Lookbook: Color Pops and the Plain White Tee

Before I start posting pictures of myself in what I would deem as a "lookbook", let me be completely frank in saying that I am not a stylish person.  While I do have brief and rare epiphanies , my actual ability to style myself is quite lacking, if else, non-existent all together.  Case in point, I present terrible moments in Vivian fashion history (so much wrong, so little right).  Hence, when I graduated from college, I challenged myself to rebuild my wardrobe.  Specifically, I wanted to find ways to integrate what I already had and combine them with new, quality, and timeless pieces for work, play, and everything in between.  Not to mention, whatever I these "new, quality, and timeless pieces" were, my "rebuilt wardrobe" had to pass the ultimate test -- fitting into my suitcase.  (Darn you, limited suitcase space!)

After quite a bit of hesitation and some urging from a friend, I decided to go through with this "lookbook" of mine.  I'm sorry, but I am awkward in front of a camera.  Do you need me to pull out a "terrible moments in Vivian photographic history collage?"  In any case, my friend Salvador played forced-photographer to my freaked out fashionista.  Since it was summer in the city, less meant more in 90+ degree weather.  While the plain white v-neck could play host to a number of different options, I paired it with some color-pop shorts from J. Crew.  The scarf added a nice touch of pattern and textural contrast against the solid colors... not to mention it made a super fun turban later in the day when I got bored.

Madewell V-Neck Pocket Tee, J. Crew 5" Chino Shorts, Madewell Scarf (similar),  Silver Coach watch (old), Marc Jacobs black leather cross body bag (old), Katie & Kelly sandals from DSW (old)

Paired with some nude sandals and gold accessories, I was ready to explore SoHo and the East Side.  Let's save that story for another time.  A girl's got to get her beauty rest.

In any case, what do you think?  What basic thing do you think is necessary in a wardrobe?  If you're brave enough, what are some of your own terrible moments?  Holla at yo girl.