Open Mind Fashion
  • OMF Home
    • The Open Mind Mindset
    • Top 10 Fashion Rules
    • What is Open Mind Fashion?
  • Blog
  • Lost and Found
    • Lost Forever >
      • Laurie's lost class ring
      • Sarita's lost & recovered jewels
      • My car stole my barrette
      • Lost embellished black top, worn in school photo
      • My aubergine-colored GAP cardigan
      • Lost: slim leather jacket
      • Escaped: Juliet's beaded lost French cape
      • Lost Camp Fire Girl ceremonial gown
      • Suzie's lost ballerina dress and Tibetan bracelet
      • Except from Suburban Soliloquy #113 The Overcoat
      • Jessy's lost green shaker sweater
      • Lost (and found!) J. Crew sweater
      • My lost orange necklace
    • Search Party
  • Ask Fashion Feline
    • What to wear to an NBA game
    • How should I dress for my job interview?
    • I need an affordable cover-up for my bikini
    • Help! I can't wear this blouse!
    • What are the latest fashion rules and must we heed them?
    • How does one best preserve the shape of one's sweaters?
    • How do you know which online stores are safe?
    • How do I break in a new item?
    • What's my size in kids' shoes?
    • Teach me how to wear high heels
    • Please suggest some casual work skirts and dresses
    • How do I match my tops and bottoms?
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • What people are saying about OMF
    • Publication credits
  • Permanent Fixtures
    • No Money and Nothing to Wear
    • 10 Reasons to Shop Online
    • Mind the GAP >
      • For any woman
      • For smaller women
    • 10 Reasons Why We Need Fashion Blogs
    • Tried & True: 6 Solid, Seasonless Staples
    • Sunday Tees
    • Gotta Stretch that Dollar Bill
    • How Much Should You Pay for Shipping?
  • The Stories of Our Rings
    • Monica's rings
    • Amy's star sapphire ring
    • The Countess' ring
    • My engagement ring

Say hello (again) to my little friend

12/23/2013

0 Comments

 
Gray & I have always been friends, but black & I have gone up & down--what about you?

My junior year of high school I hung out with a slightly punk, slightly crazy crowd & wore all black (to the disdain of my parents). 

In college, I wore a lot of black sweaters & jeans until I couldn't stand that look anymore. 

In the early 2000s, I decided to lighten up & turned completely away from black. I started wearing off-white jeans with colored blouses.
I decided my friends would rather see me in something brighter, & I decided black was too severe. 

But now I'm back in black! Few outfits make me feel more powerful than all black. I wear all black about once a week, & now I buy black again too. Suddenly I think it's elegant & classic & classy again. I don't feel dark or severe in it anymore; I feel New York & edgy & put together. 

Have you gone through anything similar in your history with the color black? Please tell!




Here are a few of my black-based outfits:






         I just bought this dress...
Picture
Garnet Hill Belted Shirtdress, $29
Picture
J. Crew top & Charley sweater, Talbots skirt
Picture
Zara sweater, Victoria's Secret black cords
Picture
Anthropologie sweater, Joe Fresh skirt
Picture
very old Banana Republic shift dress
Picture
very old Victoria's Secret sweater & pants
0 Comments

Black & white: my work "uniform"

9/16/2013

4 Comments

 
It's no news that black & white makes it easy to get dressed in the morning. Even when the pieces aren't so new, black & white together almost always looks crisp & conveys the impression "I got this." 

Black skirt, white blouse
Picture

Boden from head to toe. New skirt, old blouse. I typically balance a conservative shirt with a short skirt.



Picture
Boden Sixties Mini, $58



Black dress
Picture
I don't wear this dress very often, but I've owned it for years, & it's never let me down.




Age-old Banana Republic sheath, Target tights, Aerosoles Caricature Many Janes (below)
Almost identical:
Picture
GAP Sheath Dress, $59.95 minus 25%
Picture
Aerosoles Caricature, $49.99
Black pants, white shirt, black pullover

Picture
This is the outfit I'll be wearing today. I usually wear a sleeveless white shirt under a sweater to keep away bulk.
The v-neck as well as the black cotton pants are VS. The sleevelesss shirt is GAP.


