Wednesday, February 10, 2010

What to Wear: Breaking Up With Black

If you know me at all, you know I have a strong aversion to black for many women. It's not that I don't like black, I just think it doesn't like most of you.
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My friend, Mary Beth sent me a link to this article I am hooking you up with today. It's called Breaking up with Black. Oh how I adore that title.
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She read it in the Charlotte Observer and thought she'd pass it along to me so I could read it. Seriously, it is just too good to keep to myself.
So here it is, an article just for you on this cold winter day.
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Now I know that many of you still wear black even though I've told you not to.
Shame, shame.
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And I know there are many of you who still look good in black.
You have my blessings to continue wearing it.
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And now I know there are those of you who are reading this and may not know about my aversion to black and you are wondering, "Can I wear black?" (Not me, you, silly!)
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So let me just say this.
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If you've ever described your natural hair color as mousy or dishwater blonde, or that medium brown color that isn't really light, but not really dark, and you have hazel or medium intensity eyes,
then girlfriend
PITCH THE BLACK.
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Okay, here's the article with the link:

I know, breaking up is hard to do.
Especially with Black.
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Giving away 3 workbooks today!
If Clothes Could Talk
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Leave a comment about Black.
Do you love it, hate it, wear it or not?
And tell me the color of you hair.
Hmmm....what's that about, you ask?
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Happy Valentine's Day!
Love, Shari

49 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love black...wear it alot! And I'm a red head.

Jessica Mueller said...

Black is such an easy go-to color. For those days when I am not quite sure what to wear or I am having a FUG (fat, ugly, gross) Day.... black seems to be the "cure all". Even when I make the conscience effort to not buy more black, I think: "Oh, look at that sweater! So cute! Get it in black and it will match with everything!" Shari, it's been forever since I have seen you and I don't remember what my hair color was then! But, today it is a carmely brownish. (That might chance this weekend though ;))

Bonita said...

Cute article! I'm one of those who can wear black. You even said so yourself so I know it must be true.

However, my wardrobe has that dungeon look. Even my kids have forbidden me to buy any more black. I'm looking for color now.

Denise said...

I do wear black, but have been trying to gradually switch to charcoal instead. I have medium brown hair with blond highlights.

dawn said...

hi my name is dawn and i have an abuse and have and obsession with black. seriously. i own three sweaters and a jacket - they are all black. i own one winter dress and it is black. i do admit (thanks to you shari), that i know the colors that look good on me (black is one of them) and have a few (very few like 3) tops that are not black. but black is my safe color. its easy for a mom of four to grab a black shirt and jeans. thanks to your post and that article, i want to break up with black and put some color back in my wardrobe. i have dark brown hair and blue eyes (i am a clear).

thanks shari!! you and your blog are a blessing - love ya!!!

One More Equals Four said...

I must admit...I wear black. A lot. And, yes, I have that light brownish, blondish hair and blue eyes.

I had no idea! Black is easy to match and for some reason when I am shopping...I gravitate towards it. Often the top I find that is cute and fits often happens to be black...is that because all the stylish people already bought the top in all the colors? Hmmmm?

Well, I don't have the money to go reinvent my wardrobe right now but I will tuck this little morsel away for my next shopping venture. NO BLACK!!! Got it!

Kelly said...

I wear black ALL the time! And hot pink. My 2 favorites. I have dark brown hair, and dark brown eyes. I think I look mahvalous in black. Please do not burst my bubble. ;-)

Cindy H said...

My husband said I must be depressed because I many black wardrobe items.
I am barely 5 foot tall and think it gives me the allusion of being a little taller :)

I bought a RED winter coat last year and love love love it.

Am trying to incorporate more colors into my life.

I have med brown hair w/blonde highlights and Hazel eyes, so I know, I know, I gott break up with black.

Thanks for the wardrobe advice :)

Cindy

Reagan said...

Oh Black--why must we have a love/hate relationship? I love you, you hate me, I hate how you make my eyes look like there are dark circles under them, you love how you can be so slimming.

I can't remember the natural color of my hair but I dye it anywhere from platinum blond to deep brown. I have chocolate colored eyes ... I'm a classic "stay away from black" girl. So now I'm onto browns. And if I have to break up with brown I might run around nude for the rest of my life :0) Ha ha ha!

Building Dave said...

I'm a black girl too...I find myself drawn to black skirts, pants and blazers. I literally have to stop myself and put it back- I own too many already!!

I have dark blonde hair, yep, just like you describe. ;)

I guess its 'cause I'm an engineer, and black is "safe"...I feel like I can put any color with it and it'll work...other color combo's???

