Color Blocking With Pizazz

Remember back in 2011 when Gucci showed those slinky saturated pieces mixed and matched (in what I remember) as the big bang of modern color blocking? Dang, that was some fashion. Though it might have seemed like a 'trend' those years ago, color blocking is actually a classic fashion principle. I mean, seriously. Can we categorize color blocking with 'blips' like 'fur-kenstocks'? Or mom-jean short-shorts? It has so much more staying power!

Each season I see bloggers and retailers advertising the NEW color blocked dress or shoe or bag. While they're beautiful and I'd love to own them all, I'm a thrifty gal and must resist the urge to splurge, otherwise I'd be a broke-ass fashion victim. Come with me and I'll take you through three looks that demonstrate how clever color choices and accessorizing have kept me dressed in current color blocks without having to buy the 'latest and greatest'.

Up first is a great look for office or meetings. I start with some black basics then throw in adjacent colors that share the same color purity. Because the tones are close together, they don't clash but instead harmonize.  Rather than match a colorful top to my aqua pants, I wear a tidy black waistcoat and lean on accessories to drive the color block concept home. A brilliant green bag (the adjacent color to aqua) with a colorful (and blocked) scarf is just the right amount of pop and contrast.

Waistcoat: BCBG Max Azria (Similar HERE, longer option HERE) // Pants: J Crew 'Cafe Capri in wool' (Similar HERE, and cotton version HERE) // Shoes: Nine West 'Tessa' (Similar HERE) // Bag: J Crew 'Edie' (Even better HEREHERE) // Bracelets: Forever 21 // Scarf: Vintage Silk (Thrifted) // Sunglasses: Thrifted (Similar HEREHERE

Women's Tuxedo Waistcoat, BCBG