GTG's Staple Items

Ladies--welcome back!

Every day that I have to get up and get dressed, I whine about the same thing: "I have nothing to wear," even though my closet is full of clothes.

Do this sound like you, too?

If so, it's probably because we are having a major wardrobe dysfunction. We don't have the basic staple items that our wardrobe should have. Staple items are classic items that never go out of style.

You're probably asking yourself: "What can you possibly buy that will never go out of style?"

Well read on to find out what classic items you need to have in your closet year round that will give your wardrobe a serious boost and keep you from ever thinking you have nothing to wear.
Earlier this year, I decided to I'd hold off on any "trendy shopping," because I wanted to create the perfect wardrobe by incorporating staple items of high quality into my closet. Chances are you might already own some of these items or at least read about them. I've also put my own spin on some of these classic items because I personally don't rock kitten heels and some other looks that are really out dated.

Articles of Clothing:

The black business suit: Every woman should own a  classic black suit that's perfectly tailored to fit your body (and yes, it can be a pant suit or a skirt suit.) The suit should fit you well, but by no means should it be sexy or too form fitting because it's a professional look. Remember that this is the outfit you will wear on the interview when you land your dream job and in that very important meeting that will get you a promotion and a raise. What's even better is that when you break the suit apart--you get an additional two staple items: the black blazer, which you can wear with jeans or a dress and the pencil skirt or the black pants--both of which are very important to own. Make sure that regardless of the suit that you buy that you also purchase the pencil skirt or the pair of black pants. The suit is exemplary of how having it in your closet can help you achieve a minimum of 3 looks.

The white blouse: You can do so much with a white blouse, despite it's bad rep for being too boring or too manly. The white blouse can be worn under your business suit or with jeans on the weekends. Trust me when I say it can easily become your most basic item. Also buy a few basic tees or tank tops in white, black and gray because they too are essential. And don't forget to take good care of your white blouse by having  it dry cleaned and avoiding any perfume gets on it to keep it from turning yellow.

The Little Black Dress or LBD: This is the ultimate staple item! And dare I say it? Please keep more than one in your closet. We all have different body shapes and we also have parts of our bodies that we like to show off, so make sure your LBD highlights your best body parts.

A flattering pair of jeans- Jeans are the epitome of versatility. There are also many trends in jeans that come and go; for those trends I say buy a pair at Forever 21, but I believe we should all own a nice pair of designer jeans in a dark blue wash and in a flared style because it's one of the few things that never go out of style.

The cardigan sweater: A great investment that is always comfortable and wearable even on hot summer days; also, great for the office to wear with your black slacks or on the weekend. If you feel like donning on something a little more posh, you can also try a cardigan sweater in  cashmere, or a just a plain cashmere sweater.  

The A-line skirt: is probably the only article of clothing that is flattering to every woman's figure, so why not keep one in your closet for those days when nothing seems to look good-this skirt definitely will. I also happen to love pencil skirts, which is flattering to a lot of body shapes.

The trench coat- is about as iconic as the LBD. Even though, it appears as a heavy article of clothing; it's actually very light and was invented as an alternative to heavier cold weather gear. A great trench coat can be worn in cold or rainy weather to the office or over a dress at night time.  Invest in a neutral colored one that can be worn with a belt to cinch you at the waist.

Accessories:

• A great fitting bra in at least three colors: black, nude and one in a wild print or color
• A pair of black heels; usually I always read about kitten heels, but I don't do kitten heels, so I say you own a nice pair of black pumps or a pair of black peep toe platforms (the higher the better because height can never go out of style.)
• A classic handbag in a neutral color that is big enough to serve the purpose of a briefcase without having to have a briefcase. I believe for work you sould either carry a handbag or a briefcase--not both.
• A pair of red flats to add some color to any of the aforementioned items.
• A scarf, preferably in an animal print such as leopard because every woman should own something sexy and wild.
• A pair of diamond stud earrings- diamonds are the one thing you don't need a special occasion to wear. (Cubic zirconias will do, until you can afford real diamonds.)
• A strand of pearl necklace--pearls define a lady and can be worn with anything on this list.

And there you have it-- a list of all the things every girl should own. If there's something you think is a staple item that didn't make it please let me know-- I love to hear back from all my readers.

