The other day, I received a comment from SewPetiteGal:

Would love to see a post from you on your wardrobe essentials. I know your 30x30 challenges kind of poke on that, but you do such a great job on curating your closet (as well as remixing for completely different looks) and I'd love to see an update :)

I jokingly replied that every piece in my closet is considered essential. Or at least that's what I tell myself to justify each purchase ;) I personally don't think I have a well-curated closet (thanks SPG for the kind words though) because my closet seems to be growing at a more rapid pace than what is going out. One thing that works for me is not buying duplicates and very rarely do I buy similar items (weakness: three gingham shirts). I figured if I'm faced with a dilemma every morning between two pairs of slightly different dark-washed skinny jeans, I'll always reach for my favorite over the other.

In general, my life is pretty simple and my wardrobe reflects that. I work in a casual environment and spend my weekends in an even more casual state. For times where I feel like dressing up, I try to buy items that will work in both worlds. I do this to get the most wear out of my clothes and to challenge my styling ability.

I'm hesitant at putting a hard cap on the number of essential items because lifestyles change and so do closet size. So using categories as a guide, here are my wardrobe essentials:

Button-up shirt: Whether solid colored, various fabric (linen, chambray), or prints (gingham), I live in button-up shirts. They allow me to seamlessly transition between work and casual outfits because they are just so versatile (and perfect for layering). Examples include: (1) by itself; (2) doubled up (great way to mix colors/patterns/textures); (3) layered underneath with collar and hem out; (4) open and layered with a jacket; (5) turning a dress into a skirt.

Tee: I find plain t-shirts to be the best blank canvas to style an outfit around. V-necks work best for me because I'm small up top and the neckline is great for accessorizing. Examples include: (1) simple and classic in t-shirt and jeans; (2) dressed up with a blazer; (3) moto-chic; (4) business casual work-appropriate; (5) feminine with lace.

Pants: I like skirts, but I'll always be a pants kind of girl. Right now I'm going through a slacks phase, but I always eventually go back to form-fitting, well-worn jeans.

Outerwear: More often than not, a well-tailored blazer will suit any occasion (though it's also nice to have a casual jacket, ie: anorak/leather, on hand for others). Of my three blazers (navy, gray, black), I find myself reaching for the navy most often. I suppose the color is just so easy to pair with everything. Examples include: (1) with a dress; (2) with a skirt; (3) with shorts; (4) with cargoes; (5) with jeans.

Trendy piece(s): I'm a believer that fashion should be fun. There's nothing more laughter-inducing than when experiments go wrong. It's also times like this when you learn about your personal style -- what works for you and what items should be burned.

The cost of chasing trends can add up, so I try to stick to a couple items at a time, and from the cheaper end of the spectrum (Old Navy, Forever 21, sales, etc). If an item works out, great! I'll wear it until it needs a replacement. If not, that's okay. It's a small cost to pay.

This season, I jumped on board the train for big polka dots, tapered pants, and anchor prints. Trends that I decided are not a great fit for me include pastels and peplum. I won't completely rule them out for the future, but as of right now I have my hands full.

When paired with older/classic pieces, trendy items are a great way to give an old outfit a new "look." I do this often by taking an overworn outfit and replacing a piece or two here and there. To the general public, it may look like a completely new outfit but I know better ;) For example, a black tee and jeans worn two ways: with an anorak vs. a fur vest.

Bags: I love bags, so my essentials list is probably longer than most. I have a diverse enough collection where most (if not all) voids have been filled: dressy, casual, crossbody, low-maintenance, fun, and clutch. If I had to pick just one as the utmost essential, it would have to be my white Longchamp tote. It best fits my everyday needs, rain or shine.

Shoes: This is probably the hardest one to narrow down, but I'll say: neutral pumps/wedges (ie: black, nude, snake-skin), ballet flats (great for casual and dressy occasions), non-rubber sandals/flip-flops, and a pair that's totally unexpected (ie: satin, bows, spikes).

Accessories: A scarf is my most essential accessory. Not far behind would be a statement necklace. I feel that both pieces would instantaneously add an interesting detail to any outfit, especially simple/neutral-colored ones. Scarf examples include: (1) dressed up; (2) with a sweater; (3) for warm weather; (4) to stay warm; (5) for added color.

What are your wardrobe essentials?

Reader A emailed me asking if I can help recommend a stylish work bag. She is a 5'1" law student who will be working at a firm over the summer. Her requirements are a sensible, professional, yet fun work bag that is big enough (but doesn't overwhelm her frame) to fit shoes and preferably a laptop, for no more than $150.

I was thrilled when I saw A's email because bags are one of my favorite topics of conversation :) At the same time, a bit unsure because I know next-to-nothing about law firms and lawyers besides the occasional Law & Order episodes. My impression is that the legal industry is highly conservative, so I would veer away from overly logo-ed loud bags and stick to classic styles and colors.
(1) Fossil Executive Center Zip ($148 - buy here) / (2) Fossil Executive North/South Tote ($148 - buy here) / (3) Giani Bernini Glazed Swagger Tote ($128 - buy here) / (4) JP Lizzy Luxe Society Tote ($98 - buy here, here) / (5) Merona Microfiber Tote ($30 - buy here) / (6) Piel Slim Tote (on sale for $143 - buy here) / (7) Marc Fisher Dress for Success Flap Tote ($98 - buy here) / (8) Leatherbay Leather Commuter Bag (on sale for $135 - buy here, here, here)

Style - For a professional environment, I would recommend a structured bag. Totes would be my first choice. They are the most practical with many size and design options. I would pay attention to strap drops -- making sure they fit easily over your shoulder and are thick and sturdy (don't want laptop remains splattered over your feet!) I'd also suggest broadening the search to include diaper bags. Yep, you read that right. Most have the shape of a shopping tote, but roomier, so if space is important, they could be a good alternative. I also like the look of satchels (but some may be hand-held only). Bag #7 is a great example of a feminine-looking briefcase-type bag that would look great in the courtroom -- am I idealizing again? Last time, I promise :)

Color/Design - With the legal industry being as conservative as it is, I would want to blend in as much as possible. Sticking to neutral colors (black, brown, gray, etc) may seem boring, but you can find ones with fun textures (ie, quilted, crocodile print). If that is still too blah, I'd expand the search to dark colors (ie, burgundy) but keep the design plain. Men wear red ties, and it's supposedly considered a "powerful" color, so I would think a dark red bag would be the equivalent for women. I would also try to pick bags with minimal hardware. Less is usually better.

