{ all you need } is bling

i think it goes without saying that, these days, most of us are buying rather less than we'd like. the sunny side of it is that we're thinking strategically about where & how we spend, and i think in the end we will be all the more stylish for it.

in the face of economic challenges, fashion is finally catching on to a maxim i have always held: all you really need is shoes and jewels!

keep a few seasonless dresses in your closet ~ pieces that can be worn year-round. as seasons change, add or subtract trendy tights, vintage jackets, etc. then, spend your money on really fun jewelry, and really good quality shoes! usually, you can't wear an expensive dress 10 different ways, but the right accessories can be worn in a new way every day of the week.

if you take a look at my own costumery, it's easy to see what i mean. often i wear simple, seasonless, or super-budget basics, but i make the looks special with what i pile on top and on my toes!

right now, the best things to buy are: patterned, sheer hosiery, a pair of new bejeweled shoes, and perhaps a pretty neckpiece or two!

(images: 'enter the dinner dress' by javier vallhonrat for vogue uk sept 09)