Ode to Stripes

In the time of technology, where new fashion is at our fingertips, it's not necessarily clear what you should be investing in. Fashion IS an important investment (more on that later)so what SHOULD you be buying? And what can you live without? Well no fear - that's exactly what I (don't) get paid to do. So for my first altruistic deed here's one thing you can and should always consider buying: Stripes. Stripes. Stripes. Stripes.

Vertical. Horizontal. Diagonal. On shoes, shirts, pants, tights, scarves, hats...you name it. And let me address the obvious here: Stripes are not a one type buy. It's a print; not a certain object. But it's essential. So absolutely essential.

Stripes are classic and modern at the same time. Think about pinstripes and navy style big blocked stripes - totally classic. But think dark mod stripes or bold multi-colored ones - modern, a throwback to 70s style. Personally I think of a Ralph Lauren/Calvin Klein combination of the two: big mod inspired stripes but with nude, neutral colors. Love it.

Recently, I'm so enamored I've made it a point to wear them all the time! It's easy - I've invested in a pair of flats with blue and white stripes with gold buckles. They were $10 from a JcPenny outlet store. I wear them with EVERYTHING. But stripes go beyond being functional and adorable. They translate to slimming, daring, and bold. Stripes are your in between - are you scared of color? Are you scared of pattern? Try stripes. Go 'safe' and stick with varying shades of black. Feeling not so skinny - stripes are super slimming. Just try it on first and pay attention to fabric! Cotton will be much more forgiving then a jersey material. And finally, stripes are bold. You don't need to invest in studs, metal, shoulder pads, or booties to be on top of the trend here. Stripes can be fun and crazy - I have an amazing shirt that has stripes on a bias on the sleeves from Banana Republic.

So hopefully I've convinced you that stripes are amazing. If nothing else - buy one shirt, jacket, purse that's striped. And tell me after a week you're life's not better (at least in the superficial, vain sense). Bon Shopping!