Pink Velour

Written by Shakira on . Posted in Personal Style, Style. Leave a Comment

My wardrobe has seen a steady influx of items in various shades of pink over the last five years. Never cared for the color as a teen or young adult yet here I am, mid thirties and suddenly hooked. Whenever asked I’d proudly proclaim blue as my favorite color. Ask me now and I’m not even sure I still have one. Especially when I seem to be drawn to pieces like this pink velour cardigan and matching sneakers.

These sneakers were ten bucks at Kmart. No seriously, I promise. Just as winter was transitioning into spring early this year I snagged these babies. Never got around to buying the burgundy pair regretfully. The comfort level is amazing and they fit perfectly. So perfect that I’ve been wearing them everywhere… with anything.

On a trip to Marshall’s for aromatherapy oils I bought this velour cardigan. I didn’t have my sneakers to confirm it matched but I took a chance. The chenille knit is super soft and cozy. It’s just the right length and width for me; everything you want in a cardigan. Over denim, tights, dresses, etc.

I kept it simple with skinny jeans and a turtleneck for this look. I’m plotting my next as we speak. Let me know in the comments below how you’d rock these items!

Cardigan//Marshall’s , Top//Uniqlo , Jeans//Forever 21 , Sneakers//Kmart

Leopard Midi Skirt

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Have you ever gone shopping and come across one item you can’t leave in the store? Perhaps a piece of clothing, some jewelry, or a pair of shoes that must come home with you immediately? On a trip to Zara a while back I found a leopard midi skirt I couldn’t leave without. Although I admire them from afar, animal prints are not plentiful in my closet. Many of the pieces I’d owned for years have long since been consigned. Luckily leopard remains a wardrobe staple and I intend to capitalize on the current trend.

Beside the lovely print it was the pleats that caught my attention in Zara that day. If scientists ever confirm the existence of a gene for personal style, I’m sure that I inherited a love of pleats from my mother. A light nylon material ensures the perfect drape across the hips. The midi length brings an air of sophistication to the overall look. A white button down was chosen on top out of habit. After realizing they were all in the hamper I grabbed the next best thing, a denim shirt.

There seems to be nothing I can’t pair with a denim shirt. The heavier material is great for the season. It’s the fall and winter version of a white oxford. Since I’d worn my quilted red purse before as a crossbody bag several times, I opted for the fanny pack here. On a trip to New York back in April I found this in Aldo Times Square. I’d seen it in white online the day before and was determined to buy one. When I saw red it was a wrap.

Having a pop of color dead center in the outfit I chose my go to black stilettos with the red heel. As for the red lipstick, it was the only one in my purse lol. The hardest decision for the entire look was whether I should wear these statement earrings. Are they too gaudy? Overpowering my face? Too busy against the leopard? The earnings won and I love the finished product. Besides. I can be just as gaudy as I like!

Top//H&M , Skirt//Zara , Purse//Aldo , Shoes//Donald J. Pliner

Burgundy Lace

Written by Shakira on . Posted in featured, Personal Style, Style. 2 Comments

I don’t feel like blogging at all. That’s my truth right now loves. Two weeks post-op from major surgery, pain killers and fluffy pillows have now become my beat friends. Honestly, the last thing on my mind is fashion. It’s hard to post pretty pictures when you can’t even use the bathroom by yourself. A break from the outside world was mandatory. Fortunately your girl planned ahead so we don’t miss a fashionable beat. I shot all of my looks for the rest of 2018 long before fall officially arrived. Every outfit is already scheduled, starting with this beautiful burgundy lace dress.

You may remember seeing this dress in Green a while back. As you know, anything I like I purchase several. It makes life easier since I know the fit is perfect. The small details are what caught my eye. Comparing the black with green overlay to this burgundy and rose pink, this one is my first pick. Against the light background the dark floral design stands out. You can truly see the intricacy of the lace.

Every dart, every seam is placed just so. Even with my petite height, they manage to line up right where they should. Being able to belt any dress is always a plus for me so that addes extra points. Just as before I chose to pair this dress with satin mules. Finding shoes in the exact same shade of rose meant they had to be purchased asap. Some things are a no brainer.

I kept the simple with a fringe earring and my favorite watch. This watch was my first Valentine’s gift from my husband when we were dating. Before then I hardly ever noticed rose gold jewelry. Seeing it on my skin made me fall in love. So much so that our wedding rings are rose gold. Even hubby likes the look of the meatal on his complexion. So here you have it folks… a simple slay.

