Five essential items every fashion blogger should have

If you're gunna run a fashion blog and show off your looks, I think there's a couple of wardrobe staples every gal should have. These items aren't just things that I happen to favor - okay, maybe a little. Check out my top five items fashion bloggers should have stocked in their closets.

1. A blazer

Even if you're a lady that loves skirts and dresses, a blazer is versatile enough to go with leggings, shorts and of course, jeans. 

ASOS Tailored Contrast Blazer

I happen to have three - basic black, a beige one and a pink single-breasted blazer with black lapels which is for a dressier look. While it's considered a men's sportswear piece, blazers have come a long way for women as they're made in a variety of shapes with detailing that measures up to a men's equivalent. 

2. Tights

I'm talking good quality tights that are warm enough to rock in the winter, yet light enough to pair with summer looks. And they can be paired with everything - shorts, skirts, dresses. Investing in a couple of good pairs in a variety of colors will pay off in the end - especially during the spring to summer transition. I recommend We Love Colors - it's an amazing site where you can find pretty much any color imaginable.

3. Jeans

Ah, the underdog of fashion blogging - although eatsleepdenim is doing wonders for jeans. Let's face it - the weather doesn't always cooperate, ladies. I know you want to look like a doll and all standing outside for your pics, but I'm not trying to get sick because I didn't do what my mother told me to do - cover my legs when it's cold out.

If you're going to spend the most money on a wardrobe stable, you might as well put it in your pants... I mean, into a denim investment. For me, a pair of perfect fitting jeans is the make or break of an outfit that looks put-together or messy. Find whatever style fits you best and stock up.

4. A Handbag

Photo via http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2009/12/21/sarah-jessica-parker-loves-her-diane-de-maria-bonnie-bag/

Whether your favorite is Marc by Marc Jacobs (cough cough) or Miu Miu, buying a well-made bag is definitely a long term investment. Depending on the style, your bag of choice will most likely go with anything in your closet, - and unless your rough on it, will be with your for years to come. Sarah Jessica Parker knows what's up - she loves her Bonnie bag.

5. A repeat offender

This is a piece that you love, and that readers identify with being "your style". Whatever it is, I say show it off... over and over again. I think it's great when a blogger takes pride in something that they love and can incorporate it into multiple looks. It's practical and realistic - not all of us have thousands laying around and can shop with carelessness. For me, it's vests... and Harley.

Outfit

Striped sweater - Forever21

Vest - Zara

Jeans - Zara

Shoes - Mandee

Necklace - thrifted

Luck be a lady

I can't believe I won a ticket! I am beyond thrilled and excited to be attending the IFB Evolving Influence Conference... to meeting so many other bloggers, to learning how to take my obsession with fashion to the next level, and to hear panels from some of the most esteemed bloggers in the fashion realm such as Keiko Lynn and Gala Darling!

But now comes the hard part - what am I going to wear!?!??

The weather in NYC currently is windy, and just last night, I saw snow flurries. I feel like I can't dress the way I'd like to when I go into New York - due to the fact that if you wear shoes that look good, your feet probably won't feel good after all the walking. I'm avoiding this Thursday and getting a cab.

But for the outfit... I'm at a crossroads between a beige and black striped tunic dress recently aquired from H&M, with black leggings, patent leather boots and a blazer.... Or go the black ruffled skirt route with black and red heart tights and some type of striped top.... Or a dress I got from Miss Selfridge in the UK during December. Who am I kidding? Stripes and probably black will be involved in some capacity.

If anyone is going, please let me know! I'd love to meet you, shake hands and say hello!

Dress - Forever 21

Woven leggings - Mandee

Shoes - Nine West

Blazer - Mandee