The Our Jewelry Buyers’ Top 24 Picks Boutique opens Monday, April 1, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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Ah, another year. A chance to start fresh, revamp a workout, kick a bad habit, or pick up a new skill. For many of us here at Rue, wardrobe renewal is at the top of our resolution list. And like all great outfits, we’re starting from the bottom up. While we all have our shoe go-tos (I’m partial to an old pair of square-toe leopard flats), resolutions are all about change. So, from striking patents to exotic fabrics, here are four ways to shake up your shoe routine.

Our Kick Off 2013: The New Year, New Shoes Sale Boutique opens Wednesday, January 2, at 3PM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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We love a modern take on a retro staple, and the crowd at Lincoln Center had us seeing spots. The classic look keeps it cool with graphic blacks and whites in sophisticated silhouettes.

Tuxedo tones. Piano keys. Zebra stripes. The crisp combination graces every surface imaginable – and we can’t get enough of it. Especially in the home, black and white décor is irrefutably modern. Here, our Creative Director, Amy Van Aarle, tells us just what it is that makes the striking style so chic.

Rue La La: What do you love so much about the classic combo?
Amy: Black and white is the perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity. It’s elemental, a true yin and yang that equals something which always feels fresh and current and luxurious.

Rue La La: When decorating in black and white, do you gravitate towards patterns or solids?
Amy: I definitely like to mix both patterns and solids. For example, in my living room I have black furniture, a white couch, and patterned black and white pillows. I love that it feels right all year round. When it comes to patterns though, I definitely subscribe to the notion that a little dab will do you well.

Rue La La: What type of pattern do you find most striking?
Amy: I’m usually drawn to patterns that feel a little organic or crafted, but a classic black and white stripe is something I simply cannot resist. Any time I see something in black and white stripes it’s like a homing device – I zoom right in and ooh and ahhh over it.

Rue La La: What’s a great complement to a mostly black and white room?
Amy: Kids, dogs, a beautiful view, and a wonderful dinner party. Truly! A room that’s lived in and loved and enjoyed can’t help but be a welcoming and adored place. And black and white will instantly make everyone in it feel and look a little more stylish.

Rue La La: Talk to us about texture – does black and white make you think sleek or richly textured?
Amy: The beauty of black and white is that both approaches to texture work equally well depending on your style. I tend to like rooms that feel more cozy and lived in, so organic textures combined with black and white is right up my alley.

Rue La La: How would you make a mostly black and white room seem bright and cheerful?
Amy: A touch of color and beautiful lighting! For example, in my black and white living room, the walls are painted a warm golden yellow. It gives the room a glow and a backdrop so that the black and white really pop. Warm colors (even just a deep warm grey) or rich warm metallic accents can prevent a black and white room from feeling too sterile.

Rue La La: Alright, time to dish. Tell us your picks from the Boutique.
Amy: Here are my top four:

1. Art Fosters “Eastern Indigo I”
When it comes to choosing art, I believe that the only important thing is that you love it. This print definitely speaks to me – and I have just the spot for this.

2. Howard Elliott Scalloped Mirror
I love mirrors that add a little drama, and they are great for opening up small spaces. The black border on this one has wonderful graphic impact.

3. Nova Lighting “Ripples” Table Lamps
Maybe it’s the Yankee in me, but I’m a sucker for symmetry. A pair of lamps on a long console table is classic and luxurious. And I will take a few lit table lamps in a room over one glaring overhead light any day. Good lighting definitely makes or breaks a room, and is much more flattering to everyone in it!

4. Espalma “Stitches” Towel Set
So, even though I just bought a bunch of towels from our recent Barbara Barry Boutique, I might not be able to resist these lovelies. I just can’t say no to stripes!

Our Rue Style Report: Black & White Boutique opens Tuesday, February 22 at 11AM ET.

Black and white are my personal staples. As a New York City girl, black has always been part of my uniform (for work and play). If you were to take a peek inside my closet, these two colors would stand out more than any other. They’re an integral part of history (books have been written about the legendary chicness of Truman Capote’s 1966 Black & White Ball), and fashion right now (I adored the first ten looks at Riccardo Tisci’s spring 2010 Givenchy show). But it’s the cool combinations and unique twists you can give these shades that really bring them to life and make them feel modern.

Cut is everything
Black and white are two of the most versatile colors. They always look crisp, and can easily go from fancy (the classic LBD) to laid-back (white oversize tee paired with basic black mini). With simple pieces, it’s all about the cut. Select well-tailored pieces to pair back with more relaxed (yet still refined) separates. A perfectly cut white button-down can completely elevate the look of your favorite jeans.

Add-ons are key
My advice for adding your own twist to stark black and white: Accessories! Pile on your favorite bold necklaces and bracelets to make the look feel wholly your own. I love to layer long necklaces with shorter charms for a personal touch. And, to off-set the starkness of black and white, I’ll throw on my Mom’s old red Chanel bag for a pop of color.

Keep it current
Graphic black and white prints – from stripes to tribal – looked modern on the spring 2010 runways. Givenchy’s fitted blazers and voluminous minis are on the top of my list. Also on my must-have list: Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCullough’s chic surfer girl looks at Proenza Schouler. I’m loving the pieces I hand-picked for the ELLE Black & White Boutique (the Valentino lace blouses are among my favorites) because they’re all un-basic basics - essentials with a twist that add a bit of freshness to your closet.

From fashion legends like Coco Chanel to current muses (remember Melanie Laurent in a sleek white Yves Saint Laurent pantsuit on the red carpet in Cannes last year?), the limited palette of black and white has the ability to achieve unlimited chic.