Black & White and Read All Over

The classic combo of black and white can't be beat. A black pair of pants and a white shirt can make you look a bit like wait staff unless you jazz it up with accessories and a little color. Like this twist with a bit of an 80's feel.

Shirt - Coldwater Creek, Tank - Target, Jeans - Lane Bryant, Jacket - Target (outerwear not 30 for 30),
Boots - Dolce Vita for Target, Tie - thrifted, Necklace - Kohls, Ring - JewelMint, Earrings - gift

A simple black sweater gets some visual interest with a white bow tie blouse.  Well in this case it's a DIY collar.

Sweater - Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Collar - DIY,

Even plaid can play a part in black and white style.  Throw on a white top, a cropped faux leather jacket and some bright tights for a pop of color.

Jacket - Belk, Top - Coldwater Creek, Belt - Talbots Outlet, Skirt - Swap,
Boots - Silhouettes, Tights - We Love Colors, Necklace - Self made, Bracelet - JewelMint, Ring - JewelMint

This post is part of the Everybody, Everywear blogger challenge.  Check out all of the cool black and white outfits that the other bloggers are wearing.

Power of Two

Thanks to everyone for sending lots of positive comments and love to me. You guys are great for my ego. 30 for 30 is off to a great start!

I love maxi skirts. However, there is a fine line with a maxi. Stylish or religious cult... It's a precarious balance, my friends. Pair this skirt with a high collar ruffle blouse and I could fit in well on any compound. That's why I decided to take the demure maxi and rough it up with some rocker chick cool.



Pleather Jacket - Torrid, Shirt - Target, Skirt - thrifted, Boots - Dolce Vita for Target,
Over the Knee Socks - Target, Bracelets - gift (thanks Aunt Nancy) and vintage bangles (Thanks Mom),
Earrings - self made on DIY day with my sis (thanks for the tassels Sis)

 I realized after taking my pics that you couldn't really see my boot or accessories. I thought I'd include a few close ups for your viewing pleasure.

My sister, who claims not to be creative, came up with the idea to make earrings using tassels. I added some silver beads that I already had in my stash.

I paired this chunky cuff, a Christmas gift from my Aunt and Uncle, with some delicate bangles that my Mom gave me. She's worn these bangles since she was a young woman. I love vintage but even more when it belonged to someone I love.

Don't you love these boots!? They are so 80's and really comfy. The buckles give them a great edge. Thanks to the amazing Target clearance racks, I got them for only $17! I checked and if you want to snag them, they are only $12.24 online!

I just did a quick tally. My entire outfit, including jewelry (because it was a gift or self made with items I already owned) cost only $48! Not bad, huh?

Get Your Punk On!

I'm inspired by 80's punk styles. My inspirations...

Being a child of the 80's, I've worn all of these trends once before. I just can't help myself, I still love them. It's possible to wear trends a second time, if you reinterpret them for today.

Forever 21 $5.80

Stack bracelets just like the original Material Girl.  Instead of pairing them with a bustier, try jazzing up a t-shirt and jeans or your work clothes.



Worthington at JC Penney $32.99

Forget Dynasty. Pick a strong shoulder jacket that you can pair with a pencil skirt or jeans. Belt it for a more modern look.

Punk.com $18

Pair a studded belt with a tunic or offset the femininity of a floral dress with a little toughness.

Wilsons Leather Cycle Jacket $90

Leather jackets (or faux leather) are becoming a wardrobe classic.  You can wear it with basic pants or toughen up a pretty dress. You can even use it as a layering piece.

Mary Kay Black eye liner $10

What's punk without some black eye liner? Instead of piling it on like Joan Jett, use it as the base of your smokey eye.  Smudge it for effect. This Mary Kay version is waterproof and smudge proof, which is important for long wear.

With a little thought you can take the fun elements of punk and make them work for you.  A studded bracelet or a belt can give contrast to girly pieces. Try an inexpensive accessory before you take the plunge and purchase a leather jacket with lots of zippers. If you've made your own DIY chain jacket that I posted a couple weeks ago, it will fit right in!