Dress//New York & Co , Shoes//K&G , Earrings//H&M , Watch//Jacote

White Ankle Boots

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For the last 2 years I’ve compiled a list of items into a must have list. A list filled with pieces I desperately want in my wardrobe. Found one of these items at my local Marshall’s store. Ladies, I give you white ankle boots! You may be saying to yourself “Girl, bye” but I personally love a white shoe. Yes, they get a bad rap. Yes, many people consider them a huge fashion mistake. But guess what? I don’t care.  Having a white pump in my arsenal already, just needed to build up my collection. Now that I have white ankle boots the possibilities are endless.

I purchased these months ago right as we transitioned from spring into summer. But don’t let that fool you, these boots can easily be worn in the fall and winter months. Paired with denim, leather pants, layered with tights and shorts, or even in place of stilettos with a dress. I can’t wait to see what I come up with this winter. It’s easy to be scared off by the bright color. Especially during a season when most people naturally gravitate to dark hues. However, I’d love to challenge myself to step outside the box. To use these as a new neutral.

Since winter is around the corner I decided to break in these boots woth a dress while there’s still time. A lovely compliment for my footwear, the fabric on this plaid dress is heavier than it looks. Not something I’d wear during the summer but perfect for autumn. Bell sleeves add a flirtatious vibe to an otherwise straightforward piece. Being so coordinated with my accessories was a big risk. It may seem too matchy-matchy but I felt it was retro. Just enough hardware to make it edgy and not totally “Stepford”. I’m curious, would you rock a white boot? Let me know below!

Dress//Burlington Coat Factory , Shoes//Nine West , Bag//Forever 21

Green Lace

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Since the sixteenth century no other fabric has embodied both class and femininity as lace. From Queen Elizabeth to Marie Antoinette it’s been associated with royalty. The trend continued well in the roaring twenties and by the eighties it was synonymous with all things rock and roll. It was a symbol of class and elegance. Then later a bad girl’s “screw you” to all things girlie in the form of ripped stockings and fingerless gloves. All things considered, I’ve hated lace for most of my life. Then one day I loved it, without warning. A switch was flipped and suddenly I was smitten. So you can imagine my excitement when I found this beautiful forrest green lace dress.

It was during a trip to Maryland two winters ago to visit a close friend when I fell in love. We were shopping at New York and Company admiring the Eva Mendes collection. It was full of color and ultra chic midi dresses. Knits that hug your body and accentuate your shape. Wrap around Belts that cinch your waist. A girl’s dream, especially a modern church girl. Then we noticed this beautiful dress. Intricate lace overlay with a great opaque lining. I especially loved the way the lining stops short of the remaining lace. It adds a little flirtation at the hem. The structured collar and thin belt elevate the dress. The cap sleeves make it multi-seasonal.

The best part? It was on sale! I was sold right away, especially since I purchased another one in another color (which you’ll be seeing shortly on the blog). I’m glad that my personal style has evolved. How about you? Would you add lace to your wardrobe? Leave me a comment below!

Dress//New York & Company , Shoes//K&G , Glasses//Forever 21 , Earrings// H&M

60’s Princess Dress

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The fashion lover in me is always interested in see what was fashionable to previous generations. As a millennial with baby boomer parents searching through old family photos isn’t just to take a trip down memory lane. I do it to also get some style inspiration. Recently I came across a few pictures that reminded me of an old dress I haven’t worn in years. It’s this yellow floral 60’s princess dress.

I purchased the dress years ago at H&M. At the time hippie chic was popular. Peasant tops, mod dresses, and embroidery were in every store. I came across this groovy dress and was immediately excited. The floral pattern is totally reminiscent of the 60’s. A dress Daphne from Scooby Doo might have worn on a date with Fred.

What sold me on the dress completely was the bottom half. The princess ruffles are exaggerated by the use of structured tulle and darting. I never have to worry about the dress losing it’s shape. The stretch spandex material is extremely comfortable. Not to mention that’s the only reason I can fit this dress after all these years. It’s one of few dresses I own that allow me to twirl like a ballerina. Perdect with flats during the day or sandals at night.

Dress//H&M , Shoes//K&G , Bag//Forever 21 , Watch//Movado , Earrings//Burlington

White Denim + Neon

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In my humble opinion white denim is just as versatile as it’s blue counterpart. Believe it or not, it’s wearable in every season. I actually look forward to pairing mine with boots and cable knit sweaters in the winter. Until then I’ll be making the most of these last two weeks of summer with a bright wardrobe. Today it’s all about my skinny white denim and neon sandals.

I rarely shop at Macy’s because, well I’m a millennial. The department store giant never really did it for me (Kanye shrug). However, one walk through about six years ago and I spotted the perfect sandal for my upcoming trip to Miami. A bright, colorful, chucnky sandal from Rachel Roy. The icing on the cake was that they’re ridiculously comfy.

