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

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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Personal Style and Keeping a Positive Self-Image

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 

MORE THAN STYLE | PERSONAL STYLE & KEEPING A POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE

Photo:  Tori Beechum

Velvet Lope “Style Spotlight” consultations always include a sample of expert styling, where the client and I have a mini makeover session at a local clothing store.  During this process, majority of my client’s become energized, excited, and invigorated during the transformation.  After a few consultations with the same response, I started to realize there is a direct correlation between personal style and having a positive self-image.  People often wonder why personal styling should be considered as a tool to transform self-image.  When a person doesn’t have a positive self-image, it will directly affect their confidence and how they physically view themselves and ultimately how they operate in a sometimes unforgiving world. Expert styling can boost self-confidence, change moods, and give an extra bounce in your step to make you feel like you can do anything!!!   

The media portrays an unattainable standard of beauty making it impossible for people to ever to be satisfied with their look.  Proven studies state over 60% of society has a negative view about their appearance and feel stuck in a sartorial rut!  Majority of working men and women find it difficult to develop their personal style during the work week and it’s just easier to opt for casual lounge wear on the weekends. On more than one occasion there are days I wake up and don't feel like myself causing me to invite in self-defeating thoughts…...I struggle like everybody else.   Is my body perfect, HELL NO, is there room for improvement, ABSOLUTELY!!!   But I always take a moment to asset my negative thoughts and make a choice  to remind myself I’m here to SLAY in MIND, BODY, & SOUL!  You may not always have control over your appearance but you have the power to keep a positive attitude about yourself! 

The simple act of what I affectionately like to call dressing with "self-love" is a ground breaking power and a constant reminder that I’m in control on how I feel about ME and what I want to present to the observing world.  When you create and cultivate your own personal style this allows you the freedom to have a positive self-image and grants the power to eclipse the human need for validation.  The preconceived notion that “well dressed” people have it all together is nothing more than mastering the act of LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, and DO GOOD CONNECTION.  Something magically happens when clients step into a style and color that makes their skin glow a little more and or enhance their natural assets in the right places.  As a result they start to view themselves in a new light and slowly remove the self-imposed blinders. Experiencing this first hand will make you a believer on how implementing small changes in your clothing can change the relationship with your body and your internal self for the better!  

4 GIFTS OF PERSONAL STYLING & keeping a positive self-image:

1.  A positive self-image through styling grants you the power to eclipse the HUMAN need for validation.  

2.   Personal style is one the easiest ways to transform your self-image. 

3.  Expert dressing is powerful for improving confidence and establishing your uniqueness.   

4.  Focusing on your positive attributes and highlighting what you love through clothing is a vital self-love tool. 

If you have already started making small changes towards your personal style, I would love to support you via social media.  Tag me on Instagram and or Twitter with the hashtag "MORE THAN STYLE" because it's just that. A movement towards building a society who fully believes and adorns their God given beauty!!!
 

Until next time with love, 

Eureka