I'm currently participating in the "Build Your Wardrobe Series" hosted by the fabulous sewing blogger Mrs Crafty Chick.  Building a wardrobe with the basis of essential pieces is something that I've always been passionate about.  One of my personal style mantras is: "If you stay ready, you'll always be ready."  I believe in this so strongly that I gave a seminar back in July on this topic and it's the essence of this blog.  So my closet stays on point for each and every occasion.  The only thing that would catch me off guard is if I had a gala to attend on tomorrow.  Sorry, no ballgowns on hand -- yet!  But that's on my list.

I love to look polished and pulled together and a blazer is that perfect piece that will transition a look instantly.  It's the punctuating mark on a casual outfit.  Here I am wearing my Simplicity 1421 blazer.  I made it during the summer in a white twill.  But being my fashion-forward self and residing in The Deep South, I'll be wearing my white blazer year-round.  To hell with those archaic fashion faux pas.

In this first look, I paired my blazer with a black RTW button front blouse and my beautiful wool tweed Vogue 1066 Badgley Mischka pants.  Talk about making something classic with staying power!  These were made for Fall 2008.  And I love them even more now.  And I wore a magenta pump for a fun pop of color.

Nothing is more classic than the white button front shirt and the pencil skirt... two more wardrobe essentials.  My white shirt is Butterick 5526 and my pencil skirt is Vogue 8773.

A blazer is an amazing piece that tops pretty much everything!  Wear it over your LBD, with jeans and a t-shirt and with shorts!