Back to the Basics. (#1)

The solid white button-down shirt has been and will always be a staple in every woman's closet (and man's closet too). So how do you wear yours? There are countless ways to style a white button down shirt and over the next few days I will provide you with a couple of ways I have worn button downs in the past.

White shirt + Jeans (or corduroys!) This is the typical way to wear a white shirt. In order to avoid being extremely boring and predictable change things up. Wear black or navy blazer but don't tuck in your shirt.

(J.Crew Double Breasted Ivy Blazer $228)

Or do tuck in your shirt but wear a fun belt, like neon pink or leopard print; something that would totally throw off the classic look of a button down.

(J.Crew Amina Belt in Bohemian Red $52)

 Then, add some jewelry like big statement necklaces, cocktail rings, or obnoxiously big earrings.

(Kate Spade Marina Bay Long Necklace in Red/Navy $98)

Get creative with your accessories, try something new. Instead of a necklace wear a patterned scarf, like a bright floral or leopard. The last two parts of the outfit are shoes and bags. Where you are going and what you will be doing should dictate which shoes you wear. If you're going to be walking a lot then wear flats, cute sandals, or comfortable heels. If there is less walking then wear wedges, booties, or heels. Whichever suits you best. Your purse should also be dictated by what you will be doing and where you will be going. If you're going out at night or in the evening then carry a bright clutch but if you're wearing this during the day then carry a bigger bag. 

#ColoredDenim

This trend has been stuck around for a few seasons now but I love it. Standard dark wash denim is very versatile and you can pretty much wear it with everything. Colored denim is a little trickier however, it is still just as versatile as denim if you know what to wear it with. My favorite color for bright denim is a bright blue such as J.Crew's toothpick jeans.  http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/toothpick/PRDOVR~62443/62443.jsp

This color is definitely wearable in winter and summer. In the colder months you can tone it down with a dark sweater and dark shoes. A black or brown cozy sweater would look amazing with black or brown leather boots. You could also wear dark ballet flats or ankle booties. I recommend wearing a leather jacket or peacoat with a chunky scarf to finish the look. 

When the weather gets warmer however, you can rock a feminine white blouse or a natural colored one. Roll up the bottoms then throw on a pair of ballet flats or sandals and your outfit is perfect for spring. To spice up the look add some silver or gold jewelry (whatever works with your outfit) and your set. 

If you're a little more daring you can wear a printed top that works with the color of your jeans.   

Wardrobe Staples

There are a few things that I believe every girl should have in their closet. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on these however, it truly helps to have them in your wardrobe. There are also many other things that should be included in your closet and these are just a few.
1. Navy Sweater- it can be any cut or style as long as its navy. Navy goes with pretty much everything and if you invest in a great one, either cashmere or cotton, then it should last you forever. I suggest J.Crew's Tippi sweater: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/crewnecksandvnecks/PRDOVR~46725/46725.jsp
2. Dark wash jeans that fit right- Dark wash jeans are crucial, you can dress them up or dress them down. Before you invest in an expensive pair make sure you love them and that they are comfortable. As for style, I recommend skinny fit or straight leg. Don't go with anything too trendy like 'boyfriend-fit' or 'super-flared'. Above all, go with what you love and what looks best on you. My favorite pair of jeans are a pair of super skinny jeans from Joe's Jeans. There is a little bit of stretch but they aren't too much like leggings.
3. Leather Boots- depending on your personal style you can decide whether to get black or brown, and if you can afford it, get both or get one now and the other later. I definitely recommend getting real leather because they look better and last longer. Go for a more classic style, something that isn't too trendy. A good pair of leather boots will last you forever and they don't have to be from a major brand. If you're seeking out an authentic pair of riding boots than go to an equestrian shop for a real pair of riding boots. My favorite pair of boots is from J.Crew (surprise, surprise) but I love them; they look and fit wonderfully.
4. White Jeans- White jeans, like dark wash jeans, are crucial. Despite popular belief, with the right styling you can wear white jeans in the winter and the summer. My favorite way to wear white jeans in the winter is with my tall brown leather boots and a navy, or other dark colored sweater with a leather jacket or peacoat. In the summer, I pair my white jeans with espadrilles and a very feminine summery top or a looser linen blouse. Just like dark wash jeans, white jeans can be dressed up or dressed down. When investing in a pair of white jeans go with what looks best on you, what you feel comfortable in. Personally I like skinny fit but if you want to wear straight legs then all the power to you.
5. Leather Jacket- Leather jackets are a little trickier, at least from my experiences, it takes a little searching to find the perfect leather jacket, and it doesn't have to be from a major department store. Once you find your perfect leather jacket I would buy it as soon as you can because it will last you a lifetime. Wear it as much as possible so you get that broken-in and more casual look (if thats the style you're going for) I prefer brown to black, however go with what suits your style better. Avoid things that are too trendy, classic is better. Buy the jacket that looks the best on you not the one that you saw in Vogue the other day.

Without going into too much more detail a few other things I would invest in are a white tank (in my opinion, Abercrombie and Fitch have the best tanks), a navy blazer (J.Crew as some really great ones, and don't go with anything too trendy and make sure to get one that fits right!), and a men's watch (Michael Kors has some great ones however if you want an authentic men's watch, buy one from the men's side of the department store or where ever you are buying the watch.) The most obvious staple of all is The Little Black Dress like every other staple I mentioned, go with what looks great and will last forever. Don't pick one that is too trendy. As for shoes, black patent leather pumps and nude patent leather pumps are great things to invest in and if you buy the right pair they should last you forever.