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).