10 Commandments

I wrote this style guide for a little magazine eons ago. Do I still agree with what I said? You help decide. It was a one-size-fits-all list of what you should own in your closet. (‘Fabulous’ was a very important word back then.)
(It is now 2009.) We read:
…Factors in planning one’s list should cater to personal style, occupation, and budget. Items should be of good quality, comfortable, and versatile, so as to be combined with accessories (the key to fabulously frugal fashion!) The 10 fashion must-haves, which I fondly refer to as ‘The Moda Commandments,’ include:
1. Jeans (2-3 pairs) of supreme comfort and class. They should be equally sensible with sneakers at the ball game as they are savvy with heels to church. (I no longer wear heels except for VERY special occasions)
2. Black pants never let you down. They can also come in handy for most job situations. (*Boring or Brilliant?)
3. Fabulous purse with lots of space for all your treasures! Don’t be afraid to also celebrate your style! (#fannypack)
4. A classic white blouse can be combined with everything from jeans, a warm pullover, and flats to a little black dress, sparkly jewelry, and hot red heels. (*only if you don’t drool coffee)
5. Cardigan in black to keep you warm and styling!
6. The timeless denim jacket can both dress up a turtleneck and tone down a skirt. (optional)
7. Blazers for an interview or otherwise formal event help create that ‘cut above’ look. I recommend a neutral color like black, so you can wear it with everything. (If you are a white collar professional or simply a Classic)
8. Warm boots go hand-in-hand with winter! Chic leather boots can also double up for more formal occasions. FYI Newsfash! Over-the-knee boots are not only all the rage, they are also no longer just for hookers! (*I really did wear thigh-high boots, and they were very fun)
9. Black pumps have been a fashion mainstay since 1920 flappers revolted against sensible flats. They can be sky-high or ballerina-flat. (*present day = loafers)
10. Little Black Dress… my favorite, I couldn’t resist! Check out my blog for LBD ideas. (*Maybe if I restock my LBD game people will start throwing cocktail parties)
Chances are you may have more outfits than you thought when combined creatively. Using the Moda Commandments as a guide and your personal style as inspiration, you can’t go wrong!
(*Older and hopefully wiser, I still hold to a list of must-haves, but it is tailored to You and your personal style, because we are not all the same!)
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Cheers to a good blast from the past.