Day 6: "Black Label"

Black suit has been becoming essential outfit that you have to have. No matter what, you should have it and be prepared for formal occasions that may come anytime. Choosing black suit is not as easy as it looks. Of course, you need to choose high quality black suit. Putting lots of money on buying office black suit won't be a waste. Besides can be used in many occasions and matched with some other colors, black suit will tend to reflect professional look on you. And believe me that putting much money on that will benefit you in maintaining black color cloth. Yeah , as all of us know that maintaining black colored cloth is not easy, sometimes color might be easily blurred and cloth gets dusts that can't be removed easily. One of good quality black suit with affordable price , I suggest you "Black Label" as one of G2000 products. Check it out here.

-Valentina-

Sat B'nW: Fashion Trends Change, Basic Styles Never Do

"Fashion tends change, but basic styles never do" That's what happen with black and white. These two colors are basic colors that may create variety of basic styles.
This kind of thinking is also followed and believed by many fashion designers and critics/ reviewers. Here are what they say about it:

“I could write a book about black” – Christian Dior

“I’ve been forty years discovering that the quees of all colours is black.” – Pierre-Auguste Renoir

“Black A, white E, red I, green U, blue O.” – Arthur Rimbaud, “Vowels”

-Valentina-

Fri B'nW: Creative Ways Wearing Scarf

Have you ever think of wearing scarf to modify our look? You've been thinking of how to wear it in variety of ways and produce different looks? But, you still can't be creative in wearing it. Here are some of ways to wear a scarf! BIKINI MANIA Fold the ends of a scarf in twice until you get a long sash shape. Wrap it over your torso, and tie a big bow in front. Instant bikini topper. NECK TO NECK Lay flat a square scarf. Bring the top and bottom ends to the middle, doing an envelope fold. Next do another tuck on both ends so it looks like a tie-sash. Next drape it over your neck and, with a scarf ring, secure into a knot three-quarters way through. OBI ONE It's a cross between a cummerbund and an obi-sash. Fold in two opposing ends of a scarf into an envelope fold, then wrap the scarf around your waist, securing it behind. To give it a modern update, tie a thin leather belt over the obi-sash. CRAVAT IT Lay flat a square scarf. Bring the top and bottom ends to the middle, doing an envelope fold. Loop it around your neck, bringing one end over the other end, then over it, like how you would do a necktie. Then simply secure a knot and let it rest at the side of your nape. TOP KNOTS Make a halter-style top with a big square scarf. Fold it into a triangle, then tie a knot in the middle. Press this knot against the base of your nape, then secure the loose ends around your neck. This forms the halter-neck of your blouse. To finish, wrap the triangle base around your waist, knotting it in the middle of your back. TOGA PARTY Perfect for poolside or dinner parties, you'll need a very big square scarf (preferably 90cm by 90cm) for this. Fold one corner over, almost three quarters into the length of the scarf. That diagonal corner forms the toga portion of your top. Next, with the loose ends, drape it across the other shoulder, securing it at your shoulder blades. Bring the remaining two ends together and secure it at the side of your waist. BAG TO DIFFER Gather all your items - wallet, key ring, phone and all - in the middle of a scarf, then tie the two opposing ends together. Next, tie the other two loose ends together, overlapping the first tied knot and securing it higher, creating a loop for your shoulders to go through. Voila, a new bag. GETTING GYPSY A really easy yet dramatic head do. You'll need a bigger scarf (90cm by 90cm) for this look because you want the ends to hang loose down your back. Fold the scarf into half, just slightly overlapping the ends, so you get an asymmetrical triangle, then wrap the ends into a knot halfway at the back of your head. SKIRTING THE ISSUE Use two scarves. First wrap one around your waist, knotting it at the side. Then take another scarf, preferably with a contrasting trim, and wrap it over, this time fastening the knot over one hip. You can wear the skirted look over a swimsuit to the pool, as shown here, or pair it with a sleeveless turtleneck and black tights and wear it to the office or a party. BRACING IT A combination between a handkerchief and halter-style top, this method cleverly uses a chunky necklace as the loop to hold your top together. Fold a square scarf into a triangle and wrap it around your body, securing it in the middle of your back. Next create two gathers, from the top of the bodice, pinching two ends through the base of a chunky necklace, knotting them.

