Building a Classic, Timeless Wardrobe: One Camisole - Three Great Looks

Gals with real classic wardrobe sense know that getting the most out of a few classic pieces goes a long way. Rather than buying into fads that come and go (which can be draining on the wallet) purchasing timeless pieces that can adapt and survive the ever-changing world of fashion as well as your own needs, tastes and moods in the smartest strategy.

One such timeless piece is a silky or linen creamy camisole. Any color will match and it will compliment any outfit from jeans and shorts to business dress or an evening out. One key factor to changing it up is the accessories chosen to go with it and how they are used. Here we demonstrate how to get three different looks by adding a beautiful but simple cream lace scarf.This particular camisole is an import from Sivana Spirit, made in India with lovely embroidery and is in a creamy light almost champagne color.

The scarf was a find in a gallery boutique, Soul River, in Silver City, New Mexico. It is beautiful lace with a bit of lacy fringe to add that spirited touch.

In the first look, we show the top belted with the lace scarf. This look will work well for casual wear or outings over jeans or a long flowing skirt.

In this second look, we show the camisole with the lace scarf to be worn around the neck. This camisole will work with most any business suit, just leave off the scarf. After work, remove the suit jacket, add the scarf and you are ready for an evening out.

In the third look, the lace scarf is to be draped around the shoulders in the manner of a wrap. This look is exceptional for an evening out. 

Additionally, the scarf may be tied around the head or around a ponytail for a very spirited look.And if you are real creative, you may come up with your own great ideas. Remember, the point is to create multiple uses and outfits from just a few simple, classic pieces that will never go out of style. These are the staples of your wardrobe and the beginning of a perfect working-closet, meaning a closet that works for you rather than full of pieces that were bought on a whim or for fad's sake and never worn because they just did not work, were mismatched, were an off-color. With timeless pieces you can never go wrong and you will build a wardrobe that is lasting. Buying less pieces allows you to spend more on the quality of a piece and that will give it lasting power. Spirited pieces can still be staples in your wardrobe as this imported Indian camisole demonstrates. Even if you just stick with classic pieces to build your wardrobe, the "spirit" can be brought in through your accessories as we have shown with the lace scarf.

Have fun, be creative, get one classic piece and see how many great looks you can make!

3 Reasons Why You Need Summer Scarves

Scarves are one of the most versatile pieces to include in any wardrobe. Scarves are common to most every region or country in the world and can be the easiest way to add cultural flavor to your look, and in the summer they can offer even more options.

Summer scarves of a light linen or cotton will offer options that you may not have considered.

Wrap

A scarf can offer the option of a lightweight wrap should you find yourself chilled on a breezy evening after a swim or in an air conditioned building.

Headband

Sometimes after-swim hair can look its worst and the only salvation until you can shower and redo it is to pull it back. Having a light summer scarf in the swim bag can be a life-saver. Use the scarf to tie a pony-tail (loose with wispies is always a great look), or use the scarf as a headband. Roll the scarf to a thinner width, and then tie it at the base of the neck beneath the hair, letting the length of the scarf hang down the back. If the scarf has fringe, this look is even more attractive.

Swim Cover-up

Nothing is worse than after a swim and needing to go into a restaurant or other public area and having nothing to put on. But once again that handy scarf in the swim bag will come to the rescue and if wide enough (like most of the eastern Indian scarves) may be tied either around the waist as a skirt or above or beneath the bust for a short style of dress.

So pack your summer swim bag and when you do be sure to throw in your favorite versatile scarf and you will always be prepared.