Wardrobe essentials are indispensable staples, without which your wardrobe would not function. Not to be confused with wardrobe basics, which include underpants, bras, camisoles, socks, sleepwear, loungewear, hosiery and thermals. 

The characteristics of wardrobe essentials:

• They can be clothing items, footwear or accessories. 
• They are usually versatile, simple in design and current.
• They are often wardrobe workhorses.
• They are NOT statement pieces, but rather complement a statement piece to create a pulled together look. 
• They are PERSONAL. What is an essential for one person is not to another. 
• They are not the most interesting part of the outfit, but often an important ingredient. Think of them as the foundation of an outfit, or the glue that makes the other pieces come together to create a cohesive whole. 
• They make the rest of your closet a lot more wearable.  

Your personalized list of wardrobe essentials can change over time as you accommodate your evolving style preferences. One of my style goals for 2016 is to pare down my list of wardrobe essentials (the process happened quite organically last year). I’ve removed blazers, moto jackets, trench coats, tall riding boots, and button-down shirts. I absolutely still love to wear those items, but not as often as I used to which makes them, well, less essential. I wear a large assortment of coats and jackets, and not just the classics. I’m wearing soft pretty blouses more than my button-down shirts, and short booties a lot more frequently than tall boots. 

This is my current list of wardrobe essentials with the exact pieces represented in a collection: 

1. Black Turtlenecks:  Few items make me feel as fab as a fine gauge black turtleneck because the silhouette works well for my very long neck, regular size bust, and narrow shoulder line. They keep me warm, polished, and layer well under jackets and shirts. They work with almost all my bottoms, and Greg loves them too. I have duplicates in the same style.

2. Trendy Jeans: I frequently wear jeans, and have as many white pairs as blue. The style of my essential jeans changes with the trends, which is a practical way to evolve my style. Last year I updated my jeans capsule and bought essentials and statement jeans. For this leg of my style journey, my essential jeans are white boyfriend jeans and cropped blue jeans across various washes and hem widths. 

3. Dressy Black Trousers: I updated my dressy black trousers last year. They’re extremely handy to have in my closet because they are my go-to dressy trousers for all sorts of evenings out. They are Modern Retro, which is in line with my current style preferences, and they can be dressed up or down. 

4. Denim Jackets: I brought one of my fitted denim jackets out of the holding zone and wear it when I don’t want to wear the roomy mixed media version. I wear them a lot in Summer, and I enjoy sporting the denim on denim trend. 

5. Flat White Footwear: I love wearing white footwear because it bookends my light blonde hair. It also makes my outfits look crisp and modern. My go-to footwear for Spring and Summer are flat white booties, loafers and ankle strap flats. In Autumn & Winter, I tend to wear a larger assortment of statement booties across all sorts of neutrals and animal print. 

6. Oversized Watches: My oversized watches are like a bracelet. I interchange between four styles daily. I’d like to get another gold watch this year. 

If you haven’t already done so, consider compiling a list of wardrobe essentials. Some people can work completely from intuition, but for most the structure is a big help when it comes to building an effective wardrobe. When clients call me for an outfit creation session because they’re battling to create outfits, it’s often a case of missing or dated wardrobe essentials.  More wardrobe essentials usually means fewer wardrobe orphans. They might not be the most exciting items to shop for, but they transform items into outfits. Do keep them current and don’t feel bad about spending a significant portion of your fashion budget on them.

Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum was suggested to me after my post about tips to combat dry skin. Since I find vitamin C serum a little harsh (it burns and makes my skin flake), I thought I’d try this instead. Bonus that it’s also half the price of the serum that I’ve used in the past. 

I’ve been using it twice a day and it’s GREAT. It makes my skin feel more hydrated, moist and soft. It also makes my skin look shiny or “dewy”, which I much prefer to a matte skin. It’s super for sensitive skin because it does not burn. All you need is a few drops twice a day (or once a day if you have “normal” skin), and you’ll begin to see and feel the results in a fortnight.

The sales stock is clearing and making room for fresh transitional merchandise. As a lover of Spring and Summer fashion, it’s WONDERFUL to see Spring colours and crisp fabrications back on the shop floor. I have missed them. I was most impressed with Ann Taylor’s new collection and Rebecca Taylor’s jackets this week, which is reflected in the roundup below. Be sure to browse through all the colour options.

