From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Closet Makeover - Building a Winning Wardrobe
By Tyrina Neely
Oct 6, 2009 - 9:26:26 PM
![BlackDress.jpg](http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/uploads/4/BlackDress.jpg)
Classic Sheath Little Black Dress - Anne Klein
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We
all get stuck in a fashion rut at some point. However, when dated,
washed out, non-flattering pieces make up the majority of your wardrobe
it’s time for an intervention.
As
mothers, care givers and the matriarchs of the home it’s sometimes easy
to get caught up catering to the seemingly more urgent needs of your
family and letting your clothes and appearance take a back seat. Wrong.
Our
outward appearance directly affects our confidence and how we present
ourselves to others. True, confidence comes from within but the power
of a great fitting pair of trousers with a great tailored white button
down and pumps to make you feel polished and on top of the world is
undeniable.
Step
one - open your closet. If it is filled with light washed tapered
jeans, shapeless, faded, floral patterned tops and square toe, chunky
heeled shoes it’s time to bring in some new life. Do so with modern,
affordable pieces that will instantly update your look and provide a
good foundation for continuing to build a winning wardrobe.
Updating
your wardrobe is not as daunting as you think. Begin by tossing out
anything that is unflattering or that you have not worn within the last
year. Unless it is a special occasion piece such as a formal gown, if
you have not worn it in the last year it is just taking up space in
your closet and must go.
Once
you have purged yourself of the ill-fitting and outdated, it’s time to
start fresh. Classic, key pieces that will stand the test of time are
what you are looking for. Peppering in trendy, fun items can always be
done, but every wardrobe must have the 10 basic wardrobe essentials.
These are your core pieces, the pieces you will wear the most. Don’t
skimp by purchasing low quality basics, these are the pieces you will
want to invest in because they will be the worker bees in your closet.
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Tailored blazer
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White long sleeve button down shirt
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Little black dress
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Perfect pair of pumps
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Great pair of dark denim jeans
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Tailored neutral colored suit
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Dress trousers
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Pencil or A-line dress skirt
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Structured every day bag
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Lightweight cardigan
To
get you started, here’s a little guideline to help you when choosing
the perfect blazer. You’ll want a blazer that fits you perfectly, but a
good tailor can take a store bought blazer and make it look custom made
with just a few nips and tucks.
![Blazer.jpg](http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/uploads/4/Blazer.jpg)
Two Button Princess Seam Blazer - Old Navy
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Tailored Blazer
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An
absolute must-have. This will be the piece you reach for to dress up a
jeans and T-shirt look, or that you pair with a beautiful sundress to
warm up on a cool Caribbean fall evening. There are a few main
characteristics you need to look out for when buying a blazer.
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Two
buttons - unless you’re built like Giselle Bundchen - very tall, lean
and straight up and down with little curves, a two button blazer is
most flattering on your figure
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Look for a blazer that hits you at your hip. Anything longer will visually shorten your frame.
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Single
breasted - this is most flattering as it does not have the extra bulk
that a double breasted blazer adds. It’s also more functional because
it is a classic silhouette, double breasted styles are more trendy -
popping up when military or nautical trends are in fashion.
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Structured
fabric - the worst thing is a blazer that is shapeless and just hangs
on your frame. A heavy, structured fabric is what you are looking for
in a blazer. For our warm climate, heavy cottons or cotton blends are
best
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Darts
and princess seams are your friends. Darts in the front and back of a
blazer are great. They are tailoring tools that provide a well-fitting
blazer with structure and shape that will create the illusion of a
curvy, womanly silhouette.
Building a winning wardrobe is a process. All you have to do is take the first step!
Tyrina Talks Fashion is your weekly serving of fashion forecasting,
trend reporting, figure analysis and helpful fashion tips and tricks. Email
Tyrina with your fashion questions and photos at tyrinaalicia@hotmail.com.
Tyrina Neely
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