Something Different.

Sometimes, I want to rid my closet of all things frilly and colorful in favor of simple and sophisticated black + white.  I bounce back and forth between this extreme and the other, i.e., lots of mish-mashed bright colors and patterns.  Today I’m of the former mind, and I wish I was wearing this ($575 — yah, yah, I know it’s a jupsuit-type-thing, but it’s just so sleek and looks like it could be separates) with some lovely drops ($495 — obsessed with the line ASHA) and these inexpensive ankle-strap heels ($49):

This dotted Phillip Lim clutch ($876 — or get the look for FAR less with this inexpensive find) would finish the look perfectly:

I’d offset the sophisticated look with a bright red lip (Nars’ Heat Wave is pretty bomb — $26 — and P.S., I just bought Nars’ Roman Holiday, a pretty soft pink, and am literally obsessed — ob.sessed. with the color.  BUY.  Immediately.):

I am also very into the idea of a wrap maxi skirt like this white style ($190 — so sophisticated!) with this black silky tank (love the neckline — $120) and a pop of color in the form of these fun drops ($26):

I’d finish with these elegant Jason Wu heels ($845) and this pop-of-color minaudiere ($128):

For something more casual, how about a ladylike top ($198) with a statement necklace (wow — $206; if that’s too funky for your taste, a simpler tassel/lariat necklace like this one would do the trick), some leather-esque leggings ($194) and some polka-dot flats ($49)?

Finish with one of those monogrammable Clare Vivier roll totes ($476):

Finally, while on the topic of black + white, I have to share a recent obsession.  My bestie has long been coercing me into getting no-chip (shellac) manicures, and they do work like a charm for someone like me, as I’m often cooking/washing and have been known to ruin a manicure within a few hours of receiving it.  I’ve been getting stark white nails (usually OPI’s Alpine Snow) — obsessed at the moment.  I know it sounds scary, but it comes off looking very…polished and sophisticated.

Happy Hump Day?