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Mad for Plaid: An entire post dedicated to Black Watch Tartan

Confession: Katie 1 has a slight obsession w/ Black Watch Tartan. Why? First, because it’s a combination of her favorite colors.  Second, the Duchess of Cambridge.  Third, it has a pretty cool history which makes it even more fun to wear.  It’s fairly common knowledge that Black Watch tartan is named for the 43rd Royal Regiment, commonly known as the Black Watch.  Did you know that Black Watch tartan actually pre-dates the formation of the 43rd Royal Regiment?  In fact, one of the theories behind why the 43rd is called the Black Watch is because of the very dark appearance of their uniform tartan (which we now know as Black Watch tartan). 

So how deep does Katie 1’s obsession go?  She could wear a different item of Black Watch tartan every day for more than a week obsessed.  Want proof? Here’s a list of all of the Black Watch items in her wardrobe.
  • Blazer
  • Work Dress
  • Casual Dress
  • Side Zip Ankle Pants
  • Front Zip Ankle Pants
  • Trousers
  • Skirt
  • Sweater

Yes, this seems like a lot.  Yes, she’ll probably buy more (she’d like a more casual skirt, a blouse, and perhaps some throw pillows).  Whatever, it’s not her fault that retailers always have such an amazing assortment of the print around the holidays.  Plus, it’s super classic and can be dressed up or down for festive occasions.  It’s also really versatile as it can be paired with pretty much any color combination and plays nicely in the sandbox with other prints. Also, unlike some of the other tartan fabrics that make an appearance during the festive season, Black Watch tartan can be worn outside of the months of November and December with very little side eye.  Although, to be fair, Katie 1 wears her tartans throughout fall and winter because she loves all the plaid.  Katie 1 is not normal.  Katie 2 would like to note that while she really does appreciate the versatility of Black Watch, she is not quite as nuts as Katie 1.
 
If you follow us on Instagram (and if you don't you should, our Instagram is awesome), you're in for a surprise this week as we're going to feature our various Black Watch items in a week's worth of #ootd's.  Some of our favorite looks?  Katie 1’s side zip ankle pants with a cozy grey sweater and the Oscar de la Renta pumps that we talked about here.

 
 
Good news to those who may want to purchase this outfit (minus the shoes) - these are recent purchases.  The sweater is available here although it’s currently only available in ivory.  If you are plus size, the pants are available here but are sadly sold out in regular and petite sizes.  Fear not though, we’ve found some good alternatives.  For example, these are available at J. Crew.  Looking for something a little more casual?  These 5 pocket pants from Vineyard Vines should do the trick.  Looking to splurge at little bit?  We love these twill straight leg pants from Polo Ralph Lauren. 

You know we love a good classic sheath dress, so of course we’re particularly fond of Katie 1’s long sleeve Anne Klein version (which she's wearing on Tuesday so be sure to check out our Instagram), especially styled with a skinny animal print belt and classic black pumps.  Sadly, Katie 1’s dress is a couple of years old so we can’t link to it.  However we think this J. Crew sheath is a more than adequate alternative.  Banana Republic also has a good option here.

As we mentioned above, we think of Black Watch as a neutral and absolutely love it paired with colors other than black, navy, grey, and green.  Some of our favorite pairings?  Check out our Instagram on Wednesday to see how much we absolutely love Black Watch paired with purple.  It also pairs really well with mustard, burgundy, red, camel, blush, and metallics.  The list goes on and on.  Love the look of a Black Watch blazer?  J. Crew Factory has an amazing option here.  So does Banana Republic .  Katie 2 is lusting over this, but if you want a more traditional blazer, you could also go with this one.

Other Black Watch favorites available this season? We love this wrap skirt from J. Crew Factory.  We also love this drapey long-sleeve dress from J. Crew.  This Black Watch flutter sleeve dress from Vineyard Vines would be perfect for desk to dinner.  If you want to bring the pattern to the top, go with this non-iron with ruffle detail.

If you’re new to the pattern, a more subtle way to incorporate it with shoes. We are loving the heeled version of this bow back pump from Talbots (also available in a flat here). More casual, we love these Lauren Ralph Lauren slip ons.  Finally, at the end of your black watch filled week, come home and snuggle up in a cozy pair of jammies.
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