Sure, a simple white shirt could be found anywhere from K-mart to Gap, but considering its longevity in the fashion world, you should choose one that will last you a lifetime. Here are the qualities that make an investment-worthy, simple white shirt:
Finding dresses that suit both the office and holiday parties can be a bit tricky, but with these three, you'll be able to conquer every venue from family gatherings to corporate events.
“Buy what you need, buy things that you love, and take care of what you own.” – Elizabeth Cline
As you will discover throughout this site, Basiques is all about investing in classic clothes that are of high quality. We encourage limiting your cheap and trendy, as money is wasted replacing those pieces year after year, or even season after season. We've found that our time and paychecks are better spent searching for quality fabrics and flattering cuts, and owning mostly basic items ("Basiques") that can carry us from work to play.
Author Elizabeth Cline seems to share our mission. In her book, Overdressed, she talks about cheap, mass produced clothing and the effect it has on our bank accounts and the environment. Yes, that's right, the environment. Cheap clothing moguls, such as Forever 21 and H&M produce their products in foreign factories where they pay their workers far too little, and purchase their fabrics in bulk, leading to waste. Even though we recommend purchasing small accessories from such stores, it is hard to find a quality basics, such as a blazer that is well made and would last for years to come.
A wardrobe should be centered around a few quality pieces. Initially, these pieces may seem like splurges, but if chosen correctly, they will last you a decade. Cline's book lists strategies to getting the longest wear out of such pieces. For example, she explains how learning to sew or visiting the tailor's can ensure your clothing's longevity.
To learn more about Cline's book, check out this article on Fashionista.
If you would like to learn more about our philosophy, download our eBook on Stress-Less Dressing. Shop smart!
Yet, must we abstain from all traces of femininity? The answer is, no. We can add pattern, color, and softer shapes and fabrics. The accessories and blouses we wear over our tailored pants and under our black blazers can bring out our femininity in the most flattering way without making us look weak. For example, a colorful, flowing blouse in sheer or silk, is a great way to soften up your look, not to mention accessories like scarves and statement necklaces. Note: Necklaces are a better choice in fashion statement over rings and bracelets because they don’t get in the way when you’re shaking hands.
High Fashion Inspiration: If you take a look at Stella McCartney’s Resort 2013 collection, her blazers and suits are the definition of flower power. Of course, most of us wouldn’t dare show up to work decked out like these ladies, but we can implement some of these floral patterns and bright colors into our more traditional office attire.
Back in the doldrums of winter, from time to time we would drift off at the desk to imagine an early summer: no more vitamin D supplements, a walk to Starbucks sans extra layers, maybe a beach day sprinkled into the work week, but did you picture yourself and what you were wearing? In an ideal world, we would be wearing a flowing cotton maxi dress or short shorts and flip-flops, but we need to flash back to reality and remember that we are at work -- in an office.
How can we balance looking professional while also heeding summer’s call to celebrate the sun and avoid overheating? It’s simple.
Enjoy the sun shining through the windows opposite your cubicle, and remember to keep an anti-frizz serum in your desk drawer! Happy summer.
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The fashion industry churns out trends at a lightening pace. With changing influences from designers, celebrities, and the media, how are we expected to keep up without becoming overwhelmed?
Too much choice means you'll become your own nightmare. Ever leave your home excited solely for the shopping excursion ahead of you? Maybe you're looking for a new blouse for work, or a date dress with your (future) Mr. Right. Maybe you're just itching to browse. You'll walk into one store of nearly dozen identical storefronts, hopeful for what you might discover. You see something colorful and suddenly, it's just what you're looking for peeking out between layers of fabric. Then, you see the next rack of clothing. And the next. Now you're roaming the aisles frantically, eyeing other women as they claw through racks where you think you see yet another piece perfectly made for you. Yes, you're hallucinating. Your patience thin, you shove past a woman who stands between you and your prize, snatch it up and scamper away to the fitting room. You've claimed it. And since you've spent so much time and effort trying to attain that "got to have it" piece, you buy it, even if the fit is slightly off and the color not quite complementary to your skintone—even if you've got five tops, tees, skirts or dresses just like it at home, sitting in your closet collecting dust.
