Not-So-Basic Black & White

There's black & white everywhere so I had to give my take on the popular trend - with just a touch of colour.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Body by Victoria  black rayon lace-back blazer;  zippered and stitch seam leggings (brand unknown - I had to remove the tag because it irritated me); 

Ali & Kris white cotton  halter back/peplum hemmed/button down sleeveless blouse; Valentino red leather and leopard print "Nella" handbag

and Sergio Rossi white satin high heeled sling back pumps. Oversized chunky gold mesh earrings and Gucci black sunglasses topped off this ensemble

Note:  I'm a sucker for high-heeled/pointy-toed/sling-back pumps (as above)..........that's one of my all time favorite type of shoe. I've had these white satin Sergio Rossi pumps for years, but over time the colour has gone from a brilliant white, to a sad shade of mushroom (which isn't so apparent in contrast to the grey pavement and black slacks - but please take my word for it). I've since had the shoes dyed - they're now a stunning navy blue. I'll be sharing the new incarnation in the not too distant future - I think you'll be impressed!!

Summer is finally here and I'm absolutely thrilled!

I can essentially leave the house any day, at any point during that day,  and not be concerned that it'll be cold,  requiring me to bring a sweater or jacket - and that makes me smile :).  I will, however, have one of my many, many scarves.
Ms. Aikasha is wearing an original Ms. Aikasha long red linen bias-cut, hi-lo dress with flutter sleeves and rounded hem

BCBG  red/nude/silver suede/leather platform sandals; Michael Kors nude leather handbag;  Swiss Legend white porcelain watch; 

(when I made this dress ten years ago, I realized I couldn't streamline it unless I put in a zipper - and I'm no fan of putting in zippers. Hence the 'tie-backs', to taper the waistline just enough while still allowing me the freedom to just pull the dress over my head)

Tom Ford oversized cat-eye sunglasses; 

Chunky faux rose gold chain necklace; oversized rose gold hoop earrings, and a Craft House 100% linen red plaid scarf (a gift from my boss's sister) 

Tip: You can tell a bias cut item because the fabric is cut on a diagonal. A dress cut 'on the bias' tends to be far more flattering and forgiving than a dress cut 'on the straight'.

Tip II: Bias cut items tend to cost more because the manufacturer has to use (waste) more fabric in production of these pieces.

Transitioning from spring to summer can be a bit of a challenge on the east coast................

the temperature is so unpredictable.................which is why Everyone and their mama has a runny nose!!

One day it's 85 degrees, the next its 55! Between allergies, and colds, it's a mess!!

 To compensate for the irregular climate, I highly recommend layers. You can add or remove to adapt to the temp.
Ms. Aikasha is wearing a black leather Robert Rodriguez oversized vest; Derek Heart off-white turtleneck 'slit' sleeved sweater; C-Sono black velvet leggings.............

Charles Jourdan orange and tan alligator embossed handbag and  Patrizia Pepe black suede 'spikey' d'orsay high heel pumps. Thierry Mugler black cat-eye sunglasses, over-sized gold tone chunky earrings, and Gucci gold leather belt accessorized today's outfit

Sometimes I like to hide behind my shades. But I'm just as comfortable without them :)