Day 6: Office Fashion Dos and Don'ts

This "office wear" week is almost over. Let's just summarize it into fashion dos and don'ts that hopefully can guide you. Check out one video which is taken from VideoJug.

Thu B'nW: Tips on Wearing Black fo Fall 2008

Stands out from wide range of colors and trends, black is still back in this fall color trend. Some useful tips for this Black Fall:

1. head-to-toe black – which can be an easy way for petites to look taller
2. black and white – but keep in mind to wear creamy, rather than bright white
3. black with another trend color of the season – wear black with blue, green, purple, red, or yellow
4. little black dress

-Valentina-

Day 5: How to Wear Black Pants

I do apologize for no posting yesterday. Today, I am back with one short interesting article on black pants as one of "staple" office wears.

One thing that you’re always in search of is the perfect pair of black pants. Despite the hot weather, black pants are a staple in your office wardrobe.

First, look for a flare leg pant, which we will see a resurgence of come fall. Choose a wide band at the top of this pant which is perfect for flattening out any sort of tummy. Another key trend as we begin to transition into fall is leopard. So spice things up with a patent leather belt worn over a sizzling leopard blouse and a nice, neat jacket (which can be removed for your after-work festivities). Polish off this look with a rhinestone watch and some peep toe satin heels.

Another dress pant to look for is one that has a clean front straight leg. This style of pant is very versatile for both casual and career wear. A cobalt blue sleeveless blouse is a great way to add some colour to your office wardrobe. Accessorize with a pair of neutral coloured earrings, watch, and a ring to keep the top’s bright colour as your statement piece.

-Source-

Tuesday B'nW: Thayer's 'Flatter' top: not particularly flattering...

Had this been a dress rather than a top, it would've been a clear candidate for Ugly Prom Dress of the Day. It's clearly channelling that large-shouldered, cheap satin, be-ruffled look so beloved of the makers of 80s prom dresses, isn't it?

As it is, however, it's merely a candidate for a fun night of line dancing, worn with a denim skirt, a pair of cowboy boots and a sassy attitude, in a small town where people still play Billy Ray Cyrus songs and wear "leisure pants" on the weekend.

"A bold neckline flatters any frame," says Shopbop, with touching optimism. Er, no, it really doesn't, but if you think it'll flatter yours, it's $176.

-Source-

Day 3: Korean Brand Office Wear

Picture Source

Here we are back with another black and white news for this week topic. As we discussed on several days before, we are putting an eye on office wear. Nowadays, asian office wear is really in style, especially one who comes from Korea. By promoting young and stylish look, as well as professional, Korean office wear has lots of fans, especially from young professional women. The interesting part is that Korean office wear still use simple colors, like black and white in producing trendy office wear. From brands such as Dolce Infanta, B2Z, AIGO,EGO, U-GO , black and white outfits are still become the favorite of the designer and customers (as seen on the picture). So, if you're currently looking for new office wear, Korean office wear products might be your choice, especially for us who love black and white. :D

-Valentina-

Monday B'nW: Two Simple Black and White Pieces

Paris Fashion Week for spring and summer 2009 come again with lots of black and white collections. Check this out here.

Anyways, today's highlight and style tips will be on two simple black and white pieces below. It's one of fashion designs by Dries Van Noten. Yeah, it's so simple, but looks unique as well as casual. For having this look, you only need one white blouse with collar and one black casual pants. No need to buy branded ones, just grab all that from your closet and put any scarf that you have. It's easy! And absolutely this outfit will be comfortable for any occasions, whether casual or formal.

- Valentina -

Day 2: What We Wear to Work

How Does Your Office Dress Code Stack Up?

By Cynthia Nellis

Imagine being sent home from a meeting because you wore open-toed shoes. Or being discouraged from wearing bright colors, hair clips and sleeveless tops. Or only being allowed to wear jeans one day a year.

Sound confining?

Most women would agree, but find the flip side of the dress code coin just as confusing: companies with no discernable dress code. In these environments where anything goes -- from hoseless legs and sleeveless tops to what one employee called "hoochie mama outfits" -- the chaos of not knowing what to wear is as bad as the by-the-book companies that spell everything out.

