BACK TO BLACK | OOTD

Happy Hump Day Beautiful People!  The new year is around the corner and rather than compile a list of my favorite posts or what I have learned, I thought I would share one last "OOTD" post for 2K16. Back when I first started blogging in 2011 under my previous brand name "Qrush Velvet",  it felt more like an obligation and not an outlet.  At the beginning of the year when I decided to start blogging again I promised myself to have fun and not force myself to post what's not authentically me.  This time around all of my posts felt honest and surprisingly within the process I fell in love with blogging again.  It's gratifying to see the growth in my style and personal development.  Drawing the line from placing unrealistic expectations on myself allowed me the freedom to JUST DO ME! 

Winter is my favorite fashion season! It's time to layer up the jackets, sweaters, or leather pants and load up on cute winter accessories like fur or faux fur earmuffs. During this time, I feel the majority of us have the one go-to color for the season.  Personally, I'm not loyal to one color but when I'm not sure what to wear or feeling a little indecisive, I always return to the classic......Back To Black!  In my opinion, anyone can wear all black and instantly look simple yet stylish.  I am certainly no stranger to practical pieces and keeping my outfits minimal and clean is a must lately.  So when I finally got my hands on the perfect long vest coat for the season I was excited to add another staple piece to my wardrobe. Adding a draped vest coat over the top of any outfit is the ideal way to layer for warmth yet have the ability to appear put-together.  The key to this look is stick to a solid color and then mix it up with your accessories.  

Photographer: J O N C E

Sleeveless long vest:  Topshop |  Body Suit: Asos (old) | Wide leg trousers:  Eileen Fisher | Open toe platform shoes: Stuart Weitzman |  Faux Fur clutch:  Express (old) seen here  | Bracelet: Versona | Earrings & brooches:  Natasha, Dillards | Shades: YSL.  

SHOP THE SIMILAR LOOK 

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for all their support throughout my blog journey, particularly the Hope, Lies, and Uterine Fibroids story.    What means the most is sharing a little of my personal life with old and new friends.  After a year of consistent blogging I feel more confident and looking forward to creating NEW exciting content for 2K17.  

Until Next Time With Love, 

Eureka

IN LIVING COLOR | OOTD

Happy hump day BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!  It's been a hot minute since I blogged an "Outfit Of The Day" or OOTD for two weeks in a row.  Life sometimes has a funny way of trying to taking over.  And somewhere along the way I lost sight of what's important. Like keeping a balance between my day job and passion.  Showcasing my personal style is a cherished outlet and is vital for my mental health and well being.  Sometimes I feel society allows fashion to dedicate a lot of what is "IN" right now. Nowadays the majority of the what you see on instagram as is a lot of muted earth tones and mauve colored outfits thanks to the Kardashian Klan and I allowed myself to fall victim.  Clothes are suppose to be a personal expression of what you want to present visually to the world!  I had to remind myself that personal style is just that.......personal.  So, please allow me to reintroduce myself, IN LIVING COLOR! 

I'm super excited when I find affordable pieces like this Nine West dress because style doesn't always have an expensive price tag.  I wore this dress to church a month ago and decided it needed a "OOTD" moment. The dress is a statement on it's own with the vibrant graphic print and universally flattering silhouette.  For the look I chose a simple cobalt blue clutch, crystal cluster earrings, paired with a studded belt, and my favorite BCBG sandals!  But this dress is versatile and would look great with black wide leg pants or transform the dress into a shirt by tucking it into a leather skirt!  I adore this look and look forward to it making a reappearance at brunch, date night, or a networking event. 

Photographer: JONCE

Dress:  Nine West | Earrings:  Cara Crystal Cluster via Nordstrom  | Shoes:  BCBG |  Clutch:  Vince Camuto (old) via Dillard's  |  Belt: ASOS (old)  | Shades:  Forever 21

SHOP SIMILAR LOOK 

Until Next Time With Love, 

Eureka

THE GRAPHIC EFFECT | OOTD

Hope your week is going great beautiful people. We are finally over the hump!! .  As a child, I was always fascinated by graphic buildings and interiors.  Coupled with my new love for graphic t-shirts and maxi skirts, it only made sense to center this OOTD (Outfit of the Day) around buildings with super cool graphics. What better way to live out your childhood by displaying some of your favorite past times through personal style and as a colorful backdrop.  If you are worried a graphic t-shirt isn't your style, focus on pieces you can style with…..like a maxi skirt and cropped leather jacket or blazer. Give me a graphic tee, with jeans or a maxi skirt with a photo worthy thigh high split and I’m in style heaven.   The influx of these staple pieces is something I will always gravitate too. Graphics are presently taking over the fashion world and can be seen all over the runways, from Stella McCartney to Missoni. What’s so great about this outfit, the pieces are versatile and can be transitioned into my fall/winter to summer/spring wardrobe and incredibly comfy!!!!

Photographer ~ Shawn Pilgrim 

Cropped leather jacket- BCBG (similar) * Graphic Pink Floyd shirt - Saks on Fifth (similar) * Michael Kors Maxi Skirt - similar  * Shoes - Sam Edelman (similar) * Sunglasses - Ray Bans (similar) * Leather Clutch - Antonio Melani (similar) * Belt -Thrifted * Gold hoops - Michael Kors (similar) 

~Enjoy other style worthy inspiration~

Ladies do you plan on recreating this OOTD?  If so, lets connect and tag me on instagram @velvetlope.  Would love to see your beautiful style!

Until next time, 

1 ❤️ Eureka!