Back to Basics: Layering Favorites

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Layering articles of clothing is not only practical but stylish. The art of layering will create insulation to keep you warm but will also lay the foundation for a very versatile wardrobe.

Start with your favorite basics. When shopping for basics, buy for comfort and quality. This will ensure getting the most wear out of the article of clothing. Then… buy in quantity. If you love a particular piece – purchase in different colors, patterns or styles.

For instance,  H&M tanks and camis are great – they are cheap, come in an array of colors/patterns and are made long in length. It is quite difficult to find a good tank, long enough to cover the bum when wearing leggings or tights. These tanks will also layer beautifully under just about anything, without any added bulk.

Old Navy is another great place to find layering basics. I love the light-weight v-necks and crew-necks. They are soft, comfortable, inexpensive and come in great basic colors. I wear them everywhere from the gym to work. On their own, accessorized with a great scarf or layered under a sequin/leather/boyfriend blazer to create a textured-casual look.

When it comes to quality, Splendid and KAIN Label, are unbeatable. They both provide silk blend basics that are extraordinarily comfortable and styles that are continuously on trend each season. These are the best basic pieces to collect each season, that will last a lifetime.

What are your favorite basics?

5 under $50: Leggings

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Versatile to wear with just about anything, leggings are a comfortable and stylish solution to outfit woes. Available in a multitude of colors, textures and patterns leggings continue to evolve each season.

Leggings Tips & Tricks:

❄ To avoid looking tacky, think of leggings as tights rather than pants. Choose longer tunics/blouses/tops to camouflage the obvious.

❄ Transition summer dresses and skirts into winter by adding simple leggings and a great leather jacket.

❄ Texture is key for a night look. Try metallic or liquid leggings paired with simple sweaters/blouses/tops.

❄ Incorporate fancy flats, boots or a matching pump; monochromatic footwear will make legs appear longer and leaner.

Leggings are an easy way to stretch your wardrobe, here are 5 lovely leggings under $50.00.

Target ~ Merona Women’s Lounge Leggings: $12.99

ASOS ~ Leggings in Metallic Knit: $26.96

Victoria’s Secret ~ Liquid Leggings: $39.50

Topshop ~ Burgundy Velvet Legging: $45.00

Forever 21 ~ Winter Wonderland Legging: $15.80

Sequined Basics: J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee

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J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee

As the holiday season approaches, sparkle is everywhere. Taken in small doses, sequined pieces can spruce up a wardrobe instantly.

The Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee by J. Crew is the perfect example of pairing glitzy items with simple toned-down ones. Available in black, stormy sea and dark khaki (pictured here), these simple boat-neck cotton tees are drenched in tiny sequins.

Pair with denim or simple black pants for an everyday look. Under a great blazer or jacket with the sleeves rolled to peek at the glittery layers. Or at night, coordinate with clean shorts, tights and textured heels.

Sparkle this season with everyday basics that shine.

Sole-Mate: J.Crew Wellie Socks

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J.Crew Wellie Socks

Keep warm this season with J.Crew’s Wellie Socks.

Warm fleece-lined socks that keep both toes and legs cozy.  The tops are designed to fold over any boot paired with them, abolishing the annoying slip-down.

Available in a multitude of colors, these socks accessorize any outfit. Wear with tights or go bare, the J.Crew Wellie sock will wrestle any cold weather ahead.

Boot Week: Pour La Victoire Bardot Ankle Boot

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Pour La Victoire Bardot

Boot Week continues with the versatile ankle boot.

The Bardot Ankle Boot by Pour La Victoire is a simple ankle boot with sex-appeal. The sky-high heel and hidden platform accentuate and elongate the leg. The suede is soft and easy to maneuver in and the side zipper provides comfort and flexibility.

This ankle boot pairs perfectly with just about anything; tights, leggings, pants, denim, skirts, dresses. Available in many colors and textures the ankle boot can be the focal point of an outfit or accentuate it.

Though they can easily be concealed under a pant hem, take advantage of the ability to add a chic edge to an otherwise ordinary outfit.

Lavish Leg-Wear: Wolford Fashion Tights

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Wolford Fashion Tights

For 60 years Wolford has positioned itself as a luxury brand of stockings, leg-wear and under garments. The Austrian fashion house rank the highest in quality, technology and innovative design.

The Wolford Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection has a strong baroque design. The leg-wear collection includes a wide array of tights, stockings, leggings and knee-highs. Elaborate yet feminine, each item accentuates a womans body and style.

Wear these intrinsic fashion tights with solid colors to make them pop. Try them on with this season’s hot booties and don’t be afraid to pair them with open-toe shoes. Wolford Fashion Tights are a fun and easy way to make humdrum outfits, electric.

Chunky Sole: Chloé Platform Sandal

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Chloe Platform Sandal

My love-affair with 70’s inspired fashion continues this fall with thick and chunky platform sandals.

This platform sandal by Chloé is my current shoe-fixation. The chunky heel wrapped in tawney leather is well-crafted and adds to the bulk of the heel. The wooden platform gives nice contrast to the leather as do the studded gold bits.

Fortunate to live in a climate where I can wear these sandals all-year-round, if you live in colder areas, try with socks and tights. I think these platforms would look fantasic with thick heather-gray wool socks.

Pre-order the Chloé Fall Collection online now at Nordstrom.com.

5 under $50: Flirty Skirts

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One piece that inevitably returns each year is the flirty skirt. When the sun comes out, so does the mini. A fun and banty item, these skirts can be found in a variety of patterns and colors. Pair it with any simple top or be more daring and go for contrasting patterns like florals and stripes. Flaunt your gams or wear with tights, sandals or a cute pair of ankle socks and wedges. Let these flirty skirts, all under $50.00, add a little bounce in your step this season.

Urban Outfitters Cooperative Printed Skirt: $29.00

Forever 21 Animal Spots w/Belt: $14.80

Alloy Hallie Chiffon Skirt: $14.99

Gap Drawstring Skirt: $19.99

Heritage 1981 Floral Print Satin Skirt: $16.90