Rockabye Bucktown

Black and white

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been following the NYFW coverage and I’m salivating at all of the great dresses and separates that will be coming our way. It’s motivating to make me truly edit my closet and add in some fun pieces that I’ll actually wear (especially given my goal of simplifying my wardrobe).

While I love a bright, colorful print, black and white seems to be everywhere lately (and judging from NYFW, doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon). Although, I would be lying if I didn’t absolutely love it in prints and patterns the most (how much do you love those pants!?). Here are a few black and white pieces I’m loving to wear now and to ease into warmer temps (you know, around Memorial Day):

• Equipment bright white masquerade print blouse
• Boy by Band of Outsiders color block short
• Isabel Marant glad lace shorts
• Milly Kiera multi clutch
• Mason by Michelle Mason mini dress
• IRO Avian print tux skinny
• A.L.C. Ely top

I’m a sucker for a solid jacket or blazer. 

Maybe because I’m always cold? The current temps and snow isn’t helping…

Maybe because they’re so easy to throw on to complete an outfit?

Whatever the reason, I’m in heaven right now as there are so many stylish options out there to get me through these dreary winter months, but also that can transition well into Spring. I am partial to IRO, Elizabeth & James and the Georgie line found at Intermix.  They are all quality lines that rarely go out of style. 

I picked up the burgundy E&J blazer this season and pair it with everything from bright cobalt to refined snakeskin patterns (cost per wear, cost per wear, cost per wear). I’m thinking the army green Georgie number would look great thrown over a tee and jeans for day and either a black or neutral dress for night.  I know I have posted about the cobalt tweed IRO before, but I can’t stop thinking about it (and wouldn’t mind pairing it with black silk pants for The Hunt this weekend). 

At the end of the day, this is Chicago and one can never own enough jackets.  Ever.

Tweed/army green/cobalt/bubble gum pink/burgundy

[Images via Intermix and Piperlime]

I’m clearly not attending an office holiday party of my own this year (unless you count the multiple chardonnay-infused evenings at the B house this month spent watching Christmas movies wearing reindeer pajamas - that is my idea of a holiday party!), but that doesn’t deter me from putting together what I would wear!

This LBD from Pleasure Doing Business is classic, but not too conservative and pairs well with either the black and white blazer for more of a menswear inspired look.  The cobalt blue renders a twist on the traditional tweed jacket seen in many offices across this city (my former self can attest). 

If only these refined looks came with a raise…