Hot and heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake and Jesus Christ, ain't nothing please me more than you

Bare necessities:


A recent clear out left me faced with the basics of my wardrobe. Like a healthy diet, a decent closet needs its staple pieces. For someone so dedicated to dark and simple items (I love bold colors and outrageous patterns on some, but these just aren't for me sadly), I welcome staple items with open arms, as they consist of classic items that you can mix and match to create completely different looks. However, times are a-changing, and the classic A-line skirts and pressed white shirts are becoming somewhat outdated, so I've put a slightly modernized twist on my staples, without straying too far from the classic ten.

1.) The Skinny Jeans- Now my height makes it pretty much impossible to wear any other trouser than a straight leg without looking like an midget, but luckily the skinny jean came along and instantly elongated my stumpy pipes so much that I can almost pass for 5"4 (from a distance of course). It also makes it very hard to find good jeans that really fit, but after many a year of rolled up legs/tummy sucking in, Topshop (which I'm usually morally opposed to but I have to admit they've helped me out recently) introduced the Jamie jeans, which fit like a glove.
2.) The Everyday Bag- This bag has been a real save for me (thanks again Topshop) as it leaves me hands free (perfect for eating and shopping) and is just big enough to fit my phone, purse and a pot of Carmex in. It goes with pretty much everything, and saves the bulging-pocket look when running smaller errands.
3.) The Black Heels- Patent black heel, need I say more? I dare you to find an outfit that these don't go with. These were around £70 from Dune and look great, I'm not gonna say that they're amazingly comfy, cause let's be honest, when people say that about heels, they're lying, but I can last a good few hours in them without collapsing in agony.

4.) The Little Back Dress- God, excuse my appalling photography skills, this photo really does not do this dress justice. Black lace never really goes out of style, and the low back gives it a sexy edge. This dress by Lulu and Red has solved many an 'OH GOD WHAT DO I WEAR' situation, and has been teamed with Converse, brogues and heels to give completely different looks.

5.) The Silk Blouse- Crisp white shirts are so..old, in more ways than one. Next. Cream, sheer blouses are the way forward.

6.) The I-wish-I-could-use-you-everyday-but-I-don't-want-to-hurt-you, i.e. The Classic Purse- Now whilst the latest season bags can be to die for, there are certain classic bags that will never go out of fashion. This is my beloved quilted Chanel bag, which I have been lusting after for so long, and vowed it would be my first big fashion buy. God just look how pretty it is.

 7.) The Black Blazer- Which I am in desperate need of a new plain one, however this sequined one is a good alternative. Great for a smart/casual look, which I am generally awful at, and adds a bit of sparkle to a plain outfit.

*Apologies for sideways-ness

8.) The High-waisted Skirt- Oh what a favorite of mine. Extremely versatile, simple, classic, cheap. They look good on pretty much anyone, regardless of shape, size, height or age. Fantastic creation.

9.) Plain White V's- Whilst a white t shirt is also good to have, I find a white vest so much nicer. Perfect simplicity, and when worn with the right accessories, can really bring an outfit together.

10.) The Necklace- I found this picture circulating the internet the other day, and have the exact same one. It's on a long thin chain, and really helps add a finishing touch to an outfit. Pearl necklaces are out, long chained pendants are innnnnnnnn.

And finally, on the theme of bare essentials....

Make up- Whilst some lucky girls favor a dab of Vaseline and slick of mascara, my freckly mug needs a regular coat of moisturizer (Nivea Creme is like holy water, instantly smooths and softens), tinted moisturizer (I swear by Benefit's You Rebel), I sweep of YSL bronzer (a good set of brushes are essential, this is a Benefit slanted brush, but I got a great set from The Body Shop), black-brown mascara, some rose petal salve, and Benefit's Realness of Concealness kit, which instantly brightens and revitalizes a tired face.

The Sunglasses- As a sunglass obsessive, I swear by the wayfarer, and have a draw full to the brim with wayfarers of all varieties of color and quality (many a street market fake) however, the black Ray-Ban's always win.