Selective Color

Today's dress is really simple - just a v-neck fit and flare dress with a floral motif - but I was drawn to the arrangement of the purple flowers against a dark background. The pattern reminds me of selective color photography, where sometimes just a specific element is in color, but everything else is in black and white.

My favorite use of this technique is actually in a film: Schindler's List (1993). The scene with the girl in the red coat is still so vivid in my memory.

Instead of pairing the dress with black pumps, I decided to go with purple (amethyst) jewelry and shoes. It's not so "matchy-matchy" and it still works. Sometimes adding a complimentary color, rather than one that matches your outfit exactly, can make it seem more stylish.

Dress: Erin Fetherston Nadine Fit and Flare Dress

You can still buy the dress on the ErinFetherston.com website and Lord & Taylor. This brand generally runs true to size, and the dress is on sale on both websites.

The dress is made of neoprene so it will travel well (won't wrinkle), and can work in any season. Best of all, it has pockets!

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB 105 Suede Ankle Strap Pumps

The pumps are a good investment piece, too. I can't imagine these shoes going out of style.