A few of my friends' favorite things

Women in this city certainly have varied tastes when it comes to clothing, shoes and accessories.

Some lean toward preppy, some toward Southern ladylike, some toward Euro chic, some toward couldn't-care-less, while others (cough) favor a more hipster-ish aesthetic.

But what about the basics? What about those one or two items you can't go more than a few days without slipping on to make the day's ensemble just right? I took a very informal e-mail poll among my closest DC girlfriends - a markedly diverse bunch when it comes to personal style - asking them, "Which two wardrobe components are you currently wearing most often?" Not surprisingly, within a half hour of pressing the "send" button, I had all nine responses lined up in my inbox.

I suppose it's only fitting that I start.

Without question, the two items I can't seem to get enough of this season are my black high-waisted Theory tulip skirt (above right) and my patent leather Calvin Klein 'Joeclyn' Mary Janes in bordeaux and black. It's only Tuesday, and I've already worn the skirt and each pair of the MJs. Very un-me -- a clear sign I'm in love.

For the rest of my ladies' selections, see below:

The Hill Staffer:

1. Black Delman ballet flats

2. Classic khaki London Fog trench

The Defense Contractor:

1. Black leather Rebecca Minkoff 'Morning After' satchel

2. Blue Cult skinny jeans

Hot Brunette Lawyer:

1. Chestnut calfskin Cole Haan briefcase

2. Black cashmere puff-sleeved sweater from Banana Republic

Hot Blond Lawyer:

1. Black Theory pant suit

2. Black patent leather Marc Jacobs Mary Janes

Hot Redhead Lawyer:

1. Oversized black leather Miu Miu clutch

2. High-waisted black skirt from Club Monaco

3. Spectator-style Dolce & Gabbana pumps

4. Loeffler Randall 'Matilde' flat wedge leather boots

Intrepid Journo:

1. Magenta-lined black leather Marks & Spencer tote
2. Brown equestrian boots

The PR Bitch:

1. 4.75-inch black Dolce Vita platform Mary Janes

2. Grey cashmere Vince sweater dress

The Do-Gooder Grad Student:

1. Patent leather Mossimo flats

2. Cropped black swing sweater from Banana Republic

The Trustfunder:

1. Black patent leather Louboutin peep-toes

2. Imju Fiberwig mascara ("Does makeup count as a 'wardrobe component'?")