Back to Basics: In Black & White
Black and white. It’s probably the safest, simplest and most basic wardrobe combination there is. For me it started back in the day with those elementary school assemblies and choir performances when the requisite uniform was a white shirt and black bottoms. Boring, right? That’s what I thought then but now, not so much. I’ve since come to appreciate the simplicity of the tried and true pairing and have found that with the right pieces, it can be clean and classic, even quite sophisticated. Celebrity Janelle Monae has proven so again and again, consistently demonstrating that you can stick with the simple solid top and bottom or kick things up a notch by choosing bold graphic patterns. Either approach works.
Today’s Moxy Style look features a striped cold shoulder sweater found at my favorite consignment shop, Plato’s Closet (www.platoscloset.com). They have locations throughout the country and it doesn’t matter which you go to, you’re bound to find some great deals. The beautiful full sleeve detail on this amazing sweater grabbed my eye and with a price tag of just $15, I just had to grab it. The Guess black skinny jeans and Joan & David boots were also consignment finds and fit the vibe I was feeling this particular day. (Sidebar: I’ve shared before in previous posts how much I swear by thrifting/treasure hunting. Salvation Army, Goodwill and eBay are great resources for scoring amazing finds that fit your budget. Don’t overlook them!)
Accessorizing is always a favorite part of the process for me and hats and sunnies are particular essentials I rarely go without. The wide brim fedora from My Hats and Gloves (www.myhatandgloves.com) and Express mirrored aviators found at Ross did the trick and gave just the right amount of drama. I must say, though, that the leather half-gloves from Choies (www.choies.com) are my new fave item and brought a subtle edge to the presentation.
Blogger Style
As I mentioned, the black and white combination is a tried and true formula, worn by just about every woman at one time or another. Check out some great black/white ensembles shown by fellow bloggers. These are some of my favorites.
Blair Eddie
Mia Mia Mine
Trisha Penn
Moxy Style on Polyvore
Still not convinced that basic black and white is for you? Need tips on how to make it distinct and work for you? For more inspiration, check out a few looks showing how bold pops of color can add a bit of panache to any black & white ensemble. Follow the “Moxy Style” Polyvore page for outfit details.
So you see, dressed up or down, in warm weather or in the dead of winter, in solid color or with bold prints, the timeless black and white ensemble is a winning combination. You just need to create the one that captures your style vibe and works best for you.
Love the blog! Hot picks!
Thank you so much, Lana! Please feel free to share:)