Micro-Obsession: Navy and Black.

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Nothing novel, but I have been seriously into pairing navy and black this past week. I almost can’t help myself from reaching for this combo on a daily basis…? I guess this is the sartorial counterpart to my “hyper-fixation meals.” Ha! The basic rule I’ve landed on is that you need at least two items of one color. Two navy, one black; two black, one navy; etc. You can do more of either (three navy, one black; two navy, two black), but I think the look doesn’t work as well if you have just one black item and one navy item — then it runs the risk of looking straight-up mismatched. But double down on one color and you signal that you know what you’re doing.

Above, wearing: La Ligne Mini Marina sweater (look for less here), Gap kick flare jeans, Amazon mules, LL Bean tote (medium).

Below, wearing: Quince Navy Fisherman Sweater (size up); Spanx Kick Flare Pant (TTS and so flattering on the leg — also, very comfortable); Chanel black captoe flats; Amazon bag; LL Bean tote.

Below, some of my favorite ingredients for putting together this look, grouped loosely into outfit ideas.

01. RALPH LAUREN BLOUSE // 02. J. CREW CARDIGAN // 03. GAP TURTLENECK SWEATER // 04. CELINE BASEBALL CAP // 05. B SIDES LASSO JEANS // 06. MADEWELL BAG // 07. J. CREW SLIP SKIRT // 08. DIVANNE MULE // 09. MARGAUX FLATS // 10. COS SWEATER // 11. SAVETTE POCHETTE // 12. AGOLDE CLARA JEANS // 13. NEOUS VELVET SLINGBACKS // 14. DEMELLIER VANCOUVER CLUTCH // 15. BOSTON BIRKENSTOCKS

By the way, a moment for the return of the “East-West” bag, as seen in items 11 and 14 above? (“East- West” refers to any bag with an elongated horizontal side.) I’m obsessed. I think I’m going to ask for one of the Savette pochettes for Christmas. They are so unusual and spectacular. A perfect dinner bag. Saks is currently running a 25% off sale that includes a few of the Demellier East-West bags, bringing the price down to $340, and J. Crew also has a handbag out in this general category. I was also eyeing this croc-effect style one from Zara — love the style and detail — but worry the gold hardware will look cheap IRL. Might try to pop in to check it out…

And! If you love the navy-black combo as much as I do, you might dig these navy-and-black captoes from Veronica Beard, which I believe sold out already and were restocked. Look for less with these.

P.S. Metropolitan style and 8 everyday outfit ideas.

P.P.S. Who are you when no one’s watching?

P.P.P.S. I won’t soon forget…? (A love letter to Mr. Magpie.)