I posted a WIW recently comprised of a lot of my "5-star items" from my closet.
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....s-together

Then I started to wonder, what does that mean exactly? What makes a piece a 5-star? Are they style statements, wardrobe workhorses, or perhaps both? To me, statement pieces are memorable with interesting/unique details and really elevate your outfit and make it stylish no matter how plain the rest of your items are. Whereas wardrobe workhorses are versatile, often simple and/or neutral, and you wear them often. But both types should fit well, flatter and make you feel fab.

So I thought this would be a fun exercise. I made a list of my favorite 5-star items in each category, and tried to think about which of them are statement pieces vs. workhorses. Here is what I came up with! Pic heavy because I thought it would be fun to show you visually what I am talking about! (Plus it's kind of like a bonus "best of GP WIW" album!)

But I have to admit, the distinction is getting a bit blurred, because a lot of my statement pieces are becoming workhorses since I love and wear them so often! And my workhorse pieces are not exactly plain basics--I love color, pattern and unique details, so they are often statement pieces too!

What do you think? Do you see the difference in these pieces I listed, or am I splitting hairs? What are the 5-star items in your closet, and are they statements or workhorses or both? (Would love to see your pics too!)

Style statements vs. wardrobe workhorses:
Coat: 1-2) Anthro red corset trench vs. 3&11) Kate Spade black ruffle trench
Jacket: 4) WHBM ink blue jacket and 5) Tahari black leather jacket vs. 6/9/15) Halogen black plaid zip peacoat and 7-8)Lafayette 148 cognac leather jacket
Skirt: 8/12) Anthro tile skirt in orange/yellow and 9)Tory Burch honeycomb skirt in cobalt/rust vs. 10) Anthro Liquid Acres pencil skirt and 7/11) Lafayette 148 tweed skirt with leather band
Blouse: 11)Hinge mustard paisley pussy bow blouse vs. 12) Anne Fontaine white button down shirt with double collar
Dress: 13) Classiques Entier ombre panel dress vs. 14) Banana Republic wrap dress
Jeans: 15) Anthro AG garnet snakeskin skinny jeans vs. 2/16/27) Gap Always Skinny jeans
Suit: 17-18) WHBM polka dot suit vs. 19-20) Classiques Entier lace suit
Belt: 21) Linea Pelle braided medallion belt vs. 22-23) Nordstrom obi belts in cognac and black
Shoes: 24) B Makowsky Heist leopard pumps and 25) Chie Mihara rust suede sandals and 26) All Black Fish Bow Pumps vs. 20) Clark red T-strap pumps and 27-28) Converse All Stars in yellow and red
Boots: 29) Aquatalia Vavoom rain boots vs. 3/5/6/15/19/23/30) Frye Melissa black lace-up boots (whew, those Fryes are getting quite a workout!)
Purses: 31) Kate Spade orange slice straw bag and 13/17) Fossil chevron stripe bag vs. 3/5/6/19) Kate Spade grey croc tote and 20) Fossil red executive tote and 10/16/32) Fossil velvet floral satchel