Date night

This week, for date night, I chose to wear my black and white leather dress.  I purchased the dress at Forever 21 last year and thought I might get one or two wears out of it.  Little did I know that this dress would become one of my staples for the black and white/leather trend that has emerged this fall.  Paired with a leather jacket I accessorized the dress with black tights, black heeled booties, and black and pink earrings.

My lipstick and makeup choices for this outfit were a smokey eye combined with a magenta pink lipstick.  Straightend-teased hair was the final addition.

The boy and I chose to go to Au Chauval in the West Loop.  Sooo good.  If you ever have the chance to stop by, be sure to get the burger or the duck hash gravy. 

Following dinner we went to a bar in Humbolt Park for an after dinner nightcap.

Needless to say it was a GREAT date.  

For now, 

Blair

Black and White

Well fall is now upon us and one of the many trends I am absolutely loving is the popularity of black and white.  This trend has been just as, if not more, popular than the highlighter/neon trend last year.  I mean, who doesn't own a great black top or a must have pair of white jeans??

I recently took a trip to the big apple and while in NYC, to reminisce my time living there, I went to one of my favorite spots in the city: The windows on 5th Avenue.  I have blogged about these windows before.  They are the display windows at Bergdorf Goodman's and the other high-end designer stores located on 57th & 5th.  I noticed that almost every store had a black and white display.  It was great to see the variety of textures, prints, and styles that were presented amongst each designer.  

Bergdorf Goodman's

Bergdorf Goodman's 

Bergdorf Goodman's

Chanel 

Chanel

These looks are so classic and timeless.  If you are looking to update your wardrobe now is the time to shop!  Black and white are both considered basic colors.  For example: when a clothing company releases a new collection there are fashion colors and basic colors that are produced.  The usual standard that buyers use when buying for a department store is two basic colors and one fashion color per style.  If you have a crew neck t-shirt: the buyer might buy a black, a white, and a red.  The black and white are considered basic and the red would be the fashion color.  

Because black and white are so basic, the fashion is going to be in the details... pay attention to fabric choices; some great options are: leather paired with a knit, ribbed- particularly in pants creating a more slimming look, and lace.  Printed pants are huge right now, as well.  Tribal prints and floral motifs, polka dots, and leather, leather, leather!!!! 

I now leave you with a couple of my favorite pieces for fall:

Black and white by burkholder-blair 

Take care,

love, Blair

Hello again...

So I've noticed that my writing hiatus time frame continues to exceed the previous time span. I think this post is going on 10 months later! Apologies in advance for my next hiatus... unfortunately, when life throws me crazy curve balls I hibernate from writing.

With that said, it's GREAT to be back!

Currently playing: "Anything Could Happen" by Ellie Goulding. That woman knows what she is doing when it comes to music.

Currently reading: Nothing at the moment; Wanting to pick up Malcom Gladwell's newest book: "David and Goliath"

Currently wearing: All FALL trends; bought my first pair of motorcycle boots complete with too many holes for the laces, exposed zippers, and hidden studs!

Currently loving: all things pumpkin; Starbuck's PSL (pumpkin spiced latte), pumpkin pie, pumpkin candles, pumpkin carving (on the October bucket list), etc.

Without exposing all craziness the past 10 months have been like nothing I have ever experienced.  I have overcome trials and seasons that have been harder than anything presented before me, but in the end have become an incredible, stronger, faith-filled woman!!!

For now...

Take care, love Blair