Ten Favorite Things--The Sequel

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Updated February 2005

1. Black Long-Sleeved Banana Republic Buttondown Shirt

I used to wear men's slim cut shirts, but now that Banana Republic cuts women's buttondowns not only so that they fit my waist and accommodate my bust, but also resolve that nasty problem of the buttons gaping when you stretch by moving the placement of the buttons, they are perfect. I would love to meet the person who came up with this ingenious fix and thank them--it truly is brillant, and I love love love my shirt.

2. Leather Pants

I love my leather pants. They're black (of course!) and sit slightly low on the waist, with a short zipper in the front. They cling to my legs very well, and are the perfect length--I didn't even have to have them shortened, which is unusual for me. These are the result of a long and arduous search for the right leather pants...not unlike looking for the right guy. I still haven't found him, but I have my leather pants.

3. Long-Sleeved Gap Favorite T-shirt, White. And Black. And Pink. And Heather Grey.

A little thin, but with a silky texture and a slightly rugged look--this shirt is great with jeans. It's comfortable in summer and a good layering piece in winter, and it's always good with my yoga pants or as a sleep shirt.

4. Black Miniskirt

This is another Banana Republic brilliance. It's short, but not TOO short--and it has built in shorts underneath (not a skort, for heaven's sake, it doesn't SHOW). It just gives an extra sense of confidence one often lacks in a short skirt, unless one is wearing tights, or perhaps full body armor. I wouldn't wear it with very high heels, but with my little kitten heeled Kenneth Cole slingbacks, it is wonderful.

5. Black Via Spiga Pumps

Speaking of my black Via Spiga pumps, I bought these at DSW Shoe Warehouse in December 2004. They're beautiful--black high quality calfskin leather with a classic, kind of edgy shape, a beautiful stiletto heel, a low vamp, and a pointed toe that shows the tiniest bit of toe cleavage. They're sexy enough for evening and professional enough for client meetings, and they even have a little pad inside to protect the front of the foot, which bears all your body weight in heels. Wonderful!

6. Grey Ribbed V-Neck Sweater

This Old Navy classic looks great alone or over a white T-shirt. On cool summer days, it works with summer skirts or pants. I love it with my khaki skirt and with the aforementioned black miniskirt. In cooler weather, it works just as well with casual winter weight skirts and pants. A real find! This winter I'm wearing it with my new black suede fitted boots (Heather and I bought the same ones--they remind us both of boots Mama had when we were little).

7. Gap Boot Cut Khakis

I have worn Gap khakis for years, and they just keep getting better. The latest incarnation sits low on the waist, flatters my bottom, and has a perfect boot cut length that I can with with low heels or high. I have them in camel velour, lightweight cotton, and an almost stretchy strong khaki.

8. Old Navy Knit V-Neck (Men's) Navy with Grey Trim

I bought this on clearance for $6.99 on a shopping trip with Heather. It's a men's sweater, which means it's actually huge on me. I bought it to wear around the house, but it looks good enough with jeans that I occasionally wear it out for errands or my morning Starbucks run.

9. Pink Flowered Asymetrical Skirt

This gorgeous satin number has a very slightly asymettrical hem with a tiny bit of gathering on the longer side. The pattern is subtle--the flowers are pale peach, cream, and a very soft subtle silver. The skirt is full at the bottom, fitted at the top, hits just below the knee, and is so pretty with a fine-knit cream sweater. I can winterize it a little with my alligator embossed Kenneth Cole boots and a heavier sweater, or go competely girly in the spring with pink suede ankle strap heels.

10. Black Ribbed Sleeveless Turtleneck

Slim, neatly cut and fits even breast-feeding breasts (and believe me, those were SCARY). It looks very elegant and works with jeans for casual or a long, stretchy black skirt for a more sophisticated look. It was a find!