What’s in YOUR Wardrobe, Pt. 2: Hot Fun in the Summertime

Putting a summer wardrobe together is a snap–with a little planning.

For a capsule summer wardrobe, consider silk T-shirts in neutrals, with perhaps one with the color you love, whether it’s acid green or raspberry or aqua. My T-shirts are V-neck, to elongate my neck, and I have them in black, white, and cream. But if navy or camel float your boat, then go for it. I also have camisoles in black, white, and cream which I wear under sheer tops in summer, and under lower cut tops in winter.

For summer, two or three fitted jackets in neutral colors should suffice. I love linen with a hint of man-made fiber to make it less wrinkled–it’s breathable and durable, and looks so crisp in the wilting summer heat. I have jackets in cream, caramel, and black, plus one in bright green for something a bit different.

A sleeveless Little Black Dress (LBD) is a must have for summer, but if you are really loathe to wear black, then opt for navy or cream, or white if you’re brave! A black and white print dress is also a fresh option for summertime, and will take you anywhere when paired with strappy black sandals and a bright wrap.

A capsule shoe collection is tricky, because many of us love shoes and have quite a few stuffed into our closets. But what will give you the best wear? At a minimum, year round, you need a great pair of black heels, a pair of nude heels in a color close to your skin tone (it elongates your leg, darling), and a wonderful pair of ballet flats. For winter, add in a pair of knee-high boots in brown or black (or both, depending on your wardrobe color preference), and ankle boots in black or brown (once again, depending on your color preference). I also have a good pair of walking shoes (NOT big white sneakers, please), and a pair of walking sandals (NOT flip-flops, pretty please–they make you waddle when you walk, which is very unattractive from the front or the back). This, at a minimum, should suffice. More will not hurt, however.

For a capsule jewelry collection, once again, add anything you really love. But, at a minimum, you need a good watch (don’t skimp–buy the best you can, because it is a statement piece), a chunky chain necklace in gold or silver, a few chunky bangle bracelets, gold hoop earrings, and diamond stud earrings, if you can afford them. Buy the best you can afford, because these items are investment pieces that will last you a long while and add a luxe element to your look. For belts, think black, silver, and gold, which will take to any outfit.

Our final considerations for our capsule wardrobe are tights and handbags. For winter, you can’t go wrong with opaque tights in neutral colors to match your skirts; mine are in black, charcoal, navy, and brown. Good brands could last for years of wear, if you hand wash. For handbags, get one fabulous leather bag for day, a sparkly clutch to go with evening wear, and a quality tote bag to schlep your things from home to office to elsewhere. If you are a summer/winter bag person, then go for two good handbags, one for each season. But one great bag can take you from season to season to season.

Good luck with building that wardrobe. And if you need help, you know where we are.

A Pair of Louboutins I Can Get Behind (Or Into)

I love Christian Louboutin‘s shoes–to look at and admire as works of art, that is. I would no more wear these sky-high beauties with my wonky ankle than I would dance a high-wire between multi-story buildings (or crawl a high-wire, or put one foot on one, for that matter).

That’s what makes these great boots so exceptional. Look at those stacked heels–not to mention the metallic toes, the stacked buckles at the back of the ankle, the sleek fit that makes it look like a second skin. These boots don’t compromise on beauty for utility. Finally, I can have my red soles and wear them, too.