Street Style: City Brights

Today's post is an example of how sometimes an outfit can come together without any planning. I woke up, was running late for work, and needed to get ready in a hurry. I picked the tomato red blazer first, due to the slight chill in the air. Then I decided I wanted to wear it with a dress versus looking for separates, i.e a top and a bottom. As clear as day it popped into my head that I had the thought sometime ago of wearing this mustard beauty, but transitioning it into a fall piece. I instantly knew what color tights and shoes I would wear with it. Now to pick a scarf. Should it be another bold color or a neutral? I decided on my idea of a neutral, black & white (as seen here, here, and here).

Oftentimes I have in mind what I will wear a week or so in advance. Years ago, I actually kept a journal of what I wore so that everything stayed in even rotation; A clear sign of way too many clothes! At present, every now and then, I don't have something planned to wear.  Or, I decide the morning of, I don't feel like wearing what I had planned to wear.  Perhaps nothing else speaks to me, i.e the dreaded: "I have nothing to wear" syndrome... :)

The spontaneous method is a hit or miss for me. Sometimes while searching for a last minute, pulled together look, I end up wearing something that I have recently worn because I can't seem to think of anything else.

How about you? Do you find that your best style creations are planned, or spontaneous?

Wool blazer: Pendleton (Vintage, thrifted)

Scarf: Gifted, from Iraq

Dress: Miss Sixty (Also seen here)

Tights: Hue (Similar here)

Shoes: Nine West (Seen here and here)

Handbag: Kate Spade (Seen here and here)

Thrifted Threads: Almost All Black Everything

This outfit was inspired by a post I saw on Beau Coo by User Brockleigh. She paired cream lace F21 shorts with a black top and tights. I started thinking: 'Why do I always pair my lace cream skirt with like colors?' (see here). I popped into my closet, and this is what I came up with. I really like the textural difference of the black brocade with the layered cream lace. 
This entire outfit was thrifted, for less than $25.00; There is nothing like the thrift! 
I am a #thriftstoreshopper4life !

Shirt: DKNY, thrifted

Vest: Marshall Fields, thrifted

Skirt: Due Pea Due, thrifted

Tights: Nordstrom

Stilettos: Nine West, thrifted (brand new)

Clutch: Vintage 'Block', thrifted

Flashback Friday: Alone on the Range In Canary Yellow & Blue Jeggings

Today's post features more photos (similar here) taken during the beginning stages and exploration of starting this blog. 
As 2013 comes to a close, I decided to post them.

They are a reminder to me of where this chapter in my life, style blogging began.

Yellow sweater: Only Mine, Nordstrom

Yellow tank: BP, Nordstrom Rack

Statement necklace: JCPennys

Jeggings: F21

Shoes: Calvin Klein

Clutch: Loehmann's

Throwback Thursday: Vintage Teal Evening Dress

2013 has come to a rapid end; In less than a week it will be 2014! I am shaking my head in disbelief. 
I've been organizing my blog archives, and came across my very first impromptu photo shoot.

This was back in the summer, before I took my braids down. We were on our way to a wedding. I'd been thinking, dreaming, talking, and wishing about starting my own blog (read about one of the reasons here). My husband said: 'Why not take some pictures?'. The desert sun was blazing, and it was 100 degrees. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, and that was the beginning of this journey. A month later I had accumulated a decent amount of research, and I posted my very first post (here).

I am very uncertain as to where and how this journey will pan out, but it is my sincere hope that somehow along the way, someone, somewhere, will feel inspired, more beautiful, and affirmation to be comfortable in their own skin. 
Remember: Your body is a gift. 
Despite any perceived imperfections, always embrace and value the gift that was made especially for you.

Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Earrings: Gifted, India

Necklace: Macy's

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Nine West

Remix Monday: Coral and Orange, With a Touch of Mink

Mink hat- Vintage, thrifted

Earrings- LA Fashion District (5+ years ago)

Silk blouse- Vintage, thrifted

Coral dress- Taylor

Moccasins- Minnetonka

Handbag- Vintage cosmetics case, thrifted

Lace Tuxedo Style Blazer & Waxed Skinny Jeans

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Sunday! Today's post features a cream lace blazer which has become a staple in my wardrobe. Interestingly, I purchased it mostly because of the extreme bargain price, but now I simply love the style of it and how it pairs so easily and effortlessly. I wear it with dresses, skirts, and now, denim! 
This pair of NYDJs has a waxed finish, but it's not extremely heavy or stiff. In my opinion, you can only detect a minimum sheen in the sun, which is quite okay with me. 
One con that I should note about this blazer: it is best worn with up-dos. Due to the texture and fabric, I experience breakage and excessive shedding when wearing my hair down while wearing it. 

