Peaceful Goodbyes

.head to toe. em lipstick passion berries, Sandro mesh top, Reformation dress, Charlotte Russe heels
images shot by http://geneticboi.blogspot.com/Geneticboi

As I write this entry I am sitting in my friend's home in North Carolina. Many of you lovely followers and readers know that I started my fashion blog during college. I attended the Art Institute and graduated with my BA in Fashion Marketing and Management. 

Charlotte is where I began my journey in fashion. I didn't grow up with an idea of what I wanted to pursue. Although when I look back at my young diary entries and family photos I do see the humble beginnings of a rock star. Neither I, nor my family would predict that I would have picked up and moved to the amazing New York City in the Fall of 2011. After 4 long but life-changing years I made the decision to return to Charlotte. 

I know many of you are wondering why I would even dream of leaving NYC. There are many reasons. Not all that can be explained. Not all that need to be explained. But to leave you with some comfort there's a saying that goes, 

"Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you or makes you happy" 

For what she (New York City) has taught me is nothing I would take back. She's made me a better person, stronger believer and smarter woman. I come back to Charlotte with a sense of peace. I'm sure I'll miss the friends, the bars, the memories and of course the energy of New York City. But I can say that I'm ready. 

Ready to build a better me.

And don't think this is the end. I'll be back to New York to work on fashion gigs. It's not the end. She'll always be there. 

^ DUMBO, you have my heart ^

.head to toe. vintage bra, thrifted floral blouse, American Apparel pant, Zara heels

I have made such wonderful memories during my time in Washington Heights. But deep inside I knew my heart was somewhere else. I mean it's obvious that living in the city(Manhattan) changed me. For one - my fashion choices went down the drain. Like seriously... I looked a hot mess. I had absolutely zero inspiration to play dress up.  Which totally isn't like me. And in the mess of it all the smallest things like "people" started to irritate me. Like you know it's bad when you want to cuss at every tourist. Basically imagine some adolescent girl who never stopped being on her period. That was me for a while. 

Although - I do need to thank the Heights for many things...like my adult (because this can be hard to find ANYWHERE) roomies who were willing to take me in when I needed a place to stay, the tasty and flavorful Dominican food/hott Latin men, the only Chinese take-out spot that made fried cheese wontons the way I like it and the convenience of the "A" express train esp. during my drunken extravaganzas. 

Can I also say that I am so blessed to have found this room in DUMBO for a fairly reasonable price. God was definitley with me throughout this difficult time. And of course my fabulous friends and family. Finding an apartment and being unemployed is the most stressful thing EVER. But as always - I ALWAYS find a way to make it work. 

This Spring I'm looking forward to traveling light and incorporating more neutral colors in my color palette. This will definitely be a challenge as I was constantly sporting darker shades. Not trying to go all psychological on you all but maybe it can be blamed or reflect the lack of inspiration that I fell into? And as the sun appears brighter each day I will begin to pull out those high-waisted shorts. 

Honey, you just don't know how long these legs have been wanting to be touched by the sun.  

xx

// CHROMA ENLIGHTENING

.head to toe. thrifted Bonworth floral blouse, F21 pant, Mossimo flats, thrifted Martin Sanford coat

I'm loving these images because of course they were shot in my home town of Wausau, Wisconsin. Wausau has always been so good to me. It holds many dear memories - good and bad. LOL Being home was enlightening for many reasons. I was able to have private moments with my lovely grandmother, babysit my nieces and nephews and of course go out and have a blast with my cousins. It was the getaway that I needed.

A day before I left Wausau I wanted to shoot some outfits. I asked my cousins Amy and Vicki to take me to the best places in town. We only had a limited time but they did their best! Let me tell you - it was FREEZING. I'm so glad these two ladies endured the horrible weather with me. We found this spot in one of the newer buildings across the old mall that I use to shop at when I was little. It was the perfect spot. It looked like a greenhouse meets a coffee shop. Not sure why no one takes pictures here but if you're in Wausau you should.  Of course there wasn't the amazing sun glares but the light was gorgeous. Vicki did an amazing job for being an amateur. I hope you enjoy these. I have a few more outfits I'll be sure to share with you all soon.

xoxo

RUNWAY FEVER: Short Stuff

If you aren't following my instagram then you probably don't know that I dyed my beautiful blonde hair to black. I made the decision to keep my wild streak to a minimum. Only because I'm still in the process of looking for a decent paying job. And that would require me to look very corporate like. I will miss the blonde - I already do. I tend to get bored of my hair and like to reinvent myself. This time I'm just regular ole me. Nothing wrong with that. But something inside me screams for change.

