THE CITIZEN INDEX

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Spring Trend: Graphic in Black + White

This post is dedicated to Thorne Garnet, Georgia peach, +40 blogger, and "weird doll" collector.

You may have read all about this zany "new fashion trend" hitting the sidewalks, and it's called mixing black with white. I know, gah, it's REVOLUTIONARY. An absolute novel idea, never been thunk up before. In fact, you reading this, this is probably the first time you've even heard about it. The TREND. Of Black and White. 

Uh. Um. Yeah. Right. 

Fashion Frocks from History: 1840s, 1960s, 1960s as 1930s, 1950s, 1980s. It's Black and White. All Over.

From the 1840s (and before) to 2012, there has been quite a bit of black and white prints being mixed, as the images gleaned from the interwebs (and from various eras) can illustrate. Black and white,  black WITH white, however you put it, has been paired together before. And I assure you, when this hooplah about it being a new trend dies down, it will still be put together and mixed again. 



Ain't nothin' new. (<--declares the girl who refuses to keep her apostrophes to a minimum)

But, it always looks fresh.


Dont Call It A Come Back. It's been here for YEARS.

Maybe that's what they mean, by calling it "a trend." 

Here I am, parading about in this new-fangled combo. Mixing the revolutionary polka dots with the hot-off-the-presses stripes. Throwing in some chevron stripes for shits and giggles. Note the awesome cork wedges- they were got from Nordstrom last year, and I am dying for a bit of sun to wear them outside this spring. W-A-I-T-I-N-G. Forever. 

Also waiting for this new media trend of announcing classic fashion standbys (like leopard, like paisley, like stripes) to stop being called "Trends." And just start being called awesome.

If I may defer to the wisdom of the L.L. Cool J: Don't call it a comeback, it's been here for years.

So here's to the UN-TRENDS. Here's to dressing and feeling gorgeous in tried-and-true style combinations, like black and white. Don't hype the stripes; just enjoy dressing as YOU. I hope the real Spring trend is that more and more women of all sizes, shapes and ages are celebrating themselves with their personal beauty and style.

May your day today be beautiful and colorful, regardless of what you're wearing. 

32 comments:

  1. I love the graphic prints. It is funny to call black and white and trend when it's really always been around. Cute shorts! Love the polka dots!

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  2. Yes, the question is why there is so much focus on trends? Strong characters / personalities / styles is so much more fun. You are a master at combining patterns, so obviously you combine graphic black and white pattern in the best way.

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  3. Thanks Bella! You must be a mind reader, I was planning on wearing one of my many black and white dresses today! I have 8, I either have a problem or need to buy 2 more so I can rock this new "trend" for 2 weeks! That's what I love about fashion trends, telling me I've been cool for the past 30 years! Are bangs making a comeback, The First Lady has them? Take care, and I'm sending you some sunshine

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  4. Your snarky sense of humor and a lil LLCoolJay perfect way to start the day. Trends, we each make our own around here, but your right why not just call it awesome!
    Xxoo

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  5. you're right, graphic black & white is a classic and always fresh combo!, and you wear it so nicely and looking so gorgeous!!
    I'm not a huge fan of 'trends', I believe in developing a personal style and have fun doing it!!
    besos & blanco y negro!

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  6. LL is just so hot. Black and white/stripes/polka dots... All tried and true classics.
    Love 'em.
    Becky :)

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  7. So true Bella. As soon as a lady steps out the new trend mania she can clearly see that anything goes and comes back in eternal waves.It's so liberating to just dress by this rule.

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  8. Love your new fangled combo - and LL Cool J.

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  9. LOVE it!!! You're not trendy - you're FABULOUS!!

    LLCoolJ--YUM!!! The ONLY reason I watch NCIS-LA!!

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  10. Hmmm, Black & White together, you say?? I don't know, seems rather radical to me, but what the heck, I'll give it a go!

    You look adorable, as always.

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  11. hi bella you look great. have you lost some weight? black and white is perfect. lucy

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  12. Yup, black and white, always a classic! Like Oreos...
    You look great!

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  13. You do make me laugh! You look fabulous and who wants to be trendy other than a 14 year-old with no mates? xxx

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  14. You look chic and very much like a younger Coco!

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  15. Whoa, yes, chic! And I love this shoe with this. Thorne Garnet is awesome. She is also an uber sewing and knitting talent as well.

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  16. Black and White and stripes will always be a great combo! Trends is what makes the Corporate world earn there money ...

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  17. its interesting but not overpowering. I really like this combination. Bravo!!:)

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  18. I absolutely agree with you, pumpkin! When did black & white ever go OUT of style??? D-uh!

    But yes, trend or no trend, it's a style fashionable women can always fall back upon! :)

    Love the stripes + polka look...must try it out sometime! ^_^

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  19. You're touching on a personal favorite here! I've often thought of making a wardrobe out of nothing but black and white....I. JUST. LOVE. IT!!! Hugs my friend! Serene

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  20. One of my all-time favourite combos and you've pulled it off fabulously, as always. LOVE the wedges with the tights. You have a great eye for strong graphics and what works for you...much better than a 'trend'.

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  21. I love how you rock this "new" look. No seriously, you look awesome.

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  22. Wowzers to your fabulous outfit! You look amazing in those shorts!

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  23. Your list of what has been defined as current trends has been around for as long as I can remember. However, your black and white outfit today is truly special.

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  24. I know! next thing, jeans will be trending. Janeane Garafalo did a routine many years ago, making fun of the Fashion Industry: "Have you heard, this year Pretty is In!" : >

    Love your look, you are always a wonderful view and a terrific read xoxoxoxo

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  25. That chevron stripe bag is awesome.

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  26. Fabulous post Bella Q! King Solomon says, "There isn't anything new under the sun" and isn't that the truth! :-)

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  27. So true about the BS of basically calling everything under the sun the newest "trend".

    I love a woman that can rock what looks like a gondolier's hat : )

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  28. I'm gonna knock you out HUH! Love that song. I love you in black and white. YOu look great in stripes too. More more! x

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  29. If I see you on the street wearing that hat....I'm going to take if from you! ;) Just kidding. You love marvelous!

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  30. Love this Bella, you look great.

    Your writing made me smile, yeah what is this new black 'n' white thing haha.

    Funnily enough I did a post this week titled Modern Monochrome as opposed to vintage monochrome from back in the 50s and 60s, as you wrote it's nothing new, but can still be fresh.

    Also love your choice of song :)

    Ariele

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You are rad. Thanks for your comment!