9.11.12a
9.11.12b
9.11.12c
9.11.12d
9.11.12e

{Top: Similar | Clutch: Brahmin | Glasses: c/o Bonlook}

I would like to commend my 2011 self for purchasing these shorts. Who knew that little black shorts would be such a closet champ? I loved them from first sight, even though they were just basic, non-descript black shorts. I guess this is true for most basics that I buy — I wear them over and over again because they go with everything. Basic is not boring; basic makes the rest of the outfit work. But with my love for color and prints, I long for non-basic pieces that make you go crazy if you try to mix them with more than one thing in your closet. I’m a weakling when it comes to crazy, instead of the basic pieces that glue everything together. Why do I love to make my life difficult? Because. That’s why.

Lesson learned here today: if you find a really good basic, buy it. Your future self will thank you. 

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Fit Details

Monthly Capsule Wardrobe

Each month I create monthly capsules out of my favorite pieces, perfectly curated for each month.

115 Responses

  1. The shorts are SO cute – I always want to try out a look like this, but always chicken out on buying them. Love the way you put the outfit together though (especially that polka dot bag!!). 🙂

    xo,
    Morgan
    seemomogo.blogspot.com

  2. Black shorts are my way of feeling put together on those hot and sweaty summer days!
    adoredlife.blogspot.com

  3. Short-wearing season has been and gone here (R.I.P), but that clutch bag… that bag will be in my dreams for a long time!

  4. That is the best. Finding the closet champ. I like those words. I always try to shop in the sale section and buy things for next season in hopes they will still make a good staple and be on trend!

    ♥Abbey
    Along Abbey Road

  5. I'm LOVING the black and navy together!!!!
    Brooke @ what2wear, Monikabrooke.blogspot.com

  6. Has everyone and their dog already told you that you look like Katherine McPhee? Because you do. 

    I'm watching Smash right now and keep thinking, "Who knew Kendi had such amazing pipes!?"

  7. what a cute outfit! that necklace is so interesting!
    kendrrat
    kendrrat.blogspot.com

  8. Little Black Shorts have saved me many a time, I love that they're so versatile so easily transitioned from day to night 🙂 

  9. I am absolutely in love with this outfit!  You must be butter cause you are on a roll, girl!
    forunendinglove.blogspot.com

  10. Love everything about this outfit. You look fabulous as always.

    Maja – clotheskinksandcurls.blogspot.ca

  11. Love this outfit! Love your great legs! Do you have any workout secrets you'd like to share?

  12. Enormous Rachael Bilson Hart of Dixie style crush means formal shorts are on my radar and this looks lovely – cute and sexy. Oh how I wish I had a job that would allow them! If only I were a fictional lawyer in the deep south instead of a real one in London…

  13. You wore this outfit before in one of your 30 for 30s! I LOVE that you reuse pieces and even outfits.  Plus this is just a damn good outfit. xo

  14. love this, the blue necklace in particular is so beautiful! blue is such an awesome colour in an outfit:)

    katie x

  15. I'm the same way.  I'm always wishing I had a certain "basic" to make all of the funky colors/patterns/cuts of my clothes to pull things together.
    Love your necklace by the way.  Where is it from?

    Hudson East
    HudsonEast.blogspot.com

  16. I love those shorts… In fact, i have those same pair 🙂 and ditto on great basics

    Sip-n-wear.blogspot.com

  17. Love your recent pictures Kendi. Im not sure I could be brave enough to take pictures in such public spots.
    Those shorts are fantastic. I really need a few good pairs as it is starting to go into summer here in Australia.
    Cheers,
    Kayleigh http://thewayiwanderlust.blogspot.com.au/

  18. Lovely little shorts and adorable clutch pretty lady!

    xoLizzieplaceclevertitlehere.blogspot.com

  19. Is it strange that I have actually learned a lot of (read: most of) my tips from you. You are just as interesting (some people call it strange, I don't) as I want to be when it comes to fashion.

  20. I love your black clutch! Oh polka dots! I would like to thank whatever part of you decided to purchase that 😉 Yet again, I'm totally polka dot inspired

  21. Basics are always a good idea!
    xo Jenniferhttp://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

  22. Seeing "Bloom (2011)" attached to that shirt made me a little teary eyed for you. How cool that your store has already been open in two different years, and you're able to highlight items from last year, already! I remember when you first announced it on your blog – my how time flies!! 

    And of course, great shorts – I LOVE them!

    Bri @ Work Clothes, I Suppose

  23. It's always good to have basics! This weekend I'm rehabing my wardrobe and purging a lot of clothing, but I'm going to make sure to hang onto those basics I love!

  24. I want this whole outfit! Especially that bag! SO cute, as always 🙂

    xo,
    Amy
    itwasloveat.blogstpot.com

  25. Love the navy with black! Goes great together, and for some reason a combo I never would have thought to use! You're fabulous and a continuous inspiration. 🙂
    xo, elle from Living in Color.

  26. I really need a pair of black shorts… they go with everything! Love this outfit so much! (:

    -theresa
    collaredblouse.blogspot.com

  27. ha,ha,ha! While reading this post I thought I was reading Stacy and Clinton's blog "basic makes the rest of the outfit work".

  28. Just added you to my "Blogroll". Love not only your fashion sense, but your writing style & business ethic. Truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing 🙂 

  29. Aw you are so sweet!! I wrote that and it freaked me out a bit! It really has flown by. It's so strange to think back to before I was doing this, I can't imagine my day to day being any different than it is now.  Crazy how fast life can change. 

  30. AMANDA!! You are so precious — I wish I could have met up with you one more time 🙂 I hope you had a blast in New York. Talk to you soon!

  31. Yes! Pretty darn close to it — it was a royal blue blouse instead of navy. I'm such a recycler — when it's good ,it's good. 😉 Also, dang good memory there, friend.

  32. Love the different blue tones in this outfit. Great look!

    bopontrend.com

  33. I love everything about this outfit! From the super cute polka dot clutch to the sea of blue I call the rest of your outfit lol

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