As I think I’ve referenced before, I’m not someone who is down with labeling my personal style. I don’t like the idea of putting myself in a box and committing to a certain look. I truly dress to express how I am feeling (or would like to feel) on a given day, whether it be classy or sassy or preppy or sophisticated or funky or the myriad of other emotions or states of being I embody as a complex, multidimensional woman. And while I love adding pieces to my closet that do have a certain look or feel to them, I want to give a particular shoutout to those versatile basics that act as the blank canvas for those times when inspiration is just a-striking.
One such item? My black t-shirt dress.

A few weeks ago, you may remember me styling this with an oversized blazer, black booties, and a classic clutch (post is here if you need a refresher!). I wanted something chic and polished—but still sexy—for a friend’s birthday dinner and knew combining simple, classic pieces in a minimalist palette would help me nail the look I was going for.

Cut to a week later, and ya girl is in a whole new headspace. Matt and I had just watched an amazing documentary titled “Loud Krazy Love.” The film chronicles the addiction and recovery of Korn bassist Brian “Head” Welch, as well as the impact of both on his relationship with his daughter, Jennea. You remember Korn…the nu metal rock band that was huge in the nineties? Yup, that’s the one. First things first, I highly, highly recommend this documentary. Whether or not you’re a fan of the band’s music, the movie’s overarching themes of family, friendship, forgiveness, and unconditional love can be appreciated universally. Second, listening to Korn’s bomb-ass music over the course of the film’s one-hour-and-twenty-seven-minute run time got me allll up in my nostalgic feelings.
To be fair, we probably all saw this coming via my recent obsession with that Nirvana band tee. As the great philosopher of our time, Selena Gomez, so eloquently put it “the heart wants what it wants.” Apparently, this heart wanted to ooze attitude and teen angst.


And so, I grabbed my favorite basic (the aforementioned little black dress)and pulled from my mental mood board so to speak. Inspired by the grungy, funky vibe of all the nineties rock music I’d been consuming, I tossed a plaid flannel around my waist and added a cool choker. A pair of fresh kicks and aviator sunnies added a contemporary touch in order to keep this but a nod to a bygone era as opposed to a full-blown step back in time.
Do you guys like creating your own look by picking and choosing the right accessories…or would you prefer to just throw on a stand-out piece that speaks for itself? If you are on the hunt for some great basics, my favorite retailers to shop include Aerie, H&M, Primark, and Express (particularly, its “One Eleven” line).