THE SWITCH UP | OOTD

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 

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. 

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE 

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

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. 

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE 

I'm here for you.......What are some of your struggles with finding your style? Comment below!

Until next time with love, 

Eureka

FLORAL PLAY | OOTD

Hello beautiful people! This is the first "OOTD" for 2017 and I'm excited to hop back on the blogging saddle.  Whether you’ve been following me for a year or a week, you will soon figure out that I adore playing with my style and mixing it up a little.   Maybe it's the Gemini in me that craves variety and since I'm not into changing my hair color, switching my style feeds my soul.  

It's well known that fashion recycles itself and this season I decided to add my interpretation of one of the trends send on the runways for spring/summer 2017......eye popping florals.  I also incorporated the hottest trend right now, velvet booties.  What’s not to love about velvet, right? Honestly, this might be one of my favorite looks this winter season.  I wouldn't consider myself a floral type of girl but I do love mixing prints and patterns.  Love the idea of mixing patterns so much, I dedicated an entire post you can read here "Bold/Daring | Mixing Patterns & Prints" !  It doesn’t get any better than completing this look with a my beloved championed trench, along with a timeless suede A-line skirt.  This particular style appeals to a variety of silhouettes that's comfortable yet stylish!

Photographer:  JONCE

Sweater Headband:  H& M (Sold out)  Similar  (Old)  Leather Trench coat: Vintage  Similar Floral blouse: Target (Old) Similar Suede Skirt:  Banana Republic (Sold Out) Similar   Socks:  Polo (Old)  Similar  Velvet Booties:  Report (Sold Out) Similar  Shades: Vintage Similar   Gold clutch: Nordstrom (Old) Similar 

YOU'LL ALSO LOVE.......

Are you going to try the floral trend for spring/summer 2017?  If so, tag me in your favorite looks on social @velvetlope.  

Until next time with LOVE, 

Eureka