Stop Wasting Money: The Only 12 Items Any Closet Needs for Fall

Trends may come and go, but you can count on these 12 fall staples to forever hold their place at the front of your closet

By Rachel Greenberg - August 23, 2013 everlane.com

Whether crisp and clean or silky and sultry, a button-up shirt exudes sophistication and class. Keep the collar unbuttoned for a laid-back look, or achieve pure polish with done-up styling. It’s easy elegance personified, no matter which way you choose.

To buy: Everlane Silk Rounded Collar Blouse, $80 at everlane.com

topshop.com

A sleek way to top-off any look, take your tailored blazer out from behind your desk and wear it with everyday favorites. Pair with jeans and a tee for off-duty elegance or use this menswear-inspired staple to balance out a super sweet dress.

To buy: Topshop Collarless Panel Jacket, $90 at topshop.com

zara.com

When it comes to shoes that will stand the test of time, minimalism is key. A mid-heel, sleek silhouette and single sole will ensure your footwear is both practical and pretty.

To buy: Zara Two-Tone Pointed Ankle Strap Shoes, $60 at zara.com

asos.com

Well worth an investment, a coat gets more use than almost any item in your closet during cooler months. Leave room for layering and keep it long and lean for an elevated outwear look guaranteed to last throughout the years.

To buy: ASOS Limited Edition Salt & Pepper Longline Coat, $203 at asos.com

mango.com

Arm candy alert -- nothing takes you from day-to-night like a smart satchel! An essential accessory that always feels fresh, this ladylike piece earns you mega style points.

To buy: Mango Quilted Bowling Bag, $70 at mango.com

frenchconnection.com

The epitome of cool, a leather-like jacket has become an urban cult-classic. Transform preppy or polished pieces by throwing it over your shoulders on chilly nights, or pair with jeans and a tee to add instant edge.

To buy: French Connection Athena Jacket, $148 at frenchconnection.com

baublebar.com

It’s true – great jewelry can up the ante on your outfit. But that doesn’t mean your earrings have to be trendy. Choose diamonds, pearls, or simple silver or gold spiked studs for subtle sophistication. A little hint of sparkle can go a long way!

To buy: Baublebar Glitter Orb Studs, $26 at baublebar.com

bodenusa.com

Feminine and chic, a polished sweater is an obvious choice when you want to warm-up without feeling frumpy. Super-soft cashmere and a tailored fit make this layering piece look extra luxe.

To buy: Boden Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan, $148 at bodenusa.com

creativecontrast.com

For a timeless trick to inject a pop of color, put the focus on your face with a pretty signature scarf. A great way to keep warm while adding interest to your outfit, pick a pattern you love and layer it over any fall look.

To buy: Tolani Super Silk Scarf, $95 at creativecontrast.com

loft.com

No work wardrobe is complete without a pencil skirt, but feel free to take this staple beyond the boardroom, too. Choose fashion-forward accessories and stick with a slim fit to keep it classy and sassy.

To buy: LOFT Curvy Fit Leopard Print Pencil Skirt, $70 at loft.com

zara.com

Fancy footwear always looks great, but savvy women know that a smart driving or walking shoe can be a true sole saver. Whether keeping it casual on the weekend or commuting to work, stay comfortable and stylish in a pair of soft leather loafers. Less dainty than a ballet flat yet still perfectly refined, these shoes will take you seamlessly from one season to the next!

To buy: Zara Soft Leather Loafer, $70 at zara.com

revolveclothing.com

Impossibly chic, a classic shift in solid black is the perfect canvas for any occasion. Take a cue from Coco Chanel, and opt for something simple and refined, ensuring your LBD will be long lasting and versatile. To transform this stylish uniform into an of-the-moment ensemble, just add a few accessories and off you go!

To buy: Nation LTD La Quinta Dress, $92 at revolveclothing.com

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Why the NHS needs more graduate nurses

The Keogh report pointed to inadequate levels of nursing staff in hospitals. Photograph: Monty Rakusen/ Alamy

Care in the NHS has come under considerable scrutiny over the past year – the Francis report into Mid-Staffs, the Morecambe Bay investigations, and the review of the Liverpool care pathway have all pointed to issues of inadequate practice, leadership and staffing levels. In addition, the Keogh review of 14 NHS Trusts with higher than expected death rates has led to a focus on health care and nursing that hasn't been seen for decades. This has provided an unprecedented opportunity to recognise and address the failures while showcasing the excellence and good practice that everyone can learn from, and through which we can reassure the public that nurses are still there caring for them. We have seen some of the former but the latter has not been much in evidence.

The Keogh report published on 16 July points to inadequate levels of nursing staff. We note Sir Bruce's wording – not care staff, but nursing staff. This is a credible assertion from the medical director of the NHS stating that there is a relationship between the number of nurses and the quality of care. Why have there been no loud nursing voices reminding the government and providers of healthcare that the sick and health-vulnerable need expert nurses? It is not best value to have fewer qualified nurses supervising a less skilled workforce.

All organisations are well versed in the concept of value for money. Some of what we see now are the effects of interpreting staffing value for money as being about more people for the lowest possible wage bill, with no serious (evidence-based) attempt to define patient or indeed organisational need. It is time for leaders of nursing to grasp this opportunity and insist upon the improvements in care and the added value to organisations that a registered nurse workforce can bring. Reviews of skill mix should be well underway as a result of the Francis and Keogh reports. We hope that trust chief nurses will be tasked with bringing to their boards a strategy to increase the numbers of qualified nurses giving direct care and that their value to the organisation is demonstrated at every opportunity.

Simple nurse/patient ratios or minimum staffing levels are likely to be the initial response, but a significantly increased ratio of graduate registered nurses to support staff offers many more opportunities for enhanced care and cultural impact. The evidence clearly shows that graduate nurses offer better care than non-graduates and the more highly skilled and educated nurses there are in clinical areas, the better care outcomes are. The tendency to attack the academic elements of nurse education as being at the root of the current perceived crisis in care has no place in modern healthcare environments.

One of the most important changes for the future is that all nurse leaders – both clinical and academic – resist the political knee-jerk responses to the recent investigations. They must champion and celebrate the place of nursing in our universities as a positive influence on care and challenge any questioning or undermining of its place as an evidence-based, research literate profession. Clinical and academic leaders need to collaborate to drive a reinvigorated research agenda in nursing, patient experience and quality of care – an agenda that aims to develop a strong evidence base for the value and impact of nursing on the widest range of care.

All too often in nursing, the word "academic" is used as a pejorative term rather than as a signifier of the knowledgeable do-er that is so in demand. Graduate nurses can bring their knowledge and expertise to enhance patient experience and outcome and to contribute to innovation in care. In our view, a crucial component of the required cultural change is healthcare professionals who can offer much more than technical skill. This is the added value of the graduate nurse.

June Girvin is pro vice-chancellor and dean of the faculty of health and life sciences at Oxford Brookes University, Mark Hayter is professor in the faculty of health and social care University of Hull

This article is published by Guardian Professional. Join the Healthcare Professionals Network to receive regular emails and exclusive offers.

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