Usually, I'm all about debunking stereotypes. If there's a commonly held belief, I want to be the outlier. The anomaly. The weirdo. Here's one I couldn't disprove if I tried: New Yorkers wear a lot of black.

When I'm up north visiting family, it comes easy. Gotham is dark. Dress appropriately. But layering in dark shades in Florida turns me into an Easy Bake Oven faster than you can say, "Black is back."

That is, until today. Florida, it seems, finally realized it's October.

There was a chill in the air, a strong wind nipping at my nose. It felt chilly, like autumn. I made a B-line for boots.

This adorable dark grey pair I bought for $8 at the new Revolve Clothing Exchange on Westshore Blvd. in Tampa was just begging for some black tights. After that, the color scheme was set.

I don't care what they say. Black will always be the new black.

The skirt, an off-white and black patterned wrap that can be dressed up or down, I inherited from my mother. The black blazer is several years old and the first I'd ever purchased. Its royal  blue lining really brings out the necklace when the wind blows just the right way.

Now, about this necklace.

You may remember it from my introductory photo.

It's a series of different sized deep blue beads strung together in half a dozen strands that I twist around each other for a more solid look. You can also wear it loose. It clasps in the back with a thick beige hook. But the best part is what it's made of:

Water buffalo bone. 

Yep. That's right. Buffalo. Bone.

While some might find it strange to wear an animal bone necklace, it's commonplace in many countries and cultures around the world. This necklace hails from Southeast Asia, by way of a New York City craft fair. My mother, stylish lady that she is, has the same in light green. I don't know how much I paid for it, but I recall the pair costing a little more than I would typically spend (despite our best attempt to haggle.) 

But I buckled. I'm a total sucker for a good conversation piece. And it's just what I need to bring a little color to this otherwise monochromatic look.

What do you all think?

- Deal Diva Marissa