Red Hot for Fall 2014

Ever since I began picking out my own clothes (I’m told that was about age 4), I have been drawn to the color Red. My uncles quickly nicknamed me “Blood” because more often times than not, the color Red found a place in my daily ensembles. 

My love for the color Red didn’t end during my childhood. As I grew toward my preteens I found that I preferred red nail polish, and then as a full fledged teenager I graduated to red lipstick. The years went by,I accumulated way too many red purses, used a red cell phone for years, and even purchased a red sports car (a surprise from my husband). To make a long story shorter, I find brilliant shades of Red irresistible ;)

As Fall Fashion pours down the pike, I am more than pleased to see variations of Red take center stage. Yes, from fashion runways, to the red carpet at the Emmys, we’ve seen fiery monochromatic looks in Red stand at attention.

Completely on trend, Fall 2014 is at Code Red! Now, some women may not feel confident wearing the color Red. It is after all attention grabbing and very memorable. Other women wear Red generously, but they may believe that certain shades of Red are more complimentary than others. Where do you stand when it comes to Red?

I happily try out every single shade/variation of Red that I can get my hands on. I’m not searching for the perfect shade of Red, I believe that each shade can and will be executed seamlessly, with proper planning :)

This two-piece crop top and maxi skirt features a delicious hue of Red, Aurora Red to be exact. It's from Dress to Kill Boutique (click here).The experts say that “Aurora Red has blue undertones which represent a cooling down of sorts”. Well, whether Red is cooling down or heating up (summer temperatures rage on here in SoCal), I will always be partial to it!

Normally I pair Red with other Reds and or neutral shades. I decided to step outside of my comfort zone for this look. Blogging my style has taught me the joy of deviating from previously defined dressing norms. It is liberating!

My goal in styling a look is simple: to choose what makes me feel happy. With that goal in mind, I went with gold accessories, a hot pink lippie, and matching hot pink striped socks.

(Fun filter applied)

Thanks for stopping by & have a great weekend!

Crop Top & Maxi Skirt: Dressto Kill Boutique (gifted)

Sunnies: Nordstrom

Clutch: Vintage

Socks: Nordstrom

Platforms: Calvin Klein

Snapshot of Detroit - Part 3: Sunday Best

Part 3 wraps up my series, "Snapshot of Detroit". I took these shots on a Sunday afternoon, in the inner city. I remember when this area had thriving businesses. Now looking at it, you might think that this is a city outside of the US. It isn't. 

This is #DetroitUSA.

Hat: Vintage, thrifted - Jewelry: Jessica Simpson - Dress: Madison Leigh - Shoes: Via Spiga

What I Wore: Tulle Skirt to a White Party

We attended a White Party while visiting Detroit last weekend. There has been at least one 'white' themed event each year for the past few years. Last year I wore white jeans and a crochet top, the year before that, a white shirt dress, and so on. Typical off the rack wear. When I received an invite this go round, I immediately had an image in my mind of what I wanted to wear. I wanted to be, in a word: unique. This go round the attire was specified as dressy; slightly different than events in years past. I love an excuse to dress up, so I set about looking for a retailer that sold a nice full tulle skirt. That proved to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. So, I opted for a well recommended vendor, and had the skirt custom made.

Jewelry: Nordstrom

Top: TJMaxx

Skirt: Custom made

Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Clutch: Vintage, thrifted

This was a really fun outfit to wear! We made a long night of it, and while downtown after the White Party, many folks offered their congratulations as they thought we just got married - LOL! As the night went on, I wondered if anyone would gift us with a wedding present =) 

I didn't care for the way these pictures turned out, as it was an overcast evening. I added a basic filter which didn't really help...but oh well, it is what it is!

Snapshot of Detroit - Part 1: Patterned Skinnies

I've been having a blast during my visit here in my hometown, Detroit. Yet, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the sad state of the inner city neighborhoods. I decided to take photos in a few areas that may seem unusual. 

What I Wore:

Earrings & top: Forever 21

Necklace: Nordstrom

Pants: Not Your Daughter's Jeans

Sandals: Chinese Laundry

These shots are not from a war torn country, not from a 3rd world country, this is a street in my old neighborhood: 

Detroit, MI USA

Stay tuned for: "Snapshot of Detroit - Part 2"

What I Wore: Casual Friday

I'm writing this post from my home state: Michigan! I'm a native of Detroit, and although I love the natural beauty that is California - it feels too good to be home for a visit!

Not only because of the overflow of love, visits, and good times with family/friends; but because of the feeling that I am truly grounded here. I am connected to this place. I guess that is indeed the nostalgia of being...home.

Dress: Cynthia Rowley

Jewelry & Sandals: Jessica Simpson