Black, Blacker, Blackest

Friend: “That’s a different look on you…”
Me: “What do you mean?”
Friend: “You never wear black...”

That aptly describes a memorable conversation that frequently comes to my mind whenever I wear the color black. 

You see, for most of my life I rarely purchased black clothing. The first LBD that I purchased was in 1998- YES, I actually remember! Oh, and I still have it- see it here… Any who, it was just about a decade later that I purchased my second black dress.

However, since I moved out to the west coast, I cannot help but notice that I now have more black clothing in my wardrobe than ever before. Why is that? My only guess: I am undergoing a style metamorphosis!

Although an all black ensemble is still not my style staple (as of yet, that is), there is something about wearing all black that now feels classic, even timeless to me.

When I received this fabulous, yes luxurious midi skirt (I mean it has an attached petticoat!!!) that I am wearing in today’s post, I tried it on with a number of combinations. Initially I was quite set on pairing it with denim. But after several trial runs, I decided that I was feeling an all black look, and poof- here we are! LOL!

Like most of Eliza J.'s designs, this skirt is highly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your style needs and preferences. The quality is supurb, and the fit is generous (this is a 14W). Check them out at my BFF's, a.k.a Nordstrom, in-store or online.

Thanks for stopping by today Style Lovers! Stay tuned for my next post, which features another beauty from Eliza J. ;)

Xx

Hat: Vintage| Sequin Blazer: American Rag (worn here, here, and here)| Crop top: LEITH| Midi skirt: Eliza J. (gifted)| Booties: Chinese Laundry| Jeweled evening bag: Vintage

Making Appearances

Some have said that appearances don’t really matter, yet experience indicates something entirely different. For instance, what is the very first thing one generally notices when meeting someone else? Their appearance! Yes, skin color, facial features, condition of teeth, eye color, hair, clothing and even personal mannerisms.

Time and time again people draw firm conclusions based on the outer appearance of someone else. Of course these conclusions and or assumptions have a considerable probability of being inaccurate; nonetheless those conclusions can be extremely difficult to dismiss.

How often have we heard the expression, “First impressions are lasting impressions?” The way that we dress, look, and manner in which we conduct ourselves does matter.
I personally notice a considerable difference in how I am treated when I enter high end retail stores based on my dress being dressy versus casual. When I am casually dressed, and perhaps my hair doesn’t look freshly styled, I notice that sales people are more likely not to approach me to ask if I need any assistance.

In sharp contrast, when my attire is dressy and or upscale, I find myself inundated with sales people from multiple departments asking how they may help me. Point taken? 
Despite awareness of the fact that appearances do carry a considerable amount of weight, I dress according to my own personal preferences. I love to dress up most days, because it makes me feel good, and seems to align with who I am as a woman. However, there are times when I’m tired and or not quite in the mood to do the norm. On those days I throw on whatever takes the least amount of effort (example here), and I set about my day.

Over to you: Do appearances matter to you? Have you observed any noticeable differences in how you are treated based on your attire?

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunnies:LEITH| Vest: Coldwater Creek| Tank: Nordstrom| Jeans: NYDJ (worn here, here, and here)| Sandals: Giani Bernini (worn here)|Clutch: Vintage