STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black on Black

I don’t know about you, but for me, black on black is a deviously sexy combo. As seen on the autumn/winter 2012-13 runways of designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Giorgio Armani Prive, suiting up in this hue can make you look as sexy as the nighttime sky, as mysterious as a black cat and as badass as Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider.

Although this Fashionista wasn’t owning the terrace in front of the Cathedral of Learning in a signature, all black Gaultier pant suit, she did transform the dull pavement into a lively runway for me when I spotted her in an all black look, perfected to her unique aura.

Pairing a translucent, A-line skirt with a fitted cropped tee and combat boots, this Fashionista mixes flirty, feminine and forward to achieve her own take on the all black trend. Accessorizing with a statement necklace and collar, she manages to set off the solo hue silhouette with just the right amount of shine. And if the outfit wasn’t enough, her fire-red locks added to the sleek mystery and just plain cool attitude of her ensemble.

One thing this Fashionista masters is mixing materials. It’s not easy when you’ve got the perfect chiffon shirt and skirt or cotton tee and short, especially of the same color, but can’t find a way to pair them together for a standout look. Take some advice from this Fashionistas look and try not to pair cottons or the same hue together. Black is especially tricky because it seems like not one piece of black cotton material is the same. To avert from this mishap, try pairing this LC Lauren Conrad blouse with skintight leather pants and a simple bootie. Some oversized pearl studs will complement the adornment of the top, and provide this all black ensemble with a bit of femininity.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black On Black

The spring time has finally arrived on Temple University's campus and so has everyone's new spring wardrobe. Walking around campus is almost as if I'm flipping the pages of the Philadelphia Style Magazine or watching a runway show. The fashion on campus has become fierce, which only means everyone needs to step it! While strolling to class, I found a Fashionista who dressed to impress from head to toe with her chic black on black ensemble.

This Fashionista is wearing a black, sheer, sleeveless blouse from Forever 21. Sheer is a perfect material for the spring and summertime, it is also a super big trend right now. Sheer is versatile and so much fun to play around with. You can dress up a sheer top to hit the town with your girlfriends, or like this Fashionista, you can dress it down for class. While browsing around, I hit gold when discovering this adorable sheer sleeve jacket from Forever 21. There are a lot of affordable sheer options on Forever 21's online website, so if you're sold on the idea, definitely check it out!

This Fashionista also wearing printed trousers from Forever 21 to stylishly complement her sheer top. Prints and patterns are a major trend right, but it's important not to overcrowd it. The Fashionista's ensemble is a perfect example of not overcrowding, but a equal compromise of both sheer and prints. Forever 21 has a huge collection of printed trousers, but a specific printed pair of trousers caught my attention.

This week it's all about sheer and prints, so don't be shy to be a little bold or daring, don't knock it till you try it!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black On Black

Students around campus all seem to be utilizing their monochromatic black ensembles a few more times before spring weather is in full force. There's nothing quite like an all black look that provides just as much pop as a bright color. Although I am constantly emphasizing the importance of incorporating a standout color piece in one's outfit, when done right, black from head to toe can be equally as striking.

Take a hint from this week's Fashionista who exhibits how a sleek silky tee, paired with black skinnies and tall black leather boots, is not only professional, but the perfect dose of chic. This outfit can easily take her from day to night by simply slipping out of her black denim and into a lacy skirt or sparkly shorts. The beauty of her black top is that is can go with everything and the silky material creates a fun, feminine vibe.

Her silky black top was found at a small boutique, but similar tops, such as this from Vince can be found everywhere. A black top is an easy piece to pair with skirts, shorts, jeans and the much-loved colored denim. With its endless ways to dress up or down, I strongly encourage all Fashionista's without a go-to overcoat to purchase one in black. Plus, with summer coming, you'll be lucky to find multiple options on sale to save for next winter.

This Fashionista continues her all black look with a pair sleek black boots. This is another item every Fashionsta should own. Black boots look great over tights, denim and leggings. Plus, with a little protective spray they can withstand rain, snow and shine. The way this Fashionsta commits to all black from head to toe is what initially struck my eye. The outfit would not hold as much power if paired with different colored shoes or pants.

Her simple brown s atchel is the final piece she needs to not only store a days worth of essentials, but to create a small dose of color without detracting from the monochromatic look. With a pair of black sunglasses tucked away in her bag, this Fashionista is ready to take the day (and night) by storm. From sophisticated to sexy, all black looks are hard to mess up. Once you go all black, you may never go back.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black On Black

I find that I always shy away from wearing the same colors on top of each other, but this Fashionista shows how great a monochromatic outfit can be. We all look good in certain colors, so why not wear an outfit in one of your favorite shades? Black is perfect to begin with because virtually everything looks good or can be matched with black. The real trick to wearing the same color is to have varying hues of it. For example, this Fashionista’s look is broken up by the sheer black stockings, the synthetic material in her coat (which gives it an off-black look) and the darkness of her dress. In order to fully break up the look however you need to have lighter accents. In this case, it’s her gold jewelry.

Want to try a similar look? Try it with a nude shade. Here’s an idea: pair this skirt and these tights with a simple cream body suit and these boots. Seems boring, right? Not quite! Now it's time for the accents. Add this red belt to the outfit and even a pair of red dangly earrings. Don’t like earrings? How about this necklace?

This is a simple way to make a look your own and more unique! Next, try pairing navy or royal blue with a pop of orange. Another great idea would be charcoal or gray made more exciting with some gorgeous pinks. Lastly, try brown with turquoise or teal, and don’t forget leather accessories — you can take this one western or city chic. The possibilities are endless, so express your personal style in color. You won’t regret it.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Black on Black

While I’m quite the fan of making a statement with what one wears; Fashionistas usually assume that means adding bold and bright colors. Well, this week I’m taking the road less taken and saying there’s nothing more eye-catching than pulling off the all black everything look. Post after post I’ve talked about trends that have come into the fashion scene and left just as quickly as they entered. Unlike the rest, the all black trend has never left. It is classic, effortless and instantly dramatic.

Whenever I catch someone bold enough to wear all black, I can’t help but compliment them. Take this Fashionista for instance. She was dressed for the cool campus weather yet managed to create a look worth remembering. Her black on black style is edgy and exudes a rocker vibe, but her scarf and heeled oxfords add a pretty chic touch to her outfit. Her outfit is simple for class, yet elegant enough to wear for a night out. For those adding their own spin to this look, stick with basic black items, but be sure to add textures and pieces with embellishments. Basically, look through the signature pieces you already have and then add in black items that have some pizzazz. If you’re leaning towards skinnies and a V-neck, add in spiked flats for a new effect.

Investing in black pieces is necessary because you’ll always be in style due to its classic feel. Whenever my wardrobe fails me and I’m forced to use the famous cliché, “I’ve got nothing to wear,” I lean towards black because of how timeless (and slimming) it is. This doesn’t mean you should end your days of color blocking or ignore the pops of color that are left in your wardrobe. If you don’t think you can quite handle black on black, try it with colorful accessories like this Fashionista. No matter how you wear it, one thing’s for sure, its sophistication and elegance is apparent.