Bits and Pieces: Black on Black.....

....on pale. Nothing makes black clothing pop more than when worn by someone whose skin tone resembles every one's friendly ghost. I always have Halloween on lockdown with this pallor - strictly Morticia all the way. But I do make the jump to all black on days other than the annual Ode to the Jack-o-Lantern - such as early Fall, as evidenced in the above photos. As the scorching heat begins to subside and the winds begin to pick up, I find that a dress like this is perfect for living in between seasons. What takes this look straight to Fall without passing Go or collecting $200 are the suede wedge ankle booties - a perfect way to give the outfit a little more edge and perhaps elicit a comment from your loved ones, perhaps a husband, such as "wow - that outfit seems a little goth". Well - I love you too, schnookems. Now take the picture. Significant other 2 cents aside, I amped up the edge a little more by adding an all black, patent leather studded belt, silver bib-like necklace and dark lips. He says goth - I say dark and brooding. Mysterious almost. Fashion gives you the freedom to express a different persona or attitude if you choose. I guess Halloween can be more than one day a year - but instead of candy and pumpkins, there are booties and belts.     

Dress - Pencey Standard | Belt - Club Monaco (similar here) | Necklace - Ann Taylor (similar here) | Boots - Jean-Michel Cazabat

Bits and Pieces: Sheath With A Twist

Just because I stock my closet full of neutral colors, shapes, styles galore - does not mean that the pieces have to be dull and boring.  Quite the contrary actually.  Pieces like this T by Alexander Wang dress are basic in theory but the literal twist in the front gives it the figurative twist that I look for in clothes.  With a cap sleeve and mock t-neck, this piece has legs for many seasons to come.  It can just get right up and walk its way through my closet year after year, showing up in Winter or Summer, Fall or Spring.  And since the dress falls at such a modest length - I enjoy throwing a harsher piece of jewelry with it to create some contrast.  You know - like that Duane Reade bag is perfectly contrasting my hand-on-hip made up fashion photo shoot.  Stay classy New York. But back to the accessories! This horn ring fits the bill perfectly and I enjoy that it is both silver AND gold - defying that stupid jewelry rule.  Who made that up?  Does that person also not wear brown and black together?  And perhaps still have an answering machine?  Yeah - I thought so.  My of-the-moment self wants to extend a hand out to them and welcome them to 2012.  A time when its ok to mix things up and take some risks.  If you know anything about my blog (and you should! shame on you.), you know that I am not about making rules for fashion or creating boundaries that only exist to box you in.  I mean - don't start wearing your underwear outside of your pants and cite my blog as the reason - I don't need my Barney's membership revoked, thank you very much.  But taking a sartorial chill pill wouldn't hurt - hell it might even make getting up in the morning a little less awful because you put the fun back in getting dressed.  A little less.  I can't work miracles people.

 

What risks are you taking in fashion this fall?  Maybe I want to take them too.  Let's do it together.  Leave me a comment below and let me know.

Dress - T by Alexander Wang | Shoes - Jean-Michel Cazabat | Ring - House of Harlow

 

Bits and Pieces: Dressed Up in Shorts

I know what you all are thinking - is she in shorts, AGAIN?  Yes, yes I am.  I have had prior deliberations on my affinity for shorts a few posts ago, wondering how to pull off polished in a non-pants, non-skirt fabrication, but my pride abounds with this above look.  A silky textured short and a peplum-like silhouette courtesy of a blousy tank and belt, made for a perfect "casual Friday" look this past week.  Paired with my new shoe crush as discussed here, I feel the pointy toe and patent leather dresses it up a smidge so that my "casual Friday" edges slightly towards - still maintaining my weekly office attire dignity.  The ballerina like hair do? Courtesy of a non-wash day, and my hesitant foray into the world of dry shampoo.  And what would an outfit post in the summer time be without my ever trusted, pasty, pale, alabaster skin.  (Throwing in alabaster makes me feel better about my inability to tan - like I'm some disney princess)  This whole shorts thing is starting to grow on me.  I suppose almost any fashion choice can be styled to reach your desired comfort and polish level - except overalls.  And crocs.  And  clear lucite, stripper heels.  You are on your own with those. 

Tank - Kenneth Cole | Belt - Ann Taylor | Shorts - GAP | Shoes - Jean Michel Cazabat

Fashion Bits: Comfort/Fashion Face-Off

I am constantly on the quest for comfortable shoes that do not confine me to a one block radius of my apartment for fear that people may see my act of fashion treason.  While perusing one of my favorite sites, ShopBop, I stumbled upon these pointy-toed wedges by Jean-Michel Cazabat.  The point looked chic, the wedge looked wearable and the black patent leather screamed "wear me with anything and everything!"  So I took a chance, as most internet purchases are a gamble - and tried my luck at fulfilling my quest.  They arrived in the most adorable box as evidenced above and seemed too good to be true - so I slipped them on like some damn Cinderella-glass-slipper moment - hoping and praying that feel would match form and ultimately function.  They fit - a tad roomy if I must say so I am a bit trepidatious about how they will stretch, but I have worn them a few times and they are absolutely divine.  So much so that I am contemplating a possible purchase in another color(s) - because why have one when you can have 10?  I highly recommend trying these out - you and your feet will thank me.