The Post in Which I Beg for Your Fashion Advice
Hi sweets! This post steps quite a bit outside of my usual comfort zone as I am going to turn the virtual focus upon myself for a second. Oh gosh...scary.
Here's the deal. I really need your help! I've attached images here of the clothing items that I will be packing to wear for NY Fashion Week. Yes they are all black...every single thing (unless I count denim as a color).
So you can see why I desperately need your help dear ones. How do I brighten this funereal palette up and do color right? What would you recommend? A neon belt around the dress? A bright tank under the beaded top? You can see how flummoxed I am. Ack! Any little tips, tricks, or shopping links you can share will be forever appreciated. P.S. I also feel like I should mention that I had to go out and buy just about everything you see here for this trip since my usual day-to-day blogger "style" is of the comfortable jeans and 5-yr old t-shirt variety. This is also the first dress I've owned in about 9 years (my last one was a wedding dress)! At least I have a few good staples in my closet now though, right?!
Credit and links (many of the pieces here are from the outlet mall in Oklahoma City, so I don't have active links to share for those. Sorry.):
BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress | MICHAEL Michael Kors Tracey Open-Toe Pump (I purchased mine at Dillard's) | Nine West Flats | Fossil Watch | Set of Three Bangles from Fail Jewelry | Hinge Bracelet (made by me) | J.Crew Belt (from a couple years ago) | Business Cards printed by Moo (I love them) | Beaded Top (by unknown — the tags were gone when I bought it) | DKNY Button Down Top | Assorted Jeans| Drapey Band-Waist Pants from Gap (they run big so I recommend a size or two down) | Black Out Sweater from Mohawk General Store | Xhilaration® Short Sleeve Tee from Target | Cole Haan Marley Tote |
59 Lovely Comments | Email Article | found in About Me / My Shops, Fashion + Style Print Article | Share This | 
| by Ez Tuesday, August 30, 2011 
Reader Comments (59)
I love all this stuff! I know you don't want to seem funeral-y , but I feel like you have a pretty clear aesthetic going here so I wouldn't stress about trying to punch it up with neon if that's not what you're feeling. I admire the Acne-esqe modern and sophisticated look. Of course, I've also been known to wear a neon belt every day for a week, so I get that too :) Anyway, nice job shopping and don't worry about it too much. Wear what you love and you'll look (and feel) great.
I love the basic black. I always carry a multitude of scarves and pashimas with me when I travel. Lots of costume jewelry too. How about adding one other piece in a bright colour - I always love sapphire blue.
Lovely basics! You can't go wrong with black IMHO. Your ideas to brighten it up sound fab to me. Go for some cute colourful jewellery and scarves - maybe some graphics/florals? A colourfully beaded clutch for the LBD ensemble...? Have a fab time! :)
What about a bright cardigan or patterned scarf to throw over everything in a light texture and vibrant color- acid green or bright orange...Also some chunky necklace with colored beads- maybe some cool wrapped fabric beads?
Also a fresh pretty face with a slick of bright JCrew inspired lipstick and some fresh rosy blush always adds color to your outfit and will feel great.
HAVE FUN!!!
Or a big canary yellow bag...bright cobalt shoes?
I will post shopping links if I find anything.
What a garde-robe! All are fabulous!
Black with black is beautiful. For the "bright-up", i'm not sure about neon, but maybe gold or more yellow, light wood, and white!
Have a wonderful time.
Oh you all are uh-mazing!!! Thank you for all your tips and encouragement so far. I'm going to keep every single one in mind when I shop for my final pieces this weekend. Thanks a million! xo Ez
Some brightly colored scarves are an easy fix! Also, fun bold jewelry.
I agree with the rest of them. Black is great. Punch it up with nice jewelry. Doesn't even need to be colorful if it's shiny. Take a scarf or pashi if you already have one or two.
I love the pieces, but you need some BRIGHTLY colored accessory if you're going to wear all black, all the time! Great pieces, I'm rather jealous of your upcoming trip!
-meesch
http://www.aperfectkindofday.com
I am so not the person to give fashion advice, but I think soft colors might be a good way to temper the black, especially since they match the aesthetic of your blog. I guess I was thinking light pinks, or buttery yellows, and maybe some blue hues. You could look back over your cheap & chic posts--those were always great! Of course, you've probably done that at this point. I'm pretty sure you can do a lot with these gorgeous pieces. Seriously, trust your taste!
Do little touches of cobalt blue, that is supposed to be the it color of the season and it looks amazing with black. Make a pretty ribbon bracelet, grab a little leather belt, use a quick sweep of a blue liner.
I like your black palette. It really works well since you have so many lovely textures and shapes. As long as you do not have a glum remorseful look on your face I am sure you will not look like you are going to a funeral.
Accessorize! Neon + black gets a little too eighties for me, but all you need is a fun pop of color here and there. All you need are a few simple touches and the outfits will speak volumes. Maybe a fun agate necklace or some chunky colored bracelets, and don't forget gold and silver are colors too! One of my favorite things to do when I travel is pick up a few scarves at H&M on the cheap and then you've got one of the most versatile accessories ever. If it's chilly enough you could even try some fun colored tights. You obviously have good taste so just use your best judgment and remember less is probably more!
