Black and White Geo Print

If you find a print or pattern in my wardrobe, it will be a stripe, high contrast geo print (geometric pattern), or an abstract one in bold jewel colors.

My new favorite cascading vest from Covered Perfectly is the perfect print for me. This high contrast black and white with abstract spots is one of the new items introduced last month.

When I travel, I always take one of these vests with me. They take up no space in your luggage, and you can wear them in many ways to change the look of basics.

I am wearing the vest here over the white simple comfort top. If you wear tank tops, it wears beautifully over those on a hot day to give you a little coverage. I hate showing off my middle in clinging tops, but I don't mind showing my arms.

When I strolled out to greet Mr. Mickey wearing this, he said: "That is one of the best looks you've worn in a while." He loves this combo!

This video shows you how I wear the cascading vests and shares some tips for traveling light.

Black and White for Spring

A classic spring color combination is black and white.

It all started with the shoes I wanted to wear for the first time. My goal was to put together a look that worked with my body proportions and complemented their edgy style.

The Vince Camuto shoes had me at hello. The stud details are gold, so for this look, I wanted to complement that detail but not compete with it in my choices for other items. I decided on this old jacket with cream faux leather trim and fun gold zipper details. I found the jacket on the sale rack at Stein Mart last year. The pull-on slim-fitting dressy pants are old from Chico's, as is the tank.

The long tank with sheer details at the neckline and the hem allow the waistline to disappear beneath the jacket—the wide waistband pants with no other details allowed for a smooth foundation to build upon. The faux leather trim and zippers' placement and angles on the jacket are very feminine and figure-flattering.

I wore this look to dinner with friends on Wednesday date night. The evening temperatures are still a bit cool here, allowing me to wear a third piece. 

As the weather heats up during the summer, I will show you how I use sheer details in jackets and cardigans to add my much loved third piece without overheating.

I kept my accessories very minimal with sunglasses and two bold blingy rings. A bag didn't work with this, so Mr. Mickey was the lip color keeper for the evening.

I am often asked how I decide which accessories to add to the look. Accessories are like makeup; they should accentuate, not camouflage. With this in mind, I look at the outfit's style and accessories; they should all come from the same tribe. Think about a linen tunic over a pair of jeans with sandals. A bold, earthy necklace would work well to fill in the neckline, whereas a gold and pearl choker might not relate to the material or the attitude of the look nearly as well.

Thick Waistline?

Even when I was young and thin, I had a thick waistline. Dieting and exercise can not change your body's basic shape, but it certainly can make you look and feel your best.

In addition to being in your best physical shape, you can use fashion to look more balanced. One of the magical things about fashion and being aware of your body is that you can camouflage or obscure the bits you aren't pleased with.

The pale aqua poncho above is by J.Jill. This one is light and airy, so it can be worn even in summer. Wear it with a slim fitting pair of slacks and a pretty pair of wedge sandals.

A low slung belt worn below the natural waistline can also elongate and disguise a thick waistline.

One of the reasons I love Covered Perfectly so much is that many tummies hiding very comfortable tops, and cascading vests are offered in the line.

The simple comfort tunic from Covered Perfectly looks fabulous alone or with a jacket or vest. The black vest below is old from Chico's. Wear an animal print belt a little below your natural waistline, and it will appear you have an hourglass shape.

Tunics have always been one of my favorite items of clothing. A high-low hemline makes me really happy, but I must wear them with heels.

Loose-fitting cotton tanks such as this one from J.Jill worn with a long duster from Chico's last year, along with slim-fitting pants and a long necklace, make a great combination.