Only 3 more to go.

I love fashion. Fashion magazines. Fashion TV shows. Looking at people who have NO sense of fashion. What Not to Wear is one of my favorite shows, and I've got Grace hooked on it too. (Never too early to learn how to put together a sharp outfit!)

During the winter it's easy to get in the wardrobe doldrums. And it can be hard to figure out what to wear to work when it's 14 degrees outside. Here's a list I got from the Oprah Show last year of 10 things you must have in your closet. Start with these basics and you can build any outfit by adding jewelry, a colorful bag, a great scarf or dynamic shoes. What I loved about this particular episode and list is that these are all attainable things that real women can wear, whether you're running to the grocery store, going to a client meeting or having lunch with your friends (this is a fantasy experience I hope to have someday. Right now my lunch with friends boils down to going to whatever place we're the least sick of during the workday. But at least I can look good while eating at Brewster's for the 978th time, right?)

These items are not in order of priority, just a list you can refer back to when you shop and as you build your basics. Remember, quality is more important than quantity. They always preach that on WNTW, and I've found that it really is true.

1. Colorful trench coat
I bought a bold green one from Ann Taylor a year ago. Every time I wear it I get at least one compliment. I love how it ties at the waist so you look like you have an actual shape and I feel great in it.

2. Black and white turtlenecks
Not the seamless LL Bean kind. Nice cashmere or a more shape hugging good quality knit. These will go with everything and are great for layering. You might also have to replace them yearly because nothing says bad fashion like faded or greying clothing.

3. Black trousers
Go with a nice 3-season gabardine wool or other light wool. Stay away from pleats. A slight boot cut is flattering to nearly everyone. Don't avoid buying nice pants because you don't want to deal with getting them hemmed - it's worth it. So is dry cleaning. So are pants that cost a little bit more than you'd like. They will hold their shape and hem, they will fit great and they will last a long time. White House/Black Market has some really great options at an affordable price.

4. Tunic top
Okay, I thought tunics were only for women at least 55 years old. Not so. I have a tunic top in a flowered print that looks fantastic and age-appropriate. Pick a bold color like a rich blue, deep pink or purple, which is very trendy this year and flattering to many skin tones.

5. White and dark jeans
Dark jeans can go dressy with heels and a jacket, or casual with a turtleneck and down vest. It may take a long time to find some that fit you just right, but be patient. You WILL find them. White jeans look great all year - forget that silly Labor Day rule. Personally, I think white jeans are more on the casual side, but they are a great mix of a casual cut and fabric, with an unexpected color. Like the trousers, boot cut styles are pretty universally flattering and will outlast ridiculous trends like pencil jeans (are they kidding!!). Again, don't be afraid to go to the tailor - it will be well worth it.

6. White or dark denim jacket
Nothing says "I love the 80s" like a light denim jacket (or worse, acid wash, but I know none of you have that. Anymore.). Look for a jacket cut to fit a woman's body with a little curve in on the side. Do not buy a boxy boy's jean jacket. Do not buy a jean jacket with metal studs or any other type of bedazzling.

7. Black dress
The LBD is something I've read a lot about, but never owned. Until recently. Now I have a summer version and a fall/winter version. The fall/winter version I sometimes wear over jeans for a really cool tunic-y look. It can also go with tights and boots. Like good jeans, this is an item it might take time to find. It needs to fit perfectly. You might need to have it tailored to fit around the waist or bust, or wherever your body doesn't exactly fit the model they use to sew from. (No one's body fits those perfectly. Find a good tailor and make sure to give him/her a Christmas gift.) Don't search for this dress when you need it or you might make a bad choice. Just keep your eyes open and the right dress will find you.

8. Black skirt
Keep it knee length. Go A-line or do a pencil skirt, but avoid pleats. Stick to a wool blend that will hold its shape well. Another way to go on this is a very dark denim skirt. I got one from J. Crew earlier this year that works just as well as a black skirt, but I like it better because it's a notch funkier.

9. Cashmere sweater in bold color
I had long wondered whether the rumors of cashmere's superior qualities were real or a gimmick propagated by... well, everyone. This year I discovered they're true. J. Crew has excellent cashmere that's pricey, but too much. And Ann Taylor recently won some kind of affordable cashmere showdown I read about in a magazine. But the real key here is the bold color. Don't get black because it's cashmere and you don't want to buy orange when you're spending this kind of money.

Here's why: The sweater will pay for itself in comfort, warmth and utter wearability. Also, in the dead of winter you need some color near your face, for god's sake! I got a cashmere sweater in bright peony pink. I have to be careful not to wear it every other day I love it so much! And who knew that peony pink could go with so much!

10. Bold flats and an oversize bag
Okay, that's actually two things, but that's what the list was on the show. The point is, you don't have to kill yourself in heels (says the queen of impractical shoes). Flats with an embellishment like a buckle, simple bow or other detailing look great and are a hundred times more comfortable once you get used to living at your actual height. And an oversize bag - oversize, not suitcase size - can double as a work tote, diaper bag or whatever else you need to carry, without making you look like a bag lady.

The after-Christmas sales are coming! Happy shopping girls!