Skirt and Jacket by Elizabeth and James, Subtle Luxury Lace Camisole, Calinana Necklace (all from Yellow Dog, Los Angeles).  John Hardy Earrings. Manolo Blahnik Heels. Balenciaga Handbag. Chanel Shades. — Skirt and Jacket by Elizabeth and James, Subtle Luxury Lace Camisole, Calinana Necklace (all from Yellow Dog, Los Angeles). John Hardy Earrings. Manolo Blahnik Heels. Balenciaga Handbag. Chanel Shades.

One thing that we are often told is that black is a basic. While this is true, black is anything but basic. It is classic, quiet, edgy and cool all at the same time. I happen to own a lot of black. I seem to accumulate a lot of black t-shirts, blouses, sweaters, skirts and jackets. Black is season-less, so it transitions just as perfectly from winter to spring as it does from summer to fall. It also goes with everything and acts as the perfect backdrop for any color or pattern. Black is the most packable color because its neutrality is perfect for any occasion, even a wedding. Black is a must for everyone.

This outfit, all by Elizabeth and James, has all the edgy cool of its designers, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. I have had the skirt for several years, and this jacket, with the blouse insert, caught my attention immediately. It has the illusion of being a jacket within a jacket, and I think that is what makes it so cool. I choose to wear a lace camisole underneath in order to maintain the beauty of the sheer blouse. When glancing at these photos, I am keenly aware of the shortness of this skirt, and that I may have committed the over 50 fashion faux pas, so I apologize in advance! I just love the skirt and its little “flirty bounce.” Is that where the word flounce comes from?

As you have gathered by now, I have a love affair with shoes; I have for as long as I can remember. These spat like shoes, by Manolo Blahnik, seemed to elevate the spirit of this outfit. They bring a smile to my face every time I glance at them in my closet.

You know those times in your life when you just get it right? For me, it happened 3 times…1) when I met and married Jeff, 2) when Yale was born , and 3) when Serena was born.

Of course over the years, I have hit the mark with friends and career, but when it comes to fashion, I classify the moment of getting it right as “outfit nirvana.”

Thus it was when I assembled this ensemble. The skirt, by Elizabeth and James, seemed to call out my name immediately, and once I stepped into it and zipped it up, I knew we belonged together. Before I had the chance to wear it out in public, I wanted to model it on the blog. I realized it would require just the right top to create the perfect tone. As the master of high low dressing, I reached for my tried and true Jason Wu lace and chiffon blouse (circa spring 2013) and a Jason Wu black satin belt that was part of another dress of his, which I sold long ago at my favorite resale boutique, Great Labels; thankfully, I hung onto the belt. As soon as I looked in the mirror, I knew I got it right.

Robert and I shot these photos in this charming West Hollywood neighborhood, amid the elegant glamour of bygone days. When passers by asked me about and complimented me on the ensemble, it was a divine moment... true “outfit nirvana!”