.....To quote Doctor Who, we are, in terms of winter at least, "Halfway through the dark." According to Angie, the stores are cleaning the winter palate with displays of crisp black and white in preparation for the colors of spring.

Well here I am, black and white......halfway through the dark and preparing for spring!

1/2/3: I found this color blocked jacket at.....Dress Barn. One must keep one's wits about oneself in Dress Barn. It can be a repository of frump, but I've also found some of my best wardrobe items there, and they've held up amazingly well. This jacket is a cream faux leather mixed with a nice black ponte. The jacket is fully lined, with a nice thick lining that comes with a gusseted back (rare in a jacket priced at $59). It does not have a "scuba" collar, which would be even better, but the ponte creates a sense of a distinct collar.

The dress is a mid-weight jersey, laser cut with a cream lining (very soft and comfy) and a leather trimmed waist detail. I shudder to show a backview, but the dress isn't tapered, which would be more fashionable, however the slight A-line prevents the bootyliciousness I often find in a sheath dress. I'm deliberately trying two pairs of shoes. I much prefer the black tall boots, I think. I could also wear nude fishnets and black booties.

4/5/6: Jacket with black skinnies. The flash makes it look like optic white here, but it's really a lovely creamy white.

Questions:
1. I like the jacket, but does it suit me style-wise, or do I look like I'm trying to be "mod?" My biggest goal is to follow trends only if they support my own personal style.

2. The dress is extremely comfortable, but is it too "sexy" for work or church? In the summer, I might go for simple nude hosiery and nude or black pumps.

3. Pattern placement: I hope it looks like a burst like fireworks or abstract geometry, not targets on my boobs and belly -- like I'm some sort of fashion week fertility goddess.