A TOUCH OF VELVET | OOTD / March 24, 2017 by EUREKA CALHOUN

Happy Friday! We made it through another week!! Styling your wardrobe in Oklahoma City during the winter is nothing but a game of roulette. I sometimes miss the good ole days when the weather was consistent with the time of year because it made life a little simpler. Here in OKC the weather is consistently unpredictable, and forces me to leave behind my style logic. So instead of grabbing my warmest trench coat and sweater combo I’m forced to think about the possibility of the weather changing from 30 degrees to 80 by the afternoon.....That’s my life right now!!! Fall and winter is my favorite season and I haven’t scratched the surface of displaying some of my favorite go-to pieces because of the warmer temperatures. But, I decided to throw away the weather man's predictions and style my outfit based on the season. Go me!!!

Velvet is one of my favorite materials this season, for obvious reasons. It is a fall/winter style must have. From boots, tops, and dresses this 90's trend is back and hitting the mark. With my jammed packed schedule, I rely on tried-and-true pieces that will not have me stressed out. My blue velvet Report booties were the perfect choice for the day! I picked up this colorful faux fur vest and beanie hat during one of my “ONLY PURCHASE ON SALE” shopping excursions at Dillard's and Nordstrom Rack. The vest is soft and super comfortable, but at the same time feminine with a hint of nostalgia. My stable leather pants and velvet booties are always the perfect statement when I want to look chic with minimum effort. Then I decided to reach back to quintessential Eureka and pile on all the accessories. I paired the look with my favorite fingerless motorcycle leather gloves and Badgley Mischka bag with rabbit tail in tow. To maximize the look, I also added my favorite Prada sunnies and beloved "Art" belt!

Photographer: JONC.E

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Until next time with love,

Eureka

THE SWITCH UP | OOTD / February 22, 2017 by EUREKA CALHOUN

Happy Hump Day! If there is one word to describe my current style choices, it's COMFORT! Working a full time job along with entrepreneurship has left a lot less time for everything else in my life. I avoid anything that distracts me from focusing on what's important. Zero fuss is the name of the game, so as of late I gravitate towards real, beautiful clothes that I can live and work in. Versatility and comfort are increasingly important factors for my personal style and my rule of thumb is to wear an ensemble that will survive the entire day.

Which is why it's no surprise that when it comes to the dos and don'ts of getting dressed, the women who inspire my style have one thing in common: They choose comfort and versatility when picking out their outfit. Whether you’re simply not the killer heels type of girl or you’re looking for some fresh outfit inspiration, I'm here to prove a great outfit doesn't require a pair of heels. I'm always on the hunt for a modern tuxedo blazer so you can image my excitement when I stumble onto this gem from Nordstrom Rack.......which never disappoints! I paired a staple turtleneck sweater, with timeless cigarette pants from my fav Banana Republic . And completed the look with the star of the show, a pair of classic, clean and modern adidas sneaker.

Photographer:  Aaron J. Velasquez — Photographer: Aaron J. Velasquez

tuxedo blazer: aBS by allen schwartz (sold out) Similar | Turtleneck: seen here | Cigarette pants: banana republic (sold out) similar | Adidas sneakers: purchase here | Shades: Prada (sold out) similar | Clutch: Seen here | Earrings: (Thrifted) | lipstick: L'oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss Purchase here

The cross pollination of style and sport has been a favorite at the street level for quite some time. Now the fashion elite is making comfy kicks look cooler than ever. Check out some of my favorite looks below.

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Sneakers paired with upscale ensembles will not go out style anytime soon. Do you plan to take a cue from the notable street style stylistas and inject a little comfort into your wardrobe this season?

Until next time with love,

Eureka

DEFINE YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE LIKE A PRO / February 10, 2017 by EUREKA CALHOUN

Happy Friday! For those of you that may not know during the day I work a corporate job in the insurance industry after switching careers as a 2nd grade teacher. In the recent years (actually the past 5 years) I started taking steps towards pursuing my dreams as a wardrobe stylist and image consultant. One aspect of my job as an image consultant is to introduce clients to style options they wouldn't normally consider. Your visual presentation is key to making in a lasting impression. It starts with investing in statement pieces that will take you through season to season. My blog post "5 Steps to Develop Your Personal Style" is an excellent resource for all my style challenged men and women.

Your wardrobe should contain amazing choices that you will not hesitate to wear. We all have that one item you cannot wear anymore because you a spent a week's salary on it in 1999 and can't bear to part with it. If it doesn't look good on you now, it shouldn't be there. To achieve a successful visual presentation you must develop a functional wardrobe that serves you well. You should wake up in the morning and be inspired by what's in your wardrobe. 20 black shirts offer little inspiration but one beaded vintage skirt brings excitement to get up, dress up, and face the day! A good rule of thumb is for every 20 items you lay to rest, you can buy ONE "knock em dead" piece that fits into your new revamped wardrobe.

Listed below are Some unbreakable laws that provide structure that will ensure your wardrobe is functional and adaptable:

1. Purchase key items and get rid of the rest. It's much easier to be inspired when you see five remarkable pieces rather 25 pieces and 20 of those are unremarkable.

2. Always buy the correct size. Don't purchase a smaller size because you're planning on losing weight. Only purchase items that serve you in the present.

3. Be wary of bargains. Buy what you are going to wear and love. IF YOU DON'T NEED IT DON'T PURCHASE!

4. Steer clear of trends. Wear what suits your lifestyle and what makes you feel confident and timeless.

5. Comfortable doesn't have to mean boring. Don't play it too safe. There is a fine line between graphic shirt and jeans and a sweat suit you wear for the cleaning the house.

6. Quality always beats quantity. Only purchase the best or your perceived best of something rather than a lot of cheap or less valuable versions.

7. Do not expect to find your staple pieces in one shopping trip. Building a quality wardrobe is the result of an investment mindset. Purchasing quality at a discounted prices is cost effective, if you are willing to spend the time.