there are just some pairings that are meant to be together -peanut butter and jelly, bert and ernie, coach and tami taylor, and in this case black and white. it’s a tried and true classic combination that is not only extremely versatile (it’s the perfect blank canvas for a pop of color –or leopard in this case), but also timeless. i don’t think anyone would argue the fact that it is just as chic now in 2016 as it was 50 years ago.

now that i’m a little older (HOW is my 31st birthday a week from this saturday?!), i’ve come to embrace black and white for how sophisticated it makes me feel. it’s funny how your perspective of how you want to feel in your clothes transforms over the years. in my 20’s my goal was to stand out with unexpected color combinations or crazy accessories. but since entering a new decade, i’ve found myself gravitating toward a simpler aesthetic with a more neutral color palette and classic cuts and designs. and at at the forefront of my refined personal style is the combination of black and white.

i wore this outfit this past weekend as i headed out to spend the afternoon shopping for potential bridal shower dresses with my mom. maybe i was still experiencing that post-found-my-wedding-dress glow, but even in its simplicity, i couldn’t help but feel really pretty in this outfit.

zara blouse || madewell jeans || j.crew factory flats (similar)

natalie borton necklace