Every year around this time, I start compiling my must-haves for the upcoming spring season. These days, the list is not very long–at this point I have accrued enough of a foundational wardrobe that I don’t “need” that much. But as we all know (me a little too well), “need” and “want” are two very different things. So, without further ado, here’s what I’m saving for right now. What’s on your short list?

1. If you saw The New York Times style section this weekend, then you know that military is one of the biggest trends for spring. Honestly, the whole military/utility thing has been in for awhile now, but it feels especially fresh this year with designers like Chloe and Phi putting out some really great pieces. Rag & Bone is always a go-to for military-inspired pieces–they can do no wrong in this arena. I think a little jacket like this is a fantastic layering piece that can be worn in the early months of spring with a long t-shirt underneath or over an airy dress on a chilly summer night. And if you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for Rag & Bone, I know for a fact that you can get a VERY similar jacket at your local Army Navy surplus store (you might just have to take it in a little!).
2. These Alexander Wang wedges were a favorite for most fashion editors when they stomped down the runway last summer. They are amazing and no one can deny it.  Animal print is rarely ever “out.” Still waiting for these to hit stores!
3. Fresh lip glossin sugar shag looks like you just ate a cherry red popsicle. So summery!
4. 3.1 Phillip Limrecently launched his own collection of lingerie. I’m in love with his sweet bralettes and boy shorts. His beautiful bras look great under a subtly shear tee. Nice undergarments are such an indulgence, but so worth it.
5. My mom and I are suckers for a great cross-body bag. On weekends when we’re at antique shows or flea markets they are essential. Enough of that heavy, burdensome bag–give your shoulders a break! This little Alexander Wang “camera” bag is especially great because it forces you to travel light. – L

One of the problems with end-of-season sales is that usually what’s left over is all of the uber trendy pieces nobody wanted. I’ve often fallen prey to buying something that was a little too characteristic of a specific season because it was at a reduced price. A few summers ago I couldn’t walk away from a pair of heavily discounted Prada pants from the famous fairy collection–I have worn them once (*see image below). Nowadays, I try to find the most classic pieces possible on the sale rack because they are both good investments for your wallet and your wardrobe. We never buy luxury items at their retail price (does anyone anymore?), so we always save our money for January and August discounts. Maybe it’s a result of the economy, but this season’s sales, both in stores and online, seemed to have lots of great, lasting pieces to choose from. Here a couple of my top recommendations on sale right now:
(all items listed are at their sale price) 1. APC belted cotton trench ($308) 2. Givenchy faux python leather wallet ($253.93) 3. Prada jeweled t-strap sandal ($320.93) 4. Burberry silk twill dress ($358) 5. Paul and Joe wool blend tuxedo jacket ($348). These are just a few examples of some of the closet staples you can find on sale! – L

It’s never too early to start your holiday wish list. In fact, I keep one going in my address book all year round!
1. Alexander Wang Ts at Alexander Wang ($76-118): Perfect tees to wear with your skinny jeans (and everything else), 2.WeSC golden violet headphones at Fred Flare ($65): functional and fashionable–our favorite combination, 3. Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne perfume at Sephora ($39-$85): with notes of blackberry, damask rose, and sandalwood, this is the fragrance of the season, 4. Hope Marian by Lizzie Fortunto Jewels at Urban Outfitters ($28): twin sisters Lizzie and Kathryn’s capsule collection for UO is almost completely sold out, catch it while you can! 5. Rag & Bone Heeled Combat Boot at Otte NY ($495): available in grey, black, and brown, these are the kind of boots I would live in. The heel is not too high, but gives you just enough lift. Now that you guys know what’s on my wish list, I want to know what’s on yours! Do tell! – L

With the holidays fast approaching, this is usually the time of year when we start scouting out that one piece we’d like to add to our wardrobes to really kick it up a notch—and it usually involves a little (or a lot!) of sparkle. Here are our top festive favorites this season (not to be worn at the same time!):1. Topshop Ultimate Jewelled Jacket, $410, I am crazy for this little number. It is such an amazing statement piece, capable of really turning up the volume worn with even the simplest pair of black skinny pants. I’ve also seen it in black, with blue colored stones. It’s a key, seasonless piece.
2. Made Her Think Wrap Your Stones Twice, $264, A unique bracelet that can be worn on its own, or stacked together with other bracelets from your own collection. It’s even chic next to a large watch.
3. Christian Louboutin Fred Glitter Lace-up Shoes, Talk about twinkle toes. By your third straight night on the holiday party circuit in killer heels, you’ll be wishing you were in these babies. Wear them with a short black dress/skirt and tights, or a cropped pant. Dynamite!
4. Topshop Double Quilted Gold Purse, $50, An obvious reproduction of the classic Chanel bag, Topshop does a pretty good job with this metallic cross-body purse.
5. Jimmy Choo for H&M, This is one of my favorites from what I’ve seen from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. We love the layered look of it, as well as its flowy shape. I’m sure it will be well priced too. Get it in stores November 14th.

And a last piece we’re both coveting is this J Crew Sequin Glitterglass Tank. The combination of the nude colored silk and light blue sequins creates the illusion of a sexy bandeau top. The back is plain silk, keeping the tank simple and elegant, and reminding us that sequins are great, sequin overkill is not. – L

1. Melissa Odabash Jemima Floppy Hat ($135) – It’s always harder than you think to find the perfect sun hat. This one is made of straw and is wide enough to keep all those harmful rays away. 2. Lizzie Fortunato Jewels Layla Necklace – This jewelry is made by 23 year-old twin sisters, Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato. They started making pieces in high school, eventually selling them out of their college dorm a few years later. These days, you can find their quirky chic charms everywhere from Colette in Paris to the runways of New York City fashion week. 3. J Crew Seersucker Swimsuit ($76) – My number one pick for best one-piece. I can’t wait to wear this on our trip to Lake Como! Check out J Crew’s other swimsuits as well, they have a great selection this year. 4. Barbara Hulanicki for Topshop Girl Print Sundress ($99) – Look closely at this feminine frock and you’ll notice a whimsical little print. 5. Cynthia Vincent Dinah Sandal ($200) – For tan legs only! – L
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Need to freshen up in the t-shirt department? Around this time of year, we like to take an inventory of our basic tees. After all, in the spring and summer months, they really do become the staples of our wardrobe. With the right tee, a floral skirt, skinny cropped jean, or beachy short can really come together as an outfit. Like the standard cashmere sweater, we’d rather own two or three really good quality t-shirts, than a bunch of so-so ones. Nothing beats a superfine, clean white, grey, or black tee. Below are some of the best on the market right now. I’m looking to stock up on the Kain tee with front pocket. Do you have a go-to t-shirt brand that you love? – L

1. Kain pocket tee, 2. T by Alexander Wang Slim Halter Top, 3. Old Navy Perfect Tee (the only mass market t-shirt that is worth buying, these actually last through more than one go through the washer-dryer), 4. James Perse Vintage Short Sleeve V-neck, 5. Splendid Cotton Modal T-shirt.

N.B.: These tees are NOT, I repeat NOT, meant to go in to the regular wash. I know it’s annoying, but you must hand wash these guys if you want to wear them more than once.