Just say no. Like a daunting menu at the Cheesecake Factory, too many fashion choices also means you'll be left feeling unsatisfied. A simplified system of dressing is that much easier to digest (pardon our pun).
Get your style together. We believe it's important to invest in timeless pieces that flatter you. Your look—and the time you'll save—will be yours. Besides, trends are for kids.
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Bonjour, mademoiselles!
After a brief holiday, we're well-rested and back in fashion action—and excited for the opportunities ahead in 2012. We hope that you are, too. We look forward to sharing even more style tips, articles and Q&A's in the months ahead. Let's go!
You already know that a Basiques' wardrobe offers building blocks to streamlined style. Accessories are a great way to create an individual, unique look. What do yours say about you?
Monotone.
For you, the little black dress is just the start. Your noir-inspired layers take it a step further—think black tights, black pumps, onyx pearls and a sleek black patent clutch. It's so New York, and day or night, it works. Or, maybe you feel confident in crimson. Why not ravish in head-to-toe red.
Gilded.
You've got the Midas Touch, be it an understated pair of gold hoops, a metallic-leather belt or pretty (and practical) platinum flats to get you on your way. Selectively-chosen metallic accessories are a great way to add a bit of shine without screaming for the spotlight.
Color, color, everywhere!
Okay, maybe not everywhere—think here and there. Your signature look might include a peacock-hued scarf, a coral-beaded statement necklace, or leather booties in the deepest shade of amber. It's fun, it's feminine, and it's a bit flirty. Ooh, la la!
Back to nature.
You're drawn to natural fibers and textures—wood, silk and semiprecious stones—and you adorn yourself accordingly. Be sure to check out local vintage shops for gorgeous, eco-friendly pieces that won't break the bank.
If you’ve already streamlined your wardrobe, you’re two steps ahead of having something to wear to festive fêtes. All it takes is a few glitzy additions to take your outfit from Basique to magnifique! Keep these tips in mind when the party invitations come a-caroling.
Chandelier or drop earrings play up the European-style stand up collar of our Classic White Shirt. They also easily help transition an outfit from night-to-day—keep a pair or two in your desk drawer or tote bag for an add of sparkle on the go.
Patent leather pumps are versatile enough to wear day or night, yet their supple shine practically demands the spotlight after dark. Try pairing them with fishnets (we especially love nude-colored fishnets) under a pencil skirt for just the right amount of sexy.
A beaded wrap can double as a scarf with a tailored coat or keep your shoulders warm over our bustier. If your outfit is neutral, try a wrap with a burst of color—think rich crimson or decadent plum—or, if your outfit has color, you can’t go wrong with black.
A clutch holds just the necessities (we know how hard it is to leave our beloved totes at home), and its minimalistic nature lets your outfit speak for itself.
Of course, nothing says Ooh la la like red lips. Whether gloriously glossy or meticulously matte, there are options and tones for every skin tone and type to rev your holiday spirit.
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Whether you’re shopping for the woman who has everything or for the woman who never knows what she wants, why not give her a Basiques’ wardrobe consultation? The holidays may come once a year, but style is forever.
Contact Sheri at 917.701.4844 to discuss scheduling and pricing options.
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Happy day-before Thanksgiving, everyone!
We recently came across this Huffington Post article and were pleased to see that a classic white shirt was at the top of the list of items that can help pull your look together in an instant. (We don't like to think of it as 'cheap,' though, since our own white shirt should last you a long time, wear after wear.)
With Black Friday right around the corner, we've pulled together a list of things to consider before you start your, ahem, holiday shopping. Remember: just because it's on sale doesn't mean it's worth it—especially if it will sit at the back of your closet with the tags on it until next Thanksgiving rolls around.
