After thinking long and hard about how I wanted to accessorize the “All-Black” capsule wardrobe, I decided that I’m going to accessorize it in a variety of ways, and give everybody a choice of which they prefer! In this, as in virtually EVERYTHING associated with getting dressed every day, there are no hard and fast rules, and no one “best” or “must-have” way to approach things.
I’m a big fan of finding a handful of key words that define a style, and using those words as a talisman or mantra when I’m choosing items. Using the lace tops as an inspiration, I thought that the first “accessory family” was going to include elements of pearls, lace, gold, filigree details and feelings, and flowers.
Let me clarify – each accessory doesn’t need to include ALL of these, but every accessory should in some way be genetically connected to that mood and sensibility, and should demonstrate at least ONE of the elements of the “accessory family”.
And I have to say that I really like the idea of a family as the way to describe a grouping of accessories! Just as in real families, each individual shows their own strengths, but there’s a unifying quality that everybody shares that makes the family, as a group, look united.
One thing you might notice as you focus your accessory family is that you see the same brands repeatedly meeting your criteria. In this case, no matter where I looked, I found that Brooks Brothers was often “on the same page” with me. This can make shopping easy…
Henley – Uniqlo, v-neck sweater – Uniqlo, cashmere cardigan – Uniqlo, silk blouse – Frame Denim,
long-sleeved tee – Tommy Hilfiger, short-sleeved tee – Acne Studios, silk top – Diane von Furstenberg,
lace-sleeved top – Kaliko, lace sleeveless top – Diane von Furstenberg,
pencil skirt – Diane von Furstenberg, turtleneck – Hallhuber, jeans – Uniqlo, sleeveless dress – Red Valentino, knit shirtdress – Y-3,
ankle pants – Uniqlo, pleated skirt – Fausto Puglisi, ballet flats – SoftWalk, ankle boots – Munro,
pumps – Taryn Rose, loafers – Munro
Divine choices. Thank you so much, Janice — I never thought of Brooks Brothers in the context of providing such delicate, feminine accessories! That brooch, that lace scarf…uh-oh, credit card watch out! –Susan S.
I agree. Who knew that Brooks Brothers had wisps of lace scarves and not just Oxford button-downs! Such pretty accessories.
And one of the nicest things with Brooks Brothers – you know that their quality is excellent, and their service too! I always look to them for accessories because they're surprising and always beautiful. Also, for those among us who don't want to spring for an Hermes scarf, the Brooks Brothers scarves are gorgeously well-made and lovely…
Absolutely gorgeous styling!
Jewelry feedback re the $680 (before tax) Mizuki earrings: big premium for two teensy 16-point diamonds! How about a pair of gorgeous pearls (but no diamonds) at roughly one-third the price? (I receive no financial benefit from any vendors I mention.)
http://kojimapearl.myshopify.com/products/ice-drop-pearl-earrings
Dear Readers,
ALWAYS take the Duchesse's advice regarding jewelry – she really knows her stuff!
thanks for sharing,
big hug,
Janice
Poor people who have to wear all black. I would have to work very hard with makeup, jewellery and scarves to avoid looking quite ill. I like jewellery which is inspired by the natural world – pearls, mother of pearl, items in the shape of a leaf or sea creature, Amber, Turquoise, Carnelian. I love Celtic knot work especially on silver earrings. I don’t like filigree, lots of sparkles, Victoriana or anything with a lot of small detail.
Hi,
I am another person who firmly stays away from black even though I can wear it. I stay away because it is so pervasive in our society and too easy to find too many items that I like!! And I am not in a situation where I am required to wear a uniform colour.I appreciate what you are doing with this series because it applies to any colour a person might pick as their only colour. I might choose a warm buttery cream for spring summer and a warm chocolate for fall winter.
Then the accessories!!! While the delicate lace and filigree don't suit everyone, they are perfect for a person with delicate features and perhaps a petite figure. Now I am waiting to see what is next. What will work for a person who has an athletic type body and face.
Deb from Vancouver
Can I subscribe to your blog by email? I couldn't find where to do that on your page.
Bravo, I'm subscribed!
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There's a box at the top right, under the header…
I don't HAVE to wear all black but these wardrobes and accessories could make me WANT to wear it every day. I'm struggling to simplify my closet and this is inspirational!
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