Material - Most people's first choice would probably be real leather. Of course that usually means shelling out more money, but it is possible to find bags with real leather without turning to designer names and still staying within budget (ie, bags #1, 2). Faux-leather is also a possibility, with many feeling as soft as real leather. However, I would be careful of chemical smells. Bag #5 is made of nylon, but I like how the shape and overall look of the bag is very sleek. Depending on the environment, this could be a good choice.

Where to shop - Personally, I prefer to shop online for almost everything. The options are endless and it's pretty easy to compare products and get feedback through reviews. While browsing for A, I found many options at eBags and Zappos. If bag #6 is up your alley, Piel has more great selections. For shopping in person, I would recommend stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, and outlets for bags at great prices. If there is a particular designer you're after, sample sales (in person) and online through sites such as Hautelook, Rue La La, and Gilt Groupe are great options.

A also asked if I have any tips/success stories at bag shopping in thrift stores. I'm afraid I can't help her out here, but if anyone is willing to share their experience(s), we'd greatly appreciate it :)

What are your thoughts on work bags? Do you have any recommendations for A?

*Images 1-2 courtesy of Zappos / Images 3, 7 courtesy of Macy's / Images 4, 6, courtesy of eBags / Image 5 courtesy of Target

I was helping Lilly figure out how to place two images side by side using HTML tables, when it occurred to me that a bunch of text is useless without pictures! So hopefully this tutorial (with pics) is somewhat helpful.

1) The code. Simply copy without changing anything:

2) Go to where you compose posts. Note that there are two tabs, "Edit HTML" and "Compose."

3) Click on the "Edit HTML" tab and paste the code in the text area:

4) Click on the "Compose" tab. Highlight the text "1" and then click on the "Insert image" icon. Upload your image as you normally would. Repeat for text "2."

5) After you're done, you should see something like this:

6) Click on the "Preview" button (see above) to see how your images would look on your blog. *Note: there won't be a box around the images. It's there for demonstrative purposes only.

7) Go ahead and delete the text "1" and "2." I added them for temporary placeholder purposes. Replace "text above table" and "text below table" with your own text, or simply delete if they're not needed.

To add more columns or rows, continue reading. Otherwise, that's it! Now you have two images side-by-side spaced out evenly using HTML tables.

8) To add another row, simply copy and paste the original code:

9) To add more columns, copy and paste the td line. The example below has 4 columns, so the width % has to be modified from 50% to 25% (100/4) each. If you want 3 columns, use td 3 times and change the % to 33% (100/3).

Let me know if you have any questions!

Reader Hailey emailed me:

I just wanted to let you know that I LOVEEE the way you layer. I especially loveee the way you tie scarves in different ways. I have been all over the internet trying to figure out how to tie scarves in different ways besides the basic 3-4 ways. I would love it if you could do a small youtube vid or post pictures with instructions? Also I got this super cute J. Crew sash scarf/belt and I have been trying to figure out how to tie it because one side is smaller than the other side and it looks really awkward the ways I have tried to tie it. Maybe you could do something with that also?

Thanks for your kind words, Hailey :) Though, I bet the 3-4 ways you tie scarves are the exact same ways I tie my scarves, lol. I've been trying to find more ways to tie them too (suggestions welcome), but I'll share 3 ways that I've tied scarves on this blog. This is my first time doing videos, so it's quite amateur-ish. There's no sound because I was too busy making sure I was doing everything right and forgot to talk.

Look #1: For the most part, this is my go-to look. This is probably the most common way to tie scarves. At the end, I like to "fluff" out the top part of the scarf a bit just so it doesn't look as neat. Worn here, here, here, and here.


Look #2: There's the option of belting at the end so the ends don't fly around, but that's a personal preference. I tend to only do that with thinner scarves. Worn here and here.


Look #3: I like to wear this look under jackets because I don't like to have the ends peeking out underneath my coats. With this look, there's the option of tucking one end underneath the bottom loop and the other underneath the top loop (which is the way I showed in the video), or you could tuck both ends underneath the bottom loop only or both underneath the top loop only. Whew, that was a mouthful. Hopefully the video made that clear. Worn here.

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I just so happen to own the J.Crew silk bouquet sash that Hailey mentioned, so here's a video of how I would tie it, whether it be worn around the waist or hips. If your flowers are of varying sizes, I would probably tie the bow on the "smaller" side, just to even things out a bit. Once you've tied the bow, you can stop there and let the ends hang, or you can loop the ends around until they're shortened. And finally, adjust the two layers of sash that you looped around your waist/hips, so one is behind the other.

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And for Elle (way overdue!), this is how I tie my J.Crew Glimmer sash. Definitely not so neat and can you see how I just wing it as I go? Hence all the hesitations, lol.


I hope this was somewhat helpful! Every time I tie scarves/sashes, it never looks the same. Think of is as an art --- one that's ok if it's not perfect :) Let me know if you have questions!

Have a great last day of 2010 and see you in 2011!