City Slicka

I talk a big game about color, but let’s be honest, ladies: black is every girl’s best friend.  When you’re feeling uninspired, just throw on black on black and you look instantly pulled together.  I mean, just check Miranda Kerr out.  Mainly black, and far from frumpy.

Or Elin Kling.  Wowza.

Or these two chic peas:

In short, this post pays tribute to my ol’, moody standby: black.  It does so first by fawning over this ri-donc-u-lous vintage Hermes Constance bag.  A cool $5K, and it’s yours.

Ideal with downtown-chic add-ons (think Kardashian — you know you want to) like these round Carven shades ($360) or this affordable fringe necklace ($60):

How slick with an of-the-moment modified peplum top by Acne ($280), some black ciggy pants, and some simple-soled (see ya platform!) black sandals ($49)?

Now, I will admit that the price tag of this sleek black tote by The Row ($6,200) is enough to put any right-minded gal into cardiac arrest…but ain’t it beautiful?!

Talk about an investment piece.  Love the lines and simplicity.  At any rate, this would go with everything, FULL-STOP.  For workskis, just toss on a simple black shift, like this textured Rachel Comey style ($552) and some huge black YSL sunnies ($325):

And finish with some gold-and-black Marc Jacobs flats ($392):

Maybe just a single golf cuff ($110) to tie it all together?!

Also, don’t call me crazy, but I’m kind of into suiting with shorts for this summer.  Envision yourself in some textured black DKNY shorts ($245) — or get the look for less with this $69 eyelet pair from J. Crew — and a white blouse (I own the J. Crew Blythe ($98), pictured below, but Equipment is the ultimate label in blousing, and — if you are into more of a funky print, this fun $60 blush swan print blouse caught my eye) with a black blazer (take your pick, but I love mine, which is from Theory):

Finish with gladiator sandals — I SWOON over these Valentinos ($875):

I would probably offset with this darling fuschia cross-body ($335).  Nice little pop of pink.  (And BTW, check out the entire Raoul line for some super cool additions to your summer wardrobe.)

In closing, two fetching accessories you might consider snapping up for your lather-rinse-repeat black outfit: first, this fun KJL tassel necklace ($125 — tassels are where.its.at):

Love the idea of this with a simple white or patterned black-and-white blouse.  Second: I know I waxed poetic about The Row tote above, but check out this affordable Zara style ($80):

To die.