Picture
Victoria's Secret The Kate Flare Pant in Stretch Cotton, $49.50
What's your work "uniform"?










You may also like...
Picture

How to wear heels

Picture
Inspired by Issa: colorful fall legs

Picture
More than just a t-shirt:
embellished tees

4 Comments

The basic black skirt

8/15/2013

3 Comments

 
One morning recently I woke up saying, "I need a black skirt!" 
I'm not necessarily a follower of the 10 Item Wardrobe, but I do believe in buying all-season pieces, especially for work. 
If I had to limit myself to 10 pieces, I'd definitely include a black pair of pants and a black skirt since they look hip and go with everything. I'd pick the type of black skirt that suits you best, whether it be mini or knee-length, pencil or A-line.


Two from H&M (now available for online shopping!)

Picture
H&M Stretch Pencil Skirt, $24.95
Picture
H&M Flared Skirt, $24.95



Two from Forever21


PictureForever 21 Essential Flounced Skirt, $14.80
I admired this skirt in the store before I realized I needed a black skirt. I plan to return to get it! Hoping it'll still be there, or I'll order it online. 

Picture
Forever 21 Essential Flap Skirt, $15.80




One from Boden
This Boden skirt is the one I chose since I have a weakness for '60s styles, especially minis. I like that it's made of ponte knit (not wool) because it's all season and can be worn as a casual or a dressy skirt. I got it for 10% off & free shipping & free returns. It's worth it to sign up for Boden's email list to get their discounts.
Picture
Boden Sixties Mini, $58





Here I am in it. Love black & white!
Picture





You may also want a...
Picture
Basic black pant

Picture
Basic white shirt

Picture
Basic black bag


The Open Mind Mindset

3 Comments

The basic black pant: Christie vs. Kate

5/13/2013

1 Comment

 
Who doesn't need basic black pants? For as long as I can remember, I've bought mine from Victoria's Secret. 

Today the Christie Fit is taking on the Kate Fit in a 3-round fight!


Christie
Picture
The Christie Flare Pant, $29.99 & up








VS.

Kate
Picture
The Kate Flare Pant, $44 (as shown)
What's changed? 
Both Christie and Kate have changed:
The material --They used to be made of cotton, but now they're both made of unshrinkable polyester, viscose, & elastin.
Belt loops --Both now have belt loops.


Round 1: The rise
Christie--the rise on Christie is 8 & 3/4 inches

Kate--the rise on Kate is 8 inches


Round 2: The flare
Christie--the flare on Christie is 21.5 inches wide
Kate--the flare on Kate is 21 inches wide

Round 3: Booty Booty
Christie hits higher on the hip (curvier)
Picture
Christie
Kate shoots straight from the hip
Picture
Kate


Round 1: goes to Kate for her lower rise!





Round 2: is a draw!




Round 3: Kate knocks out Christie in Round 3!




The CHAMPION: Kate
PictureVictoria's Secret The Kate Fit, 3 inseams, $24.99-$69.50
Ooo, she looks mean.
With her lower rise and straighter fit, Kate has won this fight. 


(Straighter-shaped gals seeking more curves might have favored Christie.)






Girls, girls, girls--Kate, Christie, Lexie, Frankie, Sophie, Rosie--which one is your favorite Victoria's Secret fit?







You might also like...
Picture
Victoria's Secret
Smocked Blouse, $29.99

Picture







H&M vs. Forever 21

Every day in every way
I am getting fatter & fatter:
how to hide a few pounds
1 Comment

3 days: 3 outfits, Day 2

10/9/2012

0 Comments

 
Basic black to take you from work to date night. 


