Black & Gold: Fashion

Before E's first deployment, as we began our transition from years of being "just friends" to being a couple, we only had a brief period together to sustain us through a year of separation. During that time, a lot of things felt exceptionally important. Talking. Sharing old memories. Creating new ones. Being side by side.

Annika Aschberg

And, for me, somehow so did making sure E was aware I was a "silver girl." I figured it couldn't hurt to offer some guidelines should he decide at some point to give me a gift of jewelry. Gold just wasn't my thing! When telling him this, I might have used the word "hate."

For our first Christmas as a couple, one spent on opposite continents, E gave me a silver bracelet. He had taken my words to heart.

James Bennett

Then, while E was still deployed, something happened. At first, I swore it was a one time thing, but slowly I realized it was more than a passing flirtation. I found myself adoring gold.

So, I added a pair of gold earrings to my jewelry collection. Soon after, a set of gold bangles found their way home with me too. In a state of utter bliss, my love affair continued.

James Bennett

I failed to confess my change of heart to E, but it wasn't long after he returned home that he discovered it for himself. One afternoon, I watched surprise and disbelief flash across E's face as he registered the color of metal hanging from my ears, and he exclaimed, "I thought you hated gold?!"

Perhaps hate was too strong a word.

L: Urban Outfitters. R: Tory Burch.


Anthropologie

Left and Right: Anthropologie

ModCloth


L: Tory Burch. R: Badgley Mischka.


tuleste market


L: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels. R: Fiona Paxton.


Alanna Bess.


L: Landver. R: Forever 21.

Forever 21

L: Free People. R: Ippolita.

Way She Shimmers

During the holidays, it always seems pretty frocks are plentiful in stores, each anxiously waiting to be plucked from the rack and claimed by a lovely lady for wear during the various parties of the season.

And of all the events during the holidays, New Year's Eve provides a perfect reason to don one of the numerous dresses vying for a chance in the spotlight; there are beautiful metallic numbers that glisten and glow.

Chris Nicholls Photography

Kenneth Willardt

Sophie Hexter- Stylist

L: Temperley London. R: Badgley Mischka- Platinum Label.

L: Temeperly London. R: See by Chloe

L: Matthew Williamson. R: Philosophy di Alberta Ferreti.

Jewel-toned dresses glisten and shine next to black beauties that dazzle with embellishments. With so many choices and only one New Year's Eve each year, it's always difficult to decide what dress should get its chance to sparkle.

Annika Aschberg

Linda Nova- Stylist

Linda Nova- Stylist


L: ModCloth. R: Yoana Baraschi.

L: Anna Sui. R: Rachel Gilbert.

L: Rachel Gilbert. R: Alberta Ferretti.

While I'd adore the chance to throw on any of the gorgeous options above, this year, I'll be rocking a black, one-shouldered number as I welcome the new year. How about you? If you're heading out this New Year's Eve, what made your cut?

Buffalo Check

I mentioned how I was craving a rustic retreat in the woods, and if I were going on such a getaway right now, the items below seem like they'd be perfect accompaniments to the trip.

L: Delia*s. R: J.Crew.

L: J.Crew. R: Pendleton.

L: Fur Hat World. R: Timberland via Endless.

Quite Rightly

I wanted to finish this focus on mustard, a hue that seems to be a rather 'mellow yellow," with a round-up of images that feature this color paired with shades of blue-- a pairing that sounds like it could be very primary, but in it's execution, is anything but!

Top: House Beautiful. Middle- L: Nate Berkus R: Anna Williams Photography.
Bottom: Amy Neunsinger.

And because I used the word "swoon" in two of the three previous posts about this shade, the last photo in this group seems to be a very fitting close to this mustard mania!

Colonel Mustard

Since I'm still swooning over the mustard color so prevalent in the photos from the Fly Girl post, I thought I'd indulge my craving by scouting out some current apparel choices in the same shade.

L: J.Crew. R: J.Crew.

L: ModCloth. R: Ettika.

L: BB Dakota. R: Forever21.

Matt & Nat

L: Charles by Charles David. R: Dirty Laundry.

Although I have already have a skirt in nearly this exact hue, I can't help but crave more of this rich yellow; it's warm tone is perfectly suited for fall, while it's cheerfulness makes it the perfect companion for any cold, grey day.