Stepping Into Spring With Style | Featuring White House Black Market

Although new york is still covered with hot white snow I am planning my Spring wardrobe and also wearing it too. I am sick of having to wear long coats, furs, gloves and the whole nine yards. there is something liberating about slipping into a Tarun Tahiliani caftan and a pair of sky-high bejeweled sandals. In any case, one boutique that's on my spring shopping hit list is White House Black Market. I absolutely adore this store mostly because each piece is sophisticated yet still fun and flirty. Like myself. One of my favorite pieces from the WHBM collection for this spring is this fabulous pin ruffle top. I wear it off the shoulders but it can be worn regularly as well. I pair this top with jeans and a long crystal and pearl statement necklace for casual days and a black mini and platform booties for night. To view the entire collection click here. (P.S. I absolutely love this promo video of the WHBM Spring collection, it definitely puts me in the mood for Spring.)

JIMMY CHOO | 24:7 Shoe Collection

Many shoes have come before and many have come after but Jimmy Choo remains to be the most recognizable and coveted shoe label. CHOO 24:7 is the 'perfect shoe wardrobe' with updated versions of Tamara Mellon's favourite styles in a variety of colours, materials and heel heights. Taking the Jimmy Choo woman from day to evening, 7 days a week, it is the definitive assortment of iconic Jimmy Choo styles. These classic Choo styles remain iconic since their original conception, and have been the shoe choice of sophisticated women alike, time and time again. Click here to browse the collection and watch the exclusive 24:7 film.

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

Boutique Review | White House Black Market SoHo

I used to associate White House Black Market with the older crowd but after a trip to the new SoHo location my perceptions have changed. This boutique is a must for us New York fashionistas who love to wear black. They have a great selection of little black dresses, camis and sweet accessories. The staff is absolutely amazing as well the girls are very accommodating and gracious. An overall fabulous shopping experience. Just a word of caution, although I love everything about this store I don't recommend the shoes. They look great and are super cheap at an average of 88.00 but they will bring hell to your feet. For more information click here.

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

La Vie En NOIR

Black is my favorite color. It's chic, its sophisticated and it will never go out of style. Here are my picks from Forever21. Recessionistas rejoice, everything here is under $50.00.

Noir Is The New Black

We all know that pure black liners and mascaras give you the most luxurious and impactful eyes. Yet, it's so hard to find just that. The richest black possible. With that said, the search is over for me ever since I've found Noir. The first thing I adore about Noir is the fabulous packaging which is luxe and ultra hip. The products themselves are seamless and silky making the application of eyeliner that much easier. The Noir Jewel Box is one of my favorite products from the line. The eye shadows have just the right amount of shimmer for look-at-me eyes that will dazzle any crowd. Fall 2008 calls for dramatic eyes so stock up on black eyeliners, shadows and more from Noir. Dare to be dramatic.

That's Haute

The Little Black Dress

No matter her budget, location, or social circle, a great cocktail dress is a necessity every girl should have in her wardrobe. And though most girls would love to pick out a new dress for every party they go to, the option just isn’t feasible. Enter the “little black dress.” The classy black dress has been a staple since it’s introduction in the 1920’s by iconic designer Coco Chanel. The LBD is a timeless trend. A simple, elegant black frock can be dressed up or down depending on accessories. And it is just as versatile as it is stylish. You can don your favorite shift dress and add spiky heels, heavy eye liner and bunches of bangles to prove a rocker chic ensemble, but the same dress decorated with strands of pearls, a loose updo hairstyle and elegant ballet flats will give off a classy Holly Golighty-esque vibe. A great black cocktail dress is a necessity every girl should have in her wardrobe.

-Jillian Bietz

That's Haute

That's Haute

For the Love of Black

Contributed by Gabriel Wood

Emporio Armani Autumn 2008

I used to frown upon the grunge look in menswear, and especially "Goths". My problem did not lie in the genre of music but of the dress code to which it relates to men. Oh how I loathed the colour black when used solely from head to toe. I had a somewhat ignorant perception of how it should be used. I always thought patriot black should only be worn by funeral directors and by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. But of recent, I’ve had a vogue premonition for the use of this bottomless shade.

To learn about something, you must first observe it.

To understand something is to accept it for what it is, and this would prove quite an obstacle for me. I, firstly, had to research on the whereabouts of these colour, abusers but that wasn’t too difficult as there is a huge colony in Camden market (UK). Oh wow, what a culture shock! I have never seen so much of the same shade. After about half an hour, I wondered whether I would see any sense in this entire skeptical but, as the sun dimmed the shop fronts and quietened the Camden high street, I saw something I didn’t think I would ever see. Undisturbed and understated unity. There I was, utterly convinced that normal people dressed with coordinating colour and vibrancy, but I was wrong. I saw elements of red, shades of purple and other colours hidden in purposely placed accessories. Six inch metal bound platforms and neo-like trench coats are yet to be desired and I realized that by carefully placing hints of colour into an all black outfit, one can pull off a very good look. I decided to make a stop at the UNIQLO store in the heart of trendy Wimbledon, and purchased a black turtle neck jumper and some cream F-TROUPE smart trainers from Topman. I also purchased a black pair of slim cut jeans from Topman plus a black fitted suit blazer. I tried the outfit out as soon as I got home and to my delight it looked good. Who would of thought that the nipple piercing social rejects would be the base of inspiration. I find myself always wearing black, furthermore delighting my bank account with purchases pertaining to my new interest.

"Solid colours worn from head to toe can be good, as long as you coordinate it well with other elements."

Pocket or Posh? - The Large Black Patchwork Tote

Pocket this midnight black Patchwork Tote from Payless for $19.99, or snag this black leather Miu Miu large patchwork tote from Net-a-Porter for $1445.00. This addition of texture will round out your current ensemble.