Black is Beautiful!

I love black. And since in the last post I showed you all the ways you can work with white...now of course, it's time to showcase basic black. Like white, this is also a must for the fall. Black is one of the easiest colors with which you can mix and match and most people feel very comfortable wearing it. I often hear people say just wear black and it'll look like you shed a few pounds. Depending on the outfit, sometimes that's true.

If you have not yet invested in the little black dress, it's time, honey. You can never go wrong when you show up in it, like this Tiered Fringe Dress from Ann Taylor. It's really a show stopper. If you're a skirt type of girl, there's many ways to work your basic black pencil skirt like this long Ponte Pencil skirt from White House Black Market. There's always something sexy about that pencil skirt. One other hot item you can incorporate into your fall wardrobe is the Skinny Black Riding Pant like this one from Michael Kors.

Those riding pants will go great with a mix of leather (and if the budget's tight...maybe pleather) goods...like these two sizzling hot jackets. You can go basic with this Trouve Structured Shoulder Leather Blazer or add a little twist with some ruffles like this romance-inspired Tahari 'Perry' Ruffle Front Lambskin Leather Scuba Jacket both from Nordstrom. Both of these jackets can take you through the fall with great style and sophistication.

Since we're talking leather goods, dont' neglect your feet! If you can, honey, save the extra dollars and go leather not pleather for your tootsies.
A great pair of boots can boost your confidence enough to kick any negative people in your life to the curb, and let them know that "these boots are made for walking" just like Nancy Sinatra or Jessica Simspon for you younger chicks. This fall you have your choice from this military-inspired lace-up boot to an ankle boot or if you really want to work a full length boot try this Steve Madden Neley Over the Knee Boot. No matter which pair you have in mind, black leather boots are always a good investment.Shiny black leather outfits inspire me to eat shiny black berries! No pleather here...just the real deal...when it comes to super foods. Blackberries are packed full of anti-oxidants and fiber, along with Vitamins C and K. They're also rich in Anthocyanins, the pigments found in many berries, which scientists from Clemson University say can help fight breast cancer cells. So eat up, girlfriend, and remember with Palette 2 Palate Color (and black!) is in all year 'round!

Fallin' For White

As autumn gets closer, I find myself "falling" for white. Those of you who fell for the myth that you can't wear white after Labor Day, get over it! It's a new day, honey. White is wearable all year 'round, it all depends on how you style it. A white collar shirt is a key essential for your wardrobe.

You can definitely spice it up this fall, here's one simple way: Throw a Halogen pleat shoulder cardigan from Nordstrom over this Halogen Poplin button-down blouse and you can stay cozy but still alluring when the temperature drops. This look is perfect for the office.
Here are a couple of other great office looks from Ann Taylor, including the ruffle button down shirt, which you can transition into cocktail hour by adding a little bling to your neck. A white button down shirt with a pencil skirt and a great heel can be a hot mix when heading to your business mixer.

Since we're talking about white, I found one very interesting white vegetable that you might have a hard time tracking down in your produce aisle: white carrots. If you do happen to find some, congratulations! Let me know where, so our other readers can try them too. White carrots have plenty of phytochemicals, aka antioxidants which you've read in previous posts help fight diseases. A quick aside, did you know carrots also come in purple and red along with the white and traditional orange? But I digress. If you just can't find the white carrots to complement your stunning white apparel, don't be sad, there's still plenty of white to eat at your fingertips, like mushrooms.
You have many kinds to choose from like Shiitake and Portabello. These fungi are fun to eat, guys, (haha) because they're low in fat and cholesterol, but high in Vitamin D. So if you're lactose intolerant, and can't handle the dairy, here's a good white alternative.

Remember, with Palette 2 Palate color (and white) is in all year 'round!