Monochrome

Ginnifer Goodwin attended the LA premiere of He's Just Not That Into You in an ensemble that dimmed her costars in comparison. The actress chose a look from Bottega Veneta's Spring '09 collection. What a stunning choice. I adore the pumpkin-colored strapless dress, but what I love more are her accompanying accessories. The amber statement necklace, tan Bottega clutch, and strappy sandals make the outfit — complementary without being matchy matchy.

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Rosario in Bottega. A winning combination. We were pleasantly surprised by Rosario's choice to wear this monochrome Bottega Veneta look to the LA premiere of her new movie Seven Pounds. Rarely do stars attempt monochrome, and sexy monchrome at that. The camel one-sleeve crepe dress is a rare find, but the fact that it complements her skin tone so perfectly is what sealed the deal. Her crisscrossed camel Jimmy Choo sandals continued the fluid movement. To be sure she wasn't washed out, exotic Neil Lane for Arcade turquoise earrings framed her beautiful face. Speaking of framing her beautiful face, learn how to create the illusion of short hair. The other jewelry — thin gold bangles — gently sat on her wrist. Perfection personified.

To see more of Rosario looking immaculate in Bottega, read more

Colorful ensembles have their appeal, but monochrome has a special place in my heart. Something about pairing like hues in different fabrics and textures really works. Mindorena, AKA Miss Monochrome, knows exactly what I mean. She's rocking a gray outfit polished off with gray pearls. The black flats and belt provide some contrast. Fab!

Here's what she has on:

• Top: Zara
• Skirt: Topshop
• Belt: D&G
• Shoes: Zara

Congrats to Mindorena!

Everyone else, submit your looks and I might feature you on FabSugar!

I guess I must have monochrome living on my mind, but I'm really digging the Crate & Barrel Dash Lamp ($27.95). It's not shaped like a light bulb, covered in mirrors, or even ruby red. It's just simple, masculine, and understated. I love the way the ceramic base mimics the shape of the traditional shade, and it has a subtle embellishment almost like café barware. What do you think? For under $30, you've got to admit it's an unbelievable steal.

OK, OK. My attention to monochrome design may have gotten a little out of hand lately, but I promise you it will eventually fade. And, even if you don't subscribe to monochrome living, you should still appreciate the beauty of a black and white lamp like the Lum A Little Bubbly Anyone? Lamp ($1,700). The vintage ceramic lamps have little bubbles with matching finials that remind me of candy buttons; who can argue with that? They also seem really adaptable. You can use them in a stiff, sophisticated interior, perhaps set on matching nightstands. Or, you can play them up a bit in a room full of circles. What do you think?

I recently introduced you to Graham & Brown's Paste the Wall wallpaper, which applies easily by pasting the wall not the paper, and peels off in full sheets. I was certainly won over by the retailer's new wallpaper technology, not to mention their vast selection of beautiful patterns and didn't think it could get any better. But it turns out that the Overlapping Leaves Wallpaper ($59.99, reduced from $84) not only pulls out in full sheets, but also has a preapplied adhesive that affixes effortlessly . . . and it's on sale! Unfortunately, the selection is limited to just this one pattern. But, that's not to say I don't love its monochrome leaf pattern.

I'm not one to steer away from color or pattern, but I think there is something to be said for monochrome interiors. In a vibrant, busy space, shapes can become lost and ignored, but a more pared down design can accentuate your furnishings, reminding you each day of why you fell for them in the first place. Take the chandeliers in the photograph, for example. They're remarkable and the white walls make note of that, whereas a wallpaper might be a distraction from their unique, drippy form. I myself love white furniture but black has never been for me. In most cases I find black and white interiors a bit too modern for my taste. But here, the vintage trunk, traditional sofa, and painted hardwood floors prevent that. No, it's not the most conservative space, but it doesn't scream bachelor pad, either. What do you say? Yea or nay for monochrome living?
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I know Spring and Summer are on your mind, but switch your mindset for a second because Banana Republic's Fall '08 collection is way desirable. Despite the gloomy weather that accompanies autumn, it's making me look forward to bundling up and layering.

You'll notice this collection is mostly monochrome, with sprinkles of red to surprise the eyes. On the outerwear front, there are lots of greys, extra-long cardigans, cropped pea coats, and slick leather trenches. The trousers are mostly skinny, checkered, and menswear-ish. Fall's frocks come with lots of personality: Prada-inspired lace dress (left), red taffeta sheaths, and sleek LBDs. Tie-front styles and berets are also prevalent for Fall.

To see more from Banana Republic's Fall '08 collection, read more