One more note- these are all the items that you should invest money on because they will last you over 10 years. I'm sure you can buy the same items on sale or of lesser quality, but wear and tear will make them expire sooner than you'd hope for.

And remember to wear any and all of these items with confidence; it's the most important item to own all year round.

" Fashion is always of the time in which you live. It is not something standing alone. But the grand problem, the most important problem, is to rejeuvenate women. To make women look young." Coco Chanel

Spring Trends 2011 Alert

So it's that time of the year again when flowers are blossoming and birds are chirping away, and we finally get to don our cute spring sandals. (Ladies-- please don't forget to get your feet done before stepping into your new footwear.)

There are so many amazing trends going on this seson that honestly it feels as though you'd have to buy an entire new wardrobe in order to look "fashionable"--but I'm here to tell you that with some older pieces that you might have in your closet from last season and some new accessories you will be ready and in style for this spring.

I'm also including some of my favorite trends for the season. Hope you enjoy it! And don't forget to stay tuned for more blogs coming this month and the cable television debut of yours truly!

Oldies that are still around this season:

The Maxi Dress-- has been around for the past two seasons and continues to dominate the everyday runways for its simplicity and versatility.  It's easy to wear and also easy to dress up for day or night.

If you don't already own one, and you want to invest in one, purchase one with stripes or floral prints or one in an electrifying color, as this spring it's all about pops of colors. If you want something completely new: go for a maxi skirt--it's this season's update on the maxi dress.

The Jumpsuit--this is a staple item that comes and goes, but I'd personally go as far as labeling it a classic. Invest in one that is a simple cut and style and that's made of quality material, and keep it in your closet because you will use it for years to come.

The Wedge: This is another staple item that I think every woman should own for it's timelessness and simplicity. I always advise all my gal pals to buy a new pair every spring because you can essentially wear it with just about anything in your closet during the spring and summer seasons. This year nude color is still a huge trend, so make sure you buy this year's wedges in this shade. And remember, the color nude will always make your legs appear longer and slimmer than they truly are when you're wearing shorts, skirts or dresses. Fabulous! An update on this trend is the "flatform"," which is a hybrid of a flat and a platform. It's not very cute and definitely not for me, but some girls are more about comfort than looks, so if that's you the flatform is the perfect shoe for you.

The Satchel is the perfect handbag to go from working in the day to playing at night. We are seeing so much pops of color everywhere and if color intimidates you, buying a handbag in a bright orange or yellow is the perfect way to stay on top with this trend.

2011 Trends:

• Bright colors/ pops of color: This is such a great trend for Miami because in the Magic City we have always been about loud colors, even when such a thing is not in season. And I know not everyone feels comfortable in colors, which is why you can inject color to your wardrobe in forms of handbags, shoes and jewelry.
• Stripes- vertical stripes or horizontal stripes are very much "in" this season. And ladies, don't fear stripes; when worn properly stripes can actually make you look good. For example wear a horizontal striped top with a pair of white trousers or jeans or pair vertically striped pants or skirts with a solid top for a taller appearance. Proceed cautiously with horizontal stripes in a dress because that can actually make you appear wider than you really are.
• Whites- is the red hot color of the season. The only thing you really need to look great in white is a tan, so dress in this color from head to toe for a simple, chic and effortless look every time. Also, look for items that have details such as crochet or embroidery.
• Longer hems-made a debut last fall and remained on designers' runways for the spring/summer seasons. Longer hems are breezy and figure flattering to every body shape.
• '70s' Boho Chic- simply means peasant tops and wide leg pants, and I couldn't be anymore ecstatic. I think wide leg jeans are very flaterring to just about any body type. If you're not totally sold on rocking a complete look, alternate between tops or jeans and add a floppy hat for that perfect '70s feel.
•  Jewelry-Go with jewelry in golds, rosegolds, beads, textures or colors. Gold is a huge trend and you will see a lot of handbags and shoes with gold accented hardware.Wear statement necklaces and rings. Pile on bracelets on both of your arms! Rock big earrings with feathers or stones. Whatever you choose --make it your own. I personally would not over do it, but if you want to over do it then go for it.

Lastly, the biggest trend that never goes out of style is confidence. My job is to bring you the latest in fashion, beauty and anything else, but it's your confidence that will make you look sensational year round.

"The finest clothing made is a person's skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this." -Mark Twain