on everybody?
It looks HORRID on me b/c i have small boobies. I think it looks nice with like a b or c cup…but an A cup? ..it looks like someone caved in my chest with a bulldozer…
i have a friend who is shaped very similarly to you. wear a push up bra that adds some curves to ur top if you feel the need. you should be fine once thats done
posted by: SeeLaH on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
give thanks as always. Transforming a bum like myself is an arduous process…you’re doing a good job without even meeting me.
posted by: 770 on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Good job Shades…
Good Fitting Bra- Check
Black Pumps - check
White Button Up - check check
Black Dress- check check check
I think I’ve got all my bases covered on this one. I’m looking forward to the next installment
posted by: bigitup on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE (tarheelnny @ May 11 2006, 09:35 AM)
QUOTE
Tar, whatchu think about these wardrobe essentials?
LOL, i know girl, right? but the last thing I need to do right now is be shopping…
it is a necessity eh? lol
ok ok…i can breakdown and get the above, but BIGITUP…i don’t know about those damn pearls though…….IF SO, it would have to be some type of rocker/punk type pearls that is mixed with other stones or silver beads…with some pearls thrown in the mix….not just a straight string of pearls….the str8 pearls are so contradicting to my personality.
I don’t rock my pearls often, but you must own a string because they are sooo appropriate at times!
But first thing is that white shirt girl! And did you say something about black shoes too?
As for the wrap dress, get you some chicken cutlets or a paddie!
posted by: Sweet G on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
shades..great tips I have all the staples with the exception of a white shirt….now I need one from you Puhlease!!!
I bought this dress from marciano: http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a339/sweetgee/P5481717-CRSE-LF.jpg
and everytime i wear it..the dress rides up. very annoying. it has a slip sewn in the dress but yet it still rides and i am not comfortable in it. i must add i have a bit of a booty that may add to the problem.
how can i fix this? i only wore the dress twice because of this prob.
thanks in advance!!!
g
posted by: shadesnyc on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE (tarheelnny @ May 11 2006, 09:35 AM)
QUOTE
Tar, whatchu think about these wardrobe essentials?
LOL, i know girl, right? but the last thing I need to do right now is be shopping…
it is a necessity eh? lol
ok ok…i can breakdown and get the above, but BIGITUP…i don’t know about those damn pearls though…….IF SO, it would have to be some type of rocker/punk type pearls that is mixed with other stones or silver beads…with some pearls thrown in the mix….not just a straight string of pearls….the str8 pearls are so contradicting to my personality.
girl i have pearls that i wear with a thin sliver chain/cross charm
I’ve put pearls on a completely punked out outfit just to mess with peoples’ heads.
its all how u rock the pearls. you just need to change ur perception that its a stuffy accessory.
Madi - I’m working on it.
Seelah - slowly but surely
goodie, dime - thx and ur welcome
posted by: tarheelnny on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE
I don’t rock my pearls often, but you must own a string because they are sooo appropriate at times!
But first thing is that white shirt girl! And did you say something about black shoes too?
As for the wrap dress, get you some chicken cutlets or a paddie!
lol…yeah, I have plenty of button downs..from lavender to green, black, striped, etc…but NOT one WHITE BUTTON DOWN…haven’t owned one since I sang in the 6th grade chorus an in the jr. choir back at home in church…
I like short sleeved/capped white summer shirts…but a long sleeved one? oh lord…I feel like i’m in a str8 jacket…I’ll work on it…I’ll work on it. smh at myself….ya’ll don’t know how much this pains me to even think about purchasing one…I feel like i’m conforming to my mom’s golden rules….and her golden rules are not my golden rules…lol
posted by: shadesnyc on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE (Sweet G @ May 11 2006, 09:46 AM)
shades..great tips I have all the staples with the exception of a white shirt….now I need one from you Puhlease!!!
I bought this dress from marciano: http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a339/sweetgee/P5481717-CRSE-LF.jpg
and everytime i wear it..the dress rides up. very annoying. it has a slip sewn in the dress but yet it still rides and i am not comfortable in it. i must add i have a bit of a booty that may add to the problem.
how can i fix this? i only wore the dress twice because of this prob.
thanks in advance!!!
g
#1 i want that dress. i’m going on the website right now to buy this dress.
