When I was visiting my publisher a few months ago, my editor gave me a copy of the book Lessons From Madame Chic after hearing how obsessed I was with Paris and all things French. I devoured the book almost overnight and really loved some of the insight into how the French live, dress, eat and work. I felt particularly inspired by the chapter about the “10 Item Wardrobe”. Now, to be honest, I am not sure I could live on just 10 items of clothing (even if basics don’t count). But I do currently want to throw a lit match into my closet and would delight in watching all my boring, old clothes burn to dust. I hate everything in my closet. Except maybe three things. And those three things happen to be of varying price points- my leather pants (a gajillion dollars- still cannot believe I bought them), some old linen embroidered Indian tunics from J.Crew like 5 years ago that fit me perfectly ($98) and a DVF wrap dress (mid price). While ten items seems so few, I wholeheartedly agree in buying less but buying BETTER. So I tried making a collection of 10 things I’d add to spring into my wardrobe, along with another group of accessories and then what my must have basics are. Lets see what you think…. I think I could probably live all spring in these things! Does that make me French? Oui?
Fashion Items: Some basic but luxurious, others statement. A mix of dress up and dress down.
1. A boho cotton top 2. A silk tank you can dress up or down 3. A black and white stripe top (of course) 4. A gorgeous linen tunic 5. A flouncy summer dress (I tried this on, it’s SO flattering, must get! Also LOVE it in black!!) 6. A gorgeous, sexy jumpsuit (been dying for this for months) 7. A mint silk blouse (gorgeous with white denim) 8. LEOPARD PANTS! 9. A faux leather jacket in spring grey 10. A long cotton maxi dress (so versatile!)
For accessories: These are what can MAKE your outfit. The french are also big on delightful underpinnings, pajamas, scarves and shoes.
1. The perfect black bag 2. Long gold pendant (it dresses up everything) 3. Leopard McQueen scarf (I have this, I am obsessed) 4. Statement gold coin short necklace (totes getting…) 5. Some gorgeous underthings (because it improves your attitude!) 6. One chunky gold cuff (arm parties be damned) 7. A raffia clutch 8. Big classic sunnies 9. Proper PJ’s (must stop sleeping in old college T’s!) 10. Bright red pedicures 11. Gold and nude flats (obsessed) 12. A good eye cream (I love this one- natural too!) 13. HOW SICK ARE THESE BOOTS? 14. Perfect black wedge sandal 15. A good face oil (dying to try this on, but I use this one religiously)
The basics: Jeans, tees and coats. Can’t go wrong.
1. White jeans (this cut is the MOST flattering on earth- I have them in dark denim and love) 2. Destroyed skinnies (C/E has the best washes) 3. Skinny black pants (so Audrey) 4. Perfect grey tee 5. Comfy slouchy white tanks (lots of them) 6. Perfectly cut black blazer 7. Trench. Duh. 8. Denim vest- kinda 80′s but looks great over dresses!
