my 10 essentials

(you know, as far as material possessions/getting dressed in the morning goes)

1. An airy, light, easy dress - One of those ones that hits you right about mid-thigh and floats around you just right without really hugging anything at all. Admittedly, my husband doesn’t like things that “don’t hug anything at all”, but I can’t lie and say I don’t love the feeling of just throwing the thing on for the day with a pair of flats and I’m out the door. The best thing about such dresses is that they are easily belted and worn with leggings or tights for a completely different look. So versatile, so effortless.

2. A men’s button-down - Sexy and perfect. Great with jeans. Unbuttoned just the right amount. Preferably with minimal accessories.


photo by vanessa jackman

3. Black patent flats.

4. Music - I crave it, need it for therapy, need it to dance to, need it to be happy, need it to relax, need it to daydream, need it to run.
I'm pretty dern excited about this mix CD swap I'm gonna participate in. I may just do one of my own on here someday.

5. Red lipstick - Such a powerful accessory. I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before, but it’s true that it instantly glams your outfit and makes you feel at least 85% sexier. And that’s a fact.




photos by Vanessa Jackman
(So many of my ideals going on in her look)

6. Big earrings - I am so often lazy and revert to giant, obtrusive earrings as my accessory for the day, just so I don’t have to think about coordinating anything else. They’re so easy.

7. Perfume - I hope I don’t sound dumb if I say I feel naked without it. Cause I feel naked without it.

8. Coffee - Every day, or headache ensues.

9. Leggings - They’re not going away yet, at least not in my wardrobe.

10. Beach Spray - Anything that smells like coconut and is purposed to give ‘sexy waves’ or texture, is a go-to for me. I use it pretty much every day, no matter how I do my hair, because even if my hair is up, I think it makes everything better later. And it smells like the beach, so how can you go wrong? I’ve tried multiple brands in search of the perfect one (ever since John Frieda stopped making that luscious beach waves spray or whatever it was called), and so far my favorite is Sedu Beach Spray. But I’ll gladly take recommendations.

photo via The Sartorialist
If this jacket were in my closet it would be on this list. Such an essential.

Runners up: Carmex, Orbit Sweet Mint Gum, and my Richard Chai super-comfy long black cardigan.

So tell me, what are your essentials?