Help Me Construct A Wardrobe of "Classics"!

[Bathsheba]

Bit of a WooHoo! I bought a pair of black mary jane style Doc Marten shoes last weekend! My shoe collection has been dismally small because I find it so hard to find ones that fit. However I love Doc's because they are so well made and durable. And these were reduced from $180 to $50!!!! they were the last pair! the sales assistant said she had had them for ages... people liked them but they just didn't fit them... I tired them on and it was like I was Cinderella! LOL So comfy too that I asked if I could keep them on... i did 2 hours worth of shopping and they were comfortable all that time! Now THAT'S a good sign!

[Nai]

I would also add (depending on where you live) a well cut black leather jacket/coat to suit your body type. I bought mine in Spain 7 years ago and it is a tailored cut to mid thigh, coming in at the waist. It looks classic and classy and won't date quickly.

[Bathsheba]

I agree Nai... I had a black leather jacket but stupidly gave it away to a friend in my early 20's when I was about 10 kilos heavier than what I am now It would fit me perfectly these days. I think though that if I was to buy a leather jacket i would go for a deep chocolate brown... sometimes black doesn't go well in the day time (I prefer it at night) but dark brown is versatile plus I wear a lot of it... it suits me.

ETA: although black would go well with my new black shoes! Hmmm choices choices!

[Nai]

Most of my wardrobe is black so it goes with pretty much everything ... very Melbourne

[Phteven]

You need a great handbag or two.
I would say the Chloe Edith in a neutral colour because it's classy enough for work but you can dress it down a bit too. You can pick one up on ebay for a lot less than the crazy retail price but there are lots of fakes so get it authenticated first (if you need I can give you a great link for authentification). Then again it may not be to your taste.
I think the Mulberry Bayswater is also a classic and maybe a bit more feminine than Edith. I love the Roxanne and the Rosemary but they're not really work bags IYKWIM.

[Bathsheba]

Thanks for the handbag tips Chloe... i share your taste... I can't remember, I think you posted a link in my wallet thread? I really liked the purse you linked to. So I'll suss them out

Fiona: I agree, I've tried on things to humour sales assistants too and been surprised! I always tell them my figure "issues" and they often get it right... I guess they see people trying things on all the time and hear them say "too small around the waist" or "too big over the shoulders" which are the very attributes I need! ie the opposite to the average woman!

[kristy J]

You need a great handbag or two.
I would say the Chloe Edith in a neutral colour because it's classy enough for work but you can dress it down a bit too. You can pick one up on ebay for a lot less than the crazy retail price but there are lots of fakes so get it authenticated first (if you need I can give you a great link for authentification). Then again it may not be to your taste.
I think the Mulberry Bayswater is also a classic and maybe a bit more feminine than Edith. I love the Roxanne and the Rosemary but they're not really work bags IYKWIM.

I so miss having great handbags I will have to do my own makeover one day too.

but too don't forget to get the right bra's prof fitted...

[fionas]

Well done on the purchase Bath - that's a serious bargain. Mary Janes are just so darn good. And Docs are indeed very comfy. I can't part with a pair of black velour Doc Marten boots that I brought over from the UK with me nearly 15 years ago and haven't worn since. Hoping there will be a Doc revival and I can call them 'vintage'.

I had my own triumph last week too. Saw a dress in Jacqui E which I thought would be good when I go back to work in July. Grey with a little round collar, belted waist with box pleat detail and quite loose, gathered skirt.

So pondered then went back a week later to try it on but assistant also pointed out a totally different dress - v-neck, belted waist but with a very straight pencil skirt. I really tried it on to humour her.

Anyhow, lo and behold the dress I'd chosen made me look a bit frumpy whereas the dress she'd chosen looked a million bucks and I couldn't get to the register quick enough.

So the moral of the story is sometimes assistants know what they're talking about and definitely try a variety of styles. Often the very opposite of what we think will cover up a multitude of sins is actually what suits us better.

Of course, now I want to go on a pencil skirt binge as most of my skirts are jersey wool gathered style!