"Wait, is this navy or black?"

     As a frequent shopper, I used to come across the usual dilemma of weather a piece is navy or black. I would ask a salesperson, try to look for the color on the tag, and compare the item to other navy or black items to see which one it most closely resembled. I know it is not just me who has had trouble distinguishing the difference sometimes. See, sometimes the difference is just so clear, and obvious. But other times, it's a huge pain, and before you know it you are in J. Crew with the whole sales associate team calling other stores, looking online, and betting with each other that they think the color is navy, and not black (true story by the way, J. Crew takes their colors seriously, and I LOVE any store that takes clothes and colors that seriously!) So, how do you truly tell the difference, is there a way to find out? YES, there is, and no, this will not require the whole sales associate team (but maybe only one!)!
Here's how to tell if it's navy, or black and not end up have one black heel, and another navy pump! (It happens to a lot of us!)

• Put the item against natural light, always helps. (unless in the case of bad weather.)
• To avoid showing up to work with a navy shoe, and a black shoe get dressed in the best possible light. I personally separate my navy's and blacks just because there have been days that I have been tired, late, and just grab what I can and rush off, with in hand- a navy belt and black shoes.
• Bring a friend when you shop, they don't have to be a color connoisseur they just need to have good eyesight, and of course the eye for style!
• Compare the items to obvious black's and navy's.
• When in doubt, ask!! 

Here is a little guide I made via Polyvore! 

XOXO! -T