THE GRAPHIC EFFECT | OOTD

Hope your week is going great beautiful people. We are finally over the hump!! .  As a child, I was always fascinated by graphic buildings and interiors.  Coupled with my new love for graphic t-shirts and maxi skirts, it only made sense to center this OOTD (Outfit of the Day) around buildings with super cool graphics. What better way to live out your childhood by displaying some of your favorite past times through personal style and as a colorful backdrop.  If you are worried a graphic t-shirt isn't your style, focus on pieces you can style with…..like a maxi skirt and cropped leather jacket or blazer. Give me a graphic tee, with jeans or a maxi skirt with a photo worthy thigh high split and I’m in style heaven.   The influx of these staple pieces is something I will always gravitate too. Graphics are presently taking over the fashion world and can be seen all over the runways, from Stella McCartney to Missoni. What’s so great about this outfit, the pieces are versatile and can be transitioned into my fall/winter to summer/spring wardrobe and incredibly comfy!!!!

Photographer ~ Shawn Pilgrim 

Cropped leather jacket- BCBG (similar) * Graphic Pink Floyd shirt - Saks on Fifth (similar) * Michael Kors Maxi Skirt - similar  * Shoes - Sam Edelman (similar) * Sunglasses - Ray Bans (similar) * Leather Clutch - Antonio Melani (similar) * Belt -Thrifted * Gold hoops - Michael Kors (similar) 

~Enjoy other style worthy inspiration~

Ladies do you plan on recreating this OOTD?  If so, lets connect and tag me on instagram @velvetlope.  Would love to see your beautiful style!

Until next time, 

1 ❤️ Eureka!  

MODERN LOVE | MARIMEKKO EDITION

Ankle boots and anything black are style mainstays for me, especially as the chill of January sets in. When Marimekko asked me to create a style story inspired by their new spring/summer collection, I knew exactly how I wanted to feature the "Mel" ankle boots. I fell deeply in LOVE with the modern look and luxe construction of these boots. As I slipped into the most comfortable ankle boots EVER,  my mind started spinning visions of me when I lived in Germany.......because it was bone freezing cold!  I love ankle boots styled with mid calf skirts and sweaters for a "European" chic sense of style!  

Photo Cred :  Shawn Pilgrim  

Ankle Boots - Marimekko, LAUNCHES SPRING 2016* Coat - Elie Tahari (old) similar here *  Sweater- SI-IAE (sold out) similar here  * Skirt -  Forever21 (sold out) similar here * Satin clutch - Saks on Fifth (old), similar here   * Knitted cap -handmade * Shades - Blue Seven  (old), similar here  * Cuff - House of Harlow * Lipstick color - Mac Ruby Woo. 

It was a tremendous honor and I had so much fun creating "Modern Love" style story for Marimekko’s soon-to-launch footwear, spring 2016. This marks the first collection under a  brand new creative director and first footwear since the turn of the decade! Below is a sampling of luxe worthy eye wear, accessories and footwear options from the NEW spring/summer collection.  Until the glorious launch day, click here and explore Marimekko's latest designer collection .  HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

1 ❤️ Eureka!   

THE ART OF SPORTY CHIC | WOMEN EDITION

Forget tight dresses and stuffy fabrics and embrace an unexpected "Sporty Chic" element!  Don’t be thrown, these sporty looks are very feminine, the key is to match pretty with active. This style is about stepping outside the box and pairing cute loose silhouettes with cropped jackets, ball caps, and a fresh pair of kicks (sneakers). The look will definitely set you apart from the masses.  Softer color hues and fabrics can also bridge the gap between the sporty and sophisticated. The results are the perfect combination of feminine and comfort!!!

BASEBALL CAP

The baseball cap is the easiest way to pull off the sporty chic look – not to mention the best way to hide a bad hair day!!!

VARSITY JACKET

The quickest way to go from casual to sporty chic is to throw on a sports jacket. Style with a pair of jean or skirt a varsity jacket and baseball cap is one of  my favorite staples for the fall. 

SWEATSHIRT

Not a fan of varsity jackets…..designer’s sweatshirts is the new hotness. The sweatshirt had a huge comeback last fall, which also happens to be a great transitional piece from winter to spring.

ATHLETIC SPORT BRA

What's amazing is that timeless pieces may consists of a variety of sports bras depending on your lifestyle. So why not incorporate this element into your everyday ensembles. Tip:  The sports bra can be pulled down to "cover" if need be (if you catch my drift).  

SWEAT & TRACK PANTS

Sweatpants and or track pants are excellent options for the sporty chic element.  To make these relaxed pants look a little more chic, pair them with a luxe fur and or cute pair of pumps to complete the outfit.  

SNEAKERS

With sporty chic, you should almost always wear a pair of sneakers. Well now you can have your cake and eat it, too, with a feminine chic skirt or dress and sneakers that completes the sporty trend in two simple steps. 

ATHLETIC SOCKS

A great opportunity is offered with the addition of athletic socks, to add bright and fresh pointed heels, platforms, and or  strappy sandals, in any color is the order of the day when it comes to footwear.

Sporty chic is the perfect cheat for lazy day dressing. You don't have a think a whole lot. Just grab your joggers or your track pants and top it off with your t-shirt or your favorite sports team jersey. Pull it all together with some pointy-toe heels and that way you'll still have those feminine elements and touches!!!

TIP:  For those who are not used to this look, start with accessories like a simple hat, colourful duffel bag, or sporty watch to add a touch of sporty to any outfit.

Now the ball is in your court!  How will you style this athletic inspired trend?    

1 ❤️ Velvet Lope