Anonymous said...

I have "mousy brown" hair... and haven't worn much black at all since you visited our church and gave me SO MUCH great advice!! :) I even bought my winter coat in a brown ~ and LOVE it! I have a black pair of pants and a black skirt that I wear occassionally... and ONE black sweater than I think I could part with and never miss! :)
~missie ray G

Lyndsey said...

I don't wear a whole lot of black.. I like COLOR:)
My hair is dark brown, au naturale:)

Lisa V. said...

I used to wear a lot of black in high school and in my 20s. Hey it was slimming right! But I find I don't anymore because I figured out it wasn't all that flattering a color for me. I actually gravitate towards white/ivory and actually I get complimented often when I wear pink (!). My hair is dark brown and I have fair skin. New to your blog and look forward to getting your advice. It's a lot easir for me as a mom in her 30s with a 3 yo to read your blog than have time to read a fashion magazine. Thanks!

Carrie said...

I'm a black lover too. I used to have a ton of it but we lost a bin during our last 2 moves and all of my black sweaters were in there. Made me very sad to realize that.

I have a medium/dark complexion and a darker brown hair so it works for me. I've been trying to add more color to things though with a bright scarf or other accesory.

Sherry said...

Love black! Wear it a lot and I tend to gravitate to it as well. But I am learning to add color with it - Red, Yellow, hot pink. I have very dark brown almost black hair in the winter and a little lighter in the summer. Enjoy your blog very much! Thanks :)

Phyllis said...

I've just recently stumbled upon your blog...and not a moment too soon. Born a natural (and light blonde), my hair has become more of a dark-blonde, light brown color these days and I have blue eyes. Based on what I've read so far, my wardrobe is seriously color dysfunctional. I wear black almost daily. I own 5 pairs of slacks - 3 black, 1 charcoal and 1 light grey. Nearly all of my tops are black or have a lot of black in them. Obviously, I NEED help!

jenny said...

I wear alot of black, although I have to say since I bought the little color swatch things from you at She Speaks a couple years ago I have expanded my colors!

My hair is very dark brown.

Jen

ElaineDavis said...

I can't break up with black! I love it, and wear it often.
Hair: medium brown : ) with red/gold highlights

Anonymous said...

Hair color is dark brown...
I have some black cloths, but I mostly wear light colors.

Yanira

Anonymous said...

Hair color is dark brown...
I have some black cloths, but I mostly wear light colors.

Yanira

Jekka said...

Black is my best friend. My wardrobe is filled with black pants, black skirts and black shirts. I do throw in a white dress shirt now and then.

My hair is currently blonde with strawberry highlights. My eyes are blue.

Dyer Importance... said...

I found out that black is my color group at the Hearts at Home conference. I was very surprised to find that out. I always thought that browns were my colors, but black is it for me. I have very dark brown hair and deep brown eyes...which put me in the "clear" category, if I remember correctly. I had to ditch the brown and embrace black. A good friend of mine had to do the opposite, so we swapped a bunch of clothes. Anyone who has to ditch the black can send their clothes my way! ;)

Amy Herr said...

I think black is so classy, but I try to wear it carefully because I am a warm. I wear my black skirt a lot in the winter with my autumn colors over top.

Tara said...

I'm a lucky gal, because I'm *allowed* to wear black (thanks, Shari!). I've got dark, almost-black hair, with fair skin. I do prefer to wear red, but black is a good stand-by. And I can imagine that it would be hard to break up with, so I feel the pain of the light-brown-haired gals.

Anonymous said...

the color of my hair is dark brown...almost everything I have is black..black pants .....black jackets, blouses(black and white)some are with dots, some with stripes,checker, ect...then white blouses with black...I need HELP...have you been to Alaska...we need you..our little town has one store...you can get everything you need clothes,shoes,groceries,gas. Let's call it a one stop takes care of your list :-( please come and see us..we would even travel to Anchorage to see you..only a three hour trip. Love your site..look forward to Wed. and I am a grateful woman who is thankful we have a place to buy black socks along with our milk..hmmm I can't get away from black and white.

Melinda said...

Ok....I do wear black but not like the other ladies! I think my hair is salt and pepper, more pepper than salt, and some times looks mousy, fair skin and blue eyes. I have the typical pieces of black but I also have browns. I do have color in my wardrobe also. I don't think I stick to only one color but I do tend to buy a lot of pink.

Melanie said...

I am exactly the person who should not wear black - but I was wearing black as I read this! What can I say, my husband loves me in black:) but I do try to break it up with a scarf of the right color!