Blazer: Alberto Makali

Blouse: Harlow, thrifted

Pearls: Vintage, thrifted

Ring: Loehmann's

Jeans: NYDJs (Similar here)

Stilettos: Nine West

Handbag: Kate Spade (seen here and here)

The View 32 Stories Up

Happy Friday! Today's post features an outfit that I wore our last day in Vegas. It was such a refreshing getaway!

 

I ended up pairing these pieces together due to slightly chilly temps. I has originally planned to wear the jacket and tights with a skirt, but when I tried it all on together I found that I just wasn't feeling it, so I went this route instead.

I’m not sure how I feel about how it turned out. *_*

I tested out a theory I saw on one of my favorite longtime blogs. The article discussed wearing hosiery with open shoes. I really liked some the looks that were featured, so I thought I would try it. Now I see that the key for me to incorporate this look, is to ensure that the toe is closed versus open.

Over to you, have you tested wearing opaque hosiery with open shoes?

 

Jacket: INC International Concepts

Necklace: TJMaxx

Dress: Trina Turk

Tights: Hue

Booties: Levity (also seen here and here)

Shoulder bag: Dooney & Bourke

Scarf: Thrifted

 

Inspired and Recreated: Mixing Stripes

I'm so happy to be on the mend, and back active on the blog! For those of you that follow my Instagram account, you know that I injured my left hand and have been in quite a bit of pain. I am happy to report that the pain, although still present, is no longer unbearable. I'm hopeful that in a few weeks I'll have the use of BOTH of my hands again. Imagine that! LOL

Today's post is about being inspired by a style/look that you see and then recreating that look in a manner that is authentic to you, as an individual. Often times we are inspired by a particular look, and then we decide to recreate that look in a manner that is consistent with our personal style.

Here's an example:

A few weeks ago I posted this look, and WOW, what a buzz it created! Des over at FancyDime recreated the look, and I just love how she did it!! Notice that our outfits are not identical, but both carry the element of mixing stripes. Authentically, Des paired her skirt with a top that boasted solid sleeves and studded accents. She pulled the studded accents out further using her accessories and shoes. 

Being a lover of differing style genres, I have fallen prey to the obsession that is: Pinterest! Whenever I have a few minutes to spare, you'll find me there, pinning inspiration to my heart's content =)

Over to you, where do you find style inspiration? Have you recreated looks that spoke to you? If so, please share! 

Olive Polka Dot Romper & Leather Blazer

It's finally Friday, and not a day too soon. I must tackle washing my hair tonight.... perhaps I'll do a post on that in the future! 

Today's outfit post features a polka dot romper (80's era I believe) and a somewhat distressed leather blazer (also seen here).

I usually wear this romper during the summer months, but I had an itch to wear it so I decided to give it a fall makeover. How'd I do?

Sunnies: Vintage, thrifted

Earrings: Forever 21

Leather Blazer: Chadwick's

Polka Dot Romper: Thrifted

Tights: Hue

Booties: MIA (also seen here)

Handbag: Kate Spade (also seen here)

Have a great weekend!

Sequins Dress & Vintage Pinstripe Christian Dior Coat

Can you believe it is Wednesday already? I can, and I am happily rooting for the next two days to past by very quickly! 

Today's post features pictures I took over the weekend while on vacation. 

My outfit has an 'all black everything' theme, with the EXCEPTION of this fabulous vintage Christian Dior coat! This coat was one of those finds in the thrift store (for all my thrifty fashionistas) where you feel like music starts playing in a loud melodious tone, a bright spotlight shines on the item, and it seems to have been waiting just for you. You try to contain your excitement as you speedily walk toward it before anyone else takes a grab at it.

