As in, “I could have been a fashionista,” like our Bean, but I went the other way and have been diagnosed as Fashionistic. (Not nearly as serious as diabetic or paraplegic, but certainly annoying.)

Here’s the thing. I do adhere to a couple of fashion rules. Why I adhere to these and not others, I’m sure I don’t know.

1. I never wear white shoes and jackets after Labor Day and before Memorial Day. I know it’s okay now, but I can’t do it. (I’m not sure I own white shoes…or jackets.)
2. I cannot abide clashing blacks.
3. Belt, shoes, and handbag must coordinate, with exceptions for awesome, stand-alone shoes and/or handbags. (I have been known to go without a belt in these instances.)
4. There are clothes that go with black accessories and clothes that go with brown, and never the ‘twain shall meet. For example, navy goes with brown.

Except today. Because navy slacks look really pretty with a pearl-grey cashmere sweater. (Did you know Target had cashmere? That’s more wait-a-minute-huh? than the fact that they have a bridal line.) And I never got into the trend a few years ago to pair grey and brown, so it’s black with navy for me today. I think it works, but I sill feel a little twitchy.

But my silver trouser socks have black flowers on them, and that makes everything okay.