•Does this item work with at least three other things that you already own? For example, a colorful silk scarf can pair with a classic trench, double as a belt, or accent the hardware of a leather tote bag.
•How many times do you see yourself wearing it, and where do you see yourself wearing it? (Sorry to break your hearts, ladies, but George Clooney is currently spoken for, so cross any red carpet premieres off of your list.)
•Check for proper fit. A tailor, not Spanx, is a girl's best friend. It's easier to have items taken in than let out, so don't be afraid to go up a size or two (and for the record, vanity sizing is rampant—don't focus on the number, focus on the fit!).
What are some ways that you look riche for less?
We're pleased to announce the relaunch of our custom wardrobe service. It's you, one-on-one with a member of our style team and the complete Basiques collection, in a comfortable setting to help you find your best fit and most confident look. We'll continue to offer complimentary tailoring, styling advice and fashion guidance—all that's needed is your willingness to embrace a simplified, flattering wardrobe that's created especially for you.
For questions and appointments, please contact Sheri directly: sheri@basiques.com, or at 917.701.4844.
We look forward to working with you!
Even before Basiques launched in 2001, my philosophy has always been that you don’t need a lot of things—just a few, really great things. This mantra borrows from the European (and especially Parisian) sensibility of favoring a minimalist wardrobe of well-constructed garments that hold well over time, versus a superfluous closet full of fast fashion flops that need to be replaced season after season.
There are other reasons why a carefully-selected wardrobe will do your body (and peace of mind) good:
“A closet full of clothes and nothing to wear”? Not anymore. Every woman has fallen prey to this at one point or another (or knows someone who has): staring deep into a closet overstuffed with tops, dresses and jeans that are faded, worn out, or haven’t zipped since the Clinton administration, then feeling (and often acting upon) the urge to run out to buy another trendy outfit that only temporarily satisfies her fashion fix. Now, imagine a different scenario: looking into that same closet and seeing a smaller selection of classic, reliable pieces that she can turn to time and time again. Everything fits well, thanks to the help of a wardrobe consultant and trusted tailor, and voila—her confidence is restored at the twist of a button. (And who wouldn’t love that?)
You’ll save money—and help the environment. Well-made garments are meant to stand the test of time. Purchase them once, care for them properly, and they’ll be yours forever (or near close to it). Buying repeatedly from fast fashion retailers only supports the ecologically damaging (and unsustainable) cycle of mass manufacturing.
A globe-trotting gal’s dream. Say goodbye to weighty suitcases overloaded with options and hello to a few versatile pieces that will take you virtually anywhere. Don’t forget your passport!
What are some other ways that a streamlined wardrobe has helped you? Share your tips with us in the comments below.
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Whew! And a happy Wednesday, everyone. If this week’s heat wave makes you want to trade in your Blackberry for a margarita served poolside, we can’t say that we blame you. But fear not, fair ladies of Boston: we’ve got tips to help keep your summer look a perfect 10 (even if the thermometer outside has hit triple digits).
Grin and spare it. Between subway delays, traffic jams and sidewalk gridlock, commuting on a sweltering summer day can take your look from fab to flat in minutes. Keeping a spare change of clothes at work will save you from perspiration-inspired emergencies.
Love to layer, baby. ... But for those days when the office AC is set for Arctic with nary a glacier in sight, reach for an easy layer—think cabled pullover or a lightweight cashmere wrap—to chase the chill away.
One, two step. Synthetic shoes are no treat for summer feet. Man-made materials, often plastic-based, don’t allow the skin to breathe (and are often the source of dreaded blisters). Opt instead for footwear made from natural fibers, such as leather, cotton canvas and jute.
Fill ‘er up. Water’s not just a savior for your skin: it also helps regulate body temperature. Keep cool with at least 64 ounces (8 glasses) a day—add thinly-sliced citrus fruits for an even sweeter treat.
How do you beat the heat while staying in style? Share your tips with us in the comments below.
