A Black and White Story

Right now I am alternating between being freezing and wanting to pile on the fuzzy sweaters and the fleeting bits of sunshine make me want to pull out something floral and bright. But even if it is sunny outside, it can be deceivingly cool. April, you can be so two faced, can’t you?

The solution for me is layering in black and white, giving my favorite black pieces a fresh appeal by pairing them with crisp white. You can shed the winter look without looking like you are dressed out of season, and you can chase away the cold, which is a perpetual problem for me. Black and white gives a strong look, both bold and bright.  It is a chic go-to look for me in between seasons when I want to add a trend from the new season to transcend an ordinary look to the next level.

Overdressed as usual

Your favorite white denim and black blazer may be a no brainer, but what if you flip flop it and wear white on top and black undeneath? This long white lace blazer was from Zara last year and I wear it like a topper, but a shorter style would be cool as well--this INC one is on super sale at Macy’s. If you aren’t the lace sort (what do you mean you aren’t the lace sort?), you can do this on trend fringe edged Joie jacket, or my personal favorite, the Nanette Lepore Starlit Jacket with its edgy long slits up the sleeves.

The word leggings can understandably scare the hell out of people, but I have made peace with leggings if they meet my requirements: thick fabric and back pockets. These Vince Riley leggings have the perfect fit for my curves, the cut slims the leg and can slip easily into a pair of boots. They also have flattering back pocket and a slightly higher waist, which made them a great investment for me.

I have a little collection of black blouses with varying personalities, with L’Agence being my favorite label. The one I am wearing in the photos is a black silk long sleeved blouse from Fifteen Twenty, but this one is also beautiful all by itself or layered under a jacket, and so is this more casual Michael Stars top. You can also wear a sleeveless blouse underneath for a perfect day to night look too, and black lace under white lace would also be very chic.

J. Crew Midnight Crystal Chandelier Earrings

Silver shoes are a thing right now for spring and summer: silver sneakers, silver espadrilles, silver flats and heels—they are everywhere! I loved these silver ZARA square heel (also a big trend) loafers—they stand out on their own AND compliment my black and white pieces. I added some “go big or go home” Black Midnight Crystal Chandelier Earrings from J.Crew—I am constantly on the look for jewelry and accessories that have a unique quality to them.

Issey Miyake Bao Bao Prism Leather Tote and Zara Silver Flats

And finally, my favorite spring/summer handbag, my Issey Miyake Bao Bao Prism Tote. I am obsessed with this faux leather tote with its uber cool geometric pattern with a slight shine that make it so interesting you just want to touch it…it’s a favorite purchase for sure.

Here's to a meeting a colorful day in chic black and white. Cheers!