Monochromatic Minimalism

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!

Today's black and white look was inspired by one of my favorite major fashion trends of the 90s - minimalism.  

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Jacket:  Forenza by The Limited (Available here)

I spent my formative fashion years, high school and college, in the 90s.  The 90s saw the height of grunge, a look I spent many years rocking.  At the time, I was quite inspired by both the street and high-fashion aspects of the grunge movement.  

Around that same time, minimalist looks began being featured by many designers.  Calvin Klein was one of the leaders in this trend and was definitely one of my favorite designers of the time.

Mid-90s Calvin Klein
Source:  www.thewickedwallflower.com

Taking 90s minimalist inspiration to 2013, I paired black skinny pants with a black and white jacket and simple grey top.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

I cheated a little with my "black and white" theme by adding in touches of soft grey, but I love the overall effect of the neutrals paired together.

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)
Ring:  The Limited (old)

To maintain the minimalist effect, I fought the urge to add a big statement necklace and kept my accessories pared down to only a pair of silver earrings and silver band.  I finished the look off with a white and pale grey clutch.  

Shoes:  Target (old)

I tend to see perfume as a bit of an accessory, often choosing my fragrance based more on what I'm wearing than specific occasion.  Today, my look inspired a few spritzes of one of my favorite fragrances, CK One.  In 1994, Calvin Klein released this zesty, unisex scent and it's been one of my regulars ever since.


Do you like the minimalist look?  What are some of your favorite fragrances?

Spring 2013 Fashion Preview: Graphic Black & White

Black and white never really goes out of style; however, the last couple seasons, designers have really utilized this classic color combination, making it uber-trendy.  This coming spring, expect to see lots of black and white in solids and graphic prints in stores. 

Pretty bright colors are expected for spring, but many designers took a more unexpected turn this spring using black and white.

Since this is my favorite combination, color me quite happy!!

Jacket:  Target Petites (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (No longer available on-line)

Blouse:  Old Navy Petites
Tote:  The Limited

Today, I paired this great ponte knit peplum jacket I just found on-line at Target with basic black pieces for a graphic look.
 

I paired my outfit with a red tote for a pop of color, but for spring, many designers kept accessories in black and white as well.

Some of my favorite black and white looks off the Spring 2013 runways:

Roland Mouret Spring 2013 look
Source:  www.style.com

Balenciaga Spring 2013 look
Source:  www.harpersbazaar.com

Givenchy Spring 2013 look
Source:  www.harpersbazaar.com

Shoes:  Target
Necklace:  Express (old)

Bracelets:  Torrid (Available in stores), The Limited

Will you be wearing the black and white trend this spring??

Comfy Colorblocking

Happy Friday, everyone!!!

Today, I paired my ivory colorblocked blouse with black pants and a purple blazer for a comfortable Friday work look.

Blouse:  New York & Company (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Blazer: The Limited (Similar here)
Flats:  Target

While I like today's look, this look is an example of how the wrong fit or proportion can throw off an otherwise great outfit.  This blouse is too long.  I do like slightly longer, tunic-length tops, but they look best on shorter gals when worn with heels to help elongate the leg.

With flats, the blouse has the effect of creating a long torso and proportionately too short legs.  I will be taking this one to the tailor to get the right length.

Purse:  The Limited (Sold out on-line; may be available in stores)
Necklace:  The Limited
Alligator ring:  Target

For more on fall's black and white trend, see here.
For this purple blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here .
 
Do you get your clothes altered?

Romantic with an Edge

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

Today, I chose my ivory chiffon colorblocked dress and paired it with my faux leather jacket.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Dress:  The Limited (Available here)

I love the hard and soft mix of the fabrics.  Maximizing your wardrobe by transitioning pieces, like this flowy chiffon summer dress, into cooler weather is a great way to get more bang for your buck with your wardrobe.  The fabric and style of this dress is the easiest for transitioning into colder months, in my opinion.

The small fishnet knit of these tights and Swiss dot pattern adds visual interest, but is still subtle enough to not overpower the entire look.

Tights:  Target (Similar here)
Boots:  Payless

The ankle boots and romantic silver locket finish the hard and soft balance of today's look.  The red tote adds a bright pop of color.

Tote:  The Limited (Available here)
Locket:  Target (old)

How do you transition summer pieces into fall and winter?

For more on fall's leather trend, see here. 
For more on fall's black and white trend, see here. 
For this dress worn differently, see here.

B&W Colorblocking

Dress:  New York & Company

Hi everyone!

Today I paired this sporty black and white shift dress with opaque black tights and wedge heels boots for a comfy, but put together look.

I love the black and white trend for fall as I could live in this classic color combination.

Tote:  The Limited (Available here)

Tights:  Torrid (Available here)
Boots:  Target (Available here)

See this dress styled for warmer weather/climates here.

Necklaces:  The Limited
Ring:  Local jewelry show

Do you like wearing black and white, or do you prefer color?

Shift into Fall

Shift dresses were all over Fall runways as were color blocked black and white looks. 

Dress:  New York & Company (Similar here)

Today, I combined the trends in this great 60s-inspired mod shift dress.  This ponte knit dress is surprisingly substantial, which means that it will transition well to cooler temps with opaque black tights and boots.

Necklace:  Target (See here)
Shoes:  Target
Purse:  The Limited

Since the weather is still mild, I paired my dress today with my Grecian/bondage heels and one of my favorite necklaces.

For more on the black and white trend, see here.

Cuff:  New York & Company (close-up here)

Dresses are easy to transition a look from day to night.  For after-work happy hour, I would simply trade my tote for a bright clutch.

Do you like shift dresses?  Do you like the black and white trend for fall?