Fashion Notes

MY STYLE STAPLES

--NICOLE MASNICAK

Each human is an individual, and for that very reason we all interpret “good taste” in fashion a little differently. Some like drama: bold color splashes and huge accessories are the basics of a woman or man with dramatic taste. Others, on the other hand, gravitate toward a minimalist style: simple colors (black, grey, caramel, white, etc.) and a single defining piece of jewelry comprise their range of taste.

While I may stray toward the ridiculous and wear something not so “in the norm” every once in a while, I am one of the people that does tend to enjoy the simpler things in life. I prefer my basics, and instead to add a twist here or there. I enjoy dressing timelessly regardless of the occasion (school, parties, shopping, or a walk in the city), and my style justifies my interests. I am a girl who feels her prettiest when she is adorned in the barest minimum of colors: black and white.

Recently I have read The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia (totally recommend this for any aspiring fashionista), and it inspired my train of thoughts about my own taste. That’s why I have decided to write about my own style basics.

BLACK JEANS: Something I believe every gal and guy should invest in is a good pair of black jeans. They are a must in my book, a closet staple. Not only do they match with literally everything, but they can dress up or down any outfit. They dress up a concert tee, dress down a bedazzled top, and everything in between! Plus, black jeans are timeless: stores will eternally sell them; it just proves a tough quest to conquer to find the right pair. It took me six years (from sixth to eleventh grade) to finally find the perfect pair of black jeans--ones that are the right length, fit my waist, flatter my figure, and are actually comfortable to wear. My hallelujah moment arrived when I impulsively decided to try on a pair at Forever 21; since finding that divine pair, I regret to say that I have hated all my other pairs of jeans.

DENIM JACKET: Another style staple of mine is the basic denim jacket. In my professional opinion, only one is necessary, so long as it is quality. Denim jackets fit persons of any age, size, gender, whatever. They’re casual and comfortable and not hard to find. Search for one that speaks to your heart, and if it fits where it should and goes with everything (or almost everything--please don’t perform a fashion faux pas by layering denim on denim), then invest! I guarantee you, it is a wise investment for now and years down the road. My mother gave me an Izod denim jacket for Christmas three years ago and I still wear it to this day!

TURTLENECK(S): Needless to say I adore turtlenecks, since they have their own category in my book of basics (I own approximately eight--but there’s no such thing as “too many turtlenecks”!). At the current moment I am emotionally attached to a 1970s black turtleneck with white contour lines that my art teacher has passed on to me. It fits me to a T and I've never loved a garment the way I love that one. Turtlenecks are also eternally stylish and elegant, and for the most part are always tasteful! The right fit is flattering and classy, and in my opinion looks good on nearly everyone! Just picture this for consolation: Liev Schreiber as John Clark in the 2002 movie The Sum of All Fears: he can pull off a black turtleneck like no other, and he does it just as well as a twenty year old fashion student of the modern day!

LOAFERS: Loafers are actually my number two favorite thing at the moment--they are immensely comfortable and dress up even my laziest outfits. Loafers are also immortal and genderless, and they are sold at any price range, from twenty dollars to two hundred! Not to mention they are also sold in a wide variety of colors and patterns. From cheetah print to velvet indigo to leathery black with a white toe, loafers are the ultimate flat shoe. J. Crew, though it is (in my book) four dollar signs ($$$$--expensive), offers beautiful, quality shoes, and if I could buy them all, I would in a heartbeat.

STRIPED SWEATER: When folks of my generation hear the words “striped sweater”, they immediately think of that one Spongebob episode--I am here to confirm that the lyrics “The best time to wear a striped sweater / Is all the time” ring absolutely true. Regardless of whether you choose black and white, dark green and navy, red and royal blue, or any other color combination, the striped sweater will be on the racks, shelves, and mannequins forever. The best part is that you can walk into any store and, if they have any sense, you will find a nice striped sweater. My favorite one hails from H&M (which is possibly the best store ever, regardless of budget. If the designers wear thirty-five dollar sweaters from H&M, then so can you).

BOOTS: The sun now sets before five o’clock in the evening, and the days are becoming ever more frigid; it is time to pack away the ballet flats and sandals and bring out a hardy pair (or five) of boots. This season I’m obsessed with Doc Martens, even though they’ve been around for decades. Yes, they are a little pricey but you’re not paying for the label--you are actually paying for the quality for once! My white Docs are my favorite boots; they are comfortable, keep my feet warm, and they look positively killer. But it’s not necessary to invest in a pair of Docs or Uggs or any name-brand boots for the season. Quality and style can come at a price cheaper than one hundred dollars--my best bet is always DSW. Another insider tip: if your feet are still cold, but you just can’t part with your favorite boots, then buy a pair of Dr. Scholl’s foam cushion insoles! Cut them to fit your shoe shape, slip them in, and bam!--instant warmth that stays inside the shoe! You’re welcome.

TRENCH COAT: When Burberry first introduced their timeless trench in World War I, it was an instant hit for the soldiers. Trench coats offered practicality and use, and Burberry knew how to produce them in an attractive shape. Since then, trenches have become a must-have in the closets of millions because, let’s face it, they are legit. They protect you from autumnal wind, spring rain, and really everything save the brutal winter (which is why you need more coats than just the one). I might not be able to afford Burberry, but my Banana Republic trench matches the super-expensive designer brand pretty spot on. Plus, at this age, I prefer quality over quantity; I’d rather invest a little more into a nice coat that lasts for years than pay a small sum for a coat made of shambles that is going to unravel at the seams within the season.

THE BAG: Each girl needs an “It” bag that represents her own personal taste. Whatever shape it is--shoulder bag, handbag, tote, clutch, wristlet, etc.--does not matter. Bags are one of the first things people notice, and a bag really defines who you are. A cheap, shoddy bag that you’ve been using for years, whose time to retire has long passed, does not leave a favorable impression. Take my word and don’t buy a trendy bag either--buy something made of good quality that will last a few seasons and can be reworn! My “It” bag is the black Coach handbag I bought myself as a birthday gift this past summer. It’s simple, timeless, cute, and feminine--all things that I aspire to be. But that doesn’t mean everyone’s “It” bag is black and basic. If your heart skips a beat when you see that bright orange Steve Madden shoulder bag, then go for it (just do yourself a favor and only wear it when it actually matches your outfit)! Just steer clear of the ten dollar neon bags made in China and sold on the streets--people see right through those, and they never last.

THE WATCH: For years I have been dreaming of a beautiful rose gold watch, so you can imagine my surprise when I received one for Christmas. Watches are always chic and always in style, and portray a certain elegance and intelligence so long as you know how to read them. My favorite types of watches are men’s watches; they are more or less the same come each new season, and they are massive and stylish. Women’s watches usually change with the trends, but this past year was a good season: big watches were in and you could find a gorgeous one within your budget! While my favorite brands include Michael Kors and Daniel Wellington, I am perfectly content with my New York & Company watch--it’s just as beautiful, but for half the price!

Each item I have mentioned is something that I view as crucial in my closet; but just because I adore rose gold does not mean that everyone needs to go out and spend their money on a rose gold piece of jewelry! These pieces that I hold so near and dear to my heart are effortlessly classy and forever stylish, and prove to be a fantastic foundation for your own personal style. Whether you prefer to layer all your things or show bravado in your wardrobe, these simple pieces will be tremendously helpful to keep in your closet. And if you’re a savvy shopper like me, you can find them at four-dollar-sign stores and one-dollar-sign stores! It all depends on your budget and willingness to invest, but they are great for a rainy day and perfect for that timeless look. With these pieces anyone will be able to take that next step to do greater and better things.