I’m a firm believer that a good fall wardrobe needs a solid foundation. These timeless pieces become the building blocks for the rest of your outfits season after season.  Having go-to staples that defy fads and trends is the key to having a truly versatile wardrobe.

Here are my top 5 fall essentials that are worthy of investing in:

CLASSIC COATS:

You can’t go wrong with a classic belted trench coat and a tailored peacoat. They’re both timeless and instantly pull together your entire look.

Left: MICHAEL Michael Kors Double-breasted Trench Coat

Right: DKNYC Double Breasted Peacoat

BLACK ANKLE BOOTS:

The equivalent to a little black dress in the footwear department, black ankle boots are a must-have for every woman.

Left: Via Spiga Sheri

Right: ALDO Elks

COZY SCARVES:

Scarves are a great way to add color, pattern and/or texture to any outfit. I like to stock up in them to change up outfits throughout the season.

Left: Yarnz Playhouse Scarf

Right: Fossil Annabelle Solid Infinity Scarf

STRUCTURED HANDBAGS:

A structured bag adds a classic, ladylike feel to even casual ensembles!

Left: Cole Haan Ludlow St. Addison Satchel

Right: MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Large North/South Tote

DARK WASH JEANS:

Jeans are an obvious staple all year round, but when done in a clean dark wash, it gives any outfit a more polished, pulled-together appearance. Invest in great-fitting dark wash jeans in a variety of cuts like bootcut, skinny and flare.

Left: Paige Premium Denim Petite Bell Canyon in Gavin

Right: Hudson Beth Baby Boot in Chelsea

1.MICHAEL Michael Kors Clean Legging in Black, 2.ALDO Grybel clutch w/ chain strap, 3. DKNYC 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, 4. Yellow Box Andie boots

It’s a long holiday weekend ahead of us, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably already been planning those weekend outfits! This edition of Style on a Budget is all about creating an affordable casual date outfit without breaking the bank.

I love mixing feminine pieces, like the sweet and sheer blouse above, with more edgy pieces like the leopard bag, sleek black skinnies and rugged flat boots. The best part? You can do the entire look for around 300 bucks!

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!

No matter which way it’s sliced, (slashed and or shredded for that matter), cutout garments are stealing the style spotlight. Perhaps it’s the feeling of being slightly provocative without being overly risqué that makes cutouts a trend almost anyone can comfortably wear. Cutouts or often referred to as cutaway styles can be found in anything from tops, dresses, and even a few bottoms.
http://www.zappos.com/dknyc-cold-shoulder-turtleneck-black

DKNYC DKNYC has a great Cold Shoulder Top with split sleeves and cut-out shoulders for a sexy but still flirty look. Free People’s Cutout Menswear Dress may be a menswear inspired dress but nothing about it is short of feminine. The dress features detailed cutout designs in a satin dress with front snap closure and ruching. BCBGeneration always offers trend-setting pieces like their Cutout Sleeve Dress, available in Galaxy Blue. This dress is constructed with cutout sleeves as well as a sexy v-neck—as if bearing arms wasn’t sexy enough.

If you’re willing to invest in a designer piece, Moschino has an elegant long sleeve silk dress with draping fabric and cutouts or “keyholes” circling the neck. Detailing each keyhole are faux pearls lined around the edges. The cutaway dress also has an empire waist and elasticized ends on each sleeve.

Should you feel extra daring, LnA’s newest item, the Ripped Zipper Leggings in cotton jersey are just the thing for you. They feature ankle zippers and deep slashes on the front legs for the ultimate rock glam look.

It’s fine to extend your cutout style down to your toes with cutout booties, this popular style continues to stay strong. However, make sure you keep your shredded apparel to a minimum and only wear one sliced item at a time, you want to look trendy but not like you just survived a cat fight.

Ripped Zipper Leggings