Goop

I remember reading an 'In Style' magazine article about five years ago that profiled an amazing New York apartment with only three rooms - a tiny bathroom, a kitchen/living room combo and a bedroom. While its layout was enough to make any everyday pack rat panic, the streamlined way its occupants lived made me envious. The condo owners, who also owned a furniture store, had only 1 metal rod to hang clothes upon in their bedroom. Their 'closet' was more display rack in a downtown boutique shop than walk-in wonderland. In the article, the lady of the house described her scientific way of dressing - a formula of black basics and accessories - that seemed very much a necessity when one has limited space AND when all of one's clothes are on display as art.

The lists of the 'ten pieces of clothing every woman should own' that have been promoted and revised by fashionistas and stylists have always intrigued me as well. These lists tend to read something like this: (1) a black or grey neutral suit, (2) a pair of black pumps, (3) a little black dress, (4) a crisp white button down shirt, (5) a colourful scarf, (6) a bathing suit you feel great in, (7) dark wash jeans, (8) a trench coat, (9) sweater set and (10) wide leg black pants. To this list, I would add my personal must-haves - turtlenecks in a variety of colours, striped shirts of all shapes, full A-line skirts in bright colours and patterns, and a chunky necklace.

In scanning the blog world, I've come across Goop: Gwenyth Paltrow's blog. She makes me long to be a mother of two living in London and jet-setting around the globe. While I'm not quite ready to take on her detox regimes, her clothing 'uniform' is delightful. She combines the simplicity of the NYC furniture saleswoman, with the principles of revolving an entire wardrobe around a few key pieces.

Gwenyth recommends starting each day in a pair of black leggings and a grey tank.

She goes on to describe how these basics can be layered to create different looks. Some of her recommendations:

I'd love to try her black and grey scheme with a great red cord coat I purchased last fall. To check out all the photos and read her full newsletter see here.