Strictly Business

27-year-old Vanessa, a marketing professional, works for a company with everything spelled out, replete with outdated sketches of approved outfits (one page included pleated pants, a kerchief and crew neck sweater for women) and a laundry list of no-nos. Her company dress code was so strict she even intimated that they would probably frown on white being worn after Labor Day.

While she understands the importance of looking professional, some of the rules chafe, especially the necessity of always wearing a jacket.

But the consequences of not following the dress code to the letter have made their impact. Vanessa found out the hard way that it wasn't just her boss watching what she was wearing: one of her clients reported her to her superiors because she wasn't wearing a suit.

Her company has trouble keeping up with current fashion. The company just added capri pants (appropriate only with a jacket) to its list of approved wear. In contrast, some of the employees have visible tattoos. And the women try to push the envelope: "We have been wearing longer earrings and no one has said anything," Vanessa said.

Chris, 38, an executive assistant in banking, says her dress code is just as strict. "Skirt length must be to the knee. Navy blue suits and white shirts preferable. Heals should not be over 2 inches."

Although some of her company's rules seem ridiculous (such as requiring pantyhose in the Miami heat), Chris says having a spelled-out dress codes makes it much easier: "You don't spend all morning guessing what to wear."

Dressing Down

But not everyone likes to be told what to wear to work. Lisa, a 38-year-old Internet marketing professional, works for an office with a casual dress code, with nothing spelled out. She says not having a dress code is easier: "You can pretty much pick and choose depending on your mood, the weather, what's clean..."

For Christina, 40, administrative support at corporate headquarters for major fast food chain, the dress code leans to business casual.

"It's pretty casual. Fridays are jeans day and during the rest of the week it's slacks and a blouse/sweater," she said.

Business casual for her company means these things:

• No hose required.
• Open toe shoes are OK.
• Sleeveless tops are OK.
• Makeup is optional.
• Hair, up/down as long as it's combed/brushed.
• Jewelry is optional.

Office Wear Role Models

Vanessa was lucky. She had a female mentor who taught her everything from standing when she was talking to men to choosing black slacks and dark suits over things like bright lipstick. Vanessa said her boss at a previous job told her "Men have to be comfortable with you, not looking at you as a woman but as a business partner."

In Vanessa's company, female superiors lean to the classic professional look with a personal touch. For example, one VP favors pantsuits with a polka dot scarf or a tribal necklace, she said.

For Christina, she's noticed the dress code seems to depend on position. She said "Upper management does not dress down, even on Fridays."

Office Necessities

Is your office casual or polished? Most essentials can go either way. A few examples:

• A dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) pantsuit. Wear it strictly as a suit in professional settings, mix up the suit pieces in business casual environments.
• A dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) skirtsuit. Same rules as above.
• "Soft" suit: a matching twinset (sleeveless or short sleeved sweater with a matching cardigan). Biz casual types may choose to tie the sweater over their shoulders and go sleeveless.
• A white shirt. Worn with smart black trousers and a simple pearl necklace it is goes smart casual. Paired with a black pantsuit it means strictly business.
• Black pants. You can never have too many of these. Creative types can branch out into longer cropped styles.
• Low-heeled pumps. Closed-toe styles can go anywhere. While you may be limited to dark colors to match your suits, you can experiment with materials and textures for interest: suede, exotic skins, polished leather.
• Structured handbag. A smooth, black or brown handbag with a structured frame gives you a pulled-together, tailored look. If you have some leeway in how you dress tie a pretty scarf on the handle or attach some charms for a personal touch.

What Do You Wear to Work?

Source

Sunday B'nW: "How to Wear that Little Black Dress"

The little black dress: everyone has one, and if you don’t, go out and get one now! You never know when a funeral/wedding/fancy dinner party/date may happen and you need that little number in your closet ready and waiting.

There are a number of styles to choose from when it comes to the little black dress: wrap, tank, A-line, princess cut…I could go on for a whole paragraph, but you get the point. My suggestion, however, if you are going out to buy a new black dress is to find the most basic one you can. No embellishments, special cuts, strange waistlines, etc. because this will give you the most options. Observe:

Basic

Michelle Williams (source)

For all you know, Michelle Williams woke up 15 minutes before this premier and threw on her dress and shoes and was out the door. This is the kind of look you last minute fashionista’s should go for if you can never make it anywhere on time. Simple,chic, and ridiculously easy, this is the little black dress working its’ hardest.