Truth be told I’ve probably worn the sandals ten times in six years but deep down I’m trying to preserve them forever LOL. They instantly add a wow factor to any outfit, whether casual or dressy. I decided to be daring and add a little extra color to this look. I chose a turquoise tank instead of a white tee and a neon wristlet to match. Sunnies and big hoops finish the look. How qould you style these babies? I’d love to know, tell me in the comments below!

Top//H&M , Jeans//Old Navy , Shoes//Rachel Roy , Wristlet//Dots , Glasses//Forever 21

Bandeau Top + Linen Skirt

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Kids across the U.S. went back to school this week. It allegedly signifies the end of summer but this deadly heat says otherwise. There are still a few last minute beach trips and barbecues to be had before we say farewell for good. I’ve been digging in my summer wardrobe pulling pieces I won’t be able to wear next summer. I came across this red bandeau top and linen skirt tucked away in storage.

The top is actually one of two that my superfly grandmother made herself. I remember begging for this and it’s turquoise counterpart as a teen. Tube tops and bandeaus were all the rage because… the nineties. Grandma obliged and this baby has been mine for two decades. I love the horizontal stripes. The tan and gold give a retro feel. You can totally tell it’s vintage.

My storage digging was yet another reminder that much of my wardrobe consists of pieces from H&M. Like a TON of pieces. I decided to round up a few oldies but goodies and shoot them anyway. I struggled with the decision since y’all know I’m still boycotting the brand. New purchases aren’t being made, but I’ll wear what I have until I complete another shopping haul.

This tiered linen skirt has been a summer staple for years. The high waist and fitted thigh are uber sultry while the loose tiers are fun and flirtatious. I hate to let go of the skirt but I’ve outgrown it, so this is a last hoorah of sorts.

I chose bold gold jewelry of course. The retro vibe also demanded a retro pair of oversized shades. My favorite two tone sandals and a metallic straw clutch pulled it all together. The perfect blend of old and new!

Top//Vintage , Skirt & Clutch//H&M , Shoes//Zara , Jewelry//Aldo , Glasses//Michael Kors

Ruffled Jumper

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Is it just me or was July was a blur? I spent the first two weeks of July trapped in an arm sling. Not the sexiest accessory during a Heatwave. The last two were devoted to full time mom duties since baby girl is on summer break. Now August is here and I have plenty of summer looks in my closet that haven’t seen sunlight. Thankfully, Philly weather tends to be hot and humid until October so I’ll get to wear them all. Starting with this ruffle jumper.

I originally purchased this for my honeymoon last year. It never made the cut but I was pleasantly surprised when I realized it still fit. I love the Hawaiian vibe of the floral pattern. The sleeves are long and loose and the deep v neckline adds a little drama. Finally, the ruffles along the hip add an unexpected feminine touch.

I instantly felt like I was on vacation when I wore this jumper. I rarely wear shorts so this one piece was perfect. Considering I was bloated and tired the day of the shoot I’m super happy with the final look. I kept my footwear simple with a pair of black sandal wedges. A small cross-body bag completes the entire ensemble.

When the weather is brutally hot, easy breezy is the way to go!

Jumper//Eternity Fashions, Shoes//Aldo, Bag//Aldo, Sunglasses//Forever 21

Floral Duster

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After years of strict guidelines I’m still hesitant to wear casual outfits to work. Even with a laid back dress code, one that I raved about, it presents a challenge. I rarely wear denim. I’ve actually been reviewing old blog posts to see just how often I give you guys a denim look. It’s not that often. I promise to do better. Last week I chose to go semi casual for brunch and plan a look around this floral duster jacket.

I’ll admit, my first instinct was to pair it with a sheath dress. I decided to save that for church instead. This beautiful jacket caught my eye in Burlington a while back. The versatile color palette can easily go from spring to fall. I’ve been drawn to dramatic sleeves all year. Needless to say I love the slight flare on the sleeves of this floral duster.

I really wanted to pair the jacket with s silky tank but it was cooler than usual. Instead I opted for a sheer blouse. I chose a pair of patent loafers to give a flirty sophisticated vibe. A pair of earrings and a purse with tassels added some flare. Lastly, my go to finisher, a pair of sunglasses.

I can’t wait to style this jacket again, especially this fall with some knee boots. Until then I’ll do my best to add more denim to my repertoire. Hope you enjoy your week loves, xo!

Jacket//Burlington Coat Factory, Blouse//Zara , Jeans//Forever 21 , Shoes//Ross , Purse//Burlington Coat Factory

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