IN THE LOOP | OOTD

October is here and we are in the last quarter of 2017......WOW time is flying!  Which means we’re about to move into the biggest shopping season of the year.  For some this is music to their ears but if you have been following my minimalist journey then you already know I made the choice to not be affected by oncoming influx of persuasive holiday advertisements.  For both lovers and haters of shopping, the common problem is we tend to spend rather than invest.  Luckily, I have been set free from the “mindset “more is better which causes us to purchase items we don’t need or eventually never wear. 

Today’s OOTD is about one of my beloved dresses revisited, the ASOS Loop dress to be specific.  When I think about this go-to party dress purchased over 6 yrs. ago, my first thought was praise God it still fits like a glove, thanks to my new healthy lifestyle.  Secondly,  when you think about a dress covered in fabric loops some might assume it will create unwanted volume.  Luckily,  the fashion God’s were in my favor because this dress is both forgiving and flattering.  I love how it constantly tricks the eye and it allows a little wiggle room if you have gained a few pounds.

The beauty about this dress is it looks great anytime of the year and there’s something about the vibrant cobalt blue color that brings a dose of interest.  It has a natural elegance to be worn for a special event or a night out.  In the past,  I usually create a monochromatic look but I decided to switch up the outfit combination with the addition of hot pink Dolce Vita sandals and newly purchased (on sale) Nordstrom Rack earrings. The geometric pattern earrings and magenta colored sandals simply elevates the entire look.  Although the dress is not “interview ready”, it's definitely something anyone can wear and have a little fun paired with a plethora of different accessory combinations.    

M Lashell Photography

* Outfit details *

Blue Loop dress:  ASOS (Sold out) | Earrings:  Natasha Accessories - Sold out ( similar here) | Bicolored clutch: Seen here  |  Magenta satin sandals:  Dolce Vita - Purchase here | Oversize shades:  Seen here !

Until next time with love, 

Eureka

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE

THE WHITE AFFAIR | OOTD

Happy Monday BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE! I have a serious love affair with wearing all white as of late. Wearing all white is considered a “trend” right now but monochromatic (wearing different shades of a single hue) anything will always be a popular choice for me.   While it may seem like a tricky style to pull off, wearing white on white is one the easiest ways to look crisp from head to toe.  First step is to put to rest all those silly rules about when and where to wear all white.  Trust me, this is the easiest outfit to recreate and will become one of your go-to looks. Especially when you can incorporate unexpected foundation pieces like this Eva Mendes collection pencil skirt from New York & Company…….which was a steal BTW!   The idea of wearing all white has its fair share of naysayers because it is not always flattering and can cause you to always be aware not to get any stains on your fit.  

There are new ways to mix things up so you will not look like the first lady of a Baptist church on resurrection Sunday.  I’m huge fan of this this look because the skirt paired with a flowy strapless cropped top takes the outfit from plain to a bit daring.  By adding my treasured custom necklace from local jewelry designer Shawn Pilgrim, a leopard peep toe slingback pump, and everyone’s fav a faux fur clutch is the perfect look for any occasion all year around.   The key element to pulling off this style with confidence is to always gravitate towards pieces you can have fun in. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different monochromatic looks if white is not your cup of tea.  One of my favorite colors to wear all over is different shades of purple, mauve tones, or even the staple color, black. 

CAPTURED BY  J O N C E

DETAILS:  STRAPLESS CROP TOP -  GIANNI BINI| SKIRT - NEW YORK & COMPANY | SHOES - STUART WEITZMAN | CLUTCH - EXPRESS (A MILLION YEARS OLD) | SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL BRACELET - HEIDI DAUS | NECKLACE - CUSTOM MADE BY SHAWN PILGRIM |  GOLD SHADES - KATE SPADE | EARRINGS - AUTHENTIC 18K  GOLD FROM THAILAND.  

SHOP THE SIMILAR LOOK 

So excited to get back in front of the camera again. Showcasing my personal style will always be an outlet for me.  The goal is to be consistent in every area in my life, so look for a new OOTD dropping every Monday! 

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