Day 2:
Outfit 2
Picture
J. Crew Merino V-neck sweater, $59.99-$79.50
Picture
Target Mossimo Women's Ultra Soft V-neck Sweater, $17.99

Picture
Boden Stitch Detail Mini, $118, minus 15%, free shipping & returns
An outfit a day that you could wear anywhere--to work, out for coffee, or on a date.
Picture
H&M lingerie

0 Comments

In the wake of the Oscars

2/27/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
J. Crew Evie dress in silk chiffon, $99.99
...we may need to arrange for opera tickets, so we have a reason to dress up.
0 Comments

All black

2/24/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
H&M dress, $12.95
How often do you wear all black?
I learned its power in high school. By college, I was more likely to wear all white with a smidgen of black (perhaps the shoe)--a touch of malice :-)  . Today I wear all black about twice a month. Never fails to make me feel strong and professional.
Still can't purchase H&M online, but at least now you can look more closely online at each item they sell. Dress above comes in four colors, and I think it might also work as a tunic. Will check it out this weekend and let you know.
0 Comments

I'll never let you go

2/1/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
J. Crew Jackie Pullover, $65
Have you ever had this happen? Yesterday I went through the panic of thinking I'd lost my black sweater. I've lost so many precious sweaters I started working my way through the stages of loss: the calm search, the frantic search, the search in unlikely places, surely-it's-here-somewhere, denial, anger, acceptance, back to denial... thankfully I found the sweater at last in the car! If you've lost a special item, post your story in this thread on Facebook or visit our "Lost Forever" page under the Lost and Found tab to your left to read stories of lost items and post your own.  
0 Comments