I love the cropped shirts, and to add some color to them you should get some high waisted skirts with color. I was initially thinking maxiskirt, but a shorter skirt could work too.
Those are really nice pieces Ez. I'm pretty minimalist with accessories so I'd maybe a wrap colorful vintage scarf around my wrist or around the handle of the black bag. And if you're feeling brave, ankle socks under your peeptoe shoes.
for the dress: hair up and a pop of color with some earrings
for the beaded top: a tank under it in a color... peacock or coral
for the button down: keep it simple... wear the watch... and up the makeup a bit.
for the two flouncy tops: well they are screaming for a chunky statement necklace
I have a friend just like you who subconsciously refuses to buy anything other than black. So, I recommend that you get big statement jewellery. I'm thinking a big beaded turquoise necklace paired with a cute yellow belt. Or go out and get another pair of heels, but make sure they are coral :)
These are excellent basics! I agree with a lot of the comments that some colorful jewelry is maybe the way tog go. And maybe a skirt in a pretty, subdued color? Color can seem less scary if it's not next to your face (as in, a colorful top). J Crew and Madewell have some nice options. Or you could check out some thrift shops?
ha! your options look like all of my options! BLACK all the way! i'd say layer up some accessories - gold would be good. don't do a thing to that dress except fabulous shoes. for the blouse, i'd do a really fun necklace with a pop of whatever color you're comfortable with. and if you can invest in a big oversize clutch bag with big style, that will do the trick.
i hope i run into you there!!! xoxo
That dress is absolutely stunning! I think it would love even better with some bright colored shoes! Perhaps a red or turquoise. For all the other outfits just throw on some fun jewelry and mix n' match it! You are going to look great. :)
P.S. My closet is just about the same color palette, all black and some denim.
Get some big colourful sunnies - cheap and easy solution! Plus then you can act all celeb when the cameras start flashing
I love everything you've shown here! (I am seriously coveting those black heels!) I have found that a huge portion of my fall/winter/spring closet is black and various shades of grey. I have had to make sure to have statement accessories--particularly those in bright colors or with interesting design. I also have determined the colors i am drawn to most often (aquamarine, coral, fuschia, yellow....) and have been making a conscious effort to buy some items in those colors (they all happen to match well, too). The thing with black and grey is they are such good go-to colors, but if you're like me and need a serious pick-me-up in the cold months, finding sweet, fun additions really makes a difference.
Forever21 has great neon thin belts
Delia's currently has a great bright blue animal-print dress that I am longing for
Aldo's got some fantastic bright shoes right now
Urban outfitters usually has pretty sweet scarves and offbeat jewelry
Adding tawny items in with black changes up the mood entirely. It's one of my favorite combos (belt, shoes, purse...)
May i suggest bringing in some color in the shoes.
- The dress has a lot of great structure going - you can always soften it with nude color pumps - btw that color can elongate the legs which is not a bad thing.
- The top with the line detail does not need much. A thin necklace would be great.
- DKNY button down top, may i suggest wearing it untuck and wrapping a belt, similar to the one in the link, http://www.melamedbelts.com/collection/22.htm - And then loosen up the blouse to create a somewhat casual feel.
Like mention you can bring in color in the shoes, and even in a clutch. I believe is less is more!
Have fun!
dont get tanks, it will look much. go for statement or colored accessories. Like a turquoise ring, statement coral necklace, cuff bracelets, or a scarf, and get a nice cat eye sunglasses - i think it will add a nice simple chic touch to everything.
The dress already looks stunning, its ok to just wear it on its own. but if you really want color, go for rings, bracelets, and stud earrings and just play up your makeup a bit.
The black long sleeve will look great with some pendant necklaces or a statement necklace, even a colorful scarf would look nice. tie it to your bag for its pop of color too.
The button up can use a statement necklace popping from underneath. a simple red belt will suffice, but if you have a beautifully detailed statement belt - wear it.
im all for the minimalist look. But you can get a high waist skirt, like in jade green or something to wear with your tee.
You scored some great pieces! My first thought is to tie in some camel and a touch of leopard - perfect for fall. I tend to go with classic, understated with a touch of trendy.
Here are my ideas:
Dress - leopard shoes or booties with a thick brass necklace
Button up shirt - camel trousers with shirt half tucked with a black or leopard belt paired with your black heels (you can also wear these pieces with the two other plain black shirts)
Black pants - pair with a camel or grey loose silk tee
Black shirts - an army green pair of skinny pants rolled up and paired with your black sandals
I hope this helps!!
ps. I'm super jealous you're going to NYFW!
I love all your finds! I would wear any of those pieces, but I totally get your monochrome dilemma, I tend to wear a lot of black and grey as well. It will probably still be on the warmer side in NY during Fashion Week, so I might try a bright pair of sunglasses, a straw fedora with a colorful band, perhaps a small, colorful fascinator, or if it's even warmer than expected a colorful hand fan. These are just some out of the box suggestions, but I agree that jewelry, shoes, or makeup are a great way to add color. I don't know that I would add a belt to that gorgeous dress, the detailing is so amazing on it's own. Have fun in New York!