I don’t stop wearing black clothing, footwear and accessories in warm weather, but I do like to wear these items in different ways so that I feel seasonally refreshed. It’s all about adding enough contrasting white and/or colour to the ensemble to make it feel more Summery:

• Match black tops and jackets with white jeans, a white skirt or clamdiggers.
• Freshen up a look with a white camisole under a black top.
• Add a white or colourful jacket, handbag or shoes to a black top worn over blue jeans, a denim skirt or slacks.
• Throw a bright contrasting belt over a black top or frock to liven up the look.
• Combine black bottoms with a white or colourful top and metallic, bright or grey shoes.
• Combine black flats with white jeans, Summery dresses/skirts and black leggings.
• Complement black clothing items with bold (non-black) necklaces, earrings, cuffs, specs or watches. This could mean anything from a chunky string of pearly beads and red earrings, to an earthy chestnut brown necklace, green watch and Lucite bracelet.

Some people are happy to sport black in dark, monochromatic and textured ways in warm weather, but that feels too Autumn and Winter for me. Theoretically, whites and brights also reflect more light and are therefore cooler under direct sunlight. How do you feel about wearing black when temperatures soar?

Today’s blog post is written by long time YLF supporter, forum member and good friend Eva, who hails from Hawaii but lives in Seattle. I asked our stylish and pretty modern-classic Eva and her dancing doggie Iniki to put these puddle stompers through their paces and this is what they thought. Take it away ladies…

Coming back from vacation in Hawaii, what did I have to look forward to? Cold weather, rain and work. But wait, my Plueys rain boots arrived while I was away. Yeah! Something to look forward to.

I’m sure Angie was thinking, who better to road test the Plueys than Eva, who lives in Seattle and has 3 dogs to walk, rain or shine. I was delighted to help out. I had been looking for rain boots since my brand new, stylish and comfy Sperry Top-Sider wedge rubber boots cracked and leaked. I jumped on Plueys web page and right on the front page is the silhouette of a woman walking her dog who looked so stylish in her rain boots. I was sold.

As soon as I got home I pulled them out of the package and tried them on. The perfect size. Love the purple sugar plum flowers. I was hoping for rain because I was going to wear them rain or shine (shine in April in Seattle?).

If you do a price search you’ll find that Plueys ($60), are in the middle of the price range for rain or rubber boots. Still, this does seem pricey. My hubby laughs because he worked on a ranch and says, “Can’t you just paint $15 dairy boots to get the same effect?” Or better yet, why couldn’t he come up with the idea?

On my first day in the rain, holding my dog’s leash stretched out as she ventured into soggy grass, I remembered: “Oh! I can slosh in the puddles with her.” No problem with walking through puddles to follow my pup in search of the perfect scent. They fit over skinnies and they look great with skirts. They also have a one inch heel and adjustable calf strap, which makes them even more practical and comfortable. I am now on the lookout for a purple umbrella to match my Plueys. Walking the dogs at six in the morning, they are often the most stylish article of clothing I have on!

One last note on my Sperry Top Siders: I returned them to Sperry who exchanged them with no problem. Now I have two pairs of super cool rain boots for any occasion.

Plueys has a special discount offer for YLF readers. Enter “youlookfab” as the coupon code at checkout and you’ll get a 10% discount (one use per customer only). The offer is valid until August 4, 2009.

We’re into our fourth season of gladiator sandals and they are still everywhere. To me, they are starting to feel more like a mainstream basic than a trend that will disappear next season. If you like the look, but question their fashion longevity, I say go for it. My instincts tell me that they are here to stay.

Gladiator sandals come in all shapes, styles, colours and heel heights. Not all gladiator styles strap high above the ankle or sport copper hardware. You can purchase a pair that are a little less “gladiator-esque” if you fancy a more timeless and pretty look. I was able to put an example of the tame-looking variety through their paces in hot Israel a couple of weeks ago and they passed with flying colours. Comfy 8-hour walking shoes if you don’t tie the buckles too tight. Also, remember that you can stretch sandals that are a little snug if the leather is soft (and these are really soft).

I like gladiators best when they are matched with skinny jeans or clamdiggers. I also like them with skirts and frocks because of the appealing contrast that is created between something very feminine and quite edgy. Add a well groomed foot to the equation and you’re in business.

A stylish Mum-on-the-go in bustling downtown Tel Aviv. In my book, her look is casual perfection. White skinny jeans, flat pewter gladiators, an easy and interesting voluminous cardigan over a flattering knitted top and a statement handbag. Love it. The gladiators next door are less pretty than the ones I own (and our Israeli Mum is wearing), but nice in their own way too. Lots of options.

I’m still a fan of Sweet Pea’s top collection. The brand is best known for their mock wrap and empire cut styles, which look good on several body types. The forgiving stretch of the fabric and the ruched integrity of their silhouette folds over curves instead of clinging to them (ideal for camouflaging muffin top). If you can find a pattern that you like, the tops are well worth a try because they’re lightweight and made of durable, non-crease nylon mesh. Easy to launder, flattering to wear and fun for Spring and Summer. A pretty flop-proof solution for us all.

Sweet Pea keeps things fresh by offering plenty of new styles each season. The silhouette that caught my attention was an A-line sleeveless tie-back tunic style. It’s slightly trapeze, pleated under the neck and made of one solid piece (no colour blocked hem borders which cut your long lean line). This style is good on small to medium bust size rectangles, inverted triangles and hourglasses. Loose, cool and forgiving around the midsection. It will even work on some adorable apples and pretty pears if you alter the length.

The neckline is not ideal for large bust lines or short necked lasses (V-necks are better). But don’t give up before trying because you may be surprised at the result. Add a long beaded necklace to this style to draw the eye up and down and emphasize the vertical.

These tops are fab under a cropped cardigan and white jeans, or on their own with clamdiggers. I like how they’re voluminous and tailored at the same time. Makes for a nice change to the multitudes of empire cuts and wrap styles (we need a little break from the defined waist). If these patterns are not to your taste, hang on. Sweet Pea is bound to offer alternatives throughout the season.

Tip: I’ve successfully doctored several Sweet Pea tops because the fabric does not fray. Cut a sleeve or hem to length at home with a pair of sharp scissors and Bob’s your uncle.