As pointed out to me by a client this week, I am a preacher of proactive shopping. Why?
Because those last minute shopping jaunts are almost never successful and definitely not worth the stress factor. Which came first, the fabulous cocktail party to which you are invited, or the perfect dress you have hanging in your closet, ready to go at the last minute? Does it really matter? If you have to go shopping before saying yes to a fabulous invitation, you are definitely going to miss out on some of the finer moments in life.
Here are 5 items you should have ready to go in your closet at all times, lest a fabulous opportunity pass you by because you didn't have the right outfit. And for those of you who don't think that happens, I've heard many stories from clients and friends alike...
1. What's your Spice?
We should all have a go-to piece of Spice in our closet. What do I mean by "Spice"? I mean a piece that makes you feel and look special and sparkly! Speaking of sparkly, my favorite spicy piece right now is a sequined jacket. It doesn't have to be all gold and blingy or expensive either; mine is vintage with tiny ivory iridescent sequins. I bought it so long ago (probably in college) that I can't even remember where or when I bought it! Good thing this sort of thing never goes out of style. Your spicy piece could be a statement necklace that makes an all-black outfit chic and powerful instead of safe and boring, or a pair of shoes so fantastic that is almost doesn't matter what else you are wearing. The point is, if someone were to call you for a last minute dinner date or tickets to an awesome concert, could you be out the door, looking and feeling special and spicy, in 5 minutes?
2. The Perfect Cocktail Dress
And no, it doesn't have to be black, but it could be. The purpose of this dress is that you know it fits, flatters and makes you feel good. This dress can be "dressed" up or down with shoes and accessories. Dressed up? Door-knocker earrings and metallic heels. Dressed down? Diamond studs, a blazer and a pair of leather pumps.
3. The 3 Ingredient Makeup bag
I feel like I always get stuck on a conference call or feeding the baby until 5 minutes before I need to run out the door, at which point I suddenly remember that I haven't put any makeup on. For these situations, you only need 3 steps in your makeup routine.
Step 1: Treat, moisturize, protect your skin from the sun, and provide coverage in one step with one of the new BB Creams. I can't wait to try the one from Dr. Brandt.
Step 2: Curl your eyelashes. I use a basic Tweezerman model.
Step 3: Do you have the perfect bright lipstick? I'm partial to red or orange right now. The new color "balms" provide impactful color and moisture without looking too "made-up". You can (and should) put a little on your finger as a quick cream blush!
4. Jeans That Work Now
Jeans that will work well in 5 lbs do not count here. You must have a pair that fit you EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW. The structure of the jeans will actually make you feel more confident than anything else, I promise. The best part about a good pair of jeans? No Spanx required! Wear a cute cropped pair in the summer. Pair with a basic tank and your Spicy sequined jacket and run out the door!
5. Essential Accessories
Heels you can walk in and a leather bag that works day or night. Don't argue, just buy them if you don't have them.
