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 :)

yup! that's me walking away........it's good to know how you look from behind. I was approached from behind by a young man (no more than 21 years old) who said "Excuse me madam, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to commend you on looking spectacular this morning, and for cheering me up, and also cheering up the other pedestrians". I was stunned! And so impressed with his choice of words!! All I could  humbly say was "thank you so much". Now you understand why I had to post this picture!!

hahahahaha! I'm a 'lol' kinda woman. I try to be cute about it - sometimes I forget :)!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing her Blanc Noir  black leather military inspired peplum hemmed jacket........

American Eagle dark blue (xtra-long - so I could cuff them) skinny jeans, G+G gold shimmer cotton/rayon blend hooded drawstring sweater, and Thierry Mugler cat eye sunglasses

Pour la Victoire snakeskin print leather ankle wrap sandals, Pelle & Coure  blue and black leather handbag, and electric  blue leather gloves finished off this outfit

What I absolutely LOVE about the Springtime: It's always so nice to come home from work and it's still daylight. The cat-eye sunglasses are by Thierry Mugler

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Dollhouse cropped denim jacket, 

Casual Couture grey and black rayon jersey knit zipper front dress layered over a Gap black short sleeve t-shirt

Guess by Marciano black peep-toe platform booties and Diesel red leather and canvas rope handbag completed this casually cool ensemble

Note: The knee high socks played a double role here: 1) cut back on the 'skin' reveal. 2) conceal the less than perfect pedicure (which has since been rectified)

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Triple Fat Goose pale peach coloured down filled jacket

Charles Jourdan alligator embossed orange and pale peach leather handbag

Just Cavalli burnt orange sunglasses, Portolano brown leather gloves

How hot are these Vera Wang black leather ankle booties. They appear to be a wedge, but have stiletto heels!

Yes - that is an Hermes belt! A gift
Express  dark tan vest, Olive & Oak  black cotton lace button down blouse and Cello Jeans dark blue skinnies

At the behest of my Miss Alosha ( US Airman and youngest daughter based in North Dakota) I've been diligently going to the gym (3 days a week) and spending 20-30 mins on the elyptical machine. I think it's working!!

Tip: So many of us (women over 40) obsess over our weight but don't take the time to exercise. Exercise is crucial to our well being, not to mention the physical benefits. There's no point in being 'skinny' if you're  'flabby'!
We have to tone and in doing so, we build muscle which is heavier than fat - so you may not like what the scale is telling you.
We're losing elasticity over time and 'things don't just bounce back' into place like they did in our teens, 20's & 30's. Our bodies need some encouragement. Don't get me wrong - sometimes I really and truly hate going to the gym - with a passion. But when I see the results, I give thanks that I have a membership!!

I know, I know, I know!! This picture is soooooo blurry - but I just loved the pose!! I have to get in the habit of checking the pictures BEFORE I get undressed :(  Once the clothes come off  when I get home - that's it!!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing Perry Ellis brown sheepskin shearling, 

Joseph A. black silk shrug, Margie T'Sai black virgin wool lace knitted dress, Anne Taylor rayon printed scarf

Tous leopard print hair calf and brown leather handbag and BCBG Max Azria black peep toe booties

Tip: I've been told the half-slip is a thing of the past. I beg to differ:  the half-slip is so functional, and at times, so absolutely necessary.
Case in point: there is no way in hell I could wear this sexy little dress (except the bedroom) if it weren't for my half slip. It made this knitted dress no longer 'see-through' and also prevented the 'ride-up' experienced with many knits.
I preach owning proper underpinnings: bras (strapless, racer-back, halter) boxers, seamless panties, thongs, slips, and half slips, body slimmers (Spanx, Underwhere??, etc) They are the foundation of any well put together outfit.

WINTER WHITE

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Prada winter white cropped down filled jacket with over-sized knitted collar..........

Mazzini  pale green shearling crossbody bag with light green leather strap...........

BCBG  black leather and suede peep-toe ankle booties............

Renee's  red and off-white leather gloves............

Moda International by Victoria Secrets long sleeved, v-neck cotton tweed maxi dress

Oversized cream coloured shell earrings and a large brown and white Lucite cuff accessorized today's "I'm all dressed up 'cuz it's my birthday" look!!

Cutting cake with my fabulous, amazing, awesome, beautiful, incredible family!!

It has to be pretty cold for me to put on a hat. I'm going through the time of my life where I'm always warm. Yes, I complain about the cold, but that's only because I truly prefer to run around in a sundress and sandals!! When the temps plummet below freezing (30 degrees farenheit) - then out comes the hats!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Perry Ellis dark brown  sheepskin/shearling motor cycle jacket, a sage green sheepskin/shearling aviator hat (designer unknown), Foley & Corinna lime green extra large tote bag............

Ci Sodo green cotton/rayon turtleneck tunic, Cotton Candy black fleece lined leggings, Na Na  gold leather high heel boots

A statement hammered silver and jade necklace, with matching earrings, and an over sized black Lucite bracelet, and green enameled bangle were the accessories

Ms. Aikasha is wearing an American Apparel green cotton/spandex knit turtleneck long sleeved dress, Flavio Castellini  chunky black wool "tailed" shrug........

Via Spiga tall black leather high heel boots, Pelle & Coure black and blue leather handbag, Coach  black leather gloves 

The over sized green/purple Lucite bangle, natural turquoise necklace and cascading blue/green/gold earrings finished off this savvy and winter ready outfit

Now you see what I meant by "tail"!!