Vanity...

"Am I vain...YES! But I have a RIGHT to be!"

-Me

Too much time on my hands?

Probably.

But I wanted to take some time since I was off today to shoot some outfits that've been swimming around in my head for a little bit. ...Annnnnd remix some of those looks to make new ones!

These items are recent purchases, but I haven't worn them as of yet.

They are things I would consider wearing if my social calendar was more of a reality.

I'm working on it...

As of now, we have these pictures.

Earrings/Necklace:Forever 21 & The Avenue, Red Silk Blouse: Old Navy Clearence Sale!, Leopard Bodycon Pencil Skirt: Forever 21+ Clearence, Mustard Pumps: Burlington     REMIX!
Earrings: The Avenue, Striped Blazer: Forver 21+, Red Silk Blouse: Old Navy, Houndstooth Skirt: 2b, Patent Black Pumps: Calvin Klein vis Ross   Up Top: I took the blouse and paired it with this striped blazer and houndstooth skirt for some print mixing fun, and changed out the colored pumps for basic black! ______________________________________________  Down Below: It's amazing how changing a few elements in a look can create a whole new outfit! Take note of how I achieved this by changing into a bright chanteuse button down and a waist-synching belt with patent detailing to match the shoes!

Earrings: The Avenue, Chanteuse Button Down: Old Navy, Patent & Elastic Belt: Borrowed from a Pantsuit, Houndstooth Skirt: 2b, Patent Pumps: Calvin Klein via Ross   One common denominator that these looks have is the pencil skirt. With my extremely short hair, I find myself going for looks that are more sophisticated but still with a youthful and vibrant edge.






Silver Button Earrings: Forever 21, Denim Button-Down: American Eagle Outfitters, Pink Skinny Belt: Marshall's, Mustard Pencil Skirt: New York & Company, Pink Pumps: Old Navy

REMIX!





Silver Button Earrings/Silver bead Necklace: Forvever 21/Catos, Sheer Checked Shirt: Oldnavy Clearance, Mustard Skirt: New York & Company, Metalic Giltter Pumps: Catos   Here I took the same skirt, but toned the color down with some fun nuetrals and sophisticated metallics! I couldn't go comepletly muted so I added mt cherry red clutch for an unexpected POP of color... The pencil skirt if the best of both worlds...And when the fit is right, they flatter my curvaceous body like non other! Speaking of fit, I am the QUEEN of making things work when it come to a garment. But I can see how that can work against my looks instead of the opposite. One of my style goals for the New Year is to spend quality time with a tailor to get some of my garments fitted to my body. ... /Side Note/: My computer is TRIPPING! There is a black line running from the bottom right to the top right of y screen and there is lines and distortion. According to the diagnosis of a tech-savvy friend, it seems there may be something wrong with the wiring in my screen. So my computer's going to Best Buy for some maintenance.

Style Me Monday ...

 This Outfit served two purposes for me...

One: I didn't know WHAT I was going to wear today. This look gave me an idea of how to put what I already have together. ...So GLAD I had all the pieces!

And

Two: I've always wanted to participate in a link-up hosted by of one of my favorite bloggers, Eboni of The Fashionista Next Door...{Click the link to see the original looks, as well as other blogger's outfits}.

I've admired this blog from afar for over a year and have witnessed it metamorphosize into the fabulousness that it is now!  I love Eboni's personality because she is so open and so genuine. Plus the looks she puts together are fierce! When she posted her latest Style Me Friday Link-Up, I knew I had to join in on the fun. I may be a little late, but better late than never right? Right!

The original look features edgy textures such as leather and camo print juxtaposed with brilliant metallic footwear!

My interpretation showcased the brilliant color pallet and a more classic look.

Faux Fur Infinity Scarf: Express (its soo soft)

 Pewter Earrings and Necklace: Forever 21/Catos

Red Orange Pop-Color Blazer: Old Navy

Crisp White Button-Down: Forever 21+

Olive Skinny Pants: Old Navy

Pewter Glitter Pumps: Catos

Just Pose ...

In my small circle of readers, I have received complements on my poses.

I think the obsession with such a thing began with watching ANTM when it first came out.

 

The contestants were schooled and judged meticulously on how to be conscious about what they conveyed with their body during a shoot.

I'd actually practice in front of a mirror...I still strut around my full-length looking glass to this day when I'm feeling a look I've put together.

Of course, when I'm doing pics for an outfit post, I just go there.

Sometimes my body conveys just what I want it to...and sometimes it doesn't cooperate.

I  try to just have fun and hope for the best...Of course playing with the color controls & cropping...AKA editing, is my BEST FRIEND...  

So while doing a bit of Google reserch for some images, I actually started noticing poses I've tried while taking pictures! How cool is that?! I decided to demonstrate with the outfit I wore today.

