DEFINE YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE LIKE A PRO

Happy Friday! For those of you that may not know during the day I work a corporate job in the insurance industry after switching careers as a 2nd grade teacher.   In the recent years (actually the past 5 years) I started taking steps towards pursuing my dreams as a wardrobe stylist and image consultant.  One aspect of my job as an image consultant is to introduce clients to style options they wouldn't normally consider.  Your visual presentation is key to making in a lasting impression.  It starts with investing in statement pieces that will take you through season to season.  My blog post "5 Steps to Develop Your Personal Style" is an excellent resource for all my style challenged men and women.  

Your wardrobe should contain amazing choices that you will not hesitate to wear.  We all have that one item you cannot wear anymore because you a spent a week's salary on it in 1999 and can't bear to part with it.  If it doesn't look good on you now, it shouldn't be there.  To achieve a successful visual presentation you must develop a functional wardrobe that serves you well.  You should wake up in the morning and be inspired by what's in your wardrobe.  20 black shirts offer little inspiration but one beaded vintage skirt brings excitement to get up, dress up, and face the day!  A good rule of thumb is for every 20 items you lay to rest, you can buy ONE "knock em dead" piece that fits into your new revamped wardrobe.  

Listed below are Some unbreakable laws that provide structure that will ensure your wardrobe is functional and adaptable:

1.  Purchase key items and get rid of the rest.  It's much easier to be inspired when you see five remarkable pieces rather 25 pieces and 20 of those are unremarkable. 

2.  Always buy the correct size.  Don't purchase a smaller size because you're planning on losing weight. Only purchase items that serve you in the present.  

3.  Be wary of bargains.  Buy what you are going to wear and love.  IF YOU DON'T NEED IT DON'T PURCHASE!

4.  Steer clear of trends.   Wear what suits your lifestyle and what makes you feel confident and timeless. 

5.  Comfortable doesn't have to mean boring. Don't play it too safe.  There is a fine line between graphic shirt and jeans and a sweat suit you wear for the cleaning the house. 

6.  Quality always beats quantity.  Only purchase the best or your perceived best of something rather than a lot of cheap or less valuable versions.  

7.  Do not expect to find your staple pieces in one shopping trip. Building a quality wardrobe is the result of an investment mindset.  Purchasing quality at a discounted prices is cost effective, if you are willing to spend the time. 

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE 

I'm here for you.......What are some of your struggles with finding your style? Comment below!

Until next time with love, 

Eureka

NEW BALANCE | OOTD

Happy Wednesday! Recently had an epiphany and realized I have lost my no nonsense, fearless approach to style.  It's easy to get into a style rut and forget that once upon a time you gravitated towards edgy style choices.  In my early 20's I probably made a lot of fashion mistakes that wasn't considered fashion forward.  But fashion has never dictated my style choices and I love the fact I didn't play it safe and at the very least my looks were exciting.  In the recent years I have noticed my go-to outfits are basic as hell. Evolving into a signature style is a necessity but somewhere along the way I lost my edge. I have welcomed the process of finding a balance between the archived spicy Eureka and the present day Eureka with open arms! 

This look will work for anyone no matter the age or size and the fun part is all about accessories to spice up a not so basic outfit. When I first saw this gorgeous blazer in the Banana Republic  I grabbed it and immediately my mind knew exactly how I wanted to christen this new treasure.  It screams classic with a dash of unexpected chicness.  The foundation of the look is my winter go-to's  Free People  faux leather pants and Brian Atwood booties. Adding a embroidered clutch and the hottest shades right now  is the perfect pairing.   Lastly, a dash of bright colored purple hair and my new favorite red lipstick Shanghai Scarlet by L'oreal effortlessly completed this OOTD!

Photographer:  Aaron J. Velasquez 

YOU CAN ALSO LOOK ROCKER CHIC, STYLE DETAILS BELOW

SHADES : Michael Kors | FAUX FUR COLLAR BLAZER :  Banana Republic - SOLD OUT (Similar) | CASHMERE TURTLENECK : Lord & Taylor (Similar) | FAUX LEATHER PANTS :  Free People SOLD OUT (Similar ) | BOOTIES : Brian Atwood (Seen here) | CLUTCH :  Tadashi SOLD OUT (Similar) |  BELT : Vintage Old 

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE 

Do you feel like you are in a style rut or do you have champagne taste on a tap water budget? As we evolve as individuals the basic principles of upgrading your style can become too much of a task to bear.  All hope is not lost, check out my budget friendly blog post "5 Steps To Develop Your Personal Style"    and start your style journey today.  

Until next time with love, 

Eureka

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