Ugh...Ugg Boots Again?

An enjoyable lunch with an old girlfriend led to a conversation about items we don't understand why women wear. They ranged from things like black leggings to ugg boots. I personally am not a fan. I don't get them. Never have. But enough about those ill-fitting pants that only enhance the cellulite most of us are trying to hide - here are some items I think every woman should have in her closet.

1. A cardigan - so versatile and classic. Nowadays there are so many enhancements available - like cute flowers or a ruffle trim. Throw it over a cute tank or a sundress. The key reason I stay warm around a frigid office. You can find them everywhere from the reasonably-priced Target to the more expensive J. Crew in so many different colors.

2. An awesome sundress - nothing makes me feel girlier or more put together. To me, happiness is a sundress. It's a great way to show your personality and style - and make your boyfriend/husband swoon. Are you a maxidress type, or a minidress one? So many colors, so many shapes and styles. Beats a tee and shorts anyday in my book. If it's a little chilly - refer back to item #1!

3. A pair of darkwash jeans - make sure it's a perfect fit. Doesn't matter if they're straight, skinny or boot cut. As long as they make you look as sleek as can be. The dark wash is great to dress up or down and is date night and office-appropriate.

4. Nude-colored pumps - these match practically everything - more so than the usual black heels. They also elongate the leg when they match your skin tone - and make putting together a cute outfit that much easier.

5. Flats - enough with the uggs and the tennis shoes. A flat - whether ballet or pointy toed - can step a casual outfit up another notch. They are effortlessly chic and adorable - and a nice break from the pumps (see #4).

6. Great costume jewelry - something so inexpensive can make an outfit that much more special. I am a huge fan of costume jewelry (having only a few real jewelry items). It's cheap and a great way to spice up a wardrobe. It can also allow you to really let your personality stand out. Raid a boutique or your grandmother's collection today!

7. A blouse - something that's cute enough to wear on the weekend with shorts, a skirt or capris - yet appropriate enough for the office. It's all about having as little amount of pieces with the most amount of uses and outfit combinations!

8. A winter coat - try to avoid boring and basic. In cold places like the Midwest, your coat is the first thing people notice for a good 6 months of the year. I love a bright colored peacoat or trench. Nothing is more stylish to me. I'd avoid the puffy coats and vests - they aren't often flattering and add extra bulk.

9. A little black dress - because you never know when you might need one - for an unexpected night out to a business dinner. Have a go-to dress that is classic and season-less. Find one that's perfect for your body type and not too trendy so you can wear it for years to come.

10. A great bag - trust me, this doesn't have to cost upwards of $400 like Coach has led many of us to believe. Some of my favorites have come from Target for around $25. Try to avoid the trends so you can use the bag for seasons to come. Find one in a color you love and size that's right for your lifestyle. If you like to pack a lunch and bottle of water, then a tote is great for you. If you just want a little cash and your ID, then a clutch might be a better solution. Make it original. Don't get one that "everybody" has. Make it YOURS!

While body image may not necessarily be considered a direct link to fashion, I think it has everything to do with style. Learning to love my own body came along with finding my personal style - and vice versa.
I bring this up because while working out at the gym on Monday, I read an article in Us Weekly about a certain female actress (who shall remain nameless) and her battle with her body. Now, I am all for Hollywood stars to be honest about just what it takes to obtain their near-perfect bodies. But it's when they act like they're being upfront when they really aren't that bothers me.
I get especially annoyed when a size 0 celebrity tries to tell E! News that she "eats whatever she wants." It's just not realistic. Yes, genes might be part of it - but it just can't be for all the of skinny-mini actresses out there.
Trust me, for years I thought that is how easy it was - that there was something wrong with ME. I can't even being to tell you how deep this battle was. Actually, it never really goes away. Trust me. I don't eat ANYTHING without thinking of the consequences. I hardly ever get to just enjoy food. If I don't have the opportunity to plan out my meals for the day, I kind of panic inside. But that's a long story I could go on and on forever about.
Back to the main issue here - I was annoyed at this article because they had obviously lied about the actress's weight. The story was about her struggle with eating disorders and how she found her way through it - but then they lied! What kind of message is that sending? How do the young women of the world who are just finding themselves (like I was when I started having issues) supposed to feel about that?
Let's get real. Let's be upfront about our bodies...our health. Women shouldn't have to do this alone. There's power in numbers. We should be going through this together.