One of my favorite fashion bloggers is Mallorie Corcoran who taught me valuable tools like packing for a week long trip in a small carry-on, keeping current and making my clothes go through every season. My clothing budget has decreased exponentially and I find myself much more selective in what I buy. What I've found, is that it's much easier buying accessories to change up your everyday clothes. Here are some ways you can update your closet.

No matter if you hang out in a suit all day or if you're a yoga mom in the drop off line, you should have a few pieces that make it look like you're put together, even if you're rocking 3-day hair and messy bun. Maybe you're even wearing the same tee shirt you wore to bed the night before. If you have great, solid pieces in your wardrobe, you can look like you've got your stuff together. And you don't need to subscribe to fashion magazines to get the look.

However, according to Elle, every person should have these pieces in their wardrobe (I've paired down the list a bit):

Long sleeved striped Bateau shirt, black pants, leather moto jacket, crew neck solid color sweater, printed long sleeved silk blouse, leather belt, perfect jeans, ballet flats, trench coat, long cartigan, perfect blazer, strappy sandals, perfect white tee, white sneakers, denim jacket, little black dress, midi skirt, sunglasses, pumps, booties, a carry all tote and a great wallet.

Coming into spring, I would add a great summer maxi dress and 2 pairs of your favorite shorts, 1 of them being denim. With all of this, you could spend the entire year playing mix and match, dressing up and dressing down each piece. Accessories are the perfect way to help you look completely put together. This list could also be modified to fit your situation ... black pants could easily be your yoga pants, but paired with the striped shirt, long cartigan and white sneakers updates your yoga look without the need for black slacks. And you shouldn't need more than 2 dresses in your closet, the LBD for evenings out and a maxi for a more casual evening. Changing seasons shouldn't be any more difficult than adding a trend here and there, maybe with a bell-sleeved blouse for 2018.

The same could be said for your accessories. More isn't always better, but adding a piece here and there could be fun and fashionable, especially if you don't like to try on at the store. Here are my MUST HAVES for my jewelry box:

• Statement necklace
• Convertible necklace
• Long pendant
• Petite pendant
• Statement bracelet
• Convertible Statement earrings
• Wrap-bracelet
• Statement ring
• Stud set
• Drop earrings

Even if you aren't a Chloe, a statement necklace has enumerable benefits. We all have those spontaneous events like anniversary dinners, auctions, holidays with family, concerts ... and there's nothing worse than knowing you need to dress up, but time is not on your side. But the perfect statement necklace would upgrade that LBD or maxi or skirt/white tee/blazer to the level of any of those events. Or perhaps you are a serious Chloe, and the classic Isabel just doesn't suit your outgoing personality. A great pendant can be layered but will give sophistication to that job interview or meeting with the school principal. 

Take a look below at how you can use your jewelry to dress up or dress down any look. Be prepared and your budget will like you so much better.

I am also a personal shopper. If you would like some help updating or clearing out your closet, give me a call!