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Spring's storm clouds have (mostly) passed and have helped pave the way for you to clear out your closet. Hooray! An updated, minimalist chic wardrobe will help your summer days feel that much lighter. But before we go any further, we have to ask to take a peek at that closet of yours. Are those very minimalist, chic clothes stored properly, or are they crammed into a nook alongside a bridesmaid dress from 2002 that you still can't bear to part with? Have your fall pumps been treated for warm weather storage under the careful guise of a cobbler, or are the spikes of your stilettos worn down to weapon status? Can you count on two hands the number of (eek) wire hangers that twist every which way behind your closet door, beckoning you to ruin yet another top with their twisted, gangly twine?
School's out for the summer, so we won't scold too loudly. Instead, here's a brief list of “Dos” and “Don'ts” that will not only keep your wardrobe in top condition, but will help you keep your sanity, too.
Don't: Assume that garments labeled “Dry Clean Only” are trying to get you to spend more.
Do: Understand that “Dry Clean Only” means just that: it should be cleaned by a professional dry cleaner only. Period. “Dry Clean,” on the other hand, means that it's suggested that the garment is dry cleaned, but could likely also survive a gentle cycle wash.
Don't: Cram as much onto your closet bar as it can hold.
Do: Give your garments room to breathe. This prevents wrinkling, and the potential for snags/buttons/zippers catching on nearby garments.
Don't: Keep dry cleaned clothes in plastic bags and on wire hangers.
Do: Remove the plastic bags, which can trap dry cleaning fumes, and transfer garments to appropriate hangers (padded silk hangers for shirts and tops, especially, and sturdy plastic or wooden hangers for pants and skirts).
Don't: Think a worn-out heel is headed straight for the trash.
Do: Make friends with your neighborhood cobbler. Well-made shoes can almost always be repaired (ask us about the Louboutin Crisis of 2009), and, if cared for on a regular basis, can last a lifetime.
Don't: Leave dirty laundry in a hamper for weeks on end.
Do: Nip stains and odors in the bud by laundering and cleaning your clothes as soon as you can. The longer dirt saturates a garment—especially inevitable body oils—the harder it can be to lift out.
The Golden Rule applies not only to people, but to your wardrobe, too: do unto it as you'd like for it to do unto you. (Or, if you want to look fabulous, treat your wardrobe with the respect it deserves!)
One of the things we love most about our Boston store is the sheer vibrancy that radiates throughout its historic Back Bay location. The Boston Public Library, Public Garden and countless award-winning restaurants, hair salons and specialty stores (like us!). We've picked out a few of our favorite places to share with you for your next visit to Basiques.
L'Aroma Café (85 Newbury Street): Located just a few blocks away from our boutique, jump-start your morning with one of L'Aroma's caffeine-infused inspirations. We like the perkiness of their espresso macchiato, and especially love to cool off with a hibiscus tea lemonade during the warmer months. Grab a croissant for breakfast (they have four to choose from), and be on your way!
Beaucage Salon & Spa (71 Newbury Street): The style team at Basiques has helped update your wardrobe; now, let Beaucage help update your look. Hair services (cut, color and specialty treatments) are fairly priced for this decadent neighborhood; skin and spa services are quick yet relaxing, and will leave you feeling pampered.
The Boston Public Library (700 Boylston Street): It's easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city. Though technically one block over from our beloved address, the BPL serves as an oasis in the middle of this metropolitan madness—the architecture alone is worth a visit. Check the website for (free) tour times, and be sure to check out the courtyard on the way out.
Piattini (226 Newbury Street): If you've worked up an appetite, wind down at Piattini (“small plates” in Italian), where authentic Italian food is served to share, tapas-style. It can be hard to find amidst weekend crowds—keep your eyes peeled for a small orange awning—and seating is first-come, first-serve. Try the patio, the eggplant melanzane, and a glass of chilled rosé to cap off your day on Newbury.
Our style team knows just how powerful the scarf can be, and we treat it accordingly. It’s truly a secret weapon for any woman’s wardrobe arsenal. For example, did you know that you could …Find our more about the BASIQUES philosophy in our "Stress-Less Dressing eBook."
