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

This ain't no rodeo

I had planned on writing about spring and summer fashion trends, but then New Jersey got hit by a snow storm.... I figured it didn't make much sense putting up photos of girls in shorts and tees when it's 32 degrees outside, and I'm wearing a parka...

Luckily, I had taken some photos outside in February, when there was still snow on the ground from the snowpocalypse. This makes my segway into pleather and liquid leggings much easier.

I love the chine of leather, but not looking like a motorcycle enthusiast (but hey, if that's your bag, I dig, I dig... ) or the cost of real leather. It's no surprise that I like things with a slightly vinyl-esque shine to them, as I own multiple pairs of liquid leggings. To me, they elevate chunky sweaters into nighttime looks, but paired with a blazer and some stems, they're a great alternative to jeans... and I'm always trying not to wear denim as often as I do.

This look from Balmain's Spring/Summer 2011 is what I've dreamed of - but cropped? Never crossed my mind. Homegirl pulls this off perfectly.

Photo via http://theshows.blogspot.com/

There's a couple of rules to pleather leggings:

1. Don't pair them with dresses  -  You already have something quite noticeable going on, and throwing a dress on top of it tends to look a bit silly. Tunics are okay. I usually wear mine with plaid, my other wintertime weakness. 

2. Fit is key - I will say that you have to find the right liquid/pleather legging for you. If they aren't ass-tight, they'll look baggy - which is the problem I run into with trying to find pants that give off the impression that I painted them on myself.

3. Cost - You know me, I'm always on the hunt for a bargain. I've priced out this leggings at numerous stores - they go as high as $70, and for me, I don't feel right buying pants that are synthetic for that price. I got mine for a steal - $34!

Outfit:

Plaid shirt - Delia*s

Vest - Mandees

Pleather leggings - Zara

Boots - Steve Madden

Necklace - Urban Outfitters