The "IT" Factor

We've all seen her. The woman who walks into a space and immediately commands attention. Even before she opens her mouth, she speaks. Her aura, her presence...there's just something about her. We would say she has the "it" factor; that unknown quality, confidence, style that sets her apart.

Fashion is a big part of that mystique. Knowing what to wear, how to put it all together, because let's face it, first impressions DO count. We all know that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, yet, truth be told it's done all the time. Fact is, in this image conscious society, being well put together is just as important as having the character, talent and skill to back it up. Image does matter.

There's an online establishment called iT Factor Boutique (www.loveitfactorboutique.com) that is a great resource for those who possess (or wish to possess) the "je ne sais quoi" described above. It is headed up by Shanita Drakeford and has become a solid presence amongst the bevy of online boutiques. I can't log onto my Instagram or Facebook without being bombarded by dozens of requests or posts by the myriad of internet retailers. This site, however, has impressed me and become a "go to" when looking for distinct items. You might say it also possesses the "it" factor :)

Pictured above, a simple "iT Girl" tee from the site, paired with basic pencil skirt and hot pink pumps (my recent Goodwill find!!!) to pull out that pop of color. A classic top bun and character glasses complete the look. I wore this ensemble to work, but it could also be great for a date, or an afternoon of lunch and (what else) shopping! ;)

I found this chic navy blue mock neck tunic on iT Factor Boutique, also paired with a basic pencil skirt, and was able to conduct a presentation at work, confident in both my knowledge of the material AND my attire. Put both together and you can be unstoppable! Things went so well that afternoon, I had to stop and take a few celebratory selfies ;)

This past Fall/Winter, I got a great wrap that I could use on those days that weren't quite cold enough for a coat. Spent a day out and about in Philly and felt citified, chic AND warm all at once. Winning! :) Seen here with my fave Old Navy skinny jeans, MK booties and wool hat (www.hatsinthebelfry.com)

Whether you are looking for pieces that are edgy, classic, sexy, flirty or retro, iT Factor Boutique has something for you. www.loveitfactorboutique.com. I encourage you to check them out and see for yourself.

Statement Pieces

Have you ever found an outfit or accessory that, the moment you saw it and put it on, it somehow changed you? Made you feel different? I've had that experience numerous times, but most recently, after I found a red wool fedora. The moment I saw it in the boutique, I fell in love with it. I confess second-guessing myself for a bit, though. I'd never seen one that color before, and wasn't sure I could pull it off. "It's so bright", I thought. "I've never seen anyone else with it." I walked away initially, but couldn't stop thinking about it. After contemplating it for a few days, I went back for it and I'm so glad I did. (Special shoutout to my bestie for encouraging me to follow my instinct! Smooches, E! xoxo)

That's the power of fashion, I think. It can lift your mood, change your outlook or even give you confidence when maybe you don't really feel it. It can also instantly change an otherwise ordinary outfit into one that stands out, sets you apart.  Pictured here is a simple "I'd Rather Be Shopping" t-shirt dress/bodycon found at TJ Maxx, a Forever 21 denim button-up and gladiator heels (www.nastygal.com). By themselves, it's a cute enough ensemble. Add that pop of color, that hat, though, and it becomes something altogether different.

So, I encourage you to find that piece that speaks to you, makes you smile, makes you walk a little taller. Maybe it's a hat, a pair of shoes, a dress. Whatever it is, wear it boldly and with pride. Don't be afraid to shine. It's your right:)

Free Flowin'

One of the things I love most about fashion is its versatility; it doesn't have to mean just one particular thing. It ebbs and flows from sophisticated, to edgy, to conservative to...you get it:) It's all about self-expression and going with the flow that you are feeling at the moment. So on a day when it was sunny, breezy and beautiful outside, I just felt like flowin' free; casual, yet still chic. Believe it or not, this was my Easter church outfit! I just wasn't feeling the traditional pastel suit and wide brim hat for church service that day. Sure, I was feeling fancy, but I was also feeling free. The way I chose to express that? A floor length charcoal gray knit duster (Nordstrom...and I wish you could see how it moved when the breeze blew or I walked...EPIC!), sleeveless cotton mock turtleneck (Burlington Coat Factory), distressed boyfriend jeans (Old Navy) and nude pumps (Aldo).  

Ripped n' Rugged

I'm a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal. I could wear that or some variation every day of the week if you let me. For me it's all about being comfortable. Sometimes, though, you gotta kick it up a notch. Nothing adds that flair like adding layers and cool accessories.

This look is both comfy and full of texture. The shag vest (Honeycomb Hideout), cable knit fingerless gloves (Elle's Handmade Designs, www.ehdesigns.org) and reptilian bootie (not sure what kind of creepy crawly so I'll just lump them all into one category lol) all add dimension to an otherwise basic ensemble of distressed skinny jean (Old Navy) and plaid shirt (Forever 21).

Pretty much any variation of this combination can work. Switch it up with your choice of color/pattern/cut and, voila! You'll have a look that's good for an afternoon out with friends. So have fun with layers and textures and just do your thang! You don't have to compromise comfort for style. You can effectively accomplish both:) 

(P.S. photo creds to my 13 yr-old son. I could be a little biased, but I think he's got some skills!!:)

Pastel Panache

"...all black everything."

Yup, I confess. I'm a "blackaholic". At least 75% of my wardrobe is black. It's my favorite "go to" ensemble. When in doubt, I go black. It's always easy, always chic and always fashionable.   You pretty much can never go wrong. When shopping, I tend to gravitate toward the black items first.  I'm sure I'm not the only one ;) It's just... comfortable. Familiar. Safe. Don't get me wrong. Color can be cool too! With spring finally upon us, what could be more appropriate?? Cherry blossoms, Easter eggs and all that jazz :) No, soft, pretty, feminine pastels aren't typically my thing, but after the long, frigid, seemingly endless winter, something soft, warm and pretty sounds like a welcome change. 

