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I mentioned last week that my closet has become a bit of a lending library for my friends over time, and it occurred to me that it might be fun and interesting (and useful?) to recount some of those closet styling encounters here once and awhile. So, here's the first installment of Lending Library!

Earlier this week, a friend of mine asked if she could come over to borrow an outfit for a work dinner that she was hosting in New York for some top magazine editors. The dinner was to be held at The Waverly Inn, so given the occasion and the venue's cozy-chic vibe, a stylish but professional look was in order. I suggested she come over with a pair of black pumps and her most flattering pair of black fitted pants (i.e, the professional part), and we would pull a few standout tops that would make her outfit. Soon thereafter we were in my closet, and within about 15 minutes she had two tops both of which looked amazing on her--a sleeveless metallic silver leather peplum top and an embellished short sleeve shirt--plus a flawless, fail-proof Veronica Beard tuxedo blazer. (Her plan was to wear one for the dinner and the other for daytime meetings.) I've had both for years, and I love that they can still stand up to a dinner table full of discerning editors. And, since tops like these truly can keep giving and giving, I thought I should share some of my current favorites: this 10 Crosby Derek Lam grommet top, this crystal-studded J.Crew blouse, this ruffled Etoile Isabel Marant tee, this heavily beaded Miss Selfridge top, this River Island graphic halter, and this sequin By Malene Birger jersey.