Week 2 for my new account is almost done and my oh my have I put a big dent on my shopping budget? Oh yes, I did! I had to overhaul my wardrobe from casual to corporate/business clothes. I have managed to mix and match some old and new pieces and luckily I came up with pretty nice combinations. I may have to start taking pictures of OOTD's soon. I could not manage now because I am always the last one to go to work so no one will take my pictures (maybe it is high time to buy a remote-controlled camera) and I am on a crazy schedule. Then again, I need to finish building my wardrobe foundation first...

So what makes a good wardrobe foundation? Well, you may have ALL the ones in my list already. The essentials are the ones that fit you perfectly, not outdated, not overrated, and should bring out your best features. Looking at my clothes cabinet will send you to "huhum-land". I have mostly whites, blacks, browns and grays with only a touch of color (red and red and red and a little bit of blue). I am too classic to say the least. I always try to be in the safe zone when it comes to dressing myself up.

Without further ado, here's my list of essentials:

1. Little Black Dress (LBD) - It is true that every woman should have at least one in their wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a chic LBD. It can be worn for work, for play or just about anywhere. I have a few and these LBD's have rescued me from fashion dilemmas many times over.

2. Dress Pants - I wear dresses more than pants because of a very obvious reason (I have short legs and I still need to have the pants altered before I can wear them). Then again, you should have a decent dress pants in your wardrobe to complete the list. You should pick one that fits your curves (read: your behind) perfectly. Do not wear them too tight or you risk ripping the back stitching off (or better yet have a tailor run through the stitches again). Do not wear it too baggy either.

3. Classic Shirt - The white shirt is a definite classic. Enough said! But it can also come in many different styles (and colors) to make it look trendy and not dated or like a man's piece of clothing (even if boyfriend shirts are in these days, you still would want something that will look formal and that is suited for meetings with clients and the big bosses). Find one that accentuates your best attributes and minimizes trouble spots. For example, if you have wide shoulders, stay away from large collars. And oh, try it on before buying it so you are safe from any fashion faux pas (you don't want your shirt to explode read: button giving up).

4. Trench Coat - The trench coat is one of the pieces that is both classic and currently a hot fashion item. I have one in pink and black and brown. And yes, I work at night so I can still manage to wear it without looking too trying hard. Wearing it during the daytime in a tropical country like the Philippines will be suicide to say the least. Most stores sell this piece now. Try shopping in Mango and Zara when they put their fall collection on sale.

5. Jacket - A jacket does not have to be masculine (but if a masculine cut looks flattering on you then by all means wear it). You have to find one with a fitted shape. Women's jackets should follow the silhouette of a woman's body and accent the hourglass curve at her waist. It is also a perfect piece to put with the skirt or dress pants, and white shirt. Or make it casual with a pair of jeans. Jackets can be plain or pinstriped or if you are risky enough then try the ones with prints (the more interesting patterns, the better). It is the best thing in the world when the AC is in full blast in your office.

6. Dress - Hands down my favorite in this list. I love wearing dresses. I love how easy it is to wear them and how comfortable the feeling is when wearing them. Dresses these days come in a variety of designs, cuts and prints. You have to choose one that would flatter your curves and accentuate your assets. Choose the perfect length and you will never go wrong. Dresses can be formal or casual too depending sometimes on the shoes that you wear. I love pairing dresses with espadrilles or stilettos. You choose!

7. Skirt - If you need dress pants then you also need a skirt. A skirt is womanly and can be flirty or businesslike. Like dresses these days, skirts come in all designs, cuts and prints and varying lengths. I personally prefer a skirt that is at least two inches above or below the knee. For me, those are the most flattering for any woman of any height.

8. Jeans - Everyone has a pair of jeans, but does everyone have a pair of jeans that make them look great? I own a few pairs and sadly I can only wear them every Friday and weekends at work. My jeans will for sure have reduced exposure these days. The wider leg, low-rise jean style has been popular (and still is) but a narrower leg is coming back along with a higher waist, which eliminates the unflattering "muffin top" look. I personally prefer jeans that hugs my butt and my hips and I avoid the ones that are too baggy.

9. Your Favorite Top - it can be a shirt, a blouse or a tank top. Choose one that you can mix and match easily with all the other staples you have in your wardrobe.

There's my lucky 9. Do you have some more to add? Do we have similar items in our essential list? Do you have fewer items? I'd be happy to know what you have in your wardrobe foundation. Leave a comment...

PHOTO CREDIT: Google Images and Forever 21