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Must-Haves for Modern Classics

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

In a piece originally aired in 2009, "For fall/winter, Jose Parron, director of The Image Studio at Barneys New York, suggests the following wardrobe classics. They will help anchor your look and always be in style."

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-50.....ontentBody

The piece was a mini-fashion show featuring 5 looks. I enjoyed reading through the lists (exorbitant prices aside) more than seeing the actual outfits, but I thought the lists were interesting and valuable for a modern classic gal. (I liked the idea of the individual pieces, but the outfits as shown didn't really light my fire.)

Fellow Modern Classics, what do you think of the lists? It's all in fun, of course, but I'm a list person...it often helps me focus when shopping, so I'm all over "must-have" lists!

CLOTHES
* camel 3/4" length coat
* peacoat
* white blouse
* dark wash denim
* A-line skirt
* LBD
* pantsuit
* full leg trousers

ACCESSORIES
* black patent leather handbag
* animal print handbag
* gold jewelry
* pearls
* scarf
* knee boots
* metallic pump
* oxfords

Worth clicking on the link to read the thought process behind including the various articles of clothing and accessories. I thought it was a fun read!

16 replies

Latest reply was from lyn*

Kappy

Veteran

That was interesting. Do you have most of these pieces?

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

I have about 50% I think...for example I have a couple of button down tops but no white button down (and there have been quite a few times recently where I would have looooved to have one). I have a black dress, but I don't think it has LBD versatility, so I'd like to replace it. I have one a-line skirt and would love to have a few more. For some reason, I want a suit, but it's pretty low on the priority scale due to my MOTG life-style.

HAVE:
* dark wash denim
* A-line skirt
* LBD
* animal print handbag
* gold jewelry
* pearls
* scarf
* knee boots
* oxfords

NEED/REPLACE:
* camel 3/4" length coat (Might make this midi-length instead)
* peacoat (have my eye on one!)
* white blouse (desperate!)
* pantsuit (frivolous want)
* black patent leather handbag (love the one they showed, might substitute Trouve metallic handbag - Angie's pic - as it has the same structure) and added benefit of texture and visual interest in the metallic
* metallic pump (would loooove some versatile metallic pumps)

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I really liked this! I am probably on the edge of classic, but this made me want to go out and shop for the perfect navy trouser.

I don't agree about the camel coat, but I understand why it's there. I think maybe a red coat could be classic for some of us..I know my fine cherry red wool coat will be with me for a long time...

There is something to be said for treating yourself to a very fine item of clothing. And the more classic/basic it is, the more you'll be able to wear and enjoy it. This totally makes sense and resonates with me...makes me want to do a closet purge and get rid of all the clutter and stuff that isn't good quality and doesn't make me happy to wear. The thing that stops me is the fear of not having the variety when putting together an outfit...but having too much can make dressing more confusing. And ultimately having these "clutter" items also clutters my style - they just don't feel like me.

Off to purge my closet. Thanks for the inspiration!

bj1111

Veteran

as a modern classic with an edge, i tend to take these lists with a grain of salt and prefer to distill the essence of each item so i can find the right one to work with my height, weight, body type, coloring and style preference. for example,i wouldn't be caught dead in a camel 3/4 length coat. but the bones of e advice...a well cut. well fitting coat in a modern but not trendy silhouette in a flattering color...i will use to get a knee length charcoal or red coat with. silhouette similar to what celine and stella mcartney ahve been showing.

this blogger takes these "must haves" and suggests alternatives to adapt to your closet. here's one for the lbd.

http://theviviennefiles.blogsp.....dress.html

she has others on the black skirt and white blouse.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's a great list! Jenava's and bj's comments also really resonated with me.

I'd have probably replaced A-line skirt with pencil, and left camel out entirely. Also, I'd have replaced peacoat with trench coat.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I like to think I have a fairly versatile wardrobe and I don't own many of the accessories on this list. Black patent leather and animal print handbag? No, thank you. Black ponyhair and an Orla Kiely print handbag? Oh yes. As for metallic pumps and oxfords... let's just say neither has *ever* been in my closet. I suppose I have analogues, though. Do subtly funky vintage Italian pumps and cowboy boots count...?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think camel looks terrible on me; I may replace this with grey

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

IK, pony hair is animal print

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

ironkurtin, are you Modern Classic?

lyn* - perhaps you haven't found the right shade of camel? I think the general idea of the camel coat suggestion is to just not fall back on black for winter outerwear. I ended up with a dark gray coat which I love (TJ Maxx score) but I try to brighten it up with a teal cowl scarf and a camel beret. I don't take lists like this as rigid check-lists though...just shopping inspiration.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I think I'm probably a modern classic who doesn't want to admit to being modern classic.

