MY PICKS: Winter Snow Boots

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Winter Snow Boot Picks - Cleveland Ohio fashion blog
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

MY CLOSET: Brown & Black - Drape Harness

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Black & Brown - Cleveland Ohio fashion blogger
Simple Drape Body Harness - Cleveland Ohio handmade design
fall floral - pattern mixing
Fall Floral - Cleveland Ohio fashion blogger

brown and black fashion - Cleveland fashion & style - body harness


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

LIFESTYLE: Designing A Life

Friday, October 10, 2014

She designed a life she loved - inspirational quote
design and create a life you love
relax and enjoy life - inspirational
once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for - inspirational quote

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.