Last year I did a roundup of items that I either already owned -- or wanted to own -- that make up my fall uniform. Here's what I said about this matter:
I get very excited about fall, because it means I get to add on to my uniform. One of my many shopping theories is that you should always have some go-to outfit -- a uniform, if you will -- that consists of basics you can add to or subtract from, depending on the season.
(Other shopping theories include "try to look French," "you can't go wrong with a sundress and flops," and "if you look like you just exercised, that's kind of hot.")
My fall uniform theory very much falls into what my friend Al calls "Elegant Cowgirl." It's a dress theory that affects thousands of Southern ladies every year, and only you can stop it. Wait. I mean, only you can admire it, and try to emulate it, because it's AWESOME. Here's my interpretation.
This year's fall uniform contains many of the same items: the white tee, jeans, cowboy-ish belt, boots, and lipstick are still there. Unsurprisingly, it's all still very Elegant Cowgirl. I've added/changed a few things, most notably a COAT, something I have never needed before. Very exciting. Let's go to the tape!
1. White tee. Same as last year, except I've added one with long sleeves. (James Perse)
2. Last year I had a herringbone blazer on here, which I bought and, sadly, never wore. It did something bad to my shoulders. However, I have many vests I've known and loved, and they have all come from J. Crew, so I am going to try a herringbone VEST this time. We'll see what happens. Please try not to be so much on the edge of your seat.
3. This is my new favorite polish. Like some of you, I have a bad case of neon fatigue, even though I still theoretically love it. This color is still way neon, but it's a little more red/orange than pink, which I find to be a welcome change. Go get some! You won't regret it.
4. A darker red lipstick is replacing last year's pink (Nars Funny Face, still beloved and worn often). I hear dark red is SO IN this year. This one, like Funny Face, appears to be universally flattering.
5. What, another Giles & Brother bracelet? Look, it's on my extended wish list. I tell my design campers to save up for one thing on their wish lists each year, and in five years they will have five awesome things. Well, in five years I will have five awesome G&B bracelets. BAM.
6. It breaks my heart to say this, but I lost my No. 6 boots in the back of a rental car last year. It still makes me sick to think about. Anyway, one day I will replace them -- like when they by some miracle have a coupon -- but this year I am going to try these Frye Engineer Harness boots. Also on my extended wish list, and I am hoping I love them just as much as everyone says I will.
7. Hey, cute scarf. You are sold out. Stop that right now.
8. Same belt as last year. Still going strong!
9. I can't remember the last time I bought a coat. Wait, yes I do -- Banana Republic, 2001. We don't really need them here. HOWEVER! I am traveling to some pretty cold places this fall/winter (see: Chicago, December), so I need to have one. This one is from Delia's, and it is a great color/fit for not a lot of $$$. I don't need to be splashing out on something I'll use just a few times, right?
10. Jeans! These are the Skinny Skinny Ankle jeans from Madewell, a jean that has become number one in my heart since they 1) fit awesomely, and 2) do not have to be hemmed. Hallelujah! Shorties of the world, I urge you to try these. You will salute me from the dressing room.
So that's it for me this year. I also stocked up on tees from Emerson Fry, so I should be good until the new year, at least.
What's on y'all's fall uniform wish list? Tell me, so I can want it too.
Monday, October 29, 2012 at 1:41PM 
