Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Why I Love Black

"the

 

Photo via Jessica Choay

 

Sure the little black dress. It is cliche. It is not so little anymore for me. The size is not important. It is simply having a backup plan; A go to it, a stand by, a faithful dog, a ready to wear. For me it is a black dress.

 

Jessica-choay-

Photo via Jessica Choay

 

Black, dress or otherwise is like what Andrea said in the comment section:

"Black, black and more black. I have been wearing it pretty much exclusively for years. It's so simple and saves on the clothing expense. Easy to pack too. Just add that pop of color or something that is "dans le vent" -a different piece of jewelry, bag, new knee high (black) boots, and you are good to go."

 

Jessica_Choay 2013

 

 

Equally true, I had to agree with Sandy Austin, who wrote in the comment section:

"I've been wearing black since Jr. High school. You can dress it up or down. Back then it was chic, now its forgiving.. "

 

Forgiving. I love that. Catholic color.

 

 

Photo via Jessica Choay

 

Jessica-choay-look-book-autumn-fall-winter-20122

Photo via Jessica Choay

 

 

Black tights, black pants, black tee shirt, black bra…

Makes it a snap on separating colors for washing.

 

 

Jessica4

Photo via Jessica Choay

 

Yesterday Iowa Julie asked me in the comment section, "Corey, black is good, but why only black for you? Why do you stay away from color?"

And with that question a flood gate open, and I saw something of myself I had never added up. We all know how past experiences, or thoughts and feelings can play out shaping our lives… 

Growing up back in Willows our bathroom was black. My Mom's kitchen was black and white. My room was black and yellow (my mother's choice) and her bedroom was black. Our living room couch was black. My Mom wasn't Gothic, (Who even knew that Gothic would become a term used to describe a style of young peoples' dress?) nor was she morbid. She loved black. Wore it often.

I guess I feel at home in Black because of my mom's color choice while I was growing up.

 

Jessica

Photo via Jessica Choay

 

I went online to find some black clothing for my blog post today and found these from Jessica Choay. I had not heard of this brand. Love the clothes. If only I could buy one of each would I?

Who is a designer or brand that you like? I adore COS. But not so much how they show their line through photos on their site.

 

Comments

14 responses to “Why I Love Black”

  1. Ali Moss

    I too have worn mostly black for many years. I just don’t feel right in color, perhaps because I don’t like to draw attention to myself. Today, black is everywhere in home decorating, especially black walls…..your mom was ahead of her time.

    Reply
  2. Lil

    Hi. When I think of photos of your mom’s home in Willows, I think of color everywhere. Maybe it’s all the wonderful color accents and objects she has displayed that make me think that.

    Reply
  3. Diogenes

    For casual clothes I like J. Crew, Faconnable and Hugo Boss, J Brand jeans.
    For shoes and belts, Zara and Aldo. 🙂

    Reply
  4. martina

    Since I do most of my clothing purchases via thrift shops, no particular favorite brands. However I do gravitate towards Liz Claiborne, Lauren and LL Bean. A pair of Ann Taylor jeans are treasured because they fit as if they were tailor made (and they were never worn and only cost $1!).

    Reply
  5. Paula

    Huh. I love colors! I wear orange, turquoise, greens.
    Our home is in neutrals mostly. Then we add pictures and art objects of color. I adore mirrors. Do they have color? I think they reflect.
    Colors reflect.
    I love fresh flowers. Many colors. I have never stuck to a specific palette. All speak to me. I have potted plants with pinks, reds, yellows, purples. All are beautiful.

    Reply
  6. Marilyn

    When I started to design school many years ago I discovered black and it has never disappointed. I love it and wear it often, but I do like a splash of color occasionally. Loved the COS style and could definitely find a few things I would buy, plus they had the fun splash of blue too.

    Reply
  7. Laurie SF

    Isabel Amyo of Bordeaux France & Laura of Barcelona, Spain. Unique designers with an edge. Simple and chic. Made to your specifications, and shipped within two weeks of your order.
    Thank you Etsy!!

    Reply
  8. Vicki

    Eileen Fisher. She knows how to design for larger women. Scarves, jewelry,for color. My house is relatively neutral but my art is very colorful with paintings and art glass.

    Reply
  9. Cara

    Black has been my staple, my go to color for decades. It looks great with my white hair. I top it with scarves for a hint of color, usually jewel tones. I like Liz Claiborn too, and although not designer wear, I’ve had great luck with Travel Smith, an online shop.

    Reply
  10. kristin

    I dislike black. I wear it, usually as a bottom, and of course in shoes, but, black collects everything! Impossible to wear if you have pets! Just like white, Black it just to black! I feel like I am going to a funeral if I wear too much of it. I LOVE color!

    Reply
  11. RebeccaNYC

    I wear black from August to May, then I arrive in Sud France for May June and July, and out comes the “color”….usually white linen. I wear A LOT of Eileen Fisher…it just works for a woman of a certain age…..

    Reply
  12. Gail

    I have found myself gravitating from black to gray clothing. Still classic and easy to embellish with pearls or pink pumps. Still have my favorite black pleated wool skirt and black sheath dress though.

    Reply
  13. Kathie B

    When I was an adolescent I loved lavender and gray, which my mother complained about because she said they were “old lady” colors. I still love them, but the other thing is no longer an issue 😉

    Reply
  14. Kathie B

    Getting out to shop is so difficult for me any more that on the rare occasions I need a few new clothes, I often buy them online from LL Bean, since my style is very plain.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions