THE FUNDAMENTALS

MY UNIFORM:

Although I have three closets stuffed with clothing and some in storage (I'm a hoarder when it comes to fashion), I tend to gravitate towards the same items, the ones that make me feel like me. I call this "My Uniform". Yes, I do mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe, but if you see me, chances are, I will be wearing one of the following items:

1. Mulberry Bayswater Bag: in black. It's like the Birkin bag's more laid back little sister. This bag can go anywhere and fit anything. It's durable (and in my opinion, looks better with age), put together and just plain chic.

2. St. James Mariniere Striped Shirts: I own about five of these shirts. At around $200 a pop, they might seem pricey for a striped shirt, however, St. James has been making them since 1889, so this is pretty much as authentic french sailor-wear as you can get. With different shirt weights you can wear them in the winter with boots, leggings, or jeans. In summer, pair them with cut-offs and flats.

3. Siwy Denim Hannah jeans in kiss: These simple jeans are probably my favourite from my friend, designer Michelle Siwy. Although sometimes I have trepidation about pre-ripped jeans (as I prefer wearing them in myself), these jeans come with tiny slashes at the knee, so basically with wear they distress on their own, making every pair unique. Plus, they are a Kate Moss fave, so really, could you go wrong?

4. Stubbs and Wooton embroidered slipper flats: Yes, these are very Madison Avenue, but the truth is, you mostly see them on men (note: I have a penchant for mens and boys clothes, worn in a feminine way, of course). I love the juxtaposition of rocking these with ripped jeans and an oversized sweater. I love the look and handiwork of tapestry. I basically love, love, love.

5. Balenciaga red moto bag: I have had this bag for about 5 years and although you are seeing them all over these days, I have never gotten sick of it.

6. Acne Atacoma boots: Ok, so obviously people always check out my feet on the street when wearing these. With the 5-6 inch heel and silver platform, they aren't everyone's cup of tea. I find the reaction to be either love or hate, no in between...but for me, it's all love! I adore Acne and demand that they open a store in NY!

7. Marc Jacobs mini Stam Bag: Some people complain about the weight of this bag because of the heavy chain...I love this feature because I don't have to worry about losing it! I've had it for years and it is my go-to small black bag.

8. Over-the-knee Boots: I don't remember where these boots are from, but they were majorly inexpensive. There is nothing like an OTK boot to make you feel confident and sexy. I mostly wear these with casual clothes (ie leggings and a flannel, or my beloved St. James Mariniere shirt) in order to give my outfit a little kick. Plus, that way you can wear them day or night and not look like Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman"

9. French Sole Ballet Flats: In my opinion, you can never have too many! They never go out of style (think Audrey Hepburn in the famous dance scene in "Funny Face"). My favourites are red quilted, beige quilted, all with black patent toes.

xLiz