outfit post: Double Pin-Striped & the LBD

"The part of me that never changes bears witness to the parts of me that do. Being true to myself means accepting the rhythm of the novelty + the obsolete,  and trusting that my true self  will bear out in every adventure and glacier of movement."   -Bella Q

The LBD: the basic little black dress in a classic silhouette can be the starting point to express your true individual style.

Classic styling doesn't have to be boring. I find that you can express your truest individual style when you forgo the trends and focus on classic clothing and design. Take the eternally chic LBD, or Little Black Dress. This classic staple is a must-have for any girl worth her fashion salt. In my recent love of pattern mixing, I feel that I've neglected this quiet closet jewel, but I am here to show that a classically cut LBD is guaranteed to make your star shine, day or night. 

In fact, if I were to showcase a look that represented the "real" Bella Q, this little number would top the list. This is something that I could have easily have worn in my early 20's,

my 30's and now I proudly wear in my mid-forties. In fact, I think these photos look almost like they could have been taken from a previous decade, (the 1930's, the 40's or '50's perhaps?) but the look is anything but dated, and I think it comes off as fun, fresh and relevant. The jacket, a well constructed, fully lined vintage pin-striped double breasted blazer in PERFECT condition adds the gravitas to the outfit, while the floral fascinator adds the fun. To keep things interesting, I tied a gold lurex scarf around my waist as a sash, and paired my pin-striped blazer with a pair of pin striped patterned knee highs. My favorite wedges, a sort of modern day gladiator platform echo the vertical stripes of the socks and blazer with their own horizontal lines from the straps. As the weather is now officially chilly, my vintage brown fur scarf was a warming addition for my late afternoon walk. I felt chic and toasty. Most important of all, I felt delightfully and utterly "me."

Now Wearing: 

• Hand-made Fascinator, exclusively for Citizen Rosebud
• Vintage fur scarf
• Vintage Wool Pinstriped Double-Breasted Blazer
• Cotton Little Black Dress, gifted
• Vintage lurex and gold scarf (used as belt)
• Polka Dot Satchel, This N That Thrift
• Brassy Heart Ring, Pork Chop Rules
• Pinstriped nylon knee highs, Target
• My favorite wedges, Heart Boutique