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 

1ST ANNUAL CONFIDENCE CON | RECAP

Hello beautiful people!  If you follow me on Instagram and or Twitter you already know last Saturday I was a panelist speaker for the 1st Annual Confidence Con conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.   

The conference was the brain child of everyone's favorite red head, Hannah Royce, owner of Egg In A Glass. Hannah is a creative strategist and a powerful force, who is extremely passionate about empowering women to embody self-love through compassion for their community. 

My first introduction to Confidence Con and Hannah was the summer of 2K15 when Egg In A Glass hosted a photo shoot for the women of OKC.  The photo shoot took place at various chic locations like Paseo District within the greater Oklahoma City area. 

Where's Eureka? Can you spot me in the mist of all the beautiful ladies........

Fast forward, to my surprise and excitement,  I received a refreshing email about the birth of an authentic platform and joining the conversation to help women reach a greater appreciation for themselves and their community in the form a conference, appropriately name Confidence Con.  The one day conference with keynote speaker Danielle Mercurio, was scheduled to take place at the historical Paramount on Film Row, March 5, 2016. 

THE DREAM TEAM 

The one-day conference mission is to help women reach a greater appreciation about themselves and spark a sisterhood in real life and in the digital space.  Sounds amazing right?  Well it WAS!!!  The enlightening day of conversation between local professionals and business owners about tough topics such as walking in your truth (my panel), building a brand like a boss, and nourishing relationships within the community was the main course of the day.  We were also provided with edible yummy bites, photo booths, swag bags, food trucks, vendors, and also……wait for it….. a charging station for our cell phones (genius) !

Sway bag GOODIES!!!!!

I was fully prepared to give my spill on "Walking in My Truth" and gaining some knowledge about the fascinating women I previously read about.  But I was blown away by the amount of love, compassion, knowledge, and testimonies that saturated the atmosphere Saturday morning. Definitely, encouraged by the women in the room who like me like to think big and dream big!! The conference is one for the record books and will always hold a special place in my life!!!!

A few pics I captured before I had to rush off for fittings.  Life of a stylist never stops.  

Now y'all know I couldn't leave out the outfit deets.  For the speaking engagement I wore an awesome and completely comfortable white Catherine Malandrino pantsuit paired with my Calvin Klein nude pumps all purchased from Nordstrom’s Rack.   The outfit itself was neutral but I wore a pop of color with my lipstick and personality, lol. Surprisingly, I wasn’t nervous with the usual sweaty palms and mind-racing thoughts, so I attribute it to feeling wonderfully confident in my new suit! The day sparked thoughts of how women and men can become and remain confident. So I decided to make a short list of some wisdom that has aided in the development of my self confidence with,

 3 KEYS TO STAY CONFIDENT AND LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS: 

*  DO NOT seek approval from people.  Constantly seeking approval doesn't allow your highest self of esteem to shine effectively. Learn how to LOVE yourself without losing yourself.  

*  Positive affirmations carry the power to disrupt negative thoughts when spoken regularly. Our words become our world and our actions are a result of our thoughts. 

*  Stop playing different roles and embrace you are beautiful in your own unique way.  No one on the entire earth is like YOU and there in lives your power.  There is freedom when you stop squeezing yourself into boxes based on people's unrealistic expectations.

Until next time,  

 1 ❤️ Eureka