At the start of each new season for the last 2 decades I have been looking for the next best black denim, white tank, silk dress, my new favorite button down top – the classics. To accomplish this, I was forced to go to multiple websites, storefronts (many of which I don’t like shopping in but had no choice due to lack of time or proximity to where I live.) I don’t know about you, but I prefer to always look my best, even if I am wearing knit shorts, my favorite jeans or a designer dress. I would also prefer that all of the clothing brands that I buy use sustainable manufacturing practices and provide humane & ethical treatment for their employees. These are the reasons that I created Black White Gray. It is a place for me to come and for anyone to come who is looking for these same principles when buying their clothing. This is a capsule collection that you can come to each season to expect exceptional wardrobe basics and classic styles to keep forever and wear whenever. This collection is seasonless and trendless so that you can enjoy and rely on it for years to come. Black, white, and gray will always compliment any color scheme. Always.
Shopping in either a brick-and-mortar storefront or on a website of your favorite brand or store to page through all of the newest, latest and greatest trends, styles, colors – fill in the blank – will always be fun. But, at the end of the day, what you’re wearing every day is more than likely black, white, or gray. And, you need those items to be able to withstand the test of time and wear and tear. I need things that I can keep and wear relentlessly for years to come. I also need one place to shop these must-have items. I’m not sure about you, but in my household almost every minute is spoken for. I don’t have time to drive to the stores I would actually buy clothing from, endlessly searching the websites housing thousands of styles and color options all while trying to find the best sales and deals and shipping minimums. I need one place to come and know that what I am getting is not going to fall apart after 2 washes and that would look classic and great year after year.
Some of my most beloved memories with my mom and grandmothers take place while shopping during special trips to New York City at places like Lord & Taylor (God rest her soul), La Rinascente in Rome, and Boscov’s here in Pennsylvania which is still a family-owned department store that has survived over 100 years in business! Touching and trying on a new outfit with the women you love and look up to, sharing conversations and choosing pieces of clothing that resonate with you and that you wear during special and everyday events is a special occasion even if it is not recognized as one. I still own and wear a beautiful floral dress I purchased at United Colors of Benetton with my mom and grandmother on 7th Avenue in New York 18 years ago. I will always keep this dress. Yes, it has emotional value for me, but it also has a look that will never go out of style.
It’s simple - buy clothing that is classic and keep it forever.