WWW: Nude Shoes, Bold Skirts, and Neutral Blazers

Thanks for stopping by for Wardrobe Workhorse Week!  We're celebrating our favorite and most dependable clothing items, the garments and accessories without which we'd consider our closets incomplete.  Today I'm showcasing my personal wardrobe heroes: nude shoes, skirts with personality, and neutral blazers.

Composition: Nude Shoes
suede peep-toe heels (Seychelles), round-toe wedges (Nine West), patent peep-toe heels (Guess)

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Usage:

Months ago I touted these suede peep-toe heels as one of my favorite spring purchases, and I followed up with a post about the nude fashion trend.  Since then, I've amassed a collection of flesh-toned shoes, from simple flats to dressy heels.  In fact, most of the shoes I now own are nude hues.  They elongate my legs, they pair easily with any outfit, and they seem to create more of a "look" than the brown leather or black patent "neutrals" to which I previously gravitated.  Of course, depending on one's skin tone, "nude" can mean anything from buttery yellow to rosy pink to rich mocha.  Pale versions complement my peachy complexion best, so I was pleased to score these light patent peep-toe heels on eBay last month.  After they sustained me through a night of dancing at a friend's wedding, I high-fived myself for a smart $17.50 purchase.  Versatility and durability?  A perfect combo.

Composition: Skirts with Personality

pink tiered skirt (Target), multi-colored patterned skirt (Lulu's)

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Usage:

Since I generally keep my shoes toned-down, I like to beef up my outfits with skirts of interesting textures and colors.  This is surely a fashion violation, since maximizing the prints and colors around my hips in effect maximizes the look of my hips themselves.  I'm okay with this because a) I appreciate hips and the women who show them off, and b) I don't exactly have a curvy figure.  Patterns and textures help me create the illusion of width.  So bring it on, Stacy and Clinton.  This is one rule I'm content to break.  Above I've featured two all-star summer skirts.  I'm struggling to select merely one, so they'll share the "workhorse" title.

Composition: Neutral Jackets

linen blazer (Gap), grey wool-blend blazer (Gap)

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Blazers are wardrobe essentials for many women, and I understand why.  In my own closet they're incredibly versatile; they add an extra something to so-so ensembles, enable creative layering, and help me transition between seasons.  What's more, in professional environments they elevate my look to one of authority instantly.  I wore the above grey blazer during my master's defense in May, and it gave me the confidence boost I needed.  It also summoned a bona fide degree out of the experience, so job well done, wool-blend wonder!  My brother has likely forgotten that I wore the same blazer to his college commencement, but if he remembered, I'm sure he would credit it with his successful graduation as well.

Prompts:

• Are you a fan of any of these wardrobe workhorses?  How do you style them?  Why do they work for you?
• Could you offer me any suggestions for styling these workhorses in the future? 
• If you own similar items, where did you buy them?  And where do you normally shop for them?
• How often do you wear your wardrobe workhorses each week?  Each month?  Here's my estimation breakdown for the items I've featured today:  Nude Shoes: 4 days per week / Bold Skirts: 2 days per week / Neutral Blazers: 1-3 days per week, depending on work schedule.