Summer’s a-comin’ and the mercury in San Francisco hasn’t topped 62 in weeks, with no heat in sight.  A closet full of springtime loveliness taunts me as I try to get ready for yet another gray May day.

It’s weeks like these when I am grateful for the Little Black Dress.  That Throw-On / Accessorize / Go closet staple that needs but a swipe of eyeliner, an occasion-appropriate shoe, and a statement necklace to look like something.  

Most of the fashion bloggers I follow are singing white’s praises this season, but for those of us facing a bleaker forecast, I humbly submit the following black beauties.
1. The starting point: a basic scoop-neck jersey dress (And it’s DVF.  And it’s on sale.) 
2. The beachworthy belted tunic
5.  The office-appropriate shortie
6. The popover the begs for a gladiator sandal
7.  The breezy trapeze 

The Shoes

for play

for work  

The Extras

understated glam 
festival-bound

makeup must-have

– Jaime