To the Dark Side and Beyond...

I wasn’t really sure how to start writing this entry. I just knew I wanted to express my re-acquainted-ness and appreciation for the color black (I will be referring to it as a color though I suppose it is most accurately the absence of color. I do over analyze frequently, sigh). As an emotionally mature but sensitive person, black has long been a seductive and mood changing color for me. In reference to apparel and accessories, I’ve gone through bouts of intense obsessiveness (black from head to toe) to extreme avoidance (no black anywhere in my wardrobe).

Black has really been the only color to garner this manic behavior in me. I’ve grown to understand that black has a power, a certain influence that no other color has. So before I start sounding too weird about lamenting on the special powers of a particular color, my sartorial inspiration has been coming from black for the past several months. And here’s how it’s manifested itself:

Rachel Nasvik Pheobe handbag

Yes, I do remember stating my aversion to all black handbags in my intro post. Well suffice to say I’m smitten with this handbag, in all its black glory. And it does have nice brass-tone hardware and a beautiful cobalt blue interior lining. Its superbly functional (shoulder strap allows me to sling this beauty cross –body) and I think it looks damn pretty. Its broken in so well too and has the perfect balance of slouch and structure. I won’t need a new handbag for quite some time.

MAC Fluidline (in Blacktrack) and Urban Decay 24-7 eyeliner (in Perversion)

I would categorize myself as a makeup minimalist for sure. I only wear moisturizer, sunscreen, and untinted lip balm on my face everyday. For work days/”must look put together” days, I will add black mascara and black eyeliner to my top lids only. I’ve read many positive reviews about these products. MAC Fluidline is pretty simple to use even for a liquid/gel newbie like myself. This little brush is very precise and you can make your line thick or thin depending on how you hold the brush. I’m still experimenting with it and it does take practice and patience but it will be fabulous for special occasions. The UD 24-7 eyeliner is more comfortable and faster for me to use so day to day this will be my pic. Both of these products allow you to smudge the liner if you wish (but do it immediately on application or it will dry) and they dry evenly and stay put. As an extra bonus, I find they still come off pretty well with just warm water and Cetaphil.

T by Alexander Wang  jeans with leather yoke and J.Crew chino in Snowcat

I’d been eye balling these black jeans with leather detail for awhile. I have one pair of black jeans but they’re really more like jeggings and I wanted something a little more substantial for fall/winter. These are fantastic and a little rocker too which I love. I’m getting used to the button fly as all my pants and jeans are zip fly but they are great. Also, I’ve been washing them (in the regular old washing machine!) in cold, delicate cycle with Woolite delicate care and they are no worse for wear despite the “dry clean only” label. I’m at times foolishly stubborn when it comes to NOT dry cleaning items but luckily these are thriving in my washer, ha.

I realize this snowcat print is more white AND black but I’m loving black patterns and textures where black collaborates with other colors. I find this a wonderful version of leopard and perhaps a little less in your face than the traditional leopard print can be. Not that I have any problem with leopard, oh no. In fact, that might be my next post – my wardrobe and accessories are quite the feline jungle. Anyways, I find these pants incredibly faltering (cotton with a little spandex stretch) with a mid-rise and cropped leg that can be tucked into boots or rolled up. I’m hopeful these will last awhile too as they seem to be well made.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo x H&M leather jacket

Another amazing piece I purchased from the awesome miss sophie. She really said it all in her post about this jacket. It really is fantastic.

Anything pulling you to the dark side lately?