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

CLASSIC BLACK | OOTD

Happy Hump Day!   Wednesday's are sort of a weekly celebration for me. I have a mid-week ritual of reflection which allows me the freedom to figure out what is left to accomplish and relax with friends for dinner and drinks.  In the spirit of reflection, one of my favorite past times, wearing “Classic Black” is sort of my ode to celebrating Black History Month!  The annual celebration is time to recognize Black History and shed light on the precious gift bestowed to this country.  I'm looking forward to diving deep and learning about the accomplishments of famous and lesser-known African-Americans within a rich environment of peers.  African American style is deeply rooted in our heritage and american culture! Complex mag complied an amazing list of "The 25 Greatest Black Fashion Designers" to date, check out the article here.  Black History and the classics will always trend-send time and this post is only a tiny, tiny way I can honor the people who have paved the way for us!

PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Shawn Pilgrim  

Wearing all black will allow even a simple pair of gold hoops to shine against your monochromatic (wearing different variations of one color) ensemble.  

Trench coat- Eile Tahari (seen here)  * Cashmere turtleneck - Lord & Taylor (similar here) * Skirt - Elizabeth & James (similar here) * Booties - Brian Atwood (similar here) * Sunglasses - Miu Mui (similar here) * Earrings – Michael Kors (seen here) * Lip Stick color - Mac Flat Out Fabulous. 

Black History Month or National African American History Month, is an event that grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. To my surprise other countries around the world, Canada and the United Kingdom recognize the national holiday too.  

Provided below are various events honoring Black History Month in Oklahoma City.  Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and prepare yourself to create memories of enlightenment! 

Don't forget sharing is caring!!!!!!! 

WAKE UP "THE REAL BLACK AMERICA"

THE HISTORY OF NAACP IN OKLAHOMA 

HISTORY SPEAKS - 1968 GOLD MEDALISTS JOHN CARLOS AND TOMMIE SMITH 

AFAM BLACK FILM FESTIVAL - THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE (1967-1975) * DARK GIRLS * FINDING THE GOLD WITHIN

FREEDOM'S HOPE WITH JANA BROWN

AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA WITH DR. DONNIE L. NERO SR. 

WOMEN IN WAR ZONES BY EBONY IMAN DALLAS

THE BLACK PANTHERS: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION 

Until next time, 

1 ❤️ Eureka  

THE ART OF SPORTY CHIC | WOMEN EDITION

Forget tight dresses and stuffy fabrics and embrace an unexpected "Sporty Chic" element!  Don’t be thrown, these sporty looks are very feminine, the key is to match pretty with active. This style is about stepping outside the box and pairing cute loose silhouettes with cropped jackets, ball caps, and a fresh pair of kicks (sneakers). The look will definitely set you apart from the masses.  Softer color hues and fabrics can also bridge the gap between the sporty and sophisticated. The results are the perfect combination of feminine and comfort!!!

BASEBALL CAP

The baseball cap is the easiest way to pull off the sporty chic look – not to mention the best way to hide a bad hair day!!!

VARSITY JACKET

The quickest way to go from casual to sporty chic is to throw on a sports jacket. Style with a pair of jean or skirt a varsity jacket and baseball cap is one of  my favorite staples for the fall. 

SWEATSHIRT

Not a fan of varsity jackets…..designer’s sweatshirts is the new hotness. The sweatshirt had a huge comeback last fall, which also happens to be a great transitional piece from winter to spring.

ATHLETIC SPORT BRA

What's amazing is that timeless pieces may consists of a variety of sports bras depending on your lifestyle. So why not incorporate this element into your everyday ensembles. Tip:  The sports bra can be pulled down to "cover" if need be (if you catch my drift).  

SWEAT & TRACK PANTS

Sweatpants and or track pants are excellent options for the sporty chic element.  To make these relaxed pants look a little more chic, pair them with a luxe fur and or cute pair of pumps to complete the outfit.  

SNEAKERS

With sporty chic, you should almost always wear a pair of sneakers. Well now you can have your cake and eat it, too, with a feminine chic skirt or dress and sneakers that completes the sporty trend in two simple steps. 

ATHLETIC SOCKS

A great opportunity is offered with the addition of athletic socks, to add bright and fresh pointed heels, platforms, and or  strappy sandals, in any color is the order of the day when it comes to footwear.

Sporty chic is the perfect cheat for lazy day dressing. You don't have a think a whole lot. Just grab your joggers or your track pants and top it off with your t-shirt or your favorite sports team jersey. Pull it all together with some pointy-toe heels and that way you'll still have those feminine elements and touches!!!

TIP:  For those who are not used to this look, start with accessories like a simple hat, colourful duffel bag, or sporty watch to add a touch of sporty to any outfit.

Now the ball is in your court!  How will you style this athletic inspired trend?    

1 ❤️ Velvet Lope