Brian Reyes

Rachel Bilson worked with designer Brian Reyes to create this gorgeous dress she wore as a bridesmaid at her friends wedding. Brian Reyes captures a perfect romantic look. Visit BrianReyes.com for collections and stores.

French Press coffee maker

Admittedly, I’m a bit of a Francophile. I love classic French New Wave films, a la Breathless or Jules and Jim, starring adorable gamines with perfect skin, effortless hair and pouty lips wrapped coyly around cigarettes (before there were warnings to deter them.) So if I can’t have the romance of black and white film and the actor Jean Paul Belmondo whispering in my ear, at least I can have the coffee. A French press is a staple of any company-having 20-something jetsetter.

It’s simple and only takes minutes to prepare: just add the ground coffee and water, let sit for a little, and then press the grounds to the bottom while the coffee separates on top. Coffee from the press tastes strong and unbelievably fresh, and it’ll garner you major style points with any aficionado you’re attempting to woo. Small, easily portable, and aesthetically pleasing for tiny apartment counter-tops, the French Press also makes a great gift! Tea used to be my hot cup of choice but with the French press I can even drink coffee black!

French presses come in a variety of adorable styles—from stainless steel, to red accents, art deco or wood. They range in pricey and extravagant to affordable and equally stylish. So let the lazy Sunday mornings in bed get off to a good start…

Crate & Barrell make some nice styles, along with home design site Bodum, whose presses are featured below.

Classic Contrast: Black and White Prints

I'm all about classic duds. Forget about the ridiculous trends for a moment (for the last time, tie-dye is simply not coming back) and let's recall a fashion fave: black and white prints.

Unlike oodles of other color combos, black and white can easily transition from day to night; casual to dressy. With the cinch of a belt, or the drape of a wrap, you can be ready for a lunch date or a fancy gala. Can you tell that I'm currently having a love affair with the idea?

Lucky for me, I've got a few tops like this. If you are one of the unfortunate ones who has yet to indulge in such a divine shirt, look no further. Rampage has a great one ($59!) that is long enough to be a dress in addition to its already plentiful possibilities as a top.

The best part is that this look will never go out of style.

If you still need some convincing, think of all the money you'll save by buying one item of clothing that works for every single thing you will ever do in your life. Although, you may want to think twice before packing it for your African safari trip. Let's be honest here. Some things are best for day-to-day urban life.

Classic black and white has never looked so good.