Yesterday, I wandered into a tiny boutique or two, looking for that most "awesome" top. I tried on a huge stack, some with lace, some with ruffles, some off-the-shoulder, some tied on the side, some gathered at the waist. I bought one. It was the last thing I tried on. It looked so hum-ho on the hanger, so "ordinary." Just a simple, small, petite, black and white striped sleeveless blouse, marked way, way, WAY down in price because it was out of season. It was the only top that made me say, "Wow!" Somehow when I put it on my body, I was taller and my hair was darker and my skin was brighter. I looked younger.

So, I decided to pair it with a pencil skirt this morning and wear it to church. I first tried it untucked, then tucked, then with a long black blazer, then with a red sweater and then with both, which is the way I wore it. I also tried it with shoe boots but opted for pointy toed pumps.

First thing, a lady came up to me and complimented me on how "classic" I looked:)

What I took away from this experience is that clean-cut lines are good for me, that lines going in two directions are good for me and that sometimes, it's the simplest, most unassuming piece of clothing that you pick up that will do the trick for you. I know I can't wear black, white and red all the time, but they are my go-tos because they never fail me. I think it has something to do with my dark hair and olive skin tone and not "every" shade of read works, but this little Old Navy sweater is about as old as the navy itself (yes, that's a pun) but I've never found another with such a pure hue of red that looks as good on me.