These are some standouts on the socialista site Chictopia. Keeping the color palette to a minimum and simplifying is key to bringing in that cherry on top and making it work:

Chictopia mavens, clockwise from the top; Meggstatus, Rozaschic, Yukilo, Paxie_aiza, Constance_Victoria, LeHappy.

But really, for the best advice on hats, we can just take cues from the most memorable hat-wearers in movie history: Molly Ringwald, Meg Ryan, Diane Keaton, Johnny Depp and Greta Garbo.

It’s no secret that blogging is the new black. Ask almost anyone. They may just have one of their own. But what’s the secret to a good blog? What makes certain bloggers more worthy of our obsession, our daily perusal, our faith in their taste, and genuine intrigue over their points of view? It may be a nebulous mystery, but Bleach Black is one of those blogs that offers a fresh, edgy, and wholly unique perspective of fashion, music, and culture that makes reading more than worthwhile. Here, some questions that Valerie, 1 part of the 2-chick team behind Bleach Black, was kind enough to answer.

Q: Why is black the best color? And… if it isn’t, what is!

It’s THE best! Always appropriate, chic and timeless.

Q: What do you do for fun aside from blogging?

Snowboarding! …I go almost every weekend in the winter. I also adore lazy summer beach days with massive sun hats and stacks of magazines, in between surf sessions. During the week, I generally visit a few thrift stores, looking for my next score (wow- that sounds like a drug addict, yea?). My best find ever was 2 LV speedy totes for 10 bucks – [they were in] perfect, broken-in vintage condition. That’s the ultimate.

Q: What music are you loving right now?

So much! And it really changes every week. Actually, every day (ha!)- lots The National, The Temper Trap, Lykke Li, Miike Snow, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Handsome Furs, Broken Bells… and I torture my friends with 80s love songs – the kinds you hear when you are on hold w/ the DMV… I love that stuff (shhh).

Q: What are you most excited about for this summer?

Lazy summer beach days, BBQ’s, road trips and riding my Bianchi. I have a helmet and spandex & the whole kit!

Q: What is your style m.o.?

I’m a bit of a tomboy, and I work for a skateboard company – but it’s sorta no holds bar on my daily uniform. My go-to is a threadbare heather grey tee, and bell bottoms with vintage ankle boots – and lots of obnoxious jewelry. I love being a chameleon – body con dresses, vintage 90210 florals, crushed velvet capes, fringe dusters and lots of Missoni – which i’ve been collecting for years.

Q: What’s usually stowed in your bag?

Right now, my bag is Celine – and I love that I’ve never seen another one like it. It fits everything I need- about 17 lip glosses, pens from MUJI, Persol sunglasses, Goyard makeup case, my clunky, massive eyeglasses, my cracked iphone, 7,216 receipts, my 70s ripped & torn gucci wallet (with no cash), and a bunch of shitty jewelry that constricts my typing and ends up in my purse every day. Which reminds me, I need to clean out.

Q: Who/what’s on your radar as far as new designers/stores/brands/trends go?

I’m loving Shakuhachi from Australia, Jens’ Pirate Booty (hippy dresses from LA), and Nightcap clothing (lace separates, kaftans and beach coverups) and Lost Art from NYC. As for jewelry, I adore Abraxas Rex, Kimberly McDonald, and Anndra Neen.

Q: What’s the most random/unexpected place you’ve found something amazing to wear/collect? What was it?

I lived in WACO (yes- that Waco, TX) during college and the thrift stores there were untapped holy lands for radness (Levis, harley tees, 60s glamour gowns, and cowboy boots). I had some of my best finds ever there, but I’m still kicking myself for bedazzling all of my best vintage tees… it was the Madonna “Ray of Light” era, and the whole rhinestone cowboy thing was huge for me. Gawd. Why did I do that?!. Maybe that look will have a comeback, because I’ll be set.

Q: What are some of your favorite websites to check out for inspiration?

Love knighttcat, Rumi (of Fashion Toast), Desire to Inspire (for interiors), Refinery 29, Bonadrag, Le Fashion Image, Not Just a Label… and so many others!

Q: In your dream world, where would you live and what would you do?

My day job is designing men’s sportswear for a skateboard company – which I love, but I’d also adore doing trend forecasting for a fashion/interiors magazine, styling, or continuing to evolve our jewelry collection.

Thanks, Valerie! Check out Bleach Black for oodles, yes…. oodles of inspiration and aesthetic and aural goodness.

PS – Look for more interviews with our favorite bloggers in the future here at Shine Blog!

Contributor: Dana Covit

SHINE FILM – SPRING LOOK #2 from drury bynum on Vimeo.

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SHINE FILMS – SPRING OUTFIT #1 from drury bynum on Vimeo.

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Girly gets man handled with dark and stormy jewelry + nails + a dose of menswear. Gina Tackett Cuff now available online as well as Iosselliani Fringe Earrings, Urban Behavior’s Frilly Mini and Navoh Christopher Vegan Bag. Catapult Vintage jacket and shoes available in store or order by phone.

See them all here.

Very Contrary. Loving the soft waves of khaki and taupe with the bold swatches of army and navy. The matte metals and pale accessories are the perfect touch. Buy it all now.