A Passion for Fashion

Here's to Friday! Yay! And it's snowy and my weekend will consist of sewing and papier mache. Anyway, today I thought I would write a little bit about fashion. Quel Suprise. But before that, here's an interesting tip. Years ago I read, in some magazine, that in order to avoid your sleeves from getting wet while washing your face or doing dishes or doing something involving your hands getting wet (milking a cow? surgery?) one should wear wrist sweat bands. It was a good idea but I had no wrist sweat bands. The other day I was deconstructing a turtleneck (another post, stay tuned) and cut off the cuffs. These are perfect to use to avoid the dreaded wet sleeve effect. So, have an old shirt with stretchy fitted cuffs? Cut em off and use them. Simple. Awesome.

Back to fashion. I have a really hard time with people looking schleppy. Unless that is the look you are going for, enjoy that you rebel....but please, at least wear clean clothes. It's so simple to look put together regardless of your size, how busy you are, your financial constraints, etc. All you need are a few basics and you're looking fresh and put together. H & M is perfect for basics and the price is right. If you are lucky and live in a place that has Target or Old Navy, I hate you, but these places are great too. This is my list of must have basics:

coloured fitted Tees (I tend to go for V-necks as they suit my fat neck better)
2 pairs of jeans (darker jeans are more flattering and can be dressed up. Look for a cut that flatters you. Google "Body Types" and see what the pro's say)
A-Line knee length jersey skirts (A-Line pretty much suits everyone. I have one in black and brown that match everything and can be worn in the winter and summer)
cardigans/sweaters- wrap around, button up, knee length, open, scoop neck (I like to have a few types as they change up my outfits)
Trousers in black (I have only two pairs that currently fit me well. They are great for work or nights out)
Button up shirts (These are generally for work. If you can't iron, skip this basic and look for wrinkle free blouses or flowy tops)
Pashminas (the fake ones are cheap and come in beautiful rich colours. I have about 10 different ones that I wear often. They can be worn in so many ways and instantly add a little glamour to a basic look.)
The dress (that one versatile black dress that feels great and looks great. I bought mine 8 years ago for 10 dollars. It is stretchy and the material has tiny specks of sparkle. It is knee length and sleeveless with a v-neck. I wear it all the time. It is perfect matched with a cardigan and ballerinas for work, or on its own with bling bling accessories and heels.)

That's pretty much my basic must-have list. I have more and more in my closet because I have a hard time throwing stuff away. But if you stick to versatile basics you can't go wrong. Colour is an important factor too. Which colour suits you? Or suits your lifestyle? My mother says burgundy is my best colour. I have some burgundy but I'm not such a fan of it. Instead my colour is black. I have always loved black and I feel good in black. In the summer I wear a lot of white but also black. Gotta love the black. Choose a colour that you feel comfortable in but is also easily matched to other pieces in your wardrobe. Neon pink? No. Just no.

Fabric is key to feeling comfortable. Stretchy fabrics are great! I love my clothes to have a bit of stretch in them. I like heavier fabrics in the winter. They tend to hang better and they add texture to an outfit. Cotton is great for the summer but once again, you most likely will have to iron so if you don't have time, stay away. Wearing the same clothes over and over is not a crime, just mix it up with accessories and different colours. If you find a top or blouse that you adore, buy a couple more in different colours.

For me, basics are a neccessity. They don't have to cost much and they can be mixed and matched in dozens of different ways. Now I am finished with my sermon. Time for me to focus on that thing I have.. whatsitcalled.. oh, right, my job.

Happy Friday!