Back to Black

 

Dear friends. I don't know if it's the situation in Ukraine, but I feel drawn to wearing black this week. I used to wear a lot of black but since I became passionate about dopamine dressing, and using colour, you don't see me in it very often.

Except this week! On Monday I wore a black coat with red accessories.  Today I'm wearing one of my favourite looks, a Peter Pan collar on a textured jumper.  Black and white always looks chic and smart, and of course flattering to the figure. 

I've kept the look low-key, with black ankle boots and black trousers (pants) and used this muted look to showcase my Kurt Geiger rainbow bag.

The jumper caught my eye recently in a Ted Baker ad. They've made available some pieces from their archive, and this jumper, plus my beloved burgundy jumper with bow, is one of the collection released, and these pieces are reduced in price.  It looks as if my jumper in this post has now sold out. 

How to Look Good in Black

According to colour analysis, black can only be worn by winters. Well I am a winter, albeit with the characteristics Clear / Cool / Light which means I look best in the bright, light colours of the winter palette. I like to think I just about get away with black.  It's best not to wear it directly against your face: either try a coloured or beaded collar, or a scarf. 

The eagle eyed among you may have spotted that the jumper is actually a very dark navy -one of my worst colours!

 I hadn't realised this until I saw it on the despatch note.  By then I had thrown away the packaging so it was too late to return it.  Fortunately it is so dark it is nearly black. 

Skincare and make-up used:  Look Fabulous Forever Hydration Hold face serum, StriVectin R&R eye cream, StriVectin Tightening Neck Cream, Uriage Eau Thermale water cream, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50, LFF Smooth like Silk Face Primer, Clarins Ever Lasting Youth Fluid (honey), Trinny London concealer in Alison, Code Beautiful Lid Lift Enhance, Laura Mercier Celestial Light Catcher, Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion in Watermelon, Rumi VolumeCare Mascara, Guerlain Kiss Kiss lip primer, Tom Ford lipstick in Ashley. 

The Ukranian situation is desperate. As we sat silently watching this morning, tears were pouring down our cheeks.  The EU has finally manned up to its responsibilities, but how slow some organisations (FIFA and the UK government) have been.  Boris Johnson and Liz Truss are keen to give soundbites, but action has not been very forthcoming. Yes, oligarchs are being fenced in by banking sanctions, but unlike the EU, the UK is only allowing visas to Ukranians for spouses, unmarried partners of at least two years, parents or their children if one is under 18, or adult relatives who are also carers. (Update: this is likely to be reviewed, after a lot of criticism). 

My company is matching donations so I have contributed, although the banking system in Ukraine is also down so money is useless unless it goes to people on the ground.  It's heart warming and humbling to see the help and welcome from Poland and other border countries. All we can do is hope and pray for a fast resolution to the crisis, and for the evil despot to be dealt with.

Now it's time for the #WowOnWednesday link-up. Bloggers/Instagrammers can find new readers, plus readers can find new blogs to read. I promote my favourite five posts on Facebook every week, plus announce the favourites in Instagram Stories.

Sorry if I didn't get round to commenting on all our posts last week.  There's an issue with the latest Android release and Blogger which makes it almost impossible to comment on my phone or tablet. When my PC is on, I am invariably working, so I've had less time to comment. 

Last Week's Favourites (Most Clicked)

5 Key Pieces for Dressing Really Well this Season by Bauchle Fashion. And yes, black is in there!

Long Cardigans for Women by Carol, the Scribbling Boomer

Is This Mutton Favourite

8 Top Tips for Combining a Classic Dressing Style with Practical Lifestyle Needs by Imogen from Inside Out Style.  Pleased to welcome Imogen to the link-up: you will enjoy her inspirational and stylish advice on how to express your style.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter