a practical, sober-minded woman

being the hard-working woman i know you are, you don't always have time to put together the perfect outfit. that's alright! there's more important things to do out there. soooo, the next two items in my top 10 items every woman needs in her wardrobe are practical ones. read on and learn!

5.really, really great jeans.

in all of my shopping/design experience, finding the perfect pair of jeans does not necessarily equate to a high price point. my favorite pairs of jeans have come from the gorgeous boutique where i work, jc penney's, and yes, goodwill. most have been under $20. my $5 penney's find fit better and have a higher quality denim than my $200 citizens of humanity (a gift, thank you!) pair. i'm not saying to skimp on quality, but you don't always need to drop a wad to find it. the key to finding good jeans is time. take an entire day to explore a gigantic mall for the pairs that fit you best. or, better yet, go to a local boutique to find the ‘one.’ it might be a little pricier than the big ticket stores, but the service will not compare! If you don’t know what looks good on you, go to a smaller store where they can help you individually.

tip: never buy your jeans too tight. obviously there are modesty issues there, but, more excitingly, it's just simply not as flattering. also, don’t hesitate to invest in alterations. the correct hem length is essential lest your legs look shorter.

here are some of my favorite selections, for all body types:

i. love. these. jeans!! i wear them. yup, can't help it! they're so worth the money, being more comfortable than any pair i've ever had and better fitting, too. they come in all different styles and fabrics for varying body types. they cover every age range, from me (23) to my mom, to one of my classy 90 year old customers. if you hae a hard time finding jeans that fit, try these.

these here 7 For All Mankind jeans are great fitting for a range of body types. this particular pair is a great example of how straight the pants should fit in the leg. with skinny jeans the exception, our pants should look long and lean, with no buckling that the thighs, knees or ankles. that will shorten your leg and add bulges to places you don't want them.

tip: if you have a wider hip, wear jeans that have at least a bootcut leg. it will balance out your upper half. if you have straight hips, you can get away with wearing straighter jeans. there are so many more rules on this; another article will necessary to cover the subject!

6.decorative flats

even if you are the most reserved and casual of dressers, bold shoes will give the illusion you are a style pro. like most of us, i work a lot and need to be practical with flats. i love my white chucks, but they aren't the most professional of footwear options so i cannot usually wear them. when i go out of the house, i want to add some sparkle to my jeans and tees with cute ballet slippers. go for it, ladies. you'll feel so spiffy when you look around at everyone else's boring shoes.

flat option #1:

this ballet flat is stunning. simple and sophisticated, and not too young. and, it's handmade in italy! i can attest to the comfort and quality of this shoe. they come in a range of colors and finishes, from metallic to suede. great for every day! check out this cobbler's site on etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/telena?ref=pr_shop_more

more ballet styles to love .

flat option #2:

ballets aren't the only great flat! loafers are another spectacular classic that are easy to throw on with jeans for every day. they can have a little pizzaz; don't be afraid to go bold! oh, and an interesting color will add personality to your ensemble. if you love fashion, shoes are just another fun way of expression. if your style is minimalistic, funky footwear is the perfect, easy way to add a dash of spice to your simple look.

well, we've completed #'s 5 and 6 in my top 10 fashion must-have's! enjoy and have a fashionable week, everyone.

xoxo Alexa