{ N E W  D E S I G N  in the  S H O P }

Because no worthwhile aspiration can be accomplished from within our comfort zone. Let's live our lives in boldness, bravery & love. What happens when we actually do the things we dream about and take action? ...not tomorrow or in the future, but right now today. It can mean taking a step of faith, owning your present circumstance or take action for change. Let's let our lives speak bolder than this shirt - while inspiring others to do the same. 

How do you live boldly? Wear the shirt, share & tag your stories with #boldnessbemyfriend

Tis the season to wear oversized tops & faux leather pants. Necessary Clothing has a variety of knit tops to add to your wardrobe, basic tops with a twist. I love their style with a high-low hem and a twist in the front which creates a beautiful oversized drape feel.

Be bold and try faux leather skinny pants. The high-end detailing of these drew me in, In this case, Zara does it right. All around, I encourage people to buy quality pieces but without overspending. This is definitely one of those times where you don't want to skimp. Wearing, cheap and poorly made faux leather items will make you look like you're...um, er...wearing a trash bag. You don't want to be a trash bag. So don't settle, quality always wins. It's always better to have few quality items than a closet full of poorly constructed, cheap clothing.

Hat: Nasty Gal  ///  Sunglasses: ASOS (Minkpink)  Top: Necessary Clothing  ///  Necklace: Nordstrom Rack  ///  Studded purse: (get it here)  ///  Faux Leather Pants: Zara  ///  Wedge Boots: Sam Edelman

Now is the time, grab up your favorite statement coat you've been eyeing all fall & winter. Sales are all around us!  Living in Cleveland, I still have months of suffering enjoyable winter weather to get my moneys worth out of a new coat. Why not get a fun & funky one to brighten up the rest of these dull gray months till spring? These 4 are my current favorites and are around $100. Find them here:  1  ///  2  ///  3  ///  4

Gray on gray on gray! Bring on casual neutral outfits for cold & dreary winter days. I love the long & slender fit as well as the casual worn in feel of this camo tunic. I paired it with a chestnut color skinny pants from Zara (my fave pair). These add a pop of color by bringing a brighter warmer shade to the look. I've been keeping my eye out for the perfect over the knee boots and these ones from Necessary Clothing have hit the mark. I've been living in these things. They're not only comfy but are wearing well & holding up their shape...and that's always a plus, shoes that are not only on trend but functional too. Just throw them on and go.
I've also added a new earring style to my line. Add a little boho grunge to your jewelry game. You can snag them here!

Veil Beanie: Choies  ///  Earrings: Glam & Grace  ///  Camo Shirt: Madewell  /// Necklace: (Get it here!)  Pants: Zara  ///  Over the Knee Boots: Necessary Clothing

Here's another easy and delish Christmas cookie recipe! My love for gingerbread is extreme and this recipe makes the perfect soft cookie...topping it off with a creamy frosting almost takes it over the edge. Sweetness overdose!...but that's ok since it's the holidays, right?

Gingerbread Cookies

3 1/4 cups flour                             1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda                          2 sticks butter
2 tsp ginger                                   3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon                             1/2 molasses
1/4 tsp nutmeg                              1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degress.
Combine all dry ingredients & mix well.
Combine butter, sugar, molasses & egg - mix well. - I added in a tsp of vanilla bean ; )
Gradually combine dry ingredients into butter/sugar mix.
Place drops on cookie sheet (they don't speed out much while baking). Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 mins. (I made larger cookies and baked them for 15-16 mins)

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 box powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Cream sugar and cream cheese together. Add in vanilla and gradually add in powdered sugar. Mix well. Just to note, I eyeball this recipe. I usually do equal parts of butter & cream cheese. Then I add powdered sugar till it gets to the consistency I want.

Hey Cleveland! Come on out to 78th Street Studios for Cleveland Bazaar's 10th anniversary Holiday Show. I'm super excited to be part of the event. It'll be filled with holiday goodness & cheer. Perfect place to hang out and buy some gifts!
For you out of towers, you can also pick up some on trend pieces in the Glam & Grace shop. I'll be adding the various new styles soon!

Lotsa. Chunky. Goodness. Time to layer up for Winter and the game is comfy, cosy. Honestly, the more it looks like you're straight up wearing a flannel blanket, the better. Blankets & rugs, let's go there. Let's wear them. I've been piling on oversized blanket capes, faux fur anything mixed with plaid tops or flannels. Don't forget the details though...add in gold accents, fringe or even sequins to your look. Mix textures, mix patterns.

Faux Fur Skirt:  1  ///  2  ///  3
Gold Accent Ankle Boots:  1  ///  2
Oversized Cape:  1  ///  2  ///  3

Flannel is everything. This current trend really brings back the 90's in a glam way. It works as an easy way to tone down a dressier look, while adding an amazing pop of color and pattern. Also, don't be afraid to mix a flannel with polka dots or other simple patterns. Get crazy & have fun with it!
Is this getting you in a wintery holiday spirit yet?
Original photos:  1  ///  2  ///  3  ///  4

Hey Cleveland! This holiday season, shop local & shop handmade! Come out November 29 to Cleveland Bazaar Winterfest at the 5th Street Arcades. I'll have lots of fringy & sparkly jewelry ready for you to pick up for holiday gifts...or maybe just for yourself ; ) See ya there!

