The Classics

It is exceptional to find something that stands the test of time, a perfect piece of music, an awe-inspiring art work or a book with an all encompassing message. These classics are personal but universal, timeless but contemporary and rare but quite ordinary. Few have succeeded in creating something so perfect that it appeals to all, Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, Andy Warhol's pop art and Harper Lee's To kill a Mockingbird are a few rarities that spring to mind. In the fashion world, where trends run on a conveyer belt, suspended only temporarily in the public eye and then disappear to be replaced by something new, different and beautiful, a classic is somewhat of an anomaly. As a young fashion enthusiast, my preferences tend to lie with the here and now, the newness of this season and next, my classics as I refer to them, mere backup plans or last minute decisions, or so I thought. During one of my daily procrastination sessions, I went through my recent online orders. To my surprise, I had not indulged in anything 'on trend' as I had expected. A pair of acne skinny jeans, a black cashmere jumper, a little black dress, a white gown and a pair black cropped trousers hardly scream autumn/winter '10 in fact they don't really scream any season at all. These items makeup the bones of my wardrobe, the foundations around which most outfits are laid. I am afraid I have made them sound boring and mundane, but these items are exceptional, they are classics, they fit well and feel great, these are clothes you enjoy putting on in the morning, that just work. So, I have devised a list of rather inconspicuous items that I feel everybody should invest in. The clothes featured below may seem pretty ordinary, you probably have half of them but I picked each item specifically for its structure and quality. While most are out of my budget, I would like to think of this as a go to list for when I win the euro millions or become a very successful something. I could say the look of this article is Jackie O or Coco Chanel or even Laura Hutton but it's not, these pieces are the bare necessities of every woman’s closet.

1. Little Black dress.

Probably the most iconic classic, the little black dress was first developed by Coco Chanel.

Victoria Beckham.

Elizabeth and James.

2. The Trench Coat.

Thomas Burberry originally developed the gabardine fabric trench coat in the late 1850's for the British army. Today, there is whole website dedicated to this simple piece of outerwear http://artofthetrench.com/
Topshop.

Reiss.

Mango.

3. The Denim Jean.

The blue jean is an American cult classic. Originally designed as a work trouser in the 1870's, they became popular among teenagers in the 1960s after James Dean wore them in the 1956 movie 'Rebel Without a Cause'.  Today, jeans come in a variety of washes, silhouettes, rises and colours.

J Brand Lovestory flares.

Siwy Hannah skinny jeans in black.

4. The Blazer.

 Isabel Marant. (Fitted)

2. Theyskens theory. (Oversized)

Topshop. (Ruched Sleeve)

5.Cashmere Jumper.

My favourite piece of clothing, perfectly soft and warm, I live for cashmere sweaters, preferably slightly oversized.

Thoery.

Crumpet.

Jill Sander.

6. The White shirt.

 Ever since the infamous Mr and Mrs. Smith film, the scene that resonates the most with me isn't the passionate sex scene but the next morning with Angelina Jolie standing in wellington boots and Brad Pitts torn and slightly bloodied cotton, white shirt outside the remnants of their home. I don't know why but I always remember that shirt....

The white shirt is a powerful piece of clothing for both men and woman. It's perfect for any occasion, silk, cotton or chiffon it doesn't matter just wear it and wear it well.

Vince (Batwing sleeve)

Joseph.

7.  The Flat.

Everyone has them, be they brogues, ballerina pumps or just a good pair of loafers. For some people, shoes can be easily forgotten about, after all, who looks at your feet anyway, for others the fascination resembles a religious following. I tend to fall into the latter category, particularly when it comes to heels, but I do have a lot of respect for the humble flat and believe a good pair is a necessity.

Mui Mui Ballerina Pumps.

Church's Brogue.

A.P.C. Mocassins.

That's it, a brief run through of what's available this season that will last a life time. Enjoy them, wear them and love them, they are classics after all. Until next time... x