Back in Black

Want to revamp your winter wardrobe but don’t know where to start? My theory is always begin with a staple and build with trendy pieces or accessories. This year, my go-to piece is a basic black turtleneck. No, not the Eddie Bauer roll over neck type from the 80s/90s, but something fitted with nice detail. I have one in the thinnest, softest t-shirt like material from the Gap circa 2009 and love it. It has a ruched turtleneck and sleeves that actually cover my wrists, long enough to tuck in and thin enough not to add excess bulk. Grab a similar one on sale: (they run large, so make sure to try on)

Rayon turtleneck- $14.99 @ The Gap

Add on….

High Waist Skirt

Tuck the turtleneck into a brightly-colored high waist skirt. This camouflages excess baby/holiday weight and when paired with opaque black tights, hides all the bruises from sleep-deprived knee banging (maybe that’s just me…). Try one of the two below; I bought the accordion-pleat fuchsia one from H&M for the holidays and LOVE IT, but it runs very small :

H&M Chiffon Pleated Skirt- $12.95 @ H&M (Image borrowed from closetconfections.com)

Silk Peplum Skirt- $13 @ peppermintmark.com

Metallic Mini Dress

I love metallics, and what could be better than mixing it with brocade? (BTW- brocade is usually a heavier fabric and is great for winter). Tone this dress down (and warm up) by putting your black turtleneck underneath.

The Luxe Dress- $48 @ Francesca’s Collections

White pants

To avoid the waiter look, make sure you do black on top and white on the bottom. I have a gorgeous pair of winter white wool pants from Ann Taylor- beautiful in the winter. Ann Taylor’s Signature Fit sits just below your natural waist (until I started to sew clothing, I never realized that your natural waist is the smallest part…not your hip bones!) and come in white. Pair with a statement necklace (for inspiration, think Christine Baranski who plays Diane on The Good Wife- chunky yet elegant). My favorite statement necklace is below- a twist on the good ol’ silver chain.

Signature Twill Wide Leg Trousers- $98 @ Ann Taylor; 50% your entire purchase NOW for a limited time

Oval Status Link Necklace- $59.90 @ Express; buy 1 get 1 50% off jewelry

ENJOY!!