According to the Orange County Register, “We are Officially in a Recession.” Well, we Recessionistas have known that for a while so we have been out looking for bargains and filling our closets with classic pieces that won’t break the bank. I want to focus on black pieces for this week because, let’s face it, with all the stuffing and turkey we chowed down on over the holidays, we need a forgiving color and black is it. Everyone looks good in black, whether they are a size 2 or 12.

Disclaimer: When wearing black, make sure you wear at least one colorful piece, either a handbag, shoes, or accessories because otherwise you will look a bit drab.

Outfit #1. Entire cost  $197.24.

GO International Pintuck Ruffle Shirt-Ebony, $6.74 at Target.com

“Liquid Leggings” in nylon-spandex will update an all-black ensemble, $61.60 at membersonlystyle.com

Filottrano Clutch with Croc Print in Red will glam up a black ensemble, $40.00 at aldoshoes.com

Try a black CHAI Gladiator Bootie by Michael Antonio because we do not want to take away from the color of the clutch, $49.90 at flyjane.net

This unique Hermatite open cuff bracelet from Ann Taylor Loft will complete this chic European all-black outfit, $39.00 at anntaylorloft.com

Outfit #2. Entire cost $169.99.

Simple Vera-Vera Wang LBD (Little Black Dress) with Pintucking is perfect as a staple piece, $57.99 at kohls.com

This flapper-inspired bag that also doubles as a makeup case will add an air of sophistication to the entire outfit, $40 at aldoshoes.com

Satin Ballet flats from Ann Taylor will complete the black dress ensemble well, $69.00 at Anntaylor.com
Entire Outfit Cost: $184.99

Guys like a Discount TOO!
Outfit # 1. Entire cost $193.80.

Saint Augustine Academy Annex T-shirt is the perfect High-fashion T-shirt with a subtle touch of white, which is okay with me, $53 at Tobi.com.

Fremont Mark Slacks in black with back slit pockets is a great staple piece for a man’s closet, $84.80 at gargyle.com

When it comes to an all-black outfit, it is very important to wear colorful shoes to add some personality to the outfit especially with these Peter Jensen for B Store shoes with blue accenting, $56 at gargyle.com

Outfit #2. Entire cost $198.98

This black sheer knit cardigan from B. Son with subtle red accenting is a great piece that can be worn in a variety of ways with a white button-up and slacks for a formal look or with a white t-shirt with shorts or jeans for a more casual effect, $169 on Tobi.com

These rugby pants from Converse One Star for Target are a fun way to wear a cardigan on the weekends, $9.99 at Target.com

Wear these Minnetonka leather moccasins for a relaxed fashion forward look with the shorts, $19.99 at urbanoutfitters.com

Scarves and Hats for the Holidays under $100

Wood Wood Unisex Light Blue and Grey print Cotton Scarf will complement a black outfit, $60 at Gargyle.com

This Sock Scarf by YMC is a great Christmas gift because it’s funny and memorable, $50 at Gargyle.com

This Fred Perry chequerboard beanie looks exactly like Louis Vuitton but it’s only $37.50 at Gargyle.com.

These bright colored Nomad Jacquard Beanies from Free People would make great gifts (especially for twins if you know any), $24.00 on Revolveclothing.com

With its recent ‘07 “Global Warming Ready” campaign, this scarf from Diesel is named Ocean because of the tranquil colors it exudes, $28 at Revolveclothing.com

This revolutionary Scarf Cardi (cardigan) from Junk de Luxe is a really fun piece, $70 at Revolveclothing.com