Except for the last few years, when I was making monthly trips to New York City, my wardrobe has always included color. Those trips—along with the chic women I met and the stores on Madison Avenue—influenced me, so I’ve added a lot of black to my wardrobe. While black is classic, easy and versatile to wear, I’ve been craving color. I’ve also discovered black lends itself to summer dressing.
I’m crazy about this week’s outfit and can’t wait to wear it everywhere.
My Maggie Top is a naturally dyed, black silk crepe. It’s slightly cropped, but it more than covers the waist of my Savista Pant… which just looks like a skirt and is a 100% silk boski. It’s not the usual shiny silk you might think of. Both are from Seek Collective. Designed by Carol Miltimore in Brooklyn, New York, Carol’s pieces are inspired by her travels and her lifelong passion and respect for the artisans she’s met along the way. The pieces I’m wearing are perfect examples.
Made in India, my pants were hand blocked, a technique which dates back over 350 years. It’s an intricate and time-consuming process which begins when the artisan hand carves each design into a block of wood. The block is then dipped into the color dye and stamped onto the fabric, one block at a time, until the pattern is achieved. From there the fabric is boiled, washed and dried in the sun.
Aside from the design and the look and feel of the fabric, the thing I like most about Seek Collective’s company is because of the intricate process, lots of people in this village in India are employed. In addition, no electricity is used, and they only print what is needed, which reduces waste.
Just so you know, I wasn’t compensated in any way for this post. I found Seek Collective on my own and then placed my order with my credit card. Since then I’ve discovered they sell a lot of pieces to women over 50, and because I love this outfit and the thought behind the company so much, I hope all of you will visit their site and take a look! The Maggie Top and Savista Pants I’m wearing are on sale!!
I will say their measurements are a little confusing. They measure the bust or the waist with the piece laying flat on a table, which means you need to double that measurement, i.e., 17″ is really 34.” I had to email them and ask, but they got back with me instantly. For their consideration… I’d suggest they add a size chart to each outfit and explain how it correlates to small, medium, large, etc.
And, as always, if you see something you like that’s sleeveless, remember you can always layer a lightweight t-shirt or blouse underneath. I did that with one of my recent Fashion Friday posts.
BTW, Jennifer and I took these photos in my courtyard. I have a long way to go before I show it to you–it’s not landscaped and I’m still working on the furniture–but I have painted the courtyard walls a soft cream.
See the silver bracelet I’m wearing in TWO of these photos? That’s because it’s heavy and keeps slipping off my wrist. I bought it when my first husband and I were in Santa Fe. I wore it out of the store, and at some point, it fell off and clattered to the sidewalk. My husband, who didn’t like it to begin with, kept on walking and without missing a beat said, “Sounds like somebody lost a hubcap.” LOL!
Happy Summer Dressing!!
14 thoughts on “YOU CAN WEAR BLACK IN THE SUMMER”
That’s an adorable outfit. The pants do look like a skirt, but better because you don’t have to worry about seeing through. Are there pockets? That would make them perfect. Silk is an excellent fabric for summer, so light and breathable. The handmade print makes the pants really special. And the top is nice and airy.
Even in the south of France, I wear black all the time in summer. I was looking at my “sun” dresses–five are solid black. One reason is because more than one white dress has been ruined by sunblock; black doesn’t show it. The other reason is because I wear lots of my clothes year-round (mild winters), and black is just easy–goes with everything. In fact, with a big black sun hat and black espadrilles, I’m often in black from head to toe.
Taste of France…. A black dress, black sun hat and black espadrilles sounds very chic and very French. The pants I’m wearing do have pockets. In one of the photos you can see one of my hands is slipped into the pocket. This may be my favorite outfit I’ve bought in a longtime. It’s perfect for summer, lightweight and airy. I love it! Thanks for telling us what you wear in the south of France!!!
I love those pants, Brenda, perfect with that shorter top. Looks great. Cool and breezy.. and chic.
Oh, good! I value your opinion, Sue! Thanks so much! xoxox, Brenda
Beautiful outfit and beautiful photos, Brenda! You make a wonderful model.
Thank you, Laurie. Jennifer is the best photographer I’ve seen in a long time, and together, we’re having fun, turning me into a model. xoxox, Brenda
Love your courtyard, love the pics of you in the chairs–you look so happy. Like a kid. (And that’s a compliment.)
Thank you, Lisa! I am happy… something I never thought I would be, again, after my husband died. It’s taken me a long time… I love my home and my dogs are so much fun. They’re playful and full of mischief. You can’t help but be happy around them. xoxox, Brenda
Love this outfit! I may have to get this! Also love your courtyard! Beautiful!
Hi Sweet Beckye!! It’s my favorite outfit I’ve bought in a long time. I love it so much I thought about buying another one just like it in case something happens to this one. I’m slowing getting my house and the courtyard together. With the courtyard, I’ve been planting little things here and there to make sure Annie and Lulu don’t eat them before I plant more. Just when I think they’re good… like this morning… THEY DIG UP MY JASMINE!!!!! Grrrr… xoxox, Brenda
Brenda,
I love those pants!
I may have to get a pair too! Nothing like big airy pants for the summer.
I hope you had a wonderful birthday my friend!
Your courtyard is just fine. Fill it with things that speak to you. Don’t rush the process!
Hugs,
Robin
Hi Robin, Oh, good! I’m glad you like these pants! Seek Collective has several others that are cut like this but in different colors and with different colorblock patterns. I love their dark blue ones with a “night burst” print. Since I looked the other day, many things are sold out. DEAR SEEK COLLECTIVE… PLEASE MAKE MORE BEAUTIFUL THINGS!! Thanks Robin, xoxox, Brenda
Big thumbs up! You look so chic and relaxed – and I love Indian block prints – plus doing something good at the same time is a plus. You’ve got the prettiest eyes!
The 2 ficus trees have survived and look really good!
Hi Val, This is my first piece that’s a block print, and I love it. Yes, I really like that this company is helping support the artisan town in India. Thanks for the compliment. When I wore contacts I used to hear a lot of remarks about my eyes, but 95% of the time I wear glasses now, so I haven’t heard that in a while. My ficus trees… I’m so excited they’re doing well. I’ve had my doubts with this Texas heat. They require a lot more water, about once a week, which concerns me, but for the most part they get indirect sun, which is good.
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