"The Hunch"

I love how the model extended her arm to add another dimension to her body...mine was very basic but had the same aesthetic...

"Fierce Honey!"

This can be achieved by putting one hand or both on your hip(s), elongating the neck, and leaning the body to accentuate your natural curve from waist to hip. I also like the expression on the model's face that insinuates regality and attitude...

"The Walk Pose"

This is one of my favorites! ... A) Because it is so easy to achieve because it's so natural and B) Because it's a good way to elongate one's body in pictures.  Just look at how long and lean the model's arms and legs look in this picture! Wowza!!!

"The Flamingo"

You know that one leg up pose I always do when I'm feeling myself...Well there's ACTUALLY something to that. See! Her version is more dancer-ish but she went for it and so did I!

Here are some more of my favs...

{"The Backshot"} {"007"} {"Tight Rope"} {"Coy"}  & {"The Waist Cincher"}

I also do well with props and have found that playing with accessories  make for good pictures.

Green Button Earrings: Old Navy

Faux Leather Jacket: Forver 21+

Black Peplum Dress: Spense via Marshall's

(a SIZE 12 ahhhhhhh!!!! Yes, Yes, Yes!!! *doing happy dance* I wear a 14/16 but the dress ran large & fits better with my weight loss!)

Green Belt: Forver 21

Striped Stockings: Catos

Black Glitter Heels/Green Snake Skin Loafers: Catos/Old Navy 

Fiery Red Carry-All: Catos

Blue...

 

Last night I stopped by the mall to pick up some items I didn't get on Saturday.

Although I like the idea of shopping with others, it's that alone time where I find the best deals and the best pieces. Annnd I've found that your friends won't always like the stuff that you find AMAZING! If they're sweet, they'll cosign when you ask their opinion, and vice versa when it's your turn...But you can tell by the inflection in their voice that if it were up to them, they'd burn the item that you just picked out...And vice versa (at times) when it's your turn to give an opinion. I'm still perfecting that fine line between giving an honest opinion and discouraging a person's individuality. ...And sometimes, as someone's friend, you just can't let them make some fashion choices...Period.

Clothes are my armor. They shield me from evil and give me something to look forward to in situations where I feel attacked or isolated.

Clothes give me that extra UMPH! that tells adversity, "In your face!"

So when I spotted this blouse, I knew it had to be added to my collection. I am loving all things chiffon and button down...and the colors in this top are fabulous.

They make the piece oh so versatile.

I actually had a different look in mind for today, but I put this together at the last minute.

Blue & Orange are a favorite color combo of mine, I'm noticing. And when changing out my handbag, (for a second time this morning), I noticed the various colors of clutches in my collection that can be worn with this outfit...

And if you are wondering, yes those are purple socks peeking out from my heels. I changed to booties for work after my pics...

Wool Peacoat: Old Navy

Vibrant Chiffon Button-Down: Bisou Bisou via JC Penny

Navy Sailor Pants: Marshall's

Coral Pumps: Forever 21

Fiery Red Carry-All: Catos

Neon & Teal Clutches: Charming Charlie's & Wet Seal

When I woke up, I had every reason why I should not work out...But, when I stepped on the scale and saw the deficit...I wanted to keep that going. Yup!  That was all the motivation I needed.

Hip...

I had a productive weekend.

I paid some bills.

 ... Had a girl's day out with my friend and her teenage daughter.

 ... Shopped (duh).

 ... Saw "Django Unchained." These are the leading cast members!

 -Image courtsey of Django Uncahined Blog

... Engaged in some necessary self-care.

 ... Flirted.

... Ate barbeque.

 ... & gabbed on the phone with friends for over an hour combined.

I'd like to think that spending time on the weekend doing absolutely nothing is rejuvenating.

And it is ...

But breaking routine to do EVERYTHING possible can be just as invigorating as well.

I am ready to take on my week and all that it brings.

I really thought this look was hipster chic...

I loved the gray hues. Gray is easily becoming my favorite color. I didn't want to narrow it down to one...and for a long time I didn't. But I find myself having a kinship with the neutral hue and today I bathed myself in variations of it.

The fedora was love at first try-on...Now I can't keep it off my head! I want one in black and leopard as well.

My Mickey shirt is just playful enough not to be too stuffy, but has an aire of grown-folk swag as well. I wanted to dawn a cartoon shirt that didn't make me look 17. Mission accomplished.

...And my pants break the cohesiveness of the neutral tones with a SLPASH of color.

Blue is a good complement to gray and yellow, which is why the denim jacket and bag work with this outfit. Plus they add another element to the overall look without it being too busy!

I loved how cool and comfortable this look was...

  

Gray Fedora: Wet seal

Denim Jacket: Forever 21+

Mickey Tee: Target (men's section)

Bag: Dooney & Burke

Colored Cords: The Gap Outlet

Pewter Sparkle Flats: Catos