This is going to be the 1st of a series of 50 posts. I have read "The One Hundred, A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own" by Nina Garcia and it's almost like a reference book for me. I have read it, googled items, purchased some, and am wanting many more. I'm going to back up a little bit and say that I am a Project Runway addict and think that Tim Gunn is brilliant and Nina Garcia needs her own show. I have been feeling compelled to write on my blog about these 100 items, not sure if I should venture away from family stuff (I've removed a lot of political commentary because of this), but I wanted to share with my friends and any stray blog reader what I think are classic items that will always look good and help you feel better about yourself. BTW, I love everyone's comments and would appreciate more especially your opionions on the 100!I think Nina, and Tim Gunn for that matter, come from a very urban background like New York City, and their views and selections definitely reflect that. Us Southern Girls need our own list! Forget Manolo Blahnik - we need Merrells! The following 100 items (5 at a time) are what I believe are the essentials every stylish Southern Girl should own!
1. A-Line Dress
I don't think the average girl wears a lot of dresses day to day. Dresses to me say special occasion or church. If you don't have an A-line Dress - do not run out and shop for one. But if you are at TJ Maxx (where I picked up my fabulous Black and White Calvin Klein jersey-knit A-line) and you see an A-line shape grab it and take it to the dressing room. It is the perfect all-occasion "just in case" dress and it is very very forgiving. If you have gained 5 or 10 pounds this dress doesn't care, if you are post holidays and pre diet, this dress will love you and you will love it. Wear it with black tights and black boots and you are looking very chic! The shape of this dress starts out narrower on the top and flares out gently toward the bottom. It should not look like at tent hanging on you, and I believe the perfect length is just above the knee. Do not be discouraged if the ones you try on are too long - it can be hemmed easily or inexpensively. At 5'0" I'm an old pro at hemming! Buy it in black and it can double as your LBD. This is an item that you don't need to spend a lot on but shop around until you find one that is a good quality material in a basic/neutral color and price range that you can afford. ($$)2. Animal Print
Right now I'm on the lookout for a good leopard print headband. Animal print is good in small amounts only! I like animal print. I've got the shoes and a few sweaters to show for it. It's fun to wear and can make you feel a little wild when paired with an otherwise boring outfit. It a combination of Rock N Roll and Sophistication. Giraffe print is in style right now - but be sure to not become a fashion victim. Buying the latest fad is only a good thing if it conicides with your own personal tastes and style. You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of cash to get the desired effect of animal print. ($)3. Hiking Boot
I like the idea of an ankle bootie, but do not consider it an essential item. This is an item that I disagree with Nina on. I do consider the hiking boot an essential item though! I love my Merrell hiking boots - I've got two pair. A girl has to have a rugged boot to walk through the woods in. City girls have their concrete jungle and Southern Girls have hiking trails. My favorite are the Buffalo River hiking trails!!! If you don't have a good fitting hiking boot go shopping now. They are perfect of course for hiking but also very good for running errands, yard work, walks outside, wearing to work as appropriate, playing in the snow, you name it! Be prepared to shop around and try them on and to spend a hundred dollars or more for a good pair that will last. Vibram soles are good for shock absorption and gortex is good for letting moisture out and not letting it in. Water proof is not the same as water resistant!($$$)4. Aviators
To me sunglasses are an investment piece. There are a lot of cheap faddish sunglasses out there and I am the first to admit I have a few. But year after year, day-in day-out, aviators will look good and be "in-style". The classic brand for aviators are Ray-Ban and they run about $100+. My aviator style sunglasses are actually Army issue Pilot's Sunglasses made by American Optical and cost about $40; and once I got them the big black ones I was wearing haven't made it back on my face since. ($$)5. Ballet Flat
I love ballet flats. I know petite girls aren't supposed to but they are feminine and comfortable. Feel free to have as many as you want in many colors and styles. I've got a great black pair and a leopard pair. I'm searching for a great red pair. You can spend a little on a pair at target or spend a lot on a pair you love. ($$)
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