personal style

THE SWITCH UP | OOTD by EUREKA CALHOUN

Happy Hump Day!  If there is one word to describe my current style choices, it's COMFORT!  Working a full time job along with entrepreneurship has left a lot less time for everything else in my life. I avoid anything that distracts me from focusing on what's important.  Zero fuss is the name of the game, so as of late I gravitate towards real, beautiful clothes that I can live and work in. Versatility and comfort are increasingly important factors for my personal style and my rule of thumb is to wear an ensemble that will survive the entire day.

Which is why it's no surprise that when it comes to the dos and don'ts of getting dressed, the women who inspire my style have one thing in common: They choose comfort and versatility when picking out their outfit.  Whether you’re simply not the killer heels type of girl or you’re looking for some fresh outfit inspiration, I'm here to prove a great outfit doesn't require a pair of heels.  I'm always on the hunt for a modern tuxedo blazer so you can image my excitement when I stumble onto this gem from Nordstrom Rack.......which never disappoints!  I paired a staple turtleneck sweater, with timeless cigarette pants from my fav Banana Republic .  And completed the look with the star of the show, a pair of classic, clean and modern adidas sneaker.

Photographer:  Aaron J. Velasquez 

Photographer:  Aaron J. Velasquez 

tuxedo blazer:  aBS by allen schwartz (sold out) Similar | Turtleneck: seen here  | Cigarette pants: banana republic (sold out) similar | Adidas sneakers: purchase here  | Shades: Prada (sold out) similar | Clutch:  Seen here  |  Earrings: (Thrifted)  | lipstick:  L'oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss Purchase here

The cross pollination of style and sport has been a favorite at the street level for quite some time. Now the fashion elite is making comfy kicks look cooler than ever. Check out some of my favorite looks below. 

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE 

Sneakers paired with upscale ensembles will not go out style anytime soon. Do you plan to take a cue from the notable street style stylistas and inject a little comfort into your wardrobe this season?

Until next time with love, 

Eureka

DEFINE YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE LIKE A PRO by EUREKA CALHOUN

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. 

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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 by EUREKA CALHOUN

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 

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