Black and White and Red All Over

Dress and belt, vintage.  Shoes, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa.

Everytime I go shopping I try to give myself some basic rules to ensure that I only walk away with items that I truly need, and one of those rules is inevitably "No more black and white!"  Aside from the occasional pair of blue jeans, my closet is mostly filled with these neutral hues- which is great for mixing and matching, but leaves me empty-handed when I'm dying for a pop of color.   

I've found that the best way to add color to my look while still feeling like myself is through accessories.  A bright belt or showy shoe lends the perfect amount of pizzazz!

Bag, vintage (via my Nanny).

I found this dress at one of my favorite vintage shops in Boston, a charming little hideaway called The Cafe Society.  Originally, it was a floor-length gown, but I saw the potential in the fun print and impeccable fit and did a little DIY project to turn it into the dress I'm wearing today!

I added a thick quilted red belt to break it up a bit (see? I do own colorful things!) and threw my Nanny's vintage 60s purse into the mix as well.

Shoes, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa.

The big bows on this gorgeous pair of shoes from the Vivienne Westwood and Melissa collaboration accentuated the kitchy-retro vibe of this outfit.  Fun fact:  all the shoes that Vivienne and Melissa put out together smell like bubblegum!  How cool is that?!

But my favorite matching accessory is still my kitty, Audrey!