So I've been thinking about maybe get a new haircut. My hair is currently uneven since I did shave my hair last year. It has grown out but now one side is shoulder length while the other falls below my breast. I really love my long hair but thi short edgy cut is really cute. I'm thinking my hair would work really well since it's full of volume. But then again I really think I look great with longer hair. And with my face shape I might not pull it off like the pictures below. Decisions, decisions.

What do you think? What should I do?

 

Barksdale S/S 2013 - ALBATROSS

RSVP! I'll be heading over here tonight! Review will be up tomorrow. 

OOTD: Comfy chic

I seriously have been wearing a lot of color lately. That's always good cause I dress according to my mood. The brighter the better!! The more prints the more confident I feel. Fashion says too much. lol I kind of threw this on without really thinking. I was running a little late today. Turned out to be a really comfortable. As for the bralette - I'm surprised I didn't have anyone commenting on my top. Oh well, I can't complain. Also I found this really cool spot to photograph at. I'm not sure what the symbols or images mean but they looked interesting to me.

White Bralette: Thrifted

Knit Top: Pac Sun

Lime Green Skirt: Thrifted

Behind-The-Scenes: Fashion Show At The Empire

A couple weeks ago I was invited by the lovely Eunika Simons to a private tour and behind-the-scenes of an upcoming fashion show that will highlight three local New York designers. The show is presented by Herbert Fox who is known as "King of Nightlife" and "NYC's Top Club Promoter" and The Art of Fashion.

The three talented designers will be Eunika Simmons of Naked Roots, Marianna Barkesdale of Barkesdale, and Jessica Martin of Nippy Lavern. Each designer has their own style which is exciting because you know for sure that this won't be a dull show.


"My clothing is geared towards the free spirit, those who love life and fashion..the only limits in life which exist are the ones we place on ourselves. Let the sky be the limit” -- Eunika Simmons


Taken from Marianna's site, "She designs from an artisanal perspective, exhibited in handwork, developing fabrics for each collection to tell a story.  Deconstruction and sustainability play a large role in the research and development of her line- creating new sewing and patternmaking techniques founded in traditional couture methods. " 


"Nippy Lavern specializes in the unique distinctive custom designs, evening wear, sports wear, costume design, t-shirts, and swim wear. We satisfy all fashion needs for women and men." source here.

My OOTD=)

Amazing seating area.

The view! 

The famous sign that has been in scenes of multiple movie sets.

A private seating area.

Just an artistic shot I randomly took.

This will be the runway. 

L-R: Jessica Martin, Herbert Fox, Eunika Simmons, Marianna Barkesdale

Excited for the event and I hope to see you there ;)

A Video Diary: Day 110-134 - "The Enemy In Me"

A Video Diary: Day 92-97 - "Birthday Week"

A Video Diary: Day 72-76 - "Jerkin'"

Risk Taker: Olivia Palermo + NYC Top Shop Holiday Event

I'm a big fan of The City and always have been a huge fan of The Hills. So when I heard Olivia Palermo was coming to Top Shop for the Holiday Styling event I was stoked! (Olivia was technically the rival of Whitney Port on The City.) Although she appeared to be a manipulating person on television she was really sweet to everyone at the event.

At the event Olivia Palermo discussed her favorite holiday looks (that she styled) and mentioned her new website. Overall I liked all the looks but I wish she would have had more of an explanation of why she put pieces together instead of how. I wish she would have gone in depth of what to wear to a certain event like Christmas party, family gathering, etc. She was really sweet though and surprisingly shy. I was expecting her to be taller. She was, I say, a head taller than me. She's really petite and I'm actually glad to know that. When the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions she responded so politely. I also was lucky enough to run into a popular blogger Natalie from Natalie Off Duty! Check out her blog here.

Natalie and I!

A Video Diary: Day 68-71 - "I'm Getting Paid!"

RUNWAY FEVER: Furry Fiend

I love fur. Faux or not it's fabulous. It's getting colder and time to unload your winter accessories. Time to give the leather and fur a breather. I'm still in love with this jacket I got a few weeks ago. I only worn it once because it hasn't been too cold in NYC lately. It's super warm and furry. The fur sometimes can become irritating though so I try to make sure it's the perfect day before I try to put it on. Don't forget to find something furry for your closet. It's a must have for the season. Please allow me a few minutes to channel my inner Naomi Campbell.