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I have a really hard time buying "basics." When I shop, I'm on the hunt for the most unique thing in the store - a color I've never worn, a detail I've never seen, anything wild that makes my heart go pitter patter. When you completely overlook basics though, you could wind up with a closet full of sizzle pieces and zero foundation pieces. Thanks to print mixing and the like, some sizzle pieces do work together, but ultimately I think a good closet is a mix of both the fun and the basic.

My heart will always prefer the sizzle, but today's look is a good argument for basics. My charcoal blazer has cargo pockets, and my gray silk shirt has a pleated bib, but I would consider these old pieces basics in my closet (maybe basics with a twist?). Today's skirt felt too plain vanilla at first. It's a simple pencil shape, but I love this shade of camel, especially paired with gray, and ultimately I think it's a basic I'll love for years to come. Do you mostly buy basics or sizzle pieces? Why?

Blazer: Banana Republic, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $35
Skirt: Limited, $30 - 50% off with code 50YEARS
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old - similar below
Purse: Karen Millen gift, old (si milar)
Necklace: Banana Republic, $18
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1,2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Do t, $39