Last year on my 40th birthday I wore a dress, high contrasting colours, heels and platinum jewelry. This year I’m wearing an outfit that’s almost the polar opposite: skinnies, lots of black, flats and gold jewelry. It’s my 41st birthday tomorrow, but Greg and I are celebrating tonight and this is my outfit. We’ll walk down to my favourite Japanese Restaurant “Nishino” on what will hopefully be a stunning Seattle evening.

I didn’t plan to wear an almost black ensemble, but this is how it took shape. My new Stuart Weitzman “Giveable” flats are a birthday present from Greg. They are hands down the most comfortable non-boot shoes in my wardrobe and I want to wear them all the time. They are very similar to a Chanel pair that was also in the running, but Mr. Weitzman can teach Mr. Lagerfeld a thing or two about how to make comfortable shoes!

You know how it is when you create an outfit around a pretty pair of new shoes. That’s precisely what happened here. Greg especially likes these two-toned flats with dressy black skinny trousers because of the Audrey Hepburn vibe that the combination invokes. I loved that idea too, so Gap’s Really Skinny Pants were my choice of bottom.

I wanted to wear something soft, neutral and breezy on top, which made this self-colour sheer polka dot blouse a good option. Thanks to good quality woven fabric, I’ve had this blouse for many years and it’s still going strong. The sheerness of the fabric breaks up the harshness of the black against my fair skin and adds much needed texture to the outfit.

The blouse is romantic and ruffle-y, so I like the idea of clean straight lines to tame the whimsy. My cropped tuxedo jacket did the trick. The shine of the tuxedo jacket adds a little textural interest too. I’ll take off the jacket when I’m seated in the restaurant. Although I’m over ruffles, I still enjoy wearing this blouse.

I chose my Chanel bag because I need a little Coco on the eve of my birthday, and because the gold chain strap functions like an accessory. It adds a high colour contrast to the black, which tickles my fancy. No pearls today, but instead, a Chanel vintage charm bracelet and gold watch that again adds life to the sea of black. I’m finishing off the look with Chanel “Fire” on my lips and a dashing date on my arm.

I seldom wear this much black in one outfit. But the gold, my hair, red lips and two-toned flats offer a satisfactory “pop of non-black”, so I still feel great in the look. This one is for Team Neutral, Team Flats, Team Skinnies and the Black Brigade. Greg bats for all of these Teams, and I am always delighted to be on his side.

Taylor, who glides gracefully in four inch heels, concluded that these Christian Louboutin Ballet Slipper Stilettos were too high. Ballerinas wear the ultimate high heel when they dance on the tips of their toes, and I never thought about it that way!

Rosee enjoyed how to downsize your wardrobe with common sense. It gave her permission to keep a few sizes in her wardrobe.

Sporting green toenail polish at the time, MaryK was riveted when she found out why wild toenail polish went mainstream.

This one is for Team Online Shopping! Inge found Sudenlee, a site that allows you to shop online from multiple retailers and get affordable next day shipping all in a single package.

Jezebel’s tips on how to alter a thrift store dress are well explained and nicely illustrated. This made Desmo April declare that her sewing machine was the most significant improvement she has ever made to her wardrobe.

Debbiek was inspired by the fact that we are women, we are beautiful, and we are real. She read it and felt great!

Watch this lovely lady tie a scarf in 25 different ways in 4.5 minutes. Great find from Kitty400!

Lisa was enamored by this blogger and her pink blazer. So fresh and fun.

Kari was energized by simplybikeblog, so she biked to work in a frock and sandals. Love that.

Kyle feels hugely inspired by the courage and strength of young and fashionable blogger Stephanie Nielsen, who  continued blogging after a horrific plane crash that burned 80% of her body.

Rae was fascinated by Imogen’s tips on how to emphasize and de-emphasize various parts of the body during photo taking sessions.

The House of Dior seems to be faltering without the leadership of John Galliano. Anna pointed us to the first runway collection sans Galliano’s design eye.

Nikki Parkison’s post on how get your two minute face on encouraged Puffenstuff to give make-up a bash.

Dresslover considered quitting her job after reading that salaries are rising for fashion and retail professionals.

Ever wonder what a year’s worth of make-up would look like on your face all at once? RoseandJoan found this wacky and fascinating.

Joy, who is ultra sensitive to sulfites and other ingredients in commercial shampoos, was overjoyed to learn that she can mix up a batch of her own eco friendly shampoo using baking soda and cider vinegar.

Last, but not least, I can’t decide whether these high water pants photographed by the Sartorialist are fabulous or apoplexy-inducing.

Printed pants have been fringe trending for about a year and, for the most part, I like the trend. There are many, many different printed pants silhouettes, which hopefully means that there is something for everyone.

Printed pants can be made of either soft or rigid fabric. The softer the fabric the better the drape. They can either have tapered or wide hems. The waistbands are either structured or elasticated. The lengths are either long or cropped. Patterns tend to be fairly monochromatic, animal skin-inspired and geometric, as opposed to floral and romantic. That being said, I’ve seen quite a few pants made of ditsy floral designs.

Personally, I prefer structured printed pants with tapered legs, either long or cropped above the calf muscle. The fabric can either be soft or rigid, and preferably in a geometric pattern. The hippie and 90’s integrity of soft wide leg printed pants does not appeal me. I never wore drapey Palazzo pants and can’t see myself wearing the style today. They look and feel too pajama-like to my eye.

I vote yay to Printed Pants, although I have strong stylistic preferences. What’s your verdict?

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I’m a big blouse fan so I’m constantly looking out for fun and flattering blouses both for myself and my clients. With a nod to 70’s fashion this year, the pussy bow blouse has been especially strong. The blouses below caught my eye because they are “bowed” in a more unusual way.

1. Gianetta Drape Front Sheer Print Blouse (Petite): The effect of the front draping is like a bow but more simple. I adore the scribble print, but the purple print is nice too.
2. Diane von Furstenburg “Whitman” Blouse: A blouse with a tie that you leave un-tied.
3. ASOS Pleat Blouse With Tie Neck: Deliciously Chanel-esque with super front box pleats.
4. Aime Tonal Wide Sleeve Blouse: I like the way the front knotted tie drapes and softens the leather pants in this outfit.
5. ASOS Pussy Bow Denim Blouse: This is the first time I’ve seen a rigid denim shirt with a stiff bow. Fabulous.
6. Vivienne Westwood S26DL0106 S39465 010: Asymmetrical both in bow and button fastening.
7. ASOS Dogstooth Bowtie: This is how to add a cute canine touch to a button down shirt. I am ALL over it.
8. Mango Pussy Bow Knit Top: This one is fun for those who prefer knits. It’s like a built in scarf on top of a tank. Beautifully soft and retro.

Clearly, there is more than one way to bow a blouse!