• Caslon French Terry Cowl Neck Dress (Regular & Petite): Comfy for an extra casual look as is with slip-on sneakers, or layer over leggings and skinnies. Fabulous side entry pockets.
• French Connection Grid Print Long Sleeve Dress: An interesting execution of the windowpane pattern. I love the diagonal lines and high-low hemline. Fabulous over cropped skinnies with high-shaft booties.
• Vince Camuto 'Floral Countours' Jersey Dress: A sleeved dress for Team Tall. Fitted but not clingy. Runs big.
• Banana Republic Belted Wrap Coat: A belted wrap coat looks fresh amidst a sea of oversized coats. Runs big so size down.
• Banana Republic Resin Wash Crop Flare: Cropped jeans that work well on both a straighter and curvier lower half. Order the petite for a more cropped length, but remember that the rises are shorter on petite bottoms. Excellent with high-shaft booties, high-vamped shoes, and ankle strap footwear. Size down a size.
• Boden Tamara Top: Vertically striped blouses are unique, and the palette on this one even more so. Might run a size small.
• Ann Taylor Diagonal Stripe Sweater: I LOVE the lopsided stripes on this pullover because they look different. It's a lovely soft piece with a fluid fit. The neckline is more boat than crew. The version in the warm shade of lipstick pink looks even fresher to my eye.
• Ann Taylor Denim Shirtdress: It's great to see a Spring shirtdress with fabric substance, length and sleeves. It's stretchy, but you ARE wearing denim which makes it less soft than I had hoped it would be. It would also look great layered over a turtleneck '70s style. Nice with cognac boots. Runs big.
• Boden Abbey Bag: All the colour options in this style of bag are nice. The oversized tassels are glorious and the short shoulder strap is comfortable.
• Boden Colourblock Skirt: The skirt comes in three colour options, and has a matching shell top to create a two-piece dress. The peek-a-boo vent in a contrasting colour is eye-catching. Might run a size small.
• Ann Taylor Shrunken Mock Neck Sweater: One of the best cropped items of knitwear I've seen. Very soft and comfortable. Excellent on a smaller bust and longer neck. It's smashing with a skirt or high-waisted pants, and the elbow-length sleeves are heavenly. Might run a size small.
• Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Cluster Necklace: A cluster of costume pearls is quite the statement piece.
• Love & Harmony Sweater: A good piece for a broad shoulder line, regular to large bust and short waist.
• Topshop 'Jolene' Pump (Women): Pretty ankle strap fabness with a manageable two inch heel. Excellent with black or dark ankle pants Moderately comfortable.
• Zara Blazer With Back Pleat: Trapeze jackets with a '60s flair are trending and this one is a fine version. Nice back pleat detailing.
• Fabric Mix Cardigan: An unusual mixed media peplum cardigan in a soft grey and cream. Delicate and pretty.
• Aquatalia by Marvin K. 'Freida' Waterproof Cutout Bootie (Women): Extremely comfortable cut-out booties for Spring. Fits a narrow ankle and low to regular volume foot. The tan option is nice too.
• BCBGMAXAZRIA Sherwin Zipper Ribbed Poncho: Sweater Cape Fabness.
• BCBGMAXAZRIA Emerson Cape: Wearing a moto cape with modern classics such as a sheath dress adds a punchy effect. Wear it over trendy asymmetrical hemlines to create an interesting assortment of lines. Might run a size big.
• MATISSE 'Caty' Western Pointy Toe Bootie (Women): A refined cowboy bootie with an extra high shaft that fits a narrow ankle and lower leg. The top of the shaft can dig into your shin though (it dug into my shin). Good with cropped pants. Your feet do look longer, so consider yourself warned.
• ECI Stripe Ottoman Knit Sheath Dress: An atypical sheath with sleeves to wear to the office. Fitted but not clingy. Top with a moto cape.
• Banana Republic Ruffle Pullover Sweater: A ruffled sweater for Team Narrow Shoulders.
• Banana Republic BR Monogram Peach Cocoon Coat: A peach cocoon coat to wear over chunky knitwear. Runs big.
• Boden Beatrice Knitted Dress: A fit-and-flare sweater frock in a vertical stripe looks gorgeously retro. Best on a curvy figure with a defined waist. Comes in neutrals.
• Zara Block Heel Leather Ankle Boots: Sleek white boots to wear with cropped pants create a crisp, modern '60s vibe. Surprisingly comfortable. The white has a subtle pearlized finish. Soft leather does not dig into the skin. Great fit on narrow ankles. LOVE the rounded square toe and stable cognac block heel. Extra long shaft.
• BCBGMAXAZRIA Twill Fit & Flare Shirtdress: A shirtdress with asymmetrical hemline and tab sleeves. Might run a size big.
• Ann Taylor Banded Sleeve Topper: The photo of the coat does not do it justice. Lovely quality in a vibrant colour and trendy silhouette. It looks great worn open too. Lovely back tab detailing and subtle cocoon shape.
• Maeve Lila Tiered Tunic: A flirty blouse that works well for a curvy or straight figure. The tiers are adorable and different. Runs big. Read the rave reviews.
• Ann Taylor Cropped Trench: A cropped trench coat to wear as a jacket indoors at the office or with jeans. Looks as good over a dress.
• Ann Taylor Refined Mock Neck Sweater: A machine washable trendy take on turtlenecks. Drapes like a dream over jeans and trousers. Easy elegance. The neckline is particularly high so consider yourself warned.
• Rebecca Taylor Zip Front Tweed Jacket: A fitted Chanel-esque jacket is a rare find, but this one fits the bill. Best on a short neck.
• Rebecca Taylor Pickstitch Jacket: The best knitted moto jacket of them all. It's extremely soft, substantial and well made. Gorgeously textured. It's fitted, and works well over a larger bust. My size 12/14 client looked sensational in hers.
• Rebecca Taylor Zip Detail Jacket: Super cute for a business casual office. Crisp and beautifully made. Nice with trousers, skirts and dresses. Best on a curvy body type.

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

A new outfit from Nikki Brooks-Revis of Beaute’ J’Adore, whom we introduced to YLF in March 2014.

The faded denim flares, pussy bow blouse and oversized sunnies give this look its fab retro vibe. While the clean lines of the on trend gilet, and the striking ink, white and red colour combination make it very now. Tucking the crisp white blouse into the jeans and pairing the bottoms with pointy toe heels creates a long leg line. The dressy silk-lined gilet — our talented blogger made it herself — adds elegant flair. Nikki’s accessories, one red and one gold cuff, a bright red textured clutch and matching lipstick, are the perfect impactful finishing touches.