Edgy

Rachel Bilson (source)

If you love to accessorize then this look is for you…again, find the simplest little black dress you can and then go wild with the accessories. Do you think that Rachel’s giant gold belt would work with a wrap dress? No. If you are going to wear over the top accessories then go with a simple sheath.

Ethereal

Cate Blanchett (source)

This is THE semi-formal look for all of you indie-rock naturalist beauties out there…the master of ethereal beauty herself, Blanchett rocks this flowy number to a “T.” Loose bell sleeves and an interesting neckline make this look interesting and unusual but not weird.

Uptown Chic

Jessica Simpson (source)

What makes Jessica uptown-chic look rock isn’t just the dress, but the whole package! The shiny satin (sans-wrinkles, I might add…bravo) black dress is easy enough to make it go whichever way you want…a funky clutch+up-to-the-minute trendy nude colored shoes paired with a sassy updo make this dress look less dressy and totally hot. Add pearls and a classic clutch with black pumps instead and you are ready for any dressy event.

Whatever your style, make sure it shines through with your “little black dress” to get them most mileage!

>Article source

Day 1: The Changing Look of Business Clothing

The fashion world is a continually changing entity that affects everything around it. When fashion ‘Da Vincis’ declare that Navy is the new Black – you can bet that everything from mobile phones to TV sets will be sporting the dark blue shade. The same goes for the business world. Gone are the boxy shapes and the enormous shoulder pads. Today’s business clothing is sleek, stylish, with understated elegance, Panache and more importantly – Today’s Business Clothing screams: I AM POWERFUL.

The world once fell in love with pink and black power suits with barely there hemlines from Chanel. Today, however, women are wearing more body conscious business clothing. Black is still a staple, but pops of color can be seen everywhere. Bright yellows and verdant greens accentuate the basic black suit. Women’s business clothing today no longer just say: “Look at me, I look beautiful!” Today’s clothes declare: “I’m your boss, I still look feminine and I’m here to stay!”

Men’s business clothing has also evolved. Gone are the boxy shapes and the fat sleeves. Today, men are wearing fitted one button jackets over sleek, neatly pressed trousers. The skinny tie is back too, but the half and full Windsor knots are still tie standards. A lot of men have also said goodbye to the three piece suits. Today’s businessman is not afraid to wear his suit jacket over jeans and loafers for a business lunch or a night on the town.

For more on business clothing click here.

Black 'n White of The Week: Office Wear

Here we go and start this week with our very first "Black 'n White of The Week" with highlight on "Office Wear".

-Valentina -

After One Week in Variety

Dear B'nW friends,

It's been one week after this blog launched on last Saturday, 10 October 2008. Variety of topics were published and discussed, start from black and white fashion show, black and white wedding, until black and white office suits. Now it's time for this blog gives you more than variety of topics on black and white fashion news and tips, but also in depth report and discussion on each topic.

So, one week will be only one topic. All about that topic will be published on this blog. Hope this will give you inspiration in your all black and white "life scenes". It will be called " Black and White of The Week". Moreover, we will put an article on black and white tips and look for each day that will help you in your daily black and white look. This section will be called "Black and White of The Day".

Finally, let's check it out Office Outfit on "Black and White of The Week" and variety of tips on "Black and White of The Day". All start TOMORROW, gals!!!

- Valentina -

The Hunt: The Perfect Black Blazer

July 7, 2008

Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

This week’s “The Hunt” features that perennial office basic — the black jacket you can throw on over anything and it looks great. This one was a surprisingly challenging hunt because we wanted to feature jackets that were intended as separates, not ones that were part of a suit (although that is always a valid choice as well). The black jacket is particularly great for the summertime — come in wearing a sheath dress or a casual t-shirt and, when you get to the office, put your black jacket on. You’re instantly more professional (and warmer).

Taken from http://corporette.com/2008/07/07/the-hunt-the-perfect-black-blazer/

Black and White Wedding Gown

Posted in: Wedding Gowns

Amanda Wilson, one of Our One Heart readers asked if we can give her some suggestions on where to find white wedding gowns with black accents.

