Style Story: All Black Glam

There’s something about an all-black look. My holiday version combines lux fabrications and reflective textures for a simple and truly elevated look. I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with sequins and metallic leggings because they can look a bit tacky when poorly styled. Often times they’re used as the focus piece but in my opinion, they should be styled exactly the opposite way. I personally like to wear them within a look that’s collective and without a focal point or focus item. This is best achieved when our fabrics are balanced, and our color choices are solid. The total look should be easy for the eye to take in which is why black is a great way to go. My sequin leggings, Amazon, are very reflective so I’m using my very flat matte velvet jacket, J Crew, to tamp them down. Neither piece takes away from the other rather they become equalized and meet in the middle. This is going to sound strange but I’ve also considered my actual skin as part of my look.

It’s especially important when working within a single color and with items that have a lot of coverage to create balance in the covered AND uncovered areas. My little merry widow, Victoria’s Secret, replaces a top and exposes more of my chest and neck. I’ve balanced the openness up top with my un-stockinged feet in a pair of statin pumps, Martinez Valero. The shoes have a clear wire with a center rhinestone that runs across the arch of my bare foot that draws the light and the eye. I used a reflective silver chain-mail bag, Whiting and Davis, a small rhinestone short necklace, and vintage pave’ earrings to tie back to my shoes. My all black glam look is made up of only a few sportswear items that are part of my everyday wardrobe but together they’re pure lux.

style-tip: knowing when and how to neutralize a focus item can be the difference in the efficacy of your look.

Style Story: Impactful Simplicity

The holidays are fun but they can be equally stressful especially when it comes to deciding what to wear for each gathering. My look is all about simplicity and comfort because I’m wearing separates that come right out of my closet. A straight long skirt always looks dramatic and chic and this gold metallic knit, Zara, from Summers past does not disappoint. I’ve paired it with a vintage sequins sleeveless sweater for an early 60s type of elegance.  The reflective colors of both items bounce the light between themselves to make my look feel a lot more substantial than it really is.

The v-neck on this sweater is rather narrow and not very deep so I want to follow the line using one simple piece – a pearl and diamond pendant necklace. It’s clean, uncluttered, and pairs with my diamond hoop earrings. I brought in another silver-toned element that works with my jewelry – a vintage, Whiting and Davis, chain mail bag and its perfect little rhinestone closure.  A pair of gold strappy sandals, Sam Edelman, bring in a modern element to balance with the retro feel of my look. They also open up some space against the full coverage of the long skirt. And my showstopper…..a vintage raspberry cashmere swing coat with a dye-to-match fox collar. It’s a beautiful, unexpected pop of joyful color that will no doubt turn heads upon arrival and departure.

Wishing you a very Happy, Healthy, and Stylish 2025!

style-tip: simple separates can be impactful with the right balance of items.

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you