It's fall & I'm denying it. Don't be fooled, I was super cold wearing this tank body con...but I just wanted one last hoorah before officially sporting cold weather gear.
Anyhow, check out that wild geometric pattern. Pastel is certainly not dead...yet. I love how it's mixed with black and white, an extra graphic punch. Asos is always my go-to spot for grabbing some killer on-trend sale dresses. To compliment the dress, I wore my new Cleated Sole Chelsea Boots from Missguided, light gray upper with a bright white sole. On-trend, bad-ass, sleek & simple. They certainly add an extra edge to this look.
ALSO, I have a NEW  leather harness style available, the Caged Choker Body Harness is in the shop!

Hat: Asos  ///  Sunglasses: Spitfire  ///  Teardrop Necklace: Jcrew (get it here)  ///  Caged Choker Harness: Glam & Grace (get it in the shop!)  ///  Geometric Dress: Asos  ///  Cleated Chelsea Boots: Missguided

It's time to start thinking about Wintertime survival in Cleveland / Northeast Ohio. I understand that fashion takes a back seat when there's multiple inches of snow on the ground. That's when we put our normal trendy fashion boots to the side and break out some bad boys that can handle the job. Here are my top 3 picks for the most fashionable & functional snow boots out this season. Here are questions I asked myself & how I based my selections:

Functionality

Traction: type of sole & heel height. Will I be able to easily trample around town?...without falling?
Shaft Height & Warmth: are they tall enough to keep out snow? Will my feet freeze off?

Aesthetic

Style: Do these match my style & wardrobe? Will I put my city to shame by wearing these? (i.e. people who wear Ugs)
Quality: What type of material are they? How will they wear in snow and salt? Can they be easily cared for / cleaned?

Here are the links to check out these styles further!
Top: Dollhouse, Defend  ///  Middle: Zara, Leather Wedge Mountain Bootie  ///  Bottom: Topshop, Ava Faux Fur Lined Boots

Mixing black and brown is a favorite for fall. I figured it'd be a perfect look to introduce one of my new handmade designs...I'm super excited to be adding trending leather accessories to my line. This item, Simple Drape Harness, is currently at a special introductory price (snatch it up now!). It's such a simple element yet adds a touch of toughness to your look. More new design releases coming soon!

Hat: Nasty Gal  ///  Mirrored Sunglasses: Zero UV  ///  Leather Body Harness: Glam & Grace (NEW DESIGN - in the shop!)  ///  Necklaces: Glam & Grace (in the shop!)   ///  Top: Nordstrom Rack  ///  Studded Olive Tote: Rampage (buy here)  ///  Floral Pants: Zara  ///  Studded Boots: Jeffery Campbell Lita

You Are In Control Of Your Time

A week or so ago, I was going outside to relax and enjoy the sun. Someone very special to me stressfully said they wished they had time to do such things and they needed more hours in the day. I was so saddened by that statement but understood it completely. I used to let phrases like that spill out of my mouth as well...I used to believe it as truth. But luckily the truth is, each person controls how they spend their time and what they value. Some people really believe that needing more time is just a fact of life...but don't buy into that lie! Prioritizing your time is key.

Simplify Your Life 

I broke free after having a string of meaningless jobs which consumed my days. At the time, I thought these jobs were just life & that's what others around me told me. (wrong) I thought I had to keep showing up each day because "that's just what you do" (wrong) and especially because it was paying for the lifestyle I had created.

I knew there was more to living. The lifestyle I was aiming for started shifting. Wanting things became unnecessary when all I wanted was to take charge of my life and how I got to use my time.  So then I started to prioritize my time and live simpler. The less things you want, the less time you spend stressed out wanting. Note, the key is wanting less and realizing what is / isn't needed in life. If your focus is the pursuit of things, it will be a never ending chase and that has no value nor does it lead to personal growth.

Design A Life You Love

After making some major changes in life, I now spend my time doing what I love... creating...and I do so on my own schedule and my own terms. I work on various projects from my jewelry/accessory line to graphic design work. I can pick clients I align with. I'm happy to work with them and they are excited to work with me. It's a beautiful thing. I'm in control of my creative work, it's up to me to make it fulfilling. Even better I'm seeking a simpler life all together. I moved to a simpler and smaller space. I got rid of so much that I owned and now I'm surrounded by less clutter. That kind of beauty and freedom is far greater than anything.

There becomes a time when you're deep in meaningless routine, whether you're stressed or just lacking personal growth, you need to ask yourself: what do I spend the majority of my time doing? Does it align with my values? Is it necessary? What do I enjoy most? Dig deep and then take action.
Regardless of where you're at, you can simplify your life & create a life you love.

Ok, first things first...I'm shaking my head at myself right now realizing how many style posts I've done wearing leopard. The animal print overload is actually not intentional. Haha! I promise to die it down a bit.

I like to consider this look "Unpolished Jcrew". I've paired a Jcrew hat & (wrinkled) chambray button up shirt with a cutout shoulder crop top and a Karmaloop one piece leopard romper. Its an interesting blend of street style and classic prep style. - - - It's easy to go to one store and deck yourself out in only their clothing...You might end up having some boxed up style but you'll lack individuality. Challenge yourself to explore styles and brands. Mix & combine them. Break all the rules!

Lets talk about my sunglasses obsession right quick...gah! Yes, those frames are mirrored in the front, a gorgeous silver. These beauties are by Minkpink and I snatched them up from ASOS at a crazy low price.

Also, you can pick up my handmade jewelry line (pictured above), from either my shop or on Vinted!