ask nikki || wardrobe staples ||

A requested post by the loveliest sisters I've come to know through the world wide web of blogging: Alicia, Brittney & Carissa - my thoughts on and a list of wardrobe staples. This turned into a massive post, but I hope you can all take something from it + that it helps you in some way. Grab a coffee, tea, hot chocolate or chai and read on!


^ Rachel Zoe - a wardrobe I'd like to raid!

Firstly everything must be a good fit. If anything doesn't fit anymore (who cares, it's not a big deal - if you have put on weight, we're women! Our bodies change - embrace your curves!), if anything makes you feel frumpy/less than a goddess, make a mental note as to why + then remind yourself if you find yourself in that position again - pass it onto a friend that it might suit, sell at markets, sell on ebay! You know as well as I do that holding onto that pair of skinny jeans (Miranda, Sex & The City anyone?) is harmful to your attitude and self confidence - everytime you look at them, everytime you grab them to see if they magically fit your body now - you are taunting yourself + loosing some of your happy gorgeous essence! It's time to move on lovers! Have a think about what colours suit you, that make you happy, that match your eyes, your skin tone - you don't have to suit every colour - just stick to what feels amazing! Make sure when you purchase new items that they tie back with other items in your wardrobe or you won't get your moneys worth - whether it be coats/cardis to layer back with in winter, or the right pair of shoes or bag to wear with it - odd pieces just don't get worn.

I've heard people say you never know who you might run into, or the other one about what underwear you might be wearing if you die (morbid, but it sprang to mind!) - all valid points leading back to wearing clothes that you are happy in that add to your confidence rather than make you feel self conscious. Clothes should be an extension of you, your personality - which are individual and beautiful! Don't diminish that by wearing less than 'you' clothes - you have the right to shine + to be the beautiful person you are!

I don't really believe in saving clothes for good occasions. This is no way to live! Saving up the amazing pieces that make you feel a million bucks for some event that doesn't even exist yet?! (And in the meantime, they sit at the back of the wardrobe before you forget about them and when an occasion does show up, you're off to the shops looking for another new dress!) You don't have to look drab through the working week and only let yourself shine when you are out & about on the weekends! Reflect yourself everyday in your clothing choices & you will be on top of the world!

I also don't believe in trends. Trends are created for the fashion houses/magazines/stores to keep you spending spending spending - don't buy into it! Try and get to know yourself and your style. Trends get pimped so much that you feel 'so five minutes ago' in a matter of months - how expensive & ridiculous! If something becomes trendy that feels 'you' that's another story - because when it goes 'out of style' as all trends do, you'll still be rocking it proudly because it's essentially your style and it couldn't look dated if it tried. I'm personally all about classic - but there is nothing wrong with experimentation, if it's for the right reasons - not to try and feel above other people, or to make dressing some kind of competition - that hurts the soul.

I think if you are confident your style will emerge. It's all about knowing what feels right for you, what colours/styles/details make your heart sing. If you have a wardrobe full of pieces that make you feel happy - you will project that onto the world with your smile + swagger! Make it happen baby!

I find the best way to work out what I need is to re-arrange my wardrobe into colours as well as pants/tops/dresses etc and see where there are gaps that could magically tie other pieces in your wardrobe together. Keep a list - look at it often - you will find what you are after in time.

TOPS
• Simple/Casual - ie: V neck tee
• Classic - ie: Button up collared white shirt
• Dressy - ie: Silk camis

UNDERWEAR
• Essential: Nude bras, underwear + slips. Nude & black hosiery
• Special: Lacey, fun, sexy underwear

BOTTOMS
• Pencil Skirt
• Jeans
• Tailored trousers

DRESSES
• Summer/versatile dress
• Classic/corporate dress
• Million buck$ dress

COATS
• Blazer
• Cardigan
• Winter Coat/Pea Coat/Trench Coat

SHOES
• Simple summer sandal
• Flats (enclosed ie: ballet flat)
• Heels
• Boots

ACCESSORIES
• Earrings (simple & classic studs as well as large statement pieces)
• Scarves (silk, pashminas, knitted etc)
• Cocktail ring
• Sunglasses
• Bags (clutch, everyday bag, statement)

EXTRAS
• Bikini/full piece/swim wear - whatever it may be, only buy it if it makes you feel comfortable, sexy, confident, happy. There's nothing worse than dreading hopping into your swimmers come Summer - you can make this an easier task! Certain pieces suit certain body types etc. Personally if you are stumped, I don't think anyone has ever looked bad in a 50s inspired one piece - amazing fit on the bust, hugs curves or makes them if you're lacking, skims over the hips for a more flattering look on the thighs.

• Gym clothes that make you feel good + that will make you confident to get off your butt + started on your workout!

I hope this helped you guys in some way + that you can take something from it. I'm sure I could have probably rambled on for much longer on this subject, so if you have any other questions or want me to go into specifics of something, just send me an email or leave a comment on this post. I'm more than happy to help!

Have a beautiful day!!