GREY & METALLIC | OOTD

Happy Wednesday beautiful people!   The past couple of months have been somewhat busy and I haven’t had the time to take pics for my beloved “Outfit of the Day" posts.  These images were taken two months ago by one of my favorite photographers Tori Beechum.  Regardless, I plan to make more of an effort to schedule and post on a consistent basis and wanted to create an outfit focusing on my thrifting and vintage finds.  I use to be obsessed with thrifting because in my mind I was saving so much money………until I was swimming in a sea of clothes. The abundance of clothes started to become overwhelming to say the least.  

Since the start of the New Year, my goal has been to declutter and eventually live a minimalist lifestyle.   Now my focus is more on vintage hunting and shopping my closet. The decision to bring new life to the items already in my wardrobe has sparked my creativity in a new refreshing way.  Also, when I stumble across unique one-of-a-kind vintage treasures it makes me feel like I'm stepping into a time machine and flashing back to a different era.  For my outfit I wanted to keep it in the family of mixing athletic with dressy.  My style mantra is more about comfort these days and choosing to dress up my casual gap t-shirt with a metallic thrifted skirt was the perfect pairing.  Summer is the time of the year where I incorporate some type of athletic gear daily.  For years I have always loved to mix high and low items and if you pick the right kind of low, it can look amazing with higher-end accessories.  

Shades - Ray Bans (seen here) | Gold choker - Vintage (similar here) | Grey Shirt - The Gap (here) | Belt - Dillard's OLD (similar here)  | Skirt - Thrifted from Bad Granny's Bazaar. (similar here) | Shoes - Tory Burch (here) | Bracelets - Nordstrom (similar here) | Clutch - (seen here) | Earrings - (seen here).  

For some of my serious fashionistas, vintage and thrift shopping can be a great past time.  It's about the thrill of the hunt and it's satisfying to your soul to unearth an incredible piece or two.   However, everyone is not a professional shopper like myself and learning how to buy vintage and thrifted items can be intimidating for some.  I have definitely learned some tricks along the way and wanted to share some tips with you: 

My TOP 7 tips to make thrifting and vintage shopping more successful:

1.  Keep a list of “Want” & “Need”.  Thrifting in particular can become overwhelming and it's best to keep a list of things you are in the market for.  The goal is to fill in functional gaps in your wardrobe for the LOW!   

2.  Check for stains, working zippers, and holes.  (Zippers can be replaced).

3.  Be open-minded and venture outside your comfort zone regarding unique pieces.  If an item is too big, tailor it because everything can be nip and tucked into the perfect piece. 

4.  Ask the vintage dealer about other items not on display. They usually have a secret stash in the back.

5.  ONLY BUY WHAT YOU LOVE!  If in doubt, DON’T.  Make sure you ONLY purchase items you will wear. Again, add functional items to your wardrobe.

6.  Beware of fakes.  Know the difference between vintage and thrift.  When in doubt, google it.  

7.  Be prepared.  Wear comfy clothes just in case they don’t have a dressing room. You can try on a pair of pants, shorts or a dress in the isle. 

Until Next Time With Love, 

Eureka 

STRIPES & STREETS | OOTD

Fashionistas from all over the world are loving all things striped.  There are a few items in my style arsenal that'll  never fall out of favor with me:  LBD's (Little Black Dress), denim, leather, and classic stripes. Filed under FOREVER STAPLE,  the possibilities are endless with this wardrobe favorite. Stripes are a classic pattern and can be interpreted in many different ways. I understand that some fashionistas may think this look appears difficult and a concept that doesn't fit into your lifestyle.  But it's SUPER EASY and it's all about pairing a striped shirt with a pair of striped pants!  I love this look for many reasons and it was a lot of fun.  Adding a touch of whimsy with my favorite vintage Liz Claiborne hat made for the perfect pairing. 

Captured by beech photography 

Hat- Vintage Liz Claiborne (similar here)  | Shades - Ray Bans (seen here) | Necklace - thrifted (similar here) | Striped Shirt - Nordstrom (similar here)  | Wide Leg Pants -  Banana Republic | Shoes - Sam Edelman SOLD OUT (similar here)  | Cuff - House of Harlow (seen here) | Clutch - ASOS SOLD OUT (similar here).    

Striped street style looks are popping up everywhere at the moment.  You can keep your outfit classic with bold and bright colored stripes to more of a conservative look by pairing a striped top with skinny jeans or go a bit crazy like me and mix up your prints. 

How do you wear stripes?  Which of these striped #streetstyle looks grab your attention?   Let me know in the comments below! 

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You might recognize the pants from Splurge magazine, June 2016 issue. Honored to be featured with some of Oklahoma's elite wardrobe and fashion stylists.  Read the full article here. 

Until next time with love, 

Eureka 

BOLD & DARING | MIXING PATTERNS & PRINTS

Hello beautiful people?  Hope your week so far is productive and enlightening.   Mixing patterns and prints  is something I love to incorporated into my daily outfits. Lately, I have lost my inner mojo and my wardrobe choices are feeling a little run of the mill.  Call it lack of enthusiasm  or too busy to exercise my quintessential Velvet Lope style. But I have to bring it back and place it on it's rightful throne. 

My rule for mixing patterns and prints is go with what feels comfortable. Because it doesn't have to match but it will definitely make sense.  I know and heard this can be somewhat scary and daunting for a lot of ladies. It shouldn't scare you off because it will be as simply or eccentric as you make it.  You can use pieces already in your closet to create a subtle every day look while looking super chic and oh the possibilities!!!! 

A FEW TRICKS ON HOW TO MIX PATTERNS AND PRINTS LIKE A PRO:

1.  A good rule of thumb for the intermediate fashionista is to start with 2 to 3 prints within 1 ensemble.  Pair a classic structured pieces with a bold eccentric piece and maybe add in a conventional accessory like a statement bag.    

2.  Take baby steps when attempting this style, you can try adding small touches, like a hat, stockings, or clutch in a different pattern or a funky fresh head wrap.

3.  Find patterns and or prints that complement each other. To the untrained eye it may look like you got dressed in the dark.  But trust me this look is a definite show stopper. Stripes, floral, and or vivid patterns always mesh well. Also look for construction of clothing that compliments because it will balance out the ensemble.  

4.  An easy no fail trick is to pair the same pattern like floral in complementary colors. As long as the patterns are in a similar scale you don’t have to find the exact print in different hues. Genius right!!!!!

5.  Try mixing big prints with smaller ones. It will create fluidity and the overall look is visually appealing while still making a strong, not overwhelming statement. 

6.  Stay in the same color family, do not go over board (editing is key). It also helps if one of your prints function as a neutral like a blazer or trench coat.   

For my fashionista who want to start slow choose a star piece to work into the mix.  A bold statement piece like sunglasses or clutch is a great starting point allowing you incorporate your outfit around it. Focus on a central piece and work your way into the bold & daring zone but always go with what feels right!  

With a little practice and confidence anyone can rock it!! Took a break from showcasing my personal style this week  to focus on clients duties. But look out for a brand spanking new personal style post next week. 

Until next time, 

1 ❤️ Eureka