black

Marketplace

Far From Basic: The New Black and White

The combination of black and white is a classic for a reason — its versatility just can't be beat.

The combination of black and white is a classic for a reason — its versatility just can't be beat. While I normally love its crisp, clean decisiveness, these days I am leaning towards a different riff on the pairing. When applied to organic shapes, either naturally or by design, the color duo takes on an earthy substance that is just the right amount of rough around the edges. There is an element of wabi-sabi in these pieces that has them feeling fresh but understated at the same time. Here's what I'm coveting right now.

  • Handwoven Rug (from $148): Round, rectangular or square, no matter which shape you choose, this rug is a winner.
  • Agate Coaster ($18): beautiful and alluring, these coasters don't need to be protecting your coffee table to serve a purpose: they look wonderful on their own.
  • Reef Pendant ($250): made from metal chain link, these pendants look like fishermen's nets.
  • Salvaged Table ($399): this salvage table is one of a kind but would be easy enough to replicate.
  • Black and White Bowl ($258): low and elegant, this bowl would look wonderful full of fruit or in an entry as a catchall.
  • Hugo Guinness Wire Basket Drawing ($2.800): simple and sweet, this drawing embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
Celebrity Style

Celebs Are Feeling All Black This Week — 5 New Ways to Work the Dark Hue

Even though the sun is shining, celebs are feeling all-black ensembles this week.

Even though the sun is shining, celebs are feeling all-black ensembles this week. Kate Moss wore all black in a fancy way at a charity event in London, Kim Kardashian touched down in London in the dark hue, and Kate Bosworth ran errands in LA in a super-cute little black dress and black mod flats. Step inside to see who else donned all black this week and to shop their looks for times when you're not feeling color.

Celebrity Style

Celebs Are Feeling Black — 6 Inspiring Ways to Wear the Hue at Night

Celebs were majorly feeling the color black at last night's parties.

Celebs were majorly feeling the color black at last night's parties. Emma Roberts, Jessica Alba, Amy Smart, Penelope Cruz, Mena Suvari, and model Karlie Kloss all wore the chic hue at various parties in LA and NYC. Jessica opted to mix black and bright yellow, Emma worked black and white in a polished way, Amy edged up her black, Penelope went for sexy black, Mena did the color with sass, and Karlie looked fabulously fashion forward. Step inside to get a closer look at these black-loving ladies and to shop their inspiring nighttime looks.

Running

Forget White Running Shoes: Black Is Back!

There's a new fitness trend in Hollywood.
Celebrities Who Wear Black Running Shoes

There's a new fitness trend in Hollywood. No, it's not black workout capri pants — albeit popular, that's not what I'm referring to. I'm talking about all the black athletic shoes that have been popping up! Celebs still have their preferred running shoe brand, but I feel like many are swapping their white pairs for chic black pairs. Here's a handful who have made the switch!

Source: INFDaily.com

Shopping

How to Make Black Work For Spring

Tempted to break out the pastels every Spring season?

Tempted to break out the pastels every Spring season? If you're more of a basic black girl, there's no reason to shun your fave shade simply because the sun is out. There are plenty of ways to make this basic shade work in a Spring home. First, try using more Spring-associated materials, such as wicker or rattan, in your decorating scheme. The Delaney Rattan Pedestal Table ($300, top right) reworks a traditional material in a modern color scheme, making it a great choice for a contemporary Spring home.




Another trick is to use black pieces that feature open spaces in the design. The Lasenby Bed ($1,500) has an open, airy black frame that isn't too heavy on the eye. Dress it up with vibrant bedding, and you'll have a fresh, new look for your bedroom this Spring season.




Here's another tip: integrate natural elements (wood tones) or patterns that mimic those found in nature (leaves or petals) when looking for black accents. The Glass Melon Knob ($8) is an easy way to add a black accent to update a dresser or sideboard. Or, go one better and add an even more natural black element to your home or garden in the form of flowers. Black flowers are nearly impossible to find in nature, but new varieties of black-hued blooms are now on the market, including black-cat petunias ($17) and jet-black hollyhocks ($4). For even more black looks for Spring, click on each image.

Celebrity Style

Celeb Style: Kate Moss

Kate Moss brought all-black chicness to a W party in London, and what stuck us about this outfit is just how deceptively basic it is.

Kate Moss brought all-black chicness to a W party in London, and what stuck us about this outfit is just how deceptively basic it is. She took a shiny statement piece — like this Parker sequin tunic ($275) — and layered it with black leggings, a leather-trim blazer ($223, originally $495), and pointy-toe booties. The effect is downtown glamour with a little dose of rock star. Click items to shop.




Visit CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

Inspiration

Cool Idea: Camouflage Your Small Screen

Black isn't my go-to paint color of choice, but the next time I decide to mount a glaring television on my wall, I'll reconsider the moody shade.

Black isn't my go-to paint color of choice, but the next time I decide to mount a glaring television on my wall, I'll reconsider the moody shade. In the March/April issue of Lonny, homeowner Jennifer Bandier's bedroom small screen was treated to a clever camouflage thanks to a coat of black paint. Surrounded by an array of photographs with white mats and black frames, the oft-inconspicuous flat screen blends right into the wall. Paired with classic moldings, bordered, hotel-style bedding, and a pop of rouge in the hallway, the room has a neoclassical style and not so much the rock 'n' roll vibe I associate it with.

Would you try this at home? Have you camouflaged your TV in any other way?

Trend Alert

Trend Alert: Black, Sheer, and Sexy

When we saw this woman walking the streets of Paris (center photo), our jaws dropped — so gorgeous!

When we saw this woman walking the streets of Paris (center photo), our jaws dropped — so gorgeous! Sure, she's wearing a sheer top, but she walks with such self-assurance and elegance, proving she can rock the sheer trend. After seeing it on the runways for Spring at Phillip Lim and Valentino, we know this trend is a good investment. Key points: pair it with ladylike elements so it doesn't feel cheap. A long flowy skirt and structured jacket can also balance out the sexiness of the sheer top. Click through our editor picks for gorgeous sheer black pieces to try.

Left to right: Phillip Lim, Street Style, Valentino

Source: Greg Kessler, Getty

Holiday

6 Noir Sale Items Perfect For the Holidays!

Many people like to don red, green, and other festive hues during the holidays, but if you're a noir girl year-round, here are six items — all on sale!

Many people like to don red, green, and other festive hues during the holidays, but if you're a noir girl year-round, here are six items — all on sale! — that will make you look seriously stylish and subtly festive, too. My favorite piece — should you have the fashion guts to rock it — is these Miss Sixty Sequin Harem Pants ($70, originally $139). Talk about making a statement! For a less flashy feel, get this J.Crew Embellished Boy Shirt ($50, originally $98). Click on the pieces to stock up for a noir-filled holiday!

kitchens

Love It or Hate It? Black Backsplash Tile

White subway tiles are a classic and quite pervasive design element.

White subway tiles are a classic and quite pervasive design element. While I applaud their timelessness, I love to see something new and different every once in a while. So when I stumbled across this kitchen with black subway tiles, I thought, "Huh. How clever and simple." There's nothing outrageous or trendy about these tiles, but the alternative — and very versatile — color choice is refreshing. Plus, the dark hue is also a wizard at camouflaging cooking splatter. What do you think of this black backsplash?