basics

So I've always had a beef with the idea of "wardrobe basics" because my shopping strategy generally goes like

SAM: Ooh, shiny!
FORMIDABLE PRICE TAG: (is formidable)
SAM'S WALLET: YOU SHALL NOT PASS!
SAM: Disappointment. Woe. Misery.
(Five minutes later.)
SAM: Ooh, shiny!
FRIENDLY PRICE TAG: (is friendly)
SAM'S WALLET: hey, ASL?
SAM: BE MINE!

but I recently realized that before I started thumbing through fashion magazines and scrolling through style blogs and clicking through runway shows, there were a few things I gravitated toward without fail (and continue to gravitate toward regardless of current trends or even current inspiration) and they are

• red plaid
• super dark (blue) wash jeans
• white button-down blouses
• things that look like they should be worn with petticoats
  
• knee and thigh high socks
  
• exciting tights
• simple black shoes

EVERYTHING MAKES SO MUCH SENSE NOW! These must be Those Which Will Enable My Wardrobe To Become Self-Actualized! (Unless my style evolves. Which it will.)

Anyway, to celebrate my epiphany, I went window shopping for blouses. Huzzah:

Above, Go Silk Pleated Blouse, $145 $50 at Neiman Marcus

Above, Robert Rodriguez Robbi & Nikki Volume Sleeve Shirt, $125 $90 at Zappos

Above, Pleated tie-neck blouse, $54.50 $17.99 from Gap

Above, BCBGMAXAZRIA white stripe voile embroidered ruffle blouse, $107 at bluefly

Above, Juicy Couture white metallic striped bow detail blouse, $125 $109.99 at bluefly

P. S. I wear a small.