pulling it together :: cosmopolitan

hey guys, evelyn here. today is bittersweet, as it marks my very last post as “blogger in residence” here at scoutie girl. let me tell you what, though. it has been a blast! i’ve enjoyed reading all of your comments and appreciate your taking the time to let me know what you think. it’s encouraging and exciting to be well-received and, even more, to know that so many folks are interested in becoming conscious consumers by learning to effectively shop your closet, taking baby steps in “greening up” your wardrobe and maximizing wardrobe versatility by investing in a few key pieces from some favorite indie designers. this certainly won’t be the last you hear of me on scoutie girl, but, until then, don’t be a stranger at oh my word! i’d love to hear how your spring wardrobe shapes up. thanks again for welcoming me! xo, evelyn

with that sappy stuff now aside, i bring you my last (but certainly not least) look for spring – the cosmopolitan. whether hitting a martini mixer or a gallery opening, a simple little black dress (aka l.b.d.) is every girl’s go-to piece. a great black dress is the quintessential fashion staple. it’s a personal favorite of mine because it’s also one of the most practical pieces you can own and what’s not to love about that? a black dress is a blank slate, which is why i chose it as the basis of this last look. you can transform a l.b.d. to fit just about any occasion with the addition of carefully-chosen accessories (again…they’re the key!) my favorite part of this look is the sass it exudes. playful black cutout pumps, a sparkly necklace, a seriously hot clutch…the outfit opportunities are endless. the results? stunning.

look 4: cosmopolitan

if you invest in just one great black dress, choose the most practical shape possible to get the most use out of it. consider sleeve, neckline, length and fabric choice. i’m loving this black dress because it is a flattering length, the short sleeve makes it work safe and the scoop neck shows just enough skin. matte jersey, like this cotton/bamboo blend, is a trifecta fabric: comfortable, versatile and flattering.

once you have your dress, it’s all about the add-ons. one way to add some pizzazz to a simple l.b.d. is through patterned hosiery, like this contemporary chevron. the oversized-bow on the hot pink clutch and the glitz of the sequins in the bib necklace break up the black with bright pops of color. the boyfriend blazer, black heels and crocheted wire earrings were used in the last look, just to illustrate their versatility. the point is, don’t feel limited. experiment. mix colors and shapes. add layers and accessories.

p.s. don’t feel stuck with black heels. booties, riding boots, sling backs and kitten heels can all be invited to this party! you can even spruce up an old pair of black pumps with vintage clip-on earrings as shoe clips (they work wonders!)

1. black boyfriend blazer – H&M
2. sequin frenzy necklace in violet & magenta – ezza exclusive
3. the bow back dress – my dear thing
4. zig zag mesh tights – forever 21
5. eley kishimoto black patent pumps — gargyle
6. chic black disk earrings – yoola
7. all about a bow clutch – davie and chiyo

editor’s note:
i just want to thank evelyn for building a little home away from home here at scoutie girl. her posts have been eye-catching, insightful, and full of useful fashion tips for incorporating handmade into your existing wardrobe. i think she’ll be back in the future – i hope! you can view all of her posts here. until then though, be sure to stop by oh my word! for more inspiration, insight, and pretty pretty pretty!