#2 riding up is a slight problem. i’ve worn double sided tape on my thighs to stop the riding up, but make sure that you aren’t going to be doing a lot of walking ( I did this in nyc, and it only worked until about 5 pm - once i was out and about, not so much )
posted by: SeeLaH on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE (shadesnyc @ May 11 2006, 09:47 AM)
QUOTE (tarheelnny @ May 11 2006, 09:35 AM)
QUOTE
Tar, whatchu think about these wardrobe essentials?
LOL, i know girl, right? but the last thing I need to do right now is be shopping…
it is a necessity eh? lol
ok ok…i can breakdown and get the above, but BIGITUP…i don’t know about those damn pearls though…….IF SO, it would have to be some type of rocker/punk type pearls that is mixed with other stones or silver beads…with some pearls thrown in the mix….not just a straight string of pearls….the str8 pearls are so contradicting to my personality.
girl i have pearls that i wear with a thin sliver chain/cross charm
I’ve put pearls on a completely punked out outfit just to mess with peoples’ heads.
its all how u rock the pearls. you just need to change ur perception that its a stuffy accessory.
Madi - I’m working on it.
Seelah - slowly but surely
goodie, dime - thx and ur welcome
check the comments I posted on that joint. You can’t leave me hanging…
the hair is getting under control. pearls? now you killin the kid. I’m going back to Intimacy asap to check that bra size (gotta save dough for that $75 bra - but damn if it doesn’t fit perfect like a glove).
about the pumps…I’m not a huge fan of high heels…and everytime I see pumps, they got like a 10″ heel. What’s a good sized heel to get?
posted by: bigitup on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Ooohwee consider that Marciano dress taxed by me as well! Thanks Sweet G.
Edit: But I can’t find it.
posted by: brooklynchicalette2 on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Fabu ladies…
QUOTE
Good Fitting Bra- Check
Black Pumps - check
White Button Up - check check
Black Dress- check check check
I also added some choco brown pumps and black slings for that *from work to dinner* look..
pearls- throwing them on with a tshirt and jeans is the hottest thing..
Shades- tres belle–
posted by: shadesnyc on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
for seelah:
degree has a pretty decent deoderant that tends not to show on black clothing. I’m not a fan of the gel deoderants, they just don’t seem to do the same job. But here’s a tip that i’ve picked up to remove the white stains if they show up - take pantyhose and rub it over the spot. it will go away.
i’m not going to tell u to wear 4 inch stilettos if you aren’t used to it - you’ll look like ur feet hurt walking down the street. if you’re used to wearing 2.5 - 3 inch heels, then thats what u wear. darn near every shoe company has black pumps in different heights.
posted by: tarheelnny on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
i would like the Marciano dress IF it didn’t have that buckle…that buckle cheapens the dress to me.
SEELAH…they are trying to get the former tomboy in pearls…lol
posted by: Sweet G on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
Thanks for the tip Shades! I will try the double tape next time I wear it…..G
posted by: SeeLaH on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
QUOTE (shadesnyc @ May 11 2006, 10:02 AM)
for seelah:
degree has a pretty decent deoderant that tends not to show on black clothing. I’m not a fan of the gel deoderants, they just don’t seem to do the same job. But here’s a tip that i’ve picked up to remove the white stains if they show up - take pantyhose and rub it over the spot. it will go away.
i’m not going to tell u to wear 4 inch stilettos if you aren’t used to it - you’ll look like ur feet hurt walking down the street. if you’re used to wearing 2.5 - 3 inch heels, then thats what u wear. darn near every shoe company has black pumps in different heights.
so degree does work! ok…but I’ma try the pantyhose thing. I like that one!
2.5 - 3 inches sounds like a winner. I’ll look for those!
tar… you can surely rock them better than I can. I don’t think I’m ready for pearls yet!
slow and steady wins the race. Let’s have a party when I truly become a lady!
posted by: HOTFIYAH on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
I own three Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, which I thought was over kill — now I know I am on to something.
posted by: naa ardua on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
great article, i have 3 out of 4 in my wardrobe, have to work on the bra. you forgot to mention a good fitting pair of jeans, not too tight not too loose. who can live without at least one in their wardrobe. when are you going to write a manual???
posted by: Juliette on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
I am a fashion stylist/journalist and would like to know how I can become part of your crusade ?
posted by: kyle on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
I have a dress that has beading on the bottom lower of it & around the top which includes under the arms. I have a problem, the beads rub against under my arms & make them very raw & uncomfortable. Does anyone have any tips or ideas to prevent this? Thanks so much!
posted by: sesso on 05/11/2006 at 9:02 am
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