Pushing My Boundaries A Little More…

This year I plan to push my fashion boundaries even more. Maybe NYC is rubbing off on me a little… Those of you that know me, or have been reading along for some time, will know by now that my style is pretty classic, and at times a little preppy.  I’d much rather spend the money on an item that will outlive a trend, than buy something that goes out of style before I’ve even taken the tag off. Yes, it has happened to all of us. That $20 shirt you just HAD to buy at Forever 21, discovered a year later, unworn...

Much like my post from last fall, the goal is keep pieces of my style that are inherently “me”, but add a little excitement with some edgier pieces. My first step into uncharted waters this year? These rockin’ gold studded boots from Vince Camuto. I asked for them for Christmas, and couldn’t wait to share them with you!

A blouse and skinnies is nothing new for me. But the subtle touch of leather on the collar and the not-so-subtle bling on the boots was a baby step in the right direction for me. Plus, these boots are so versatlie – I wore them on New Years Eve with tights and a skirt, rather than grabbing my typical black pumps.

Looks like my style journey is evolving. Excited to see how my 2014 fashion diary unfolds!

xoxo,

 

 

Shirt: Express (same cut)  //  Pants: Zara (similar)  //  Boots: Vince Camuto  //  Bag: C Wonder  //  Necklace: Lizzibeth (not available, but similar here)  //  Watch: Marc Jacobs  //  Bracelets: Lizzibeth and Lizzibeth  //  Earrings: Kate Spade (similar)  //  Ring: family jeweler

Femme + Fatale

This fall, leather is everywhere. Leather pants. Leather skirts. Leather boots. Leather jackets.

But unlike the leather trends from seasons’ past, this leather resurgence brings with it an air of sophistication – adding a feminine touch to an otherwise tougher edge.

For those of you (like me) who aren’t quite ready to ditch the blazers and pearls for biker jackets and spikes … this is the perfect compromise.  A detour toward the softer side of leather, with a look that allows you to marry your feminine and fierce foes.

As I put together this outfit, I wanted to contrast the structure of the jacket with the flowiness of the skirt. It was a way for me to toughen up my generally classic style .

(didn’t even need a wind machine for this shoot!)

For me this was an excercise in “hybrid fashion”. Taking two completely different vibes, and fusing them together.

I started with a framework that was in my comfort zone, and slowly added pieces that pushed my envelope a bit. In the end, I got to be a little edgy for the day, while still staying true to myself.

What are some of your fashion foes?

xoxo

Dress:  Francesca’s (similar here)  //  Jacket: Aldo (similar here)  //  Belt: Banana Republic (similar here)  //  Boots: Forever 21 (similar here)  //  Necklace:  Banana Republic (loving this one)  //  Bag:  Dooney & Bourke  //  Watch: Marc Jacobs  //  Bracelet: Juicy Couture (cute alternative)  //  Rings: Forever 21 & family jeweler (liking these)