the always classic black & white...

what i love most about this fabulous classic combination...is just how much you can do with it...and while i realize that the pic below...may make some of you run for the hills...it is an extreme example of how fun...and vibrant black & white can be...

while this classic look has been around for a good long while...it isn't going anywhere...and this might just be the year to add some new black & white pieces to enhance your wardrobe...when looking for pieces...think texture...as these classic colors always look rich when you mix different textures within the same outfit...think shiny, dull, shimmery and /or nubby...consider materials such as lace, tulle, leather, transparent, or gauze...

black & white prints can make a big statement or a tiny one...all based on the size of the prints you choose...so go ahead...go classic with some black & white...

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spring is definately in the air...

and in all the department stores...as was witnessed today when i was out shopping...helping a girlfriend get some new pieces for her wardrobe...bold bright colors...and graphics...mostly black and white...i was in pure heaven!

so get ready...because spring is all about color...the brighter the better...and so many colors to choose from...truly something for everyone...are you going to try to introduce a new color to your wardrobe?

my girlfriend stepped out of her comfort zone and chose an absolutely vibrant silk chartreuse blouse...i saw so many possiblities...i started rambling off all the ways she could wear it with what she currently owns...i seriously think she caught some of my excitement for herself... =)

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put together: in black & white...

one of the easiest ways to put an outfit together...and look very well put together...is the lovely combination of black & white...so simple...yet always chic...always classic...always right...

top and pants - ralph lauren black label
bag - valentino garavani


blouse, pants & shoes - dolce & gabbana
belt - salvatore ferragamo

photos scanned by moi
harpers bazaar - november 11 issue

black & white 101...

when all else fails...and you feel you have nothing to wear...one of the easiest ways to create an outfit...is to work with a black & white palette...as was the case...when i got a frantic call from a client...needing some guidance for a casual slightly dressy cocktail gathering with co-workers...

on a side note...the dress codes have really gotten out of hand lately...don't you think? i say...where what you feel comfortable in...and feel fabulous at the same time...

so...back to my client...as this was a very last minute frantic call...and there was no time for me to head on over to her place...i walked her through a simple tutorial of black & white 101...

although...i tend to encourage women to wear color...this is a very easy and effective way to get some great outfits together...

start with a tweed skirt...or houndstooth...herringbone...if none available...go for a solid black skirt...

add a black or white tank top...or striped...or polka dots...

add a jacket or a sweater...

black tights...

add animal print flats...ankle booties...or heels...every one of these looks is just great...

basically...you can't go wrong...

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stars and stripes...

when it comes to the 4th of july...and picking out an outfit...what do you do? do you go all out and look like a walking american flag? i believe it is one of those holidays...where...less is more...

so can how you look chic...and still be comfortable? here are some options...and i realize...that majority of my shots are stripes...obviously...i have a preference for them...but the idea is...add a little into your outfit...

it could be as simple as a striped hat...or a striped espadrille...perhaps a scarf with bright little red stars...the idea is simple...these tiny touches of stars & stripes added to a pair of white jeans or skirt...a simple tee...and truly you are set...

and if you are not a stars or stripes type of gal...the same can be done with touches of color...a jean summer dress with red sandals...or a red belt...add just enough punch for your 4th of july festivities...a white dress with a blue belt...getting the idea?

so what will you be donning this 4th of july weekend?

red white & blue by fabufinds featuring bally bags

put together: black & white...

there is something simple & complex...all in one...in an ensemble of black & white...and believe me...as much as i love wearing color...the combination of black & white...pulls me in...

these shots below were in the december issue of harpers bazaar...labeled as "strong solid sophistication..." i would have to agree...one of the simplest ways to look put together and ready for any occasion...

scanned by moi

whether white is the prominant color...or black...works both ways...

scanned by moi

fashion funnies: black & white...

i've had an over abundance of clients bringing over clothes for the consignment store...and because of that...my living room is full of shopping bags...this put a smile on my face...as my cat sasha...the one eyed wonder...chose the perfect shopping bag to sit in...showing once again the power of mixing patterns...

black & white...always a great combination...
enjoy your weekend!

put together: in black & white...

nothing is more classic & beautiful to me...then a simple black & white outfit...this beautifully put together ensemble was in one of the nordstrom catalogs...all in st. john...so simple...yet so elegant...all at the same time...

the scanned page doesn't do the outfit justice...this is such an easy outfit to re-create...and is an excellent "go-to" when you are not quite sure what to wear...

so among all that black...add some white for a crisp and new look...

scanned by moi

this pic is a bit more clear...

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