Here are what I was able to find that I hope you’d find useful too! I’ve also got black and white wedding theme ideas if you’re keen!

White wedding gown with black sash.
“Isabella” by Jessica McClintock

Not sure who made the gown but I found it through Favor Ideas. Just thought I’d post it here just to give you an idea on how a wedding dress with black accents can work. It actually looks really good!

What about Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy black and white wedding dress? This gown doesn’t just give you elegance but timeless and that ‘vintage’ look too!

www.ouroneheart.com

Smart and Chic Outfits for Working and After

Working in a "serious" field or office doesn't have to make you dress in conservative office suit. You won't have to change all of your current office suit. You just need to give some unique accessories touch and simple mix 'n match skills. These will certainly give you fabulous style in a minimum budget. Moreover, if you are too busy to think of your outfits when you have to attend an informal occasions after office hours.

Wearing a blazer with a vest or tops inside have been becoming a good idea for office suit so far. Yeah, that's nice and I think that's good choice until now. It doesn't matter what you're wearing below, whether it's trouser or skirt, it will go easily.
But wait, that wouldn't be always a good idea if you're wearing them wrong. What we must consider when wearing that office package outfits are color and style. First, do not wear more than two main color as your outfits. Make sure you're wearing color two matching color. It's okay to wear two contrast color together or one main color in some degradations. Besides, you may also need to pay attention to style. Do not mix 'n matching one style with another style because this will be unsynchronized and confusing for other people.
That's all the today tips for working outfits.

- Valentina -

Why Women Love Black 'n White Outfit

Black and white colored outfits have become basic outfits for everyone. It doesn't matter what their sex, age, social economic background, and fashion style; people love that fashion colors. Especially for women, it's not difficult to find black or white outfits in their closets. Wondering why women keen on wearing black and white outfits? Here is some of the reason and opinion…….

Black & White are…
• Fashion basic colors
• Never out of date classics. They are beyond fashion eras and trends
• Easy to mix 'n match with other colors
• Working very well in all kind of occasions

Black is….
• Sexy
• Instantly slimming
• Sophisticated
• Elegant
• Luxurious
• Professional
• Smart
• Cool
• Mysterious
• Glum

White is ….
• Pure
• Relax
• Elegant
• Simple
• Young
• Clean

Join "Black 'n White Outfits" discussion board on facebook groups with "Why Black 'n White" as one of the topics: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=39835558241

- Valentina -

New York Fashion Week Roundup: Black and White

09.12.08 | Posted in: Fashion | By: Laurel Dailey

Tags: New York Fashion Week

Top row, L to R: Elie Tahari, Tibi, Staerk

Middle row, L to R: William Rast, Rachel Roy, Trovata

Bottom row, L to R: Jason Wu, Lacoste, Preen

These days, most things tend to eddy in the gray areas - morally, politically, socially. It’s no wonder that plenty of designers sent those ambiguously mixed messages down the runways in the form of muddied neutrals, yet where else but in fashion are you finally able to see clearly? It’s a black and white issue for Spring 2009, and the only thing to decide is: prints or solids?

Top row, L to R: Reyes, Rachel Comey, Alexander Wang

Middle row, L to R: Rock & Republic, Tibi, Charles Nolan

Bottom row, L to R: Shipley & Halmos, Yigal Azrouel, Staerk

Top row, L to R: Zero Maria Cornejo, Carolina Herrera, Twinkle

Bottom row, L to R: Hanii Y, Ports 1961, Zero Marie Cornejo

These days, most things tend to eddy in the gray areas - morally, politically, socially. It’s no wonder that plenty of designers sent those ambiguously mixed messages down the runways in the form of muddied neutrals, yet where else but in fashion are you finally able to see clearly? It’s a black and white issue for Spring 2009, and the only thing to decide is: prints or solids?

Top row, L to R: Proenza Schouler, Zero Maria Cornejo

Bottom row, L to R: Twinkle, Narciso Rodriguez

Cynthia Steffe

Michael Kors

Narciso Rodriguez

Michael Kors

http://www.neublack.com/fashion/new-york-fashio-week-roundup-black-and-white/

Insider Fashion: Very Black and White- Angelina, Emma, Lilly

Insider Fashion: Very Black and White- Angelina, Emma, Lilly

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