I love the simplicity of black and white together. I don't wear them paired all that often, and for the most ridiculous reason. I find myself saying no because that's too simple. Too simple? Ridiculous! So, I put together a black and white capsule and am making myself wear them paired. I love them!

This outfit made me think of Una and her question about instant classics, those items you get that you instantly (or almost instantly) know will be the love of your life until they are worn threadbare.

This outfit has three items that I bought knowing they'd be an instant love of my life classic for me. One, the white linen blazer. Not that we didn't have a moment of doubt when I pulled off the tags. I'm never giving it up now, though, especially after it got a killer from Angie! Two, Isabella Fiore bag. I saw this and loved it, but the price made me hesitate. I'm not often attracted to IF items, but this, wow! I love the "someone's mom bought this in Spain in the 1960s" vibe of it. My friend forced me to take the leap and buy it and it has been a summer workhorse in the five years that I've had it. She's got a great eye (see number three, next), so I trust her when she says something is perfect. Three, my black pearls. My friend is a goldsmith and jewelry designer (how did I luck out?!?) and we worked together to design this after I tried on something similar at a store. They took three years to come together, with me paying for them bit by bit all that time. I love them, though, and they were worth every penny. They actually are a bracelet that converts into a necklace. (Fourth, bonus picture are my lovely J Shoes pumps that I bought--uuugh full price in February--at my friend's insistence because they were perfect. She was soooo right.)

What do you think? And what items have you bought that were a leap, but became an instant classic for you?