    Facebook

    Archives

    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011

    Categories

    All
    6PM.com
    Abercrombie & Fitch
    Abercrombie & Fitch
    Aeropostale
    Aerosoles
    Akira
    Alloy
    Altrec
    Amazon
    American Apparel
    American Eagle Outfitters
    Angie Clothes
    Animal Print
    Ankle-strap Sandal
    Annie Shoes
    Ann Taylor
    Anthropologie
    Aqua
    Arhaus Jewels
    Arm Warmers
    Army-Navy Superstores
    Asian
    Asics
    Asos
    Asymmetrical
    Athleta
    Aventura
    Backcountry
    Back Detailed Top
    Back-detailed Top
    Bag
    Baggu
    Banana Republic
    Bandolino
    Bart's
    Beanie
    Bebe
    Bell Sleeves
    Belt
    Black
    Blazer
    Blue Ruby Boutique
    Blue Suede
    Boardshorts
    Body Central
    Bollinat
    Boohoo
    Boot
    Born
    Boston Proper
    Bottoms
    Bounce By Title Nine
    Bow
    Boys
    Boy Shorts
    Bra
    Bracelet
    Brooklyn Industries
    Burgundy
    Burnout
    Burton
    Butterfly Sleeve
    Button-back
    Button-back Cardigans
    Calypso
    Cami
    Camisole
    Canada Goose
    Cape
    Carbon Pawprint
    Cardigan
    Cargos
    Cashmere
    Chadwicks
    Chambray
    Chemise
    Cherokee
    Chiffon
    Clothes Mentor
    Clutch
    Coat
    Coated Jeans
    Cold Shoulder
    Color Jeans
    Comicspriceguide
    Coolibar
    Coral
    Cords
    Cotton
    Cover Up
    Cover-up
    Cranberry
    Crewneck
    Crochet
    Cuff
    Decade
    Delias
    Denim
    Department Of Goods
    Destroyed
    Details Boutique
    Dick's Sporting Goods
    Dillard
    Ditsy
    Dogeared
    Dolman Sleeve
    Dot
    Dress
    Dsw
    Earrings
    E Bay
    E-bay
    Eddie Bauer
    Eileen Fisher
    Ellatopia
    Endless
    English Retreads
    Espe
    Etsy
    Express
    Eyelet
    Eyewear
    Favorite
    Flannel
    Floral
    Forever 21
    Fossil
    Franco Sarto
    Free People
    French Connection
    Gap
    Garnet Hill
    Gingham
    Girls
    Girl Shorts
    Glasses
    Grapevine
    Gray
    Gray Felt
    Hat
    High Heels
    High Low
    High-low
    Hillary Clinton
    H&M
    Hobby Lobby
    Hood
    Hoodie
    Hoops
    Horny Toad
    Hot Pink
    Hue
    Icy Blue
    Insulated
    Isis
    Jacket
    J. C. Penny
    J. Crew
    Jeans
    Jewelry
    Jjill
    J. Jill
    Jockey
    Joe Fresh
    Keyhole
    Kmart
    Knit
    Kohl's
    Lace
    Lands End
    Laptop/Notebook Sleeve
    La Redoute
    Lasercut
    Last Call By Neiman Marcus
    Layering
    Layering Color
    Leather
    Legging
    Leggings
    Leopard
    Linen
    Lingerie
    L.L.Bean Signature
    Loft
    Long Tall Sally
    Loose Weave
    Loose-weave
    Love Culture
    Lululemon
    Macy's
    Macy's
    Madewell
    Mango
    Maroon
    Mary Jane
    Maternity
    Maxi Cardigan
    Men's
    Mesh
    Messenger Bag
    Michael Stars
    Mini Skirt
    Mini-skirt
    Mod Cloth
    Moosejaw
    Nasty Gal
    Naturalizer
    Nautical
    Navy
    Necklace
    New York And Company
    Nike
    Nine West
    Nordstrom
    Obermeyer
    Office Depot
    Old Navy
    Onlineshoes.com
    Open Stitch
    Open Weave
    Orange
    Orangyporangy
    Oxford Shoes
    Pant
    Pants
    Pareo
    Patagonia
    Pbteen
    Pea Coat
    Pearl Izumi
    Peplum
    Peruvian Connection
    Pim + Larkin
    Pink
    Piperlime
    Pj's
    Plaid
    Plum
    Polka Dots
    Poncho
    Posemanikin
    Pottery Barn
    Prana
    Print
    Puffy
    Pullover
    Pump
    Pure
    Purple
    Purse
    Quilted
    Raincoat
    Rash Guard
    Raw Edges
    Red
    Red Suede
    Redwood
    Reebok
    R.E.I.
    Reserved Threads
    Restoration Hardware
    Robe
    Rose
    Rosy
    Ruffles
    Sammy Dress
    Sandals
    Satya
    Scarf
    Scout
    Sea Foam
    Sequin
    Sheer
    Shift
    Shirt
    Shoes
    Shorts
    Shrug
    Shruggie
    Side-by-side
    Side-stripe Pants
    Sierra Trading Post
    Silk
    Silver
    Simple
    Skhoop Of Scandinavia
    Skinny Jeans
    Skirt
    Ski Sweater
    Slap Watch
    Sleepwear
    Slippers
    Smartwool
    Snap
    Sneakers
    Snowpant
    Sole Society
    Somerset
    Soul Haus
    Splendid
    Sports Bra
    Spring
    Statement Necklace
    Stella And Dot
    Stripe
    Stud
    Studded
    Suede
    Suit
    Sundance
    Survey
    Swank Boutique
    Sweater
    Sweater Dress
    Sweatshirts
    Sweaty Betty
    Swell
    Swim
    Talbots
    Tall
    Tangerine
    Tank
    Tankini
    Target
    Tartan
    Tea
    Tee
    Tee And Whiskey
    Teenage
    The Limited
    Thermal
    Tie-neck Blouses
    Tights
    Timberland
    Tinley Road
    Tommy Hilfiger
    Top
    Treasure Tower
    Trends
    Tribal
    Trouser Jeans
    T Shirt
    T-shirt
    T-shirt
    Tulle
    Tunic
    Ugmonk
    Under Armour
    Uniqlo
    United Colors Of Benetton
    Urban Outfitters
    Vegan
    Venus
    Vera Wang
    Vest
    Victoria's Secret
    Victoria's Secret
    V Neck Sweater
    V-neck Sweater
    Volcom
    Waist Wrap
    Walmart
    Watch
    Wedges
    Wet Seal
    White
    White House Black Market
    White T-shirt
    Wide-legs
    Wide Waist Belt
    Wool
    World Market
    Wrap
    Wrap Bracelet
    Wrap London
    Wrapskirt
    Wrap Sweater
    Wrap Watch
    Yellow
    Zand
    Zappos
    Zara
    Zip

    Twitter

    Picture
    Post your comment or like a post on the OMF Facebook page.      Like OMF for daily updates. 





    Picture
    Tweet a comment & follow OMF 
    @OpenMindFashion



    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.