It's been the cri de coeur for many femmes d'un certain âge for some time now. Let's face it, a few simple, season-spanning garments that fit well are the foundation of a cohesive wardrobe. They're what we grab on those rushed mornings when we don't have time to experiment but need to look pulled together (um, that's pretty much every morning for me). They provide a backdrop to favorite accessories or our Hero pieces, a blank canvas on which we paint our personal style. They're the gold coin of the realm, and can seem as rare. (OK, so I'm a little obsessed about the return of Game of Thrones...)
At times it feels like there's a wide chasm between retailers like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Talbot's who offer classic basics at low-to-medium price points in a wide range of sizes (and sometimes inconsistent fit and quality) and the "bridge line" designers who tend to be more fashion forward (or specialized) and limited in sizes but with better quality fabrics and construction, and who occasionally deliver up a season- and trend-spanning item that you wonder how you'd ever lived without.
A couple of newer clothing lines seem to be attempting to fill this gap.
Dobbin Clothing launched last year, and while at the time while I applauded their intention of creating wardrobe "workhorses," I'll admit I wasn't that impressed with the range of styles offered. They seemed a bit, well...dowdy. However Allie at Wardrobe Oxygen absolutely rocked their "Belle" dress here, which made me reconsider. I keep checking back at the website and hoping they'll add some new styles and colors.
Dobbin "Belle" dress
Dobbin "Harper" Stretch Silk Charmeuse Blouse
(Pretty color for Spring!)
Across the pond, LUCZA London has launched, offering simple, elegant basics from dresses to loungewear in luxurious fabrics.
LUCZA Gabrielle Dress in Liberty Print
Gracie Shirt
Lauren Jumper (that's "sweater" to those of us in the US)
Hepburn Cigarette Trouser
Olivia Dress
Diane Jacket
Some LUCZA collections offer several coordinating pieces in the same fabric (dresses, shirts, jackets, skirts, tops, pants). The prices are definitely in the "bridge line" range, but the timeless design of many of these pieces translates to years of wear. For those looking for more classic, tailored styles, LUCZA may well be worth checking out.My own best source for wardrobe basics for the last couple of years has been Eileen Fisher.
Silk jersey tee
Items like this silk jersey 3/4 sleeve tee above, and ponte knit jeans are the kind of basics that suit my own style and lifestyle. Most are washable, and fabulous for work or travel.Do you have a go-to source for your wardrobe basics?
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