Lilac blouse, Calvin Klein; Ivory high waisted wide leg cuffed trouser, Derrick Coleman (check him out on Facebook; support Black designers!!); shoes, nude peep toe pump by BCBG Generation.

Sunday Chic

Ever just wake up one morning and decide you want to try a different look? Like, explore another facet of your personality? Well, this past Sunday that's sorta where I was. I've always admired the chic, short hair styles I see so many rock, but I've not quite yet determined that I want to commit to such a look. So what better way to experiment with trendy styles?? You guessed it, I pulled out one of my wigs!

Something about short hair just makes you feel sassy, sophisticated and yeah, a little sexy. I had to go to work (and church), though, so couldn't give em TOO much sassy sexy:) This outfit felt like just the right amount. I decided to play around with silhouettes with this look, mixing an A-line sweater, with bootcut denims and an asymmetrical textured leather jacket (check out www.michellerennedujour.bigcartel.com to get one like it!).   The result was a combination that was comfortable, yet stylish, a win-win any way you look at it.

So, I encourage YOU to try new looks and flavors. Experiment with your hair or switch up the silhouette you've become accustomed to wearing. Try a new shade of lipstick or a bold new pattern. It's ok to try something new. Change can be good. You may find you actually like it:)

Pictured here, blush colored A-line cowl neck sweater (Plato's Closet, www.platoscloset.com), Banana Republic bell bottom jeans, and Steve Madden suede blush platform bootie, a great find from one of my fave spots, Marshalls.

Spring Into Style

Yay!! Spring is just around the corner! Time to shed those heavy winter coats and embrace the warmth of the sun. Ease into the season with comfort and style, yet still armed against the occasional lingering chilly breeze. Featured here Wet Seal long-sleeved cotton tee, military inspired jacket from Papaya and Old Navy skinny jeans.  Completing the look are suede slouch boots, knit beanie and fingerless gloves by Elle's Handmade Designs (www.ehdesigns.org).

City Style

Ahh city life. The energy, excitement...the attitude. There is nothing like it:) Of course, I am a little biased, being a born and raised New Yorker. It doesn't matter how long I've been away, or that I am now a suburbanite. I take the style sense and sensibility of the city with me wherever I go. Today's look: wide brim wool fedora from Hats In the Belfry (you know I love my hats!;) and a navy wrap with black trim from online shop ITFactor Boutique (www.loveitfactorboutique.com) paired with my fave jeans and booties. Voila! a look that is warm, comfy and stylish. Despite the cool temps, you can make any sidewalk your runway. The trick is finding a snazzy hat and outerwear that make a statement. No need to sacrifice style for warmth. You can achieve both.

Cute n' Cozy

Baby, it's cold outside. Snow and frigid temps make you want to bundle up and hibernate! Where's the groundhog already??!! But keeping warm doesn't have to mean the end of style. You can achieve a comfortable balance. In fact, one of my favorite things about winter (probably one of the only:/) are the wonderful array of cute and cozy sweaters. I love them! Ponchos, turtlenecks, chunky, cardigan...the assortment seems to go on and on. You can dress them up or down with jeans, leggings and a new trend I've recently gotten into, [faux] leather joggers.  And don't get me started on another of my winter favorites....the BOOTS!!!! Motorcycle, riding, thigh high, stiletto, sheepskin, wedge ...I get giddy just thinking about them all! The boot choice goes a long way in finishing up your look, regardless of what you're going for. Just be sure that what you select keep your feet dry, warm and enable you to deal with slick, icy surfaces. Another important tip: be mindful of the silhouette you are creating with your sweater/bottom ensemble. For example, if the top is full/blousy like the poncho above, go with a skinny bottom to balance the proportion.

So, if we have to endure nor'easters and temperatures in the teens in order to be able to indulge in these goodies, I guess it's a fair trade off. Maybe.

  

About Last Night....

It's Friday night, you've had a long week and really just wanna chill for the evening (that's what we older folks wanna do on Friday nights now lol). Then you are reminded that you RSVP'd weeks ago to attend a small gathering at a friend's house. So much for curling up on the couch in sweats! What to wear?! Gotta be something comfortable, but cute too. How about your favorite jeans (mine are a pair of distressed skinnies from Old Navy), a simple cotton cami (Wet Seal) and an old blazer (mine is at least 10 years old from United Colors of Benetton). Add a few gold accessories to accentuate the detail in the Forever 21 booties and cute Steve Madden purse found at Ross and voila! The 'fit is finished. Friday Night Fabulous:)

Photo credits: my 13 year old son:) #proudmama

There Is No Box

"Oh, she's a prep." "There goes that biker chick."

People like to create labels, put you in a box.  I prefer not to be so predictable. Truth is, I change up from day to day. One day I'm feeling grunge, the next day urban, and the next vintage. I like having the freedom and ability to say something different, to express a different facet of who I am.
Feeling confident?  Feeling sexy? You can say it with your attire, even before you open your mouth.

Today's flava: Casual Chic- cable knit beanie, silk blouse, distressed skinny jeans, leather booties and coordinating accessories. This look is great for a lunch date with friends or even movie night with your boo.

I won't necessarily mention a particular label or designer in describing an outfit because I don't believe that is what gives you the style. Instead, I will simply describe the various pieces used to create the style combinations. The idea is to encourage you to be fashionable at any price point, not to discourage you by promoting a high brow brand that may be beyond your grasp. Fashion is for everyone, not just those who can afford expensive, luxury brands. So go ahead, express yourself and have fun doing it:)