Hi all, and a happy new year to all of you! I've been taking a back seat in the forum lately, but I've been reading a lot of your posts. They are always inspiring. The holiday season takes too much energy, and frankly, I find it a relief that it's over and we're back to normal.

I have stayed away from the sales for the most part, but I made three purchases, all in black. I bought a sweater dress in merino wool from Mette Møller, and a pair of black cigarette pants/trousers and a dressy fluid top in part wool, part tencel with transparent panels from Filippa K. They all filled a void or replaced something in my wardrobe.

The lack of light in winter makes indoor photography difficult, and our new apartment isn't as bright as the old house was. Adding how hard it is to show details in black clothing, today's shoot was a challenge. If you would like to see more details, please follow the links above.

However - I love all three pieces and think they will be used a lot during the rest of the season and more. The dress (#1-3) is versatile with a self belt/wrap bands that can be tucked inside when not in use, or tied several ways. Today I tied the belts in front and made a small bow-like knot, and then I layered the grey cashmere poncho on top and tucked in the front snip. The dress looks shorter in front in the photo, but it's not. I'm working from home today. I also tried with a navy blazer, and I will be wearing this at work very soon, I think. Does it work?

The top and trousers (#4-5) are both smart casual, and I think they are simple enough to be worn both at work and when going out with friends. The top is great with the lace pencil skirt, too, and of course with jeans. The pants can go with any top in my closet except for the very cropped ones. I think they will work under the dress, too.

I feel that my style is a lot more simple now than it was a year ago. This season I've fully embraced grey and black, and I'm not tired of it yet, both as stand alone pieces or mixed with some white. But when spring rolls around I'm all over lots of white, blue and some red again.

Thanks for looking and reading! Any thoughts are most welcome.