MUST MUST MUST - THE MUST HAVE WARDROBE

The following items I will list in the next few days are ones every girl should have in her wardrobe...they are the reliable pieces, the depenable pieces and the pieces that will always stand the test of time:

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Number 1 on my list if the LBD. Why? Because it is just so versatile. Dress it up or dress it down! Great for work, a date or a party - the LBD will never fail you. It was inveneted by the late Coco Chanel and has now been around for over a century. With so many variations by designers and chain stores your bound to find the perfect LBD for you. And you don't only have to have one - I own two; a bandage style LBD from Lippy and a tight rouched LBD from Glassons which only cost me $40 and makes me feel like Marliyn Monroe when I wear it.

So where do you find this LBD?

Simple and understated - Glassons offers a few differing variations on the LBD and all at great prices . You can find every style there from boho to glam back to casual chic. Check out http://www.glassons.com/

Chic and glamorous - Lippy has always been my go-to store for great party dresses and the LBD's on offer never dissapoint.  Having worked there full time back in the day I can tell you that new stock rolls in weekly over the Spring/Summer period arriving on Thursdays/Fridays with the occassional stuff from Dollhouse and IDS arriving on a Monday. Other brands stocked include Wish, Bardot, Saint James and my all time fav Ladakh. Check out http://www.lippy.co.nz/ (you can even buy online which makes it great for girls who live out of town).

Every girl has a different style - heres how to accessorise your LBD to make it your own:

BOHO: wedges, vintage look chandelier earrings, hobo bag, denim jacket, wavy hair with braid, minimal makeup

(the jewellery, embellished flats, hobo tote and natural hair teamed with the cutout detailing on the dress give this model a very bohemian look)



CLASSIC: Black pumps, clutch, diamante jewellery, red nails, up do, light makeup with red lips

(Classi boat neck dress - inspired by Audrey Hepburn, peep toe heels, minimal jewellery and classic hair = a classic look which is great for day and night)

PREPPY: Black crop cardi, t-bar heels, pearls, hair in bun or super sleek and styled like Michelle Obama (pictured)

(Michelle's cropped cardi, sleek hair, pearlised bangle and 50's tulle skirt on the dress gives her a very beautiful preppy look)

CASUAL: Flats or boots, cardigan or jacket, minimal makeup and natural hair, mens style watch

(Look great in a black jersey dress - Rachel Bilson keeps in casual with a brown tote, Ray Ban's and flats - great for a day out in the sun)

CREATIVE: Embellished broch, colourful heels, waist belt, messy hair or hair with an avant garde twist

(From the dress to the shoes, the waist belt and the lace glove, down to the messy hair - this model looks great in this cerative LBD ensemble - definately unqiue and something you should try if your feeling like a change - another way to update your dress is with ribbons, lace, buttons and sequins - search the net and great creative; its great having a piece that no one else has)

EDGY: Leather jacket, black nail polish, statement heels

(Check out the stylish Vanessa Hudgens in statement heels, a sparkly LBD, leather jacke and slicked back hair - very rock chick)