Workshops are currently available in the Boston area. Please contact us at sheri (at) basiques.com or 917.701.4844 for more information.
When was the last time you found a pair of pants that fit you perfectly? Or a blouse that made you look like you actually have a waist? Men have long enjoyed the service of tailoring and custom fit, while women continue to find their self worth in clothes that fit them properly by chance.
Fashion should not be so hard! And now you can do something about it by building your own business as a stylist who offers fashion and fit to women. BASIQUES provides the product, the studio, the tools and training. You set the appointments and make the commission.
Women wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. Partner with BASIQUES and provide women the 20% of their wardrobe that they will wear time and again.
SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW TODAY AT : 917.701.4844 or sheri@basiques.com .
Begin the clean out by taking an afternoon to go through your current wardrobe with a critical eye and sorting each piece into four different piles:
Why the piles? A “stress-less” wardrobe that works should include only items that fit and flatter your body as it is now, not as it was in 1995. The clean out may take some time and effort, especially if your wardrobe needs a serious overhaul. You might consider calling a friend for support along with some objective input.
Once you have your piles, it’s time to take further action.
Divide and Conquer
Now that you’ve discovered what’s wearable in your wardrobe, it’s time to see if it matches the 60-20-20 formula. The 60-20-20 formula is the basis of a stress-less wardrobe: 60% classics, 20% basics, and 20% trends.
To find out more details on how to build a "stress-less" investment wardrobe, register for our mailing list (we promise not to spam you, but only provide updates on specials and other fashion insights).
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From left: Christian Siriano, BCBG Max Azria, Richard Cha
iPhoto: Imaxtree
As winter finally ends, it’s tempting to hit the sales racks. But, it’s always dicey buying something trendy. Will you really want that ruffled blouse next year? Maybe? But, maybe not. However, there is one trend this year that we think is a great addition anytime.
Want a versatile yet chic investment piece? Try a cashmere turtleneck. Several designers showed them on the runways including Christian Siriano, and BCBG Max Azria. We love the look of a heather grey with your favorite denims and our Contemporain Classic jacket. Or how about putting the same grey turtleneck with our Courtney Classic black skirt and patent or coin belt? It’s also a sophisticated alternative on a cold day with a slimming pair of our Shannon Classic black pants in any year (and even any decade). One top worn three or more ways and even in different decades? Now that’s our idea of investment dressing.
]]>Unlike many contemporary fashions that are layered, slouched and unisex, styles of the mid-20th century were typically tailored to flatter, even accentuate, the female form. Reproductions of vintage dresses have the same simple, clean lines as the originals, with full circle or straight-to-the-knee skirts. Pants are swishy or pegged; tops might feature Mandarin or flared collars, or double-breasted fronts (but not the yellowed armpits that sometimes bedevil old clothes).
We call this "classic." If you want to look stylish and chic, you want to populate your wardrobe with feminine, flattering clothes that fit. You don't have to go to a second hand store, because this is how we design the entire BASIQUES line. We include skirts that hit at the knee (the most flattering part on everyone's legs); shirts that are tailored to fit women, not men; sweaters that are fitted, not boxy; and jackets that hit at the correct spots on your waist and hips. (Image below by Yana Paskova of the New York Times).
We recommend you find one in a neutral color and at a flattering length. Slightly longer cardigans can be jazzed up with a belt (if it's not too bulky). Our Patent Belt and Coin Belt add some pop to any outfit. If it's a shorter and more structured cardigan, you can also wear it to the office with our Leanne Classic White Shirt and either the Courtney Classic Skirt or Shannon Classic Pant. Cardigans can also go over dresses, making it a fabulous investment wardrobe.
For more on cardigans, check out the article, Cardigan Chic in The Careerist. The article also features one of our favorite bloggers and blogs, Kat Griffin over at Corporette.com. (image below from The Careerist.)