This coat, I mean, OH MY! Beautiful cream dyed wool with silver pinstripes, beaded buttons, and quarter length sleeves! I could not ask for anything more. It was originally marked for $20 (gasp), but being the nifty thrifty gal that I am, I insisted to the salesman that the coat was over priced. Did I fail to mention it is by Christian Dior from Saks Fifth Avenue?! The salesman fell for my routine, and marked the coat down to $9.00!!!! I pretended to reluctantly go along, repeatedly saying how much I didn't need it, just in case he was willing to go down even further on the price. 

But alas he didn't budge, so I nabbed it for the FABULOUS price of: $9.00 USD!! Whoo hoo!! 

Can you tell how much I love the coat? I forgot to take it off so that you could see the full detail of the dress! Tsk, tsk...

Here's the roundup:

Earrings: Vintage, thrifted

Beaded Necklace: TJMaxx (also seen here)

Sequins Dress: August Silk, thrifted

Coat: Vintage Christian Dior, thrifted

Riding Boots: Ciao Bella

Leather Purse: Vintage, thrifted

Gloves: Victoria's Secret, online (at least 5 years ago)

Polka Dots, Faux Leather Leggings, and a Tie

Hello! I’m back from my vacay, settling into the daily grind. *o*

In line with my goal of pattern mixing, wearing more black and white combinations (like here and here) and my post a couple of weeks ago sporting a tie (see here), I came up with this assortment.

Once again, I really liked it in the mirror, but upon seeing it on film….well, honestly, it reminds me of a Dalmatian! LOL

 Despite that, I think I like it!

A side note about my faux leather leggings: I’m not sure if it is based this brand (INC), but I feel like there is not enough room in the rear area. Know what I mean??  O_o  For those of us with luggage in the trunk, we need GENEROUS give/flexibility  in the seat area! Every time I wear these, I’m always pulling them up if I have been sitting down.  =( 

I think this problem is non-existent with genuine leather leggings, because genuine leather stretches over time and with repeated wear.  

What has been your experience?

Tie: Grant Thomas

Necklace: Nordstrom Rack

Shirt: Kardashion Kollection, thrifted

Sweater: Calson

Ring: Indiska, Stockholm

Bangles: Assorted

Leather look leggings: INC

Sandals: Tildon

Handbag: Kate Spade

Bejeweled Sweatshirt, Wedge Sneakers, and Vintage Fur

 Wow, so it's Cyber Monday already? Time certainly seems to disappear! Are you planning to scoop up a boatload of deals today? I can't say that I am, because I am not much of an online shopper. There is something to be said about the thrill I get of walking into a live store, assessing the merchandise, comparing textures & fit- that just cannot be achieved online. Time and time again I visit the popular online clothing sites, only to exit out of the browser window without making any purchases....

Today's outfit is casual and comfy. I wanted warmth for the night air, and comfort for walking The Strip in Las Vegas. 

Here's what I decided on (notice my curls are back in full effect):

 

I was warm, and somewhat comfy. I must say, this being my first and only pair of wedge sneakers thus far- they were not as comfy as I anticipated! There was some uncomfortable rubbing on the bottom of my feet that I thought might blister, and then they made my bunions hurt after a relatively short time period! What has been your experience? Do you find wedge sneakers to be comfortable and practical? I do have my eyes on a pair of flat ones... 

Happy Monday everyone!!!

Earrings: Vintage, thrifted

Fur:Vintage, thrifted (similar to the one here)

Sweatshirt: Lauter

Bangles & rings: Various

Gloves: Vintage, thrifted

Jeans: NYDJ (like the ones here and here)

Wedge Sneakers: Steve Madden

Bag: MMS

Stripes & Leopard Print; Introducing an Improvised Curly Faux Bob

Today's post is short and sweet. Can you tell I'm loving my #bodycon Vince Camuto skirts? I'm keeping true to my goal of pattern mixing =) I settled on two slightly different stripe patterns, and added leopard print for fun and texture.

I also changed up my hair, but it did not cooperate; a tinge of humidity in the air did not help. After wearing it straight for a spell, it is slow to return to its normal springy curls. Today it looks more like a soft wavy….something. So I pinned it up all around and made it look sorta like a faux bob.

Earrings: Gift from India

Necklace: Nordstrom Rack

Crop Top: One Clothing

Tube Skirt: Vince Camuto (just like the ones featured here and here)

Purse: Vintage, thrifted

Stilettos: Michael Kors