KISS: Easy Does It...

So I took some inspiration from an outfit on another curvy blogger and used this new knowledge to my benefit.

I love how she took a simple white button-down, colored denim, and made magic happen.

Just like that I was inspired to...

K.

I.

S.

S.

Keep  It So Simple. ...And More!

First, let me just say white shirts are so classically comfy.

 ...Especially when they are oversized like this one.

And colored bottoms are here to stay in my book.

I love how daring they can be ... And classy ...When they are styled to perfection.

When you ask any fashionista what accessory she favors, nine times out of ten it would be shoes.

So, I decided to flex my fashion muscles and give myself the mini challenge of concocting different looks by changing my shoes...(Either that or I couldn't decide which pair) ...

In my eyes, each pair adds a little something different, special, and unique!

When the canvas is simple, you can change it up like that.

Not to mention, adding a lil' pop and sizzle with accessories can also give a look a common denominator.

I love using metallic hues to add an accent!

Gold & Rhinestone Studs: Forever 21

Gold Link Necklace: The Avenue

Gold Watch: New York & Company

Ivory Over-sized Button Down: The Gap

Gold Belt: Sears (online store)

Green Skinnies: Forever 21+

Snake Skin Peeptoes: Halston via Baker's

Gold Gladiator Sandals: Charlotte Russe

Mustard Peeptoes: Burlington

Color-Blocked Fuchsia Pumps: Shoe Boutique

What I walked around all day in...

On my nails, Color Club "I Always Get My Man-darin"

Photo Feature: Color POP!

After seeing some pictures I snapped, my friend Naomi was inspired by my ability to color block and capture my looks with my tripod.

She mentioned putting my styling skills to the test by letting me pick some looks for her and then doing a photo shoot.

I was happy to oblige.

Little did I know that we would collaborate this weekend.

We started preparing for the pictures the night before the shoot with her picking out style concepts and me giving her suggestions on how to use accessories and such to make her looks POP!

I liked this part because it was so much fun rummaging through her closet and accessories to concoct the perfect outfits.

With finishing touches from my own closet, we were able to put together looks that were full of life and color but stayed true to Naomi's personal style...

These are some of favs of Naomi!!!!

Look One:

Statement Earrings: Beauty Supply

Ring: Body Central

Neon Clutch: Borrowed/Charming Charlie's

Dress: BeBop via Ross

Shoes: Delicious via Shoe Tyme

Look Two:

Earrings: Gifted

Bangle:  Body Central

Blue Clutch: Forever 21

Striped Clutch: Borrowed/ Body Central

Jean Shorts:  Forever 21          

Purple Tank: Target

Neon Yellow Wedges: Shoe Tyme

What I Learned

1. I MAY love taking pictures of people but I'm not sure if I can invest in a DSLR camera as of yet. I love my Nikon, but I must admit it was a pain to shoot in some conditions. Maybe a DSLR would have been more equipped to take on these environments.

2. It is hard to direct someone. I'm used to standing in front of my Tripod and just doing my thang.  I'm so glad that Naomi was so into the shoot. She was pretty easy-going and willing to do various poses that I could use and build my directives to her from. It also helped to look at previous frames and critique her movement as we went.

3. Shoot Early! Not only are the weather conditions more favorable, but the lighting, (for my camera), was better as well.

4.  I always keep my eye out for a good backdrop. Anything can make scenery for   fabulous pictures.  A brick wall, street sign, alleyway, lush greenery, gates and fences are some of my favorites,

5. Have fun....Pictures don't have to be stuffy or prim and proper. Be silly and carefree! Natural poses make for the best pictures...

Lounge Chic ...

Cute can be comfy too

-Me

When I  saw  pants like this in cyber land, I got kinda perturbed.

I thought to myself, "They'd be cute if they didn't look like jogging pants."

Then I thought with a good seamstress,  I could fix the problem.

Just for kicks, I thought I'd try these on.

When I did, I forgot all about the hem.

It became an insignificant detail.

I got the comfort of pants that your wear with an over-sized top, fuzzy socks while curling up on your favorite spot on the couch...

But also the style of something you'd wear to the office or a night out with the girls.

So yes, I pranced around today feelin' like I was all that and a bag of chips!

Of course I didn't dawn my freak 'um heels to the workplace.

I toned it down with these fashionable flats.

In my eyes, the pointed toe gives them the edge of my favorite heels...

But I can walk in them much longer...

Large Gold-Toned O Hoops and Matching Necklace:  Body Central

Denim Button-Down: American Eagle Outfitters

Graphic  Floral Joggers:  Forever 21+

Patent Coral Pumps: Forever 21

Nude Pointed-Toe Flats: Old Navy

Pewter Bag: Shi for Journey's Shoes

Blazin' Blue...

The blue flame is the hottest part of the fire...

-Well Known Fact

Ya'll I love these shoes!

I saw them online and much later than that, I found them in store.

I actually purchased them some time last year and this is not the first time they have made an appearance on my blog.

As I was editing these pictures, I was thinking how I have developed a special place in my heart for orangey-corally hues...I've got at least four pairs of heels and flats combined in variations of this shade...

This is not the first time I've worn this outfit either.

The first time, I was having camera issues.

I silently promised myself I would capture it on film when I wore it again.

I was also thinking how I wanted to mention this is one of my favorite places to shoot.

It's behind a storefront that's close to where I live...Kind of like an alley.

I like doing my shots in places that are Alleyway Chic as I feel like a rose blooming amongst the grunge...

I want to try and venture out, doing shoots in interesting places like I used to when I first started...

You know, being editorial...in my own right!

Varied Coral/Metallic Beaded Necklace: Target

Medium Conservative Gold Hoops: Beauty Supply

Gold Watch: New York & Company

Blue A-line Dress:  Attention by Kmart

Bright Orange Oxfords: Dena & Ozzy via Urban Outfitters

Thanks for reading!

Poppin' PRINT!

So,

I bought this dress last summer. ... Which I consider the CUSP of the Print Movement.

I tried it on.

I loved the FIT.

But the print was a bit out of my comfort zone.

So I got it cosigned on when I asked a  sales associate if the dress looked ridiculous on me.

With confidence she said no.

Thus I was convinced.

So this weekend when I was playing in my clothes, I pulled it out and slipped it on.

Then, just for fun I threw on this NEON belt.

Magic happened.

/Side Note/: I never wear the belt that actually came with the dress...It's a self-tie that's the same print & fabric...

I can so see this dress paired with other colors like; Orange, Teal, and Red just to name a few...

Coincidently I have accessories in all those colors I named...Yes Indeed!

I absolutely LOVE taking something that is bold and playing it up in a sophisticated way so it can be worn to the office...

Neon Studs: Rainbow

Giraffe Print Dress: Ross

Neon Belt: Gifted

Brown Cut-Out Wedges: LEI for Walmart

On my nails: Orly Ancient Jade

And for the office, since I can't wear heels, I paired the dress with my nude pointed toe flats from Old Navy ...