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

I was actually not intentional with this fringe overload. It just happened. (no shame)
My favorite item from this look is the handmade hanky scarf from Little Birdie Design Studio. I've gotten to hang with Little Birdie numerous times at various art events since 2011. I love all of her designs! This scarf, I finally bought at this past NOTO fashion show and it's added some serious style to my summer wardrobe. Note, that it's red and I paired it with the pink ombre dress, only a crazy person would do that...so glad i'm that person.
Also, check it, I have a new pair Vintage up cycled boots available. They're a size 8.5 but fyi, I'm a 7 and I was able to wear them comfortably for this shoot. They're a lovely statement piece to add to your Summer to Fall style transition.

Hat: Nasty Gal  ///  Earrings:  Glam & Grace  ///  Sunglasses: Asos  ///  Scarf: Little Birdie Design Studio  ///  Dress: (get it here!)  ///  Zipper Bracelets: (get them here)  ///  Upcycled Vintage Boots: Glam & Grace

I've been gushing over this Ombre Popsicle Spell Dress from UrbanOG. This bodycon midi dress would be super cute to wear for a night out as is with simple accessories...but I, of course, had to uniquely style it. I paired it with some loud patterned tights and a polka dot head scarf. These funky accessories make this dress more of a casual street style. The white and black accents also add another graphic punch to this look. Check out more outfit details below!

Head Scarf: Old Navy (old)  ///  Statement Necklace: buy here  ///  Gold Clip Earrings: (Vintage) The Hidden Pearl  ///  Sunglasses: ZeroUV  ///  Fringe Bag: Banyan Tree  ///  Geometric Tights: Karmaloop  /// White Peep Toe Ankle Boots: Qupid

Ooh la la! Such a glamorous outfit that also happens to be budget friendly...and who doesn't like a great deal? 

The sleek & stylish dress is from Sammy Dress. Sammy Dress is an online retailer that offers the latest trends at low prices. This is my first experience with them and I must say I am quite pleased. This dress is so glam AND comfy at the same time. I love the sheer mesh cutout sections...such fun elements to a simple dress. The statement necklace is also from Sammy Dress. The spikes and geometric shapes add BOLDNESS to this look.

White Fringe Kimono: similar here  ///  Black & White Sunglasses: Zero UV  ///  Cut Out Mesh Dress: Sammy Dress  ///  Geometric Pendant Necklace: Sammy Dress  ///  Black Hat: Nastygal  ///  Black and White Cut Out Ankle Boots: Cupid

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

Mix up an outfit by wearing different patterns! I kept with a monochrome black & white look... with patterns that vary in scale. I have a larger busier print on top and a smaller repetitive print for the bottoms. Be bold, don't be afraid to have fun and experiment. These polkadot pants from Zara are my favorite right now...they are my go-to piece to add some variety to an outfit.
Hat: Nastygal  ///  Sunglasses: ZeroUV  ///  Earrings: AC Design  ///  Sweater: Nordstorm Rack  ///  Polkadot Pants: Zara  ///  Boots: Target

Want some fashionable artsy feet this summer without paying the high price? Jazz up a pair of sandals you already have. Anytime I can experiment and customize a piece, you know I'm all over it. These sandals have been sitting around unworn collecting dust...I'm really into statement footwear right now so these in their original state were pretty plain and blah for my taste. Instead of letting them sit there alone crying, I decided to invest my love into their poor soles (heh). I kept the Sam Edelman line in the back of my mind while giving these an update...attention to detail, patterns, mix of colors were all key thoughts. AND whenever I create anything the goal is to make it look high end. If it looks "crafty" it's getting thrown in the trash (crafty = pet peeve!). 

For the Strap: I used rhinestone chain of top and wrapped a cute black and white thick woven string around the strap, between each rhinestone. Just glue your string to the bottom of the strap to secure it.

Tassel: I cut several pieces of string and leather, folded them in half, and glued them into a jewelry end cap. (You can find these at a craft store) To secure it to the sandal, I just tied the tassel with an extra piece of leather.

Feel free to ask any questions of share how you've updated your summer sandals!

Just what I needed. A get-a-way with beach time...and how lovely it was! A friend and I spent a few days at Panama City Beach to celebrate a fellow Akron alum cheerleader's wedding. White sand. Crystal clear water. Fish nipping at my feet. Pretending I'm a mermaid. What could be better?!

While lounging around the Gulf, I sported a super cute one piece suit from boohoo.com. Although it has a bit more coverage than a bikini, I still felt quite sassy rocking the fringe and "cut out" parts.

I highly recommend Spitfire Sunglasses. High style. Great price. Just get a pair. Nordstrom has a crazy selection. I'm also totally digging the head wrap trend, it adds to the sassy bit and it's a quick remedy to cover the beach hair. I'll try and post a summer scarf tutorial here soon.

Summer is winding down...here are a few of my go-to items and accessories for the remainder of the sunny skied and green filled days here in Akron, OH.
Oversized sweater: Target (yeah, great deal!) Shorts: My bleached dip dye DIY project.
Scarf, Socks & Nail Polish: Jcrew. Boots: Steve Madden (my Glitter Boots DIY project)
Earrings: My jewelry line, AC Design. Sun Glasses: Spitfire (brought from Nastygal)

There are a lot of expensive versions of glitter backed boots out there...luckily, I found these great Steve Madden wedge (with fringe!) boots at a great price...prefect to add a little personal style! For glitter I used a medium glitter in gunmetal and a course glitter in black. To start, I masked off the section I wanted to glitter, brushed on Jewel It Glue and poured the glitter on top. After pressing the glitter down, I applied Mod Podge with a sponge brush. This acts as a sealer coat, keeping all the glittery goodness where it should be. Love the contrast of colors and materials on this boot!

Gushing over these boots by MIA! I love boots…and right now I’m all about leopard…and fringe. I’m about to rock these animal inspired feisty kicks.