I always thought IK was an edgy rocker more like annagybe, not modern classic! Maybe it's the sunglasses! Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen IK post a WIW! IK, wanna help us out?

I'm with lyn, I think camel is kinda tough for Asians. Maybe too close to our skin tone? I really want to replace my old camel coat that wore out but I'm not having great luck so far.

Oh and PS, anyone else bugged by the pants length on outfit #3?

Kari

Veteran

Interesting link! Let's see, in terms of the "essentials", here's what my closet looks like:

CLOTHES
* camel 3/4" length coat - Do not have, and I don't like camel on myself. My substitute is a mossy green hooded trench coat.
* peacoat - I have a black double breasted pea coat but it's currently a little too small, and not so versatile given my penchant for dresses/skirt and my large bust. My substitute is a forest green single breasted mid-thigh coat.
* white blouse - Check.
* dark wash denim - Check.
* A-line skirt - Substitute pencil skirt instead
* LBD - I have a faux-wrap LBD but it doesn't get a ton of wear. I guess I'm more a "little patterned dress" girl instead.
* pantsuit - Don't have, don't need. When I need a suit I wear a black blazer and pencil skirt.
* full leg trousers - Don't have, don't need. Trousers don't like my body and the feeling is pretty much mutual.

ACCESSORIES
* black patent leather handbag - Don't have, don't plan to buy. I do have a chocolate brown patent leather handbag, though.
* animal print handbag - Don't have, don't plan to buy. I wear a lot of patterns in my dresses and tops, so a solid handbag is more versatile.
* gold jewelry - I play on Team Silver.
* pearls - Check!
* scarf - Check (+30)
* knee boots - Check
* metallic pump - Don't have, but I'd love to find a pair of mid-heeled metallic pumps. I haven't really found the right one. I do have a pair of bronze booties that I wear under jeans, and dark pewter heeled oxfords.
* oxfords - Check: see above, and I also have a pair of flat two-toned oxfords, but I sometimes puzzle over how to wear them.

I like a lot of the ideas in the post even though not all of them jibe 100% with my style. I'm also feeling my style evolution really move more towards the "modern" end of the modern classic spectrum than it's been in the last few years.

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

gp - camel can be tough for caucasians, too! I am not putting this at the top of my wish list, but I will keep "not black!" in mind if I pick up another wool coat. As someone said earlier, you always need to take these lists with a grain of sand...too specific, and they are a turn-off, too generic and they are unhelpful. (i.e. you need a coat, pants, a top, etc)

I can't wait to see what you find to replace your old camel coat - I've been loving some of your picks lately - especially the cognac leather jacket!!! *drool*

kari - I just loved the black patent handbag they showed, but what really appealed was the shape, very similar to the Angie pick at the 1/2 yearly sale going on now at Nordstrom's. I find black handbags problematic with my current small wardrobe as I tend to use the handbag as my focal point of interest (i.e. pop of color). I am currently enjoying a pumpkin/cognac color handbag with all the blacks and grays I've been wearing lately.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Kari, I was also thinking metallic pumps would be a good addition to my wardrobe. (-: That and red suede booties!

ironkurtin

Veteran

Solid black ponyhair is animal print? Who knew.

Anonymous

I love these lists, too, although I'm convinced they are written by (and for) women who live in Manhatten, have high powered jobs and enjoy glamorous night lives.

BTW, I was in shopping all weekend and looked at a few white button front shirts. Banana Republic had the best fitting one that I tried on. I was at their outlet store and I don't remember the price, but it was something like 40% off $39.99. Even thought this shirt is on every list, I had a hard time coming up with an actual outfit with it and the items in my closet. If I had a suit, or a job, for that matter, it would be a no-brainer.

I have half a mind to come up with my own modern classic essentials list for the suburban MOTG....hmmmm.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I tried a bunch of camel today before finally going with my grey. I have a purple winter coat and a black one and a brown puffer.

There was a really cute one with apple print! LOL.