Style Story: Command Performance

I strongly believe in only buying garments that I love and thinking about how I can integrate them into what I already have. This process forces me to slow down and take a minute so my purchases are not impulsive or too similar to what I already have. If I can’t come up with more than one way to wear something then that garment will only get a couple of wearings then sit in my closet and take up space. I don’t usually go for, tricked out, garments like this bubble-hem dress, Moschino Cheap and Chic, but I love the fall spaced-floral print the retro-styled neckline and the ripstop fabrication.

I also knew that aside from wearing it as a dress I could manipulate it into a blouse or a tunic like I’m wearing today. I followed the drape of the neckline to the hemline and gathered that section, upward and attached a large vintage rhinestone and gold, brooch. It not only changes the shape it almost looks like it’s part of the dress. I’ve styled it with black vegan leather leggings, Blank NYC, and black leather sling-backs, Martinez Valero. My boucle’ handbag, vintage, in pea-green is a perfect match with the contrasting floral pops of green on my dress as do the brown handles with the brown flowers. As you can see, my leggings are dull and the dress is flat but by adding the gold/rhinestone brooch that reflects off of the large gold initials on the bag I’ve been able to create some much needed brightness.

style tip: when you really know what you have and buy only what you love, fresh new looks are right there waiting for you

Style Story: Follow the Leader

There’s a difference between getting dressed and styling a look. The latter, if you’re not used to it, may require a few extra seconds so you can follow the, leads, that result in a cohesive put-together and finished look. I’m wearing a black and white stripe casual T-shirt, Goldie, and a black lycra pencil skirt, Zara. The lycra’s reflective quality inspired my shoe choice, Charles David, of these, kitten heels, (trending for Fall), and mine have a red metallic covered snakeskin heel. The black suede, mule, is embellished with red coral and rhinestones.

This combination of casual fabric with somewhat, special occasion, textures feel very whimsical so I want to go with it in choosing the rest of my pieces. This large rhinestone ankle-bracelet, Malinda Maria Jewelry, and diamond hoop earrings do exactly that. My sheer red vintage scarf, Vera, is tied long and on the side and moves as I do. Below the scarf is a large, Baroque, pearl necklace. It’s that small touch of, extra, to make this a look just like attaching a white camellia pin, Chanel, onto my black satin, vintage, opera bag.

style-tip: there’s a freedom in letting go and allowing one item lead you to the next verses controlling the scenario by knowing you’re going to throw on jeans and a t-shirt

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you