I love the challenge of exploring style. I'm influenced by my surroundings, my research and observations...and that's where the exploration begins. Growth in design is what's important to me and I'm always striving to expand my horizon and perspective.
The simplicity of this look really draws me in. I'm actually wearing quite bold pieces yet the neutral color palette unifies the look and tones it down. The modern leopard shift dress is in warm tan and brown tones (and black) so to contrast, I paired it with a cooler colored silver pearl necklace and silver booties. See how that pops? Love it.

Hat: NastyGal  ///  Sunglasses: Bonlook  ///  Necklace: Nordstrom Rack  ///  Blazer: Goodwill - Wooster, OH  ///  Leopard Shift Dress:  Get it here!  ///  Ombre Tights: Missguided  ///  Cut-out Ankle Boots: from Ci Ci Hot brand: Qupid ///  Bag: XOXO

I think at this point it's safe to say we're all sick of winter. I'm ready to bust out a bunch of cute open toe or cut-out shoes but let's be honest, here in Northeast Ohio, it's gonna be some time before that's possible. Ok ok, so we're left with the "problem" of STILL wearing the boots we've been trudging around in all winter…after all these months and all this snow, they're probably looking a little sad, worn and ready for some rest…so the question stands, how do we still rock our battled and bruised footwear during this seasonal transition? Give them a simple makeover! Yep, just a little something to tide you over till the weather shapes up. These boots were just looking a little blah to me so I snatched up some bold & bright laces from Jcrew. This was such a simple and easy way to add a pop of color and give these tired kicks new life. Of course, I also had to add a few jewelry elements just for fun. I popped on a tassel to the one while for the other I added some brass bars on tiny chain...nothing too match matchy ; ) What are some creative & fun fashion experiments you're doing to tide you over till the new season hits? Sometimes a simple switch is the best!

So digging this look! These melting tights are from Urb Clothing.

This was such a fun look to put together. I love the "harsh" graphic black and white stripes with the mix of warm tan colors. Also the color blocking of the cropped top, hat and cape added unique interest to this outfit. Lots and Lots of blocking going on. Overall it's such a cool mix of sections of color and line. (Please don't mind all this designer talk coming out of me) AND, can you PLEASE check out THOSE SHOES! Oh my, I love these woodgrain ankle boots! They are a great way to add a neutral pattern to an outfit.

Pom Pom Veil Beanie: Choies  ///  Necklace: Banyan Tree (Cleveland)  ///  Tortoise Sunglasses: Zero UV  ///  Crop Top: Express (old)  ///  Asymmetrical Stripe Skirt: Nastygal  ///  Tights: Missguided  ///  Woodgrain Ankle Boots: Sheik Shoes  ///  Cape & Bag: from Gabes - grrrreat deal!

Wow, wow, wow! I'm so excited about this look! Pastels are still in for Spring but now it's time to pair them with a dark & BOLD color. Last year it was about the all light colored everything...for Spring 2014, layer on multiple pastel colors then set the look off with a punch of vibrant burgundy or a deep rich brown with a red-ish hue. Oh my! I especially love the look with light blond hair, dark brows and a dark lip mixed with accent pastels. You'll be seeing a lot of light and dark mixing this spring, so try it out!

Original photos found here:  1  ///  2  ///  3  ///  4

I know what you're thinking, "ANOTHER oversized sweater?!?"
Yep, yep & yep. This vintage beauty has been eyed at a vintage shop for months (finally got it!)... It's so incredibly soft and warm...perfect for Ohio winters. I highly recommend wearing anything blanket like...you've just got to try it!
Sometimes I have to keep it bright & fun during this long, cold, gray drab time. This outfit, I paired the bright vintage sweater with new trendy pieces. I love the mix of the plaid and the polka dot pants...anytime I can mix different sizes of simple patterns, I'm in. The geometric necklace adds another interesting touch of bold shapes and multiple colors.
Hat: Nastygal  ///  Sunglasses:  ZeroUV  ///  Necklace: Similar from Bauble Bar  ///  Neon Knit Sweater: Missguided  ///  Turquoise Blanket Sweater: Vintage (local shop)  ///  Polka Dot Pants: Zara  ///  Wedge Boots: Steve Madden (check out my glitter back DIY)

This look was inspired by the Coast to Coast Challenge from CoastToCoastCentral.com. The challenge was to post a look on Instagram of your outfit containing dark hues and red lips. How fun!...How could I say no? The weekly challenge was birthed out of the desire to connect women, inspire each other to try new things, and to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
Even better, they also have a shop where 50% of the proceeds are going toward building a rescue house for victims of sex trafficking in Quito, Ecuador. Make sure you read their Mission/Vison statement and their Causes page.
I really enjoy how the color pops from this outfit! I normally wear crazy color all over...so I like how this forced me to be more neutral and then play with some bright pops, like these lovely Nasty Gal Shoe Cult leopard boots. I also usually don't wear red lip color but I enjoyed the experiment...I love how it goes with my bold colored sparkly necklace.
Also, I thought my Bon Look glasses would add a punch to the outfit. They are the Crystal Sand La Marquise. They are quite a statement piece but I love how the color just kind of blends in with my skin and hair. They just add that extra layer of cool and really show my personality.

Contrast Sleeve Coat: SheInside  ///  Fringe Purse: from Banyan Tree in Cleveland  ///  Leggings: Zara  ///  Boots: NastyGal Shoe Cult  ///  Glasses: Bon Look, La Marquise  ///  Necklace: Find similar at Bauble Bar