Black on Black

It's all thrifted except for necklaces.  I stacked two necklaces....one from JCP and the other a gift from my sister.

Two things I love are present in this outfit:  Black and high waisted.   What's so great about those two things?

Black

• looks great on most people
• figure flattering
• classic
• easy to mix with color
• great backdrop for statement pieces
• EASY!

High Waist

• shows off the smallest part of the torso
• lengthens the leg
• belt friendly
• alleviates the hated "muffin top"
• allows almost every body shape to tuck in shirt
• pants don't slide down

So there you go!  Yes, I know color is wonderful and a lower rise has been popular for years now. But sometimes you just have to shake it up!  The lesson here:  Wear what you feel great in regardless of current trends or sartorial opinions!

~color me bad!

Princess sleeves and stacked bracelets...the swirly ones were my mom's that she had for as long as I can remember, the 4 smooth ones are silver that I picked up at a flea market and the turquiose is one I bought for myself a few years ago in Black Mtn, NC.

One of the things I love about vintage clothes is that there was so much attention to detail, even in the most mundane garments.  This is a Totes rain coat probably early 80s, I'm guessing.  But look at the details...the mandarin quilted collar, the princess sleeves and the front pockets.  The color is spectacular! 

One thing I'm working on for myself is to try to style myself in the manner that I'm drawn to.  I've said it before, I just love that easy dressing look....like it's not TOO made up.  I love the throw on and go look without too much fussiness.  Reading a wonderful book called The Power of Style by Annette Tappert.  I've had it for years and this is the second time I've read it cover to cover.  It's a compilation of mini bios of women like Coco Chanel, Elsie DeWolfe, Diana Vreeland and more.  Seems like what all of these women had in common was a sense of self and willingness to follow their passions.  They didn't follow trends, they SET them.  I love that about them and want to bring more of that into my own life!  Is there something you love (fashion wise) or wear that you feel like you're the only one on the planet that "gets" it; but you just don't care you love it so much?  Asking myself the same thing...seems like we should all have ONE style item that we're willing to be seen as foolish over because we LOVE it so much!

JACKET:  Thrifted Totes

SKINNY PANTS:  J Crew

SHOES:  Kenneth Cole (hand me down from friend)

~It's a man's world.....

First of all……disclaimer……..these pictures were taken at the absolute very end of my day.  I had gone to work, hit the thrift store, grocery shopped, and picked up one of my kids at the bus stop.  I feel like I should be swinging a frying pan singing, “I can bring home the bacon!  Fry it up in a pan!  And never never never let you FO-GET YOU”RE THA MAN…….Cause I’m a WOOOOOOOMAN!  ENJOLI!!”  I’m completely advertising my age here and younger readers are now scratching their heads thinking, “What the HECK is she talking about and what’s an ENJOLI?”  But I said all that to say, it was a rough wonderful day and I look a bit (okay, more than a bit) harried in these pictures.
But harried or not, I stinking LOVE this outfit!  If I do a end of the year wrap up with my favorite looks of 2011, this one will definitely be on the list.  The stiletto heels, the necktie with a touch of silver glitter thread running through it, the wrap sweater……it ALL worked.  This is just sooooo me!  And if I can take a quick time out for some soapbox time; I have to tell you, the best part of this outfit is thrifted.  If there are any of you out there who have not hit the thrift stores in your area, I’m asking you, “What are you waiting for?”  There are treasures to be had! 
TIE, NECKLACE & HEELS:  Thrifted
PANTS:  Hand me down from my aunt
SWEATER:  H&M and had forever
BELT:  Husband’s