Saturday 21 April 2012

The Basics

There is nothing I love more than seeing how other people have styled their outfits with brave clashing prints, creating unusual shapes by layering items that I would never have imagined bringing together. They can be so influential and an inspiration, giving me confidence in something I perhaps wouldn't have dared play with before. Yet I have the kind of mindset that isn't able to bring together two mix-matched patterns and tend to start my outfit with a single item and then work around that piece to pull it all together. 

They aren't always so inspiring at first glance but I think the most important attributes to a wardrobe is the simple and basic items. I get just excited about texture so they often make me more motivated, thinking of their versatility. 
Taylor Tomasi Hill, the style and accessories director behind the US Marie Claire, is the perfect example of how to bring basics into an outfit and then style them with fancier items. Besides from my adoration for her red locks and porcelain skin, I can't fault her ensembles, down to every last detail. 
Saying all this, I definitely need to welcome more into my wardrobe and often I think we tend to spend less on the uncomplicated pieces because they are so plain and aren't so one off, different and can only be found in a certain shop. If I wanted a cream cable knit jumper like the one below, I could go into various shops to find the right one and wouldn't be so restricted to elements like price.
Quality is definitely the key here and because of that, why shouldn't we spend more on these effortless components? Thinking about the amount of times I wear my chunky grey crop jumper and my camel a-line skirt, investing a little more into the easy clothes is something I will consider from now on. With quality, at least you can guarantee it would be hard-wearing for all of those times you reinvent it with something a bit jazzier. 


Alexander Wang, Acne, Comme Des Garcons, Vanessa Bruno
These pieces are a little out of my price range right now even if I go ahead and invest more like I think I should but they are what inspired me to think over basics and write up this post, they are what got my motor running. 
So if you want me, I will just be sitting here, waiting for the sales. 
Screen shot 2011-07-05 at 12.00.35

18 comments:

  1. Lovely outfit! Adorable post.

    Emma x
    http://beautyandrags.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. I love TTH! She has amazing style and that Vanessa Bruno sweater has been on my wishlist - love it! And I totally agree - if you get something pricier BUT wear it alot, you get out of it what you paid for - hence the whole 'cost per wear' theory. Awesome post sweetie!

    xxTheresa

    The Habit

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    1. Yes indeed, definitely worth it. You are right, she does have amazing style, she always looks so effortlessly cool.
      Thank you for your nice comment,
      Holly

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  3. One single printed clothing in whole outfit makes it look basic, yet very stylish and unusual :)


    cantaffordchanel.blogspot.com

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    1. I think I tend to work perhaps a few printed items together, it's just I always start around a basic item first :)

      Holly

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  4. Your blog is so inspirational. I love basic clothes. Following you via bloglovin. x

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    1. Thank you, that's really lovely to hear :)
      Holly

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  5. Great Post! I really love your blog, I've been reading it for about a month now and I actually look forward to your posts. Lol I've always told myself to invest in the basics but I never do! I think it's really important to define the concept of basics for yourself though. A lot of people say a good white shirt is a basic but I rarely wear shirts! Hmm maybe I will invest in basics from now on (she says again!)

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    1. Thank you so much, it's so great to hear. It made me smile when I read this comment on my email :) I am exactly the same, always say it but then I get distracted by something which is a bit jazzier. You are right, basics are different per person. I am definitely a white t-shirt person though!
      Thanks again,
      Holly

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  6. I always draw lots of inspiration from street style blogs - they're so handy! And I'm trying to buy more quality rather than quantity, but it's quite difficult on a student budget...

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    1. They really are and I know, I was there with my student budget once. That's why basics are good because they are so versatile and can create more outfit choices.

      Holly

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  7. Makes me want to be a natural red head!
    Love,
    fashion-pudding.blogspot.com

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  8. Your blog is so beautiful, and I agree with you on the clashing print stuff! I just started following your blog, hope you follow me back too :)

    http://bronsonbloopers.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for your kind words and for the follow, I am very grateful :)

      Holly

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  9. im totally the same, i never buy basics! but i really need to start...i dont own anything plain...

    http://mystyleramblings.blogspot.com

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    1. I think it's one of those things you always know you need to do but then get starry eyed over something much more colourful or fancy.

      Holly

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