Revisiting Black

What are the elements that take a simple black and white outfit and transform it into something different? I guess it could be different things for different people but for me, shoes and accessories are the big ticket choices for making a simple outfit look outstanding.

Three long necklaces and three matching shoes (seriously, already in my wardrobe) makes three ways to wear this one outfit.  They look similar, but different enough to be useful for different occasions.

Wear it with green

Wear it with coral

Wear it with black and gold

I love them all.  You will be seeing a lot of this top, I can guarantee it.  Have fun with your accessories and see how you can switch up your basic black and white this week.

XO,
Alyssa

Embracing Black

For some reason I have been intensely interested recently in the black elements of my closet--specifically, the lack thereof.  Once upon a time, all I wore was black clothing.  These days, since denim is my number one option, I seem to rarely grab for my blacks.  The addition of two new pieces into my wardrobe is about to change all that!!

I found this Derek Lam for Kohl's sleeveless blazer on sale and knew (because Beverly has shown me) that it could become a new layering staple for my hot climate wardrobe.  It was a great deal at under $20 and has just the right amount of length to make it versatile.

I just had to work out the right combination of necklaces to really make it look right.

It's Monday...go to Not Dead Yet Style and link up!

Less is more?  More is more?  I think I wore the more is more option from the middle picture in the end.  I can't wait to see what other ways I can make this blazer/vest contraption work for me.

The second addition to my closet will be showcased in my Wednesday post...which will be photo heavy I fear...so prepare!

XO,
Alyssa

Continuing the Denim Theme

We all know that I love me some Denim.  I wear it all the time, discuss why I always wear it, try to avoid wearing it to no avail and then continue to utilize and adore it.  But there is one trend with denim that I have been avoiding.

I have been very reluctant to jump on the Denim on Denim trend because "back in the day" ie. the 80s; we always referred to wearing denim on denim as a "denim tuxedo" or "denim leisure suit".  Please refer to the following two graphic examples of this horror.

Both images courtesy of this Post

Well Yippee Ky Ay, call me what you will but I am jumping on the double denim bandwagon (or should I say chuck-wagon?).  So long as your denim doesn't match exactly, these days you are safe and right on the money for the look.  Truthfully...Brit and JT could probably still get away with those looks today, but only because, well, they are them and not us.

So dare to double up your denim and see how much fun you can have trying to avoid references to cowboys, tuxedos and leisure suits.  Have fun!!

XO,
Alyssa

p.s.  how many times did I use the word Denim in one post?!  LOL

An Homage to a Denim Jacket

Few things in my closet are as versatile as this denim jacket.  I can pull this piece into almost any outfit and make it work with ease.  It is a perfect, medium colored blue that plays well with just about every other color in my wardrobe.  Its cut is not too short and not too long and not too boxy so can be worn with many different top lengths.

Everyone needs a denim jacket...I have spoken, so let it be done.  Go forth and procure yourself a perfect denim jacket of your own, you will be so glad you did!!


XO,
Alyssa

Still Kicking (sort of)

The good news is I am not dead, or injured, or any other horrific thing you *may* have been imagining.  The bad news is that I am still not really ready to get back in the blogging game.

I was feeling guilty though, so I'm going to post the last outfit photos I took...which according to iphoto I took on June 28th.

I'm sure that these pictures are fine, I kinda love this dress for all it's vibrant, fun colors and the many options it presents for styling.  You KNOW what I see when I look at them though.  You know you see it too.  That is why, even though it was over 100 degrees out and we were eating in an al fresco restaurant, I covered that shit up!

And went on with my life.  Stay tuned next week as I pay homage to this denim jacket which has played such a large part in my fashion life "covering that shit up".  Can you quote yourself or is that grammatically incorrect?

XO,
Alyssa


*NOT linking up this week as the fewer people that see these pictures the better!  These are JUST for you special people ;o)