Basic elements of style

By Celine Gabriel

?Fashion fades, style is eternal??Coco Chanel

We are all bombarded by things we see on TV, stuff we read in the magazines (and newspapers, for that matter), larger-than-life perfection on billboards, and of course, the Internet.

With all these things, it is so easy to be fashionable. One merely needs to have access to some cash, purchase the latest trends, grab the current ?It? bag and slip on a pair of the must-have shoes. But does this make you stylish? No.

Having your own personal style has always been the mantra I?ve been trying to teach my readers as there is nothing more pitiful than a fashion victim. Being a fashion victim shouts to the world your lack of imagination. A lack of self-confidence. It says: I do not trust my own taste.

Don?t get me wrong. I don?t expect people to rebel from trends. Not at all! But trends are there to serve as guidelines and not for you to rip off completely by copying a look from head-to-toe. The thing with trends is that you should work it so that you make it your own.

Before you purchase trendy items, however, there are a few important pieces one MUST have already. These pieces serve as a blank canvass, the skeleton of your closet so to speak. As they say, in fashion there are no rules, but every stylista knows that there ARE the basics.

BASIC # 1?THE LBD (and the LWD)

Simple, effortless, provocative? Words that should describe you every time you walk into the room. The Little Black Dress does not discriminate?it looks good on everyone. Plus, it slims you down by about 5 pounds. When you wear an LBD, you let everything else about what you?re wearing take center stage, whether it?s your shoes, your accessories or your perfect hair and makeup. It is timeless and elegant and you can never go wrong (unless you wear it to a traditional Chinese wedding). Same goes for the Little White Dress except the LWD should only be worn when you?ve actually LOST the 5 extra pounds and when you?re sporting a killer tan (so you can look even thinner).

BASIC # 2?Good Old Denim

A good pair of jeans are practical and sexy at the same time. They are extremely versatile. You can dress it up or dress it down. The only thing you have to make sure of is that you buy the pair that flatters your derriere the most. Great-fitting jeans can be kind of pricey but as an investment piece, it is always worth it because you know that you will use it ALL THE TIME.

BASIC # 3?The Perfect White Men?s Shirt

Always cool and chic, the Perfect White Men?s Shirt is also very versatile. You can dress it up (pair with a ball skirt a la Sharon Stone) or down (with shorts, pants or with absolutely nothing but a bikini underneath) and the effect is always the same: crisp and effortless. Besides, there is something inherently sexy about strutting around wearing a shirt designed for a man.

BASIC # 4?A Luxury Bag

First note that I said luxury bag and not designer bag. A luxury bag has nothing to do with the label (though if you can afford it, go for it!). Instead, it?s all about the materials used. Go for rich leathers, beautiful skins and impeccable hardware, nothing less. When it comes to bags, my rule is always quality over quantity. A great bag has the ability to upgrade your look even if you?re walking around in flip flops.

BASIC # 5?Ballet Flats

When I think of Ballet Flats, Audrey Hepburn always comes to mind and that should be a clue as to how important they are since Audrey Hepburn happens to be one of the world?s greatest style icons. Much as we all love what a good heel does for our legs and our posture, there are just occasions when you have no business wearing heels?like the airport, or walking around touring London as I painfully learned. If you know you need to move fast and in long distances, make sure you have a great pair of flats? but always make sure they are beautiful ones.

BASIC # 6?High Heels

Just like there are occasions wherein one must wear flats, there are also times wherein a woman needs the power of a good heel. As I mentioned earlier, heels do wonders for a woman?s posture, can make your legs look like they go on for miles and give you an instant lift to your behind. But before you go for traffic-stopping colors, you must first buy a pair of classic black ones. Your classic black heels, like the LBD, will allow the rest of your outfit to speak instead of stealing the limelight which is, sometimes, exactly the little bit of magic we need.

BASIC # 7?Diamond Stud Earrings

Always classy and you can wear it with anything. Diamonds truly are a girl?s best friend.

BASIC # 8?Cashmere Cardigan

Even if you will only wear it during the Philippines? ?Brrrr? months of December and January, a cashmere cardigan is an important item one must have. It is perfect thrown over anything?a dress, a shirt, or even just your skin. Once you put it on, you are immediately enveloped in luxury. An essential for travel.

BASIC # 9?A Classic Men?s Watch

Men?s watches in particular look great on a woman?s wrist so I would insist that you buy one (or inherit one from your father). Wearing a man?s watch is subtly sexy and keeps things interesting as it is, in a way, breaking the rules. Whether you buy it in stainless steel, leather or gold, make sure the style you choose transcends time and trends.

BASIC # 10?A Magnificent Cuff

A statement accessory. The piece to punctuate any fashionable ensemble. I am partial to vintage ones but it?s really a matter of personal taste. My only tip would be to go for the more dramatic pieces and to invest in the real stuff. Anyway, you can always pass it on to your daughter.

Do you have any other important basic pieces you feel should be included in this article? If you do then I invite you to write in! The best one wins a pair of Ballet Flats from the uber stylish SOLARE shoes so please include your shoes size. E-mail me at celine_gabriel_column@yahoo.com. Make sure you use the title of my article as the subject entry to the e-mail. Comments, questions and suggestions are welcome as well.