It is no secret that I have a chronic case of defensive pessimism. I’ve been known to think, re-think, and over-think just about anything and everything. As I begin to close the chapter on my roaring 20’s I’ve become enchanted by those who have a different approach to life. Enter: Matthew McConaughey, actor and well known free spirit. His Just Keep Livin’, bongo-playin’, surfin’, sweatin’ and Brazilian lovin’ lifestyle is somethin’ I’m totally diggin’. I am embracing that at times it is refreshing to think more like a “dude,” ride the waves and just swallow a giant chill pill. While I continue to think marinate on that, please enjoy my favorite menswear-inspired pieces for fall…

After-School Special

No need for Casual Friday with a pair of these

Balmoral meets Ballet

Fall Back in Time

Here is my case against black:

– It doesn’t blend in easy enough! Too much thought has to go into your color combinations so you don’t end up looking like you’re in costume     i.e. black+yellow= bumble bee, black+orange= Halloween, black+red= Trailblazer fan gear, etc.

– Black fades, and some worse than others over time. Needless to say, when you wear your various black pieces together it creates an odd clashing of dull blacks.

– Head to toe black often comes off so seriously serious. Lighten up!

– Aren’t you hot in there??

– Two words: pet hair. And I take it that since you’re so low-maintenance you’re probably not carrying around a lint roller.

– Instead of throwing on something black because it makes you feel slimmer, why don’t you put in the effort to actually make yourself healthier by embracing your shape instead of hiding in it.

Plea Bargain:

– I love the combinations of black in conjunction with blue as well as black with brown. Try it! They’re beautiful together. The brown+blue combo really tones down the harsh black.

– Is it appropriate to wear black to a wedding? YES! My highly unscientific study says that the majority of bridesmaids wear black and an LBD+heels shouts “I dressed up for this!”

– Oh and btw: why bother with dictating other’s fashion at your wedding? I think it best that your guests just be comfortable so that they can focus all of their attention on you, Mrs. To-Be-Determined.

– I find it passé to wear black to most funerals in the United States. Celebrate someone’s amazing life by wearing your Personal Best.

– As your fashion magistrate, it is my Honour to help you in defining your P.B. so that you will be fashionably prepared for any occasion with minimal forethought.

Court Order:

For inspiration on how to do black right (aka the New York/European way) spend some time learning from the Chief Justice himself, Scott Schuman. He finds the exception to every fashion ruling…

I rest my case.

I apologize for arriving fashionably late. In my defense, I was born a month early so I’ve always reserved the right to take my sweet time (a quasi “mach Schnell” if you will). Also, I wanted to show up prepared and dressed as pretty as possible. This is my big day after all, and frankly I’m not the type of lady who would, for example, choose to wear the exact same cream strapless wedding gown as you, your bff, her bff and, well you get the idea. In fact, should I get married one day I’d wear a rainbow colored mini with thick straps just to prove a point. But that’s another story. Getting back to today’s big reveal, I’m actually going to do something very brave and totally out of my comfort zone: wear black. Gasp! Wait, let me guess: you own mostly black, think black is so “easy” and you’re just in L.O.V.E. with black! Well I’ve got news for you sister: the only women who own the rights to black are Coco Chanel and Angelina Jolie, and sorry gorgeous, but you’re not them and never will be. But that’s another story too. Today I’m donning a flowing silk black robe, slipping on my imaginary pair of black patent Louboutin pumps (hey a girl can dream! This is my blog after all!) and grabbing the chicest accessory possible: a gavel! I would prefer it be grey as that is my Signature Neutral Color (though I can already guess what your S.N.C. is and as aforementioned it’s sold out!). Oh and while I’m at it I might as well arrange my best messy side bun and rock an über-cool-kid pair of Ray Ban Clubmasters. So that’s it my new friends! I have officially arrived and the court is adjourned for a brief recess!

Modern Vintage (my kind of LBD)

Putting Myself on a Pedestal

The Better to See You With!