Anonymous said...

Shari,
I wear black, but not often on top. It's great for the bottom half though! I have medium to dark brown hair and don't really think black compliments my complexion.

Anonymous said...

I do wear black, although I am not always convinced that it looks great...it used to be my favorite color to wear. My hair is dark brown with a little sterling mixed in. ;-)
-Michelle Parker

Williams said...

I wear black alot..black tops w/ jeans mainly! Its such an easy color i find..you can add any color with it :) hair color is med-brown.

Val in KY said...

I have so much black that I have a hard time buying any other colors. I have rich, dark black hair (natural, by the way) and a medium skin tone.

Every now and then I get bored and feel like I'm taking a huge risk buying something to go with my black. Then I even feel it's a greater risk to buy PANTS that heaven-forbid are beige or brown because then I have no tops that look good with it!

That being said...I think black will always be a staple in my wardrobe...

Anonymous said...

I have blonde hair and hazel eyes, but I love to wear black! I know I need to break up with black, but for some reason it makes me feel good when I put on a black shirt and black shoes or boots. I did buy some shirts last night and not one of them was black!! Yay for me! :) I love reading your blog!!

LeAnn

Julie Gillies said...

Hi Shari,

I like black as well, but I also like splashes of color along with it. I am currently growing out my (colored red hair) to it's real color: gray. I'm just OVER coloring and touch-ups every 2 1/2 weeks. My eyes are blue.

I think I'm going to have to make some wardrobe changes once I'm completely gray, so if anyone needs "If Clothes Could Talk", its' probably me. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Shari,

I wear black often. Mostly pants with something brighter on top. I am a music teacher so black is often part of the uniform! I have dark brown hair and blue eyes.

Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Interesting post as for me. I'd like to read a bit more concerning this theme. Thanx for posting that info.

Erin said...

I just had to join the fun, I hope I'm not too late! I've stayed away from black, because I just love color. In the past couple of years, I've added more black into my wardrobe. I have black hair, fair skin and brown eyes. Although I have more back in my wardrobe, I love a pop of color!

GrammaGrits said...

Love black and with mostly gray hair, think it works for me, too. Boy, I wished you lived closer instead of cross the country! Hope the workbooks are not already given and that I'll be a winner!

Kerhoo said...

I have dark dark brown hair and I try not to wear black...just not my color I guess. I use to wear it because they said it makes you look thin. I do think in a black room all black does make you disappear....LOL

Anonymous said...

I too have been overweight for a long time. I recently made some major changes and have lost 34 lbs. I vow to quit buying black or brown or gray! Loved the article.

cindy ziliak
stampcz@verizon.net

The Calm of His Presence said...

Love the article. My husband has told me for years I need to put more color into my wardrobe. Most of my winter clothes especially are blacks & browns. I vow now to quit buying black. By the way... my hair is mousy brown & I have hazel eyes.

Kelly in Bham said...

Used to love black but the only black in my wardrobe now is a pair of ATLoft pants. Color is lots more fun! And my hair is light brown/dark blonde.

Lorie said...

I don't actually wear black a lot as with my light skin it makes me look even more pale and it really shows off the lovely gray/white strands in my hair...ugh!

Sharon Abbott Cowan said...

My daily office attire is generally black slacks and black jacket (moleskin, veleteen, linen, handknitted or handcrocheted) with a colorful top. I occassionally switch it up by pairing the black slacks with colored top and jacket or sweater. Favorite combination black and purple or black and turquoise/teal blue.

Tracey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tracey said...

I'm an "ash blonde" - the ash is the gray in my hair that plays nicely with my golden highlights. I love wearing black - being a creative in the arts field lends itself to ease rather than trying to be trendy and different.

Guess I shouldn't wear black, but I used to work in Media at my old job at my old church. We had to wear black. When those clothes bite the dust I'll buy something else ;)

The Lee outfit that I won from you is not black either :) A nice white blouse and some nice blue jeans that don't have buttons on the pockets! I found an AWESOME skirt NWT at the thrift store yesterday that will be perfect this spring and summer and will be great with the white blouse.

Unknown said...

I have to admit I wear a lot of black. But I do try to dress it up with bright colors.

Marcia said...

I am new to this site but I must admit...I wear a lot of black. My husband makes comments about "another black and white blouse", etc...

I have med/dk brown hair and hazel eyes. I am a summer, according to Color Me Beautiful 25 years ago.

Anonymous said...

Weaved hair, love black and periwinkle and I'm definately a God's glamour girl.......

Anonymous said...

What a great resource!