personal style

BOLD & DARING | MIXING PATTERNS & PRINTS by EUREKA CALHOUN

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. 

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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.   

  

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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!  

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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  

 

 

 

 

CLOSET TREASURES| OOTD by EUREKA CALHOUN

Hi guys! Happy Wednesday! Hope your week is going great so far.  Given that I’m a stylist and fashion enthusiast, I’m constantly inspired by everything and everyone.  The fashion houses, personal street style gurus, or the everyday stylish guy/gal deposit into my fashion bank account daily.  Recreating style inspirations with the Velvet Lope touch (of course) can be a gift and curse. Spending money on expendable clothes with no real value doesn’t feed my spirit animal anymore.  The gift of becoming older and wiser will cause oneself to reevaluate what’s important.  

My focus is to pursue what feeds my spirit like saving, creating memories with family/friends and traveling the world to name a few. Make no mistake I will still invest in pieces that speak to me when the fashion gods shine on a particular item......... only makes logical sense, right? But one of my personal goals this year is to choose well, buy less and shop the TREASURES already in my CLOSET. The fact I have had all the pieces in this post except for the shoes for over a year (the gloves over 6 yrs, smh) and they're just now making an appearance confirms I'm finally on the right track!  

Photographer ~ Shawn Pilgrim

Photographer ~ Shawn Pilgrim

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Sunglasses - Dolce & Gabbana (similar here) * Shirt Dress -thrifted (similar here) * Hot pink blazer - NIC + ZOE (similar here)  * Earrings - Betsey Johnson (similar here) * Cross body bag - Badgley Mischka (seen here) * Shoes - S…

Sunglasses - Dolce & Gabbana (similar here) * Shirt Dress -thrifted (similar here) * Hot pink blazer - NIC + ZOE (similar here)  * Earrings - Betsey Johnson (similar here) * Cross body bag - Badgley Mischka (seen here) * Shoes - Sam Edelman (seen here) * Leather finger-less gloves (similar here) .  

Are you like me and find you need to limit your shopping?  What are your closet goals for the year......buy less, get organized, etc?  

Until next time,  

1 ❤️ Eureka  

CLASSIC BLACK | OOTD by EUREKA CALHOUN

Happy Hump Day!   Wednesday's are sort of a weekly celebration for me. I have a mid-week ritual of reflection which allows me the freedom to figure out what is left to accomplish and relax with friends for dinner and drinks.  In the spirit of reflection, one of my favorite past times, wearing “Classic Black” is sort of my ode to celebrating Black History Month!  The annual celebration is time to recognize Black History and shed light on the precious gift bestowed to this country.  I'm looking forward to diving deep and learning about the accomplishments of famous and lesser-known African-Americans within a rich environment of peers.  African American style is deeply rooted in our heritage and american culture! Complex mag complied an amazing list of "The 25 Greatest Black Fashion Designers" to date, check out the article here.  Black History and the classics will always trend-send time and this post is only a tiny, tiny way I can honor the people who have paved the way for us!

PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Shawn Pilgrim  

PHOTOGRAPHER ~ Shawn Pilgrim  

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Wearing all black will allow even a simple pair of gold hoops to shine against your monochromatic (wearing different variations of one color) ensemble.  

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Trench coat- Eile Tahari (seen here)  * Cashmere turtleneck - Lord & Taylor (similar here) * Skirt - Elizabeth & James (similar here) * Booties - Brian Atwood (similar here) * Sunglasses - Miu Mui (similar here) * Earrings – M…

Trench coat- Eile Tahari (seen here)  * Cashmere turtleneck - Lord & Taylor (similar here) * Skirt - Elizabeth & James (similar here) * Booties - Brian Atwood (similar here) * Sunglasses - Miu Mui (similar here) * Earrings – Michael Kors (seen here) * Lip Stick color - Mac Flat Out Fabulous. 

Black History Month or National African American History Month, is an event that grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. To my surprise other countries around the world, Canada and the United Kingdom recognize the national holiday too.  

Provided below are various events honoring Black History Month in Oklahoma City.  Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and prepare yourself to create memories of enlightenment! 

Don't forget sharing is caring!!!!!!! 

WAKE UP "THE REAL BLACK AMERICA"

THE HISTORY OF NAACP IN OKLAHOMA 

HISTORY SPEAKS - 1968 GOLD MEDALISTS JOHN CARLOS AND TOMMIE SMITH 

AFAM BLACK FILM FESTIVAL - THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE (1967-1975) * DARK GIRLS * FINDING THE GOLD WITHIN

FREEDOM'S HOPE WITH JANA BROWN

AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA WITH DR. DONNIE L. NERO SR. 

WOMEN IN WAR ZONES BY EBONY IMAN DALLAS

THE BLACK PANTHERS: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION 

Until next time, 

1 ❤️ Eureka