Hi all

This will be the last instalment of project dark romance. I am going on holidays shortly and by the time I come back winter will be almost over. It will be time to Think Spring.

This project has been a bit of a revelation for me. It satisfied my desire to freshen up/change my look (by adding some romance) while still satisfying my desire for a cohesive wardrobe and look (by sticking with a single theme). Variety + cohesion are often competing goals for me. It helped me to make planned, not impulsive, purchases for the season and it stimulated my creativity. Plus, it was fun.

As many people commented, it helped that it was not a huge departure from my already somewhat dark and moody winter style. It was a little fresh, but it wasn’t a style 180. Keeping that in mind, I am now thinking about a new theme for spring that combines some of my existing preferences with some fresh/new-for-me elements.

Thanks to everyone who engaged with my little project and made suggestions and comments. I really appreciate it. Alas I never did find my velvet jacket. But there’s always next year.

For these last outfits, you can see I have been doing a lot of experimenting with different combinations of necklaces.

Your thoughts welcome

Outfit 1 (pic 1): The top is a sleeveless turtleneck knit tunic. At this time of year I usually layer it over a black or white blouse. In spring I wear it sleeveless or with a short sleeve top.

Outfit 2 (pics 2-3): Black velvet jeans with drapey blue-green top and long black jacket. I decided to test out the limits of my tolerance for layering necklaces. Turns out it’s pretty high. I am wearing 7 necklaces here. Nope, not too much

Outfit 3 (pics 4-5): I duplicated my black lace up boots in burgundy (they are now less than half price). It was a cold day (for here) so I layered up with tights, long flare sleeve knit, long cardigan and coat. The tights are dark brown.

Outfit 4 (pic 6): Quick work pic. Another outing for the burgundy boots. With layers of silver filigree and grey pearls (inspired by Diana).

Outfit 5 (pics 7-8): I got this velvet top with chevron-ish pattern from Zara. Velvet + chevron = joy. I liked the subtle pattern mix with the floral skirt. Only 4 necklaces here