The Fashionista Next Door: Black & Denim (You Know What That Means)

If you've been a reader of my blog for a while now, then you already know what black & denim means but for you know readers out there black and denim is my ultimate fail safe. Black & denim is a clear indicator that I went to WAR with my closet this morning. Black & denim is the epitome of effortless chic. Some girls have an LBD, I have a collection of LBS's (Little.Black.Shirts.) I discovered black & denim as my go-to look when I was in college. I attended class in the morning and in the evening , and worked during the day but I still managed to go out with my friends several times a week. The problem was I got home later than all the other girls most of the time, so I'd have to get dressed super fast or get left behind. So, black and denim became a go-to look for me, and it is still a look that I reach for when all else fails.

The thing about black & denim that is so great is it's versatility. For me denim usually means jeans, but it could also mean a denim skirt, or denim shorts (cut offs have been all the rage this summer!) But even in the jeans category you have so many options -- wide-leg jeans, high-waisted jeans, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, embellished jeans...okay, I know you guys don't need a jeans rundown, but I'm just saying the possibilities are endless. Add in some fabulous accessories and the outfit options are also endless. One of my favorite looks is black & denim with red stilletos for a pop of color. It is simple, chic, and SEXY!!!

So today's outfit is a very simple black and denim ensemble, but there are a few special details that I want to point out....

The Jeans: I am ashamed to say that these are the first pair of jeans that I've ever had tailored. I know, I know...and I call myself a fashionista. I have just always refused to buy jeans that didn't fit perfectly through the thighs, hips, and waist as-is.. Since most jeans have a little bit of spandex in them nowadays, I've been able to get away with it. That is until I encountered these bad boys. I loved them... they have the most perfect flared leg, and a gorgeous wash, BUT they have ZERO span...ZERO!!! This meant that that my "normal size" fit perfectly in the waist but were way too tight in the hips and thighs. But of course, when I tried the next size up they fit perfectly through the hips and thighs but they were doing that god awful gaping thing in back. Now, I am one of those complicated people who likes belts for fashion, but hates them for function. I don't like the idea of be forced to wear a belt if it doesn't go with the outfit...i.e. anytime you are wearing a longer fitted shirt. I realize I am not the only woman out there who has this problem and there are a ton of products out there that offer temporary, adjustable, solutions to issues like this such as Adjust-a-Button, Perfect Fit Button and Invisibelt. But, I have never really considered using any of these products either. My mantra was if the jeans don't fit perfectly as is, they just aren't for me. Tisk, tisk, tisk, I have probably missed out on so many great pairs of jeans! Anyway, I was reading an article on Glamour.com about denim dilemmas and as I scanned through the comments, I came across this...

"Okay.... that belt is about as invisible as those "invisible" bra straps. It looks so tacky I can't even stomach it. Just spend the extra $30 to get the waist nipped in and the length hemmed properly. Please."

Now, this is not to say that I agree with her opinion of the invisibelt. I actually really want to get the Invisibelt! I personally think these DIY fixes are great alternative to tailoring, especially if you need the jeans NOW don't have time for a trip to the tailor. But this readers comments did make me think to myself... "Eboni, with all the money you spend on clothes, you can't spend an extra few bucks to get a pair of jeans tailored?" And so, with that I was inspired to go ahead and buy these jeans and get the waist taken in and I have to tell you that I LOVE THESE JEANS! It was totally worth the extra money, which actually ended up being only $13 for the waist and the hem. A special note on the hem...these jeans have a wider hem so I was really concerned that the tailor would not duplicate exactly, but they did and it is perfect! By the way, if you are in LA's South Bay area and you're looking for a tailor, I would totally recommend May Tailoring & Alterations in Carson. They do a great job, they are fast, and they're prices are great. Anyway, I am sold. I will ALWAYS tailor my jeans from now it. It really does make all the difference.

The Shirt: My shirt may seem like a plain black t-shirt, but on the contrary this shirt has tons of little design details that make it so very fabulous. For starters, if you look closely, you will see that this little number has SHOULDER PADS!!! That's right, folks...shoulder pads. The top was actually given to me by a friend as joke, because I always like quirky fashions. Of course, I loved the shirt and the shoulder pads and super thin drapey tencel fabric give it a great shape and a stunning fit. Now as if the fabulous shoulder pads weren't enough, I also love the fun floppy front pocket. It gives the tee an extra something special! Lastly, I love that the fabric is is so thin its almost sheer. I wore this to work today so I just through on a black cami, but this top also looks great with just a black bra underneath for a subtle sexy vibe. You could also play with a printed bra like leopard. It would also look great layered over a lace or sequined cami for a little understated glam.

The Accessories: Black & denim looks are a blank canvas for loads of fun accessories (although the minimalist look is super hot, and super on trend too). Cocktail rings are all the rage these days, but I don't wear rings usually, and I've also struggled with how to balance an giant, gawdy ring with my engagement ring. Today, I just went for it and threw on a "cocktail ring" that I purchased from Micheal's craft store for a halloween costume a couple years ago. Keeping with the fake bling theme, I threw on my Forever 21 faux crystal chandelier necklace and faux crystal embellished hoop earrings.

The Purse: I picked up this Perry Ellis metallic tote at the thrift shop! It was $6, and I love it! It is so incredibly roomy inside. This morning I was running late, and I didn't have time for a purse swap so I threw yesterday's clutch right in as is (haven't we all done that trick before!), along with my laptop and the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar. What's not to love about a carryall?

So you see, there is more to this seemingly simple black & denim ensemble than meets the eye at first glance!

I just had to post the next picture because it looks like I have a real black girl bootie. Trust me when I say, it is an illusion. It's the booty I always longed for back in high school when I was told I was too skinny. Lol! The picture above is more realistic. There is a some slight curvature...very slight!