If I could drown in a sea of wool, cashmere and washed silk, it would be from the likes of Jil Sander, Celine, Narciso Rodriguez, Burberry, J. Crew and the like. Timeless cuts, refined minimalism, softened structure and plush fabrics epitomize classic style, a style that is chic now and fifty years from now. Eschewing trends, I seek out that which is tailored and undeniably beautiful.
Last weekend, I attended an accessories panel hosted by Diane von Furstenburg, where the likes of Philip Crangi, Harpers Bazaar Accessories Editor, Ana Maria Pimental, CFDA President, Steven Kolb, and Alexis Bittar spoke of a return to minimalism and the sleek jewelry of the 1970's -- the clean lines, the severe aesthetic -- and how it inspires the current collections. So while fashion sometimes presents a parade of the ostentatious, fantastical, and sometimes ridiculous, I'm an ardent believer in value, of investing in the terrificly tailored bones of one's wardrobe. Whether it be a flattering sheath, a single-breasted wool blazer, black platform pumps and the sensible tote, part of what inspired my 15:30 Wardrobe Challenge was this need to pare down to the necessities, and discovering, in the midst of scarcity, what is required in one's repertoire. I've identified the 10 key pieces you'll be coveting this season.
The Classic Pump, Modernized: Fifteen years ago I embraced the joys of the basic black pump. Round-toed, fashioned of leather and always black in hue, my pumps took me from my internship days to the cringe-inducing interviews and an early career in finance. While I embrace the timeless staple, I've found a fashionable alternative, J. Crew's Clara Platform Pump. Neutral in tone, it pairs perfectly with your navy blue wide-legged trousers and simple sheaths. The bow lends a touch of whimsy and the platform ensures a study stride.
The Military-Inspired Coat That Will Have Everyone Standing at Attention: How I skirted the military coat in fear that it would make me look like a cadet at West Point. As someone who's petite and curvy, I feared that the military silhouettes that dominate fall would leave me looking ridiculous. From Bird by Juicy Couture's Taylor Military Jacket to Burberry's Zippered-Waist version, the key here is to find a classic, dark color, navy or black buttons, and a coat that defines the waist. I tend to balance the military jacket with a voluminous tee, dark denims, ladylike pearls and heels.
The Timeless Sheath: If the pencil skirt gives you tremendous vertigo and it's office-fabulous attire that you seek, consider the sheath. I recently invested in Jil Sander's navy sheath with full-frontal gathering. From Dillard's to Banana Republic to J. Crew and LOFT, a host of brands are carrying the sheath in wool, tweed and unexpected textures (leather and wool!) and colors. Always opt for stretch-wool fabric (for movement), sharp tailoring and a lining. I tend to use my sheath on which to build an outfit (cropped jacket, statement accessories, pumps and rough-and-tumble boots).
The Statement Fragrance: Shower me in opulence; cloak me in a wash of beautiful green florals and call me the sweetest girl. This year I've been giving serious consideration to my fragrance wardrobe, and I'm of the school that a woman must have a signature scent. Finding this scent has been Odyssean, a rather trying task, because I'm fickle, prone to indecision. What could be the heady hint that takes me from day to evening? What exudes a refined, quiet opulence? What gives a room of people pause? Simply put it's Frederic Malle's Carnal Flower. At turns enveloping, mischievous, bold and sophisticated, Carnal Flower unfolds, as my friend Dina says, like a story. I marveled over the fragrance's transformative properties, something on the level of chrysalis, and I found myself sneaking sniffs of my wrist throughout the day. All in an effort to see how the story unravels.
However, if you're seeking something bold, spicy and decidedly Dionysian, covet Womanity. Womanity is at turns savory and sweet; savory notes originate from caviar and the structure in ensured by fig wood aromas. Before you have horrific visions and imagine cruel fish taunts, I assure you the scent is oceanic and fruity and spicy all at once. While Womanity's initially quite powerful, it lingers, leaving a savory scent on your skin. It's a bold, whiplash scent worthy savoring.
The Denim that Will Not Have You Regret Wearing Denim: The acquisition of denim is tricky. It involves a copious amount of patience, possibly some tears. It's a Herculean effort to find the right fit, and over the past two years I've tried hundreds of pairs of jeans until I've found my mainstays -- the dark denims that could be worn with boots, a silk bow shirt and a cashmere camel cape. Right now, I've been rotating my Hudson Denim Leggings and Jessica Simpson's (yes, Jessica Simpson) Kiss Me Jeggings. Both are incredibly soft, wearable, and offer ample coverage for the curvy girl. Always remember that if you're curvier, a dark wash is paramount.
The Structured Handbag: Forgo the sloucy hobos and fringed bags of yesteryear, and embrace the frame bag, the satchel, the purse with structure. I'm obsessing over Phoebe Philo's Céline Medium Luggage Tote. A delicious explosion of ink, a structured silhouette, and soft, thick leather make this the epitome of ladylike luxe. With a return to classic, minimal styles come fall, I'm embracing the richness of hue and the lusciousness that is the leather. I've also spied other amazing bags at J. Crew, Gap, Rebecca Minkoff, and Botkier.
The Epic Hair Products: When you have hair such as mine -- the coarse, curly sort -- you tend to be skeptical, scoff at the newfangled packaging and outlandish claims. Everyone's tossing nut extracts about as if we were in some sort of hair circus. Inspired by the luxurious shine and fluidity of Japanese Satin Shushu, Shu Uemura's Art of Hair has launched Shushu Sleek, a haircare collection designed to discipline coarse, unruly hair whilst leaving hair silky smooth, rendering the texture of satin. Black Cumin Oil is the ingredient du jour, which serves to smooth the cuticle, detangle locks, and tame the hair fiber. Does this revered ingredient, reminiscent of the rich, heady spices of the Orient, perform? Am I simply dousing my hair with a spice market? Simply put, the product is worth the change, delivering soft, weightless, manageable hair.