Wardrobe 101

i'm starting a new series of posts for my friend laura who asked me to help her find some good solid work basics. i tried to look for pieces that were pretty standard, but still had personality. i know when i've gone shopping for a specific item before, say, black pants, sometimes i end up settling on plain old black pants, just to get them "checked off the list" it's taken a couple disappointing purchases for me to realize that this method just doesn't work. i need to be inspired. excited. happy to put on my super snazzy black pants with the sailor style waistband and perky back pockets!! ok, enough chatting, lets get started.

today i'm going to start with white (or neutral) work shirts.

this first one is the most basic of the bunch, but i really like the pintucks and the convertable sleeves. i think this shape is pretty universally flattering as well.

DKNY-jean roll sleeve shirt
nordstrom, $69.00

this next one i actually just bought for myself, only in a really nice "tomato" red color. i was quite torn between that and the sand, and for a brief moment contemplated getting both, but i managed to restrain myself (for the time being at least) :) i also love that its 100% silk (i'm trying to start looking at what clothes are made of, and judge for myself whether they're worth XX, instead of falling for brand names all the time)

lexi blouse
kate boggiano.com, $74.99

i like this one for the same reasons i like the previous shirt and this one has the added bonus of ruffles!! yes! can't get enough of those. i feel like this would make a really great layering piece or by itself in the summer, if your job allows.

joie-brett ruffle blouse
bluefly.com, $91.99

and now two more that i had to add to the list, even tho they don't quite fit the criteria.

i love, love, love this one by leifsdottir (one of my new found favorite designers) (actually an inhouse designer for anthro i recently found out, and that totally makes sense) however...it is well over the limit of $100 given to me for this search. that doesn't keep me from bookmarking it and hoping for a super sale tho!

leifsdottir-breadfruit blouse
nordstrom (also anthropologie), $258.00

this last one is a little more casual than the others because of the open back and bubble-like hem. its also more trendy due to the studs at the collar and sleeves. its on the list because i think it could be worked a bunch of different ways and depending on your work situation, is pretty much acceptable for most places. and also, cause i really want it. :)

ella moss-jagger 3/4 sleeve top
shoplastyle.com, $75.00

now, i know this is a white, work shirt post, but laura also mentioned she needs help accessorizing. so with each post i'm going to throw in one or two cute accessorizes that i've been eyeing. today we have this ostrich embossed belt from banana that looks way more expensive than its $59. banana is having a 30% sale right now too with the code "new30". total steal!

embossed leather belt
banana republic, $59.00

we also have this python cuff bracelet from ted rossi. its classic, and chic, and python!

ted rossi- python curve cuff
lunaboston.com, $105.00

that's all for now. next installment...black skirts. see you then!