Dear Readers, If you're one of those people who thinks black is boring, prepare to be bored this season! Black is back and it's everywhere.
photo courtesy of white house black market I saw one of my former clients at a casual outdoor party recently, and I was so impressed. She wore a simple black sleeveless top with a pair of tan colored wide-leg linen pants. She looked tall and tan, clean and cool. Not easy to do on an oppressively hot summer day. I was wishing I felt as cool as she looked. When working with her, I learned quickly that she is a person who truly loves black! So much so, it's become her signature look. I admire her for that. She knows her style and she sticks to it. As for the rest of us, even if we don't particularly like black, we should probably have some classic black items to serve as the anchors of our fall/winter wardrobe. We are nothing if not practical. In my work as a closet counselor, I hear both men and women say they probably have too much black in their closets. But this is what I discover when working with them. Black is not the problem. The problem is that many black items are ill fitting, faded or duplicates (my friend with the 24 pairs of black pants). Other black pieces to consider? - A classic black suit. For professional businesswomen, nothing is more powerful looking in the boardroom or in the courtroom. - A casual black blazer. Wonderful with jeans, camel colored pants or a pair of dark tweeds. - A black turtleneck sweater. One of Jackie O's favorite looks that is as relevant today as it was in 1962. photo courtesy of Keep It Chic fashion blog - A black cardigan sweater. It fills the bill nicely for both work and for play. - A black pencil skirt. It will slim you down and class you up in less than a New York minute. Add a pretty blouse, a leather belt and a black cardigan? Voila! Business casual at it's very best. And speaking of New York, there was a great article in an old edition of Real Simple magazine from a dentist's office . . . where else? Entitled Mother May I by Ingela Ratledge, the article talks about how our mothers believed in the rules of fashion and how today's younger generation disregards most of them. For example: "Rule: Wearing all black should be reserved for funerals. Rebuttal: If that were the case, then the most stylish women in Manhattan would be one long funeral procession. Head to toe black is universally accepted as chic." (read full article) Ok, I'll concede that all black may possibly come across as harsh or unimaginative. On the other hand, it is a blank canvas upon which you can paint any darn picture you please. That's the part I like. I can do a classic look with pearls and a silk scarf or I can do an edgy one with a studded belt and leopard print shoes. And I could go on all day! Definitely not boring; it's more like fun. I'll show you mine if you show me yours! Black, that is. Best regards, Nancy PS. Thinking about making a change in your life? New residence? New weight loss? New partner? New job? This would be the time, this would be the moment to call me. I can provide the kind of wardrobe help that will give your confidence a boost, your spirits a lift and your wallet a rest. It's true. Let's talk. 708.579.1016 | 
