I know the theory goes that black and white is the chicest combination but I've always felt that monochrome can look uber dull. So I headed to & Other Stories - the high street store that's done the genius thing of grouping hanging clothes together so they make up immediate outfits - for a black and white Changing Room Selfies with trepidation. Perhaps that's why it turns into a high-octane episode of #CRS. One which saw me traipsing to and from the changing room in just my coat with nothing underneath to beat the 6-items-in-there-at-one-time rule and try on everything black and white they had...
**First up...I went for a homage to Coco **
If anyone does monochrome well, it's Chanel. I dream of having a Chanel day - ie, owning a pair of those glittery Chanel trainers from Chanel couture- but it's probably not exactly going to happen next week. Still, I reckon this coin-embellished A-Line shift dress, £65, made of a thick, textured fabric (you feel sort of lovingly 'encased') is the kind of thing Coco would approve of. What's scribbled on my hand probably less so.
**Then it was all about channeling Waitress Chic. (We just made that a thing). **
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The white shirt + black skirt combo gets a lot of flak. But even from a colour obsessive such as myself, it really is a life saver when I only have the energy to look socially acceptable, maybe even a bit smart. It's a classic look, made Parisian rather than corporate with a bright red lip, or a chunky gold cuff - which I forgot to add, soz - and a pair of black strappy sandals. I like thisshort-sleeved cotton blend shirt, £45, worn with an A-Line midi skirt, £45, but it'd also work really nicely with a plunging silk button-down shirt.
**I'm here to tell you polonecks are amazing. End of. **
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#CRS is a dangerous bloody game, resulting in me consistently parting with money. (Can I expense my lack of self of control? I make a mental note to ask my ed). This time I come away with away with this delightful knit, the mere 11th poloneck to join my family of funnel necks. So, as you can tell, I'm speaking from a position of immense obsession/bias when I say that a chunky rib knit poloneck, £55, works perfectly with a flirty little pleated wrap skirt, £45. Still need persuading? The Poloneck itself wants to have a word with you here.
And that if you want a LBD that'll make you feel like Angelina, this is it
Given how celebrated the status of a LBD is, it's strange that we still find them both hard to find and largely unwearable. Granted, there's not much cause for a one-shouldered dress, £95 in every day life. But, occasionally, we want to look hot enough to pretend that we are actually the perfectly porcelain, smooth-shouldered Angelina. I enjoyed a little moment with my reflection, whilst wearing this. Before I sharply recalled that I was not taking Me on a date and got back to the business of CRS.
Next lesson? Tuxedo jackets rule
I can't believe I still don't own a tuxedo jacket. Look how good this blazer on sale for £40 is? It's feels like its made of a slightly scuba-ish fabric (it's actually polyester) which makes it feel modern rather than retro and it's nipped in at the waist, with some excellent shoulder puffery. Because I'm weird and symmetrical I also added my white ankle boots, but it would actually look the best with a pair of sneaks, or velvety Chelsea boots.
Oops, I cheated
Given how pathetic I am at monochrome, I've fared pretty well, no? Until I, er, confused blue with white. Yes I know this black knit jersey skirt and merino wool co-ord with tubular navy blue accents, £39 and £55, doesn't strictly adhere to the monochrome theme of this CRS, but it's still super muted, so deal with it. Plus, the silhouette of a tight skirt (very Tulisa) with a loose-fit top (very not-Tulisa) is perfect. Anyway I'm leaving now, so I can't even hear your indignation. Byeee!
You can follow Pandora Sykes on Twitter @PINsykes
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.