Maybe it’s the sun and heat influencing my mood, but I have citrus zests on the brain. Colors and flavors of lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange are inspiring me to keep cool and in style!

GET THE LOOK:
Orange Polka Dot Dress by Kiwi Shop, available on yesstyle.com

The weather has been gorgeous here and I’ve all ready been enjoying some time by the pool. Time by the pool makes me think of that song about an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini- hey, why not an itsy bitsy orange polka dot dress? This dress works beautifully on its own or as a cover up when going to the pool. You can also pair it with a refreshing and festive cocktail. I’m thinking tiki cocktails are in order for this one!

Bring out those citrus colors and brighten up your style!

My latest fashion obsession involves prints and colors! Make a print pop by accessorizing with bright and bold colors. Two accessories I find myself using more than ever are my red high heels and red lipstick. My goal this season is to stock up on colorful shoes, nail polish, and eye make up colors. I’m thinking teals, yellows, blues, hot pinks, bright and fun colors! Oh, and also some soft pinks and coral lipstick for when I do wear some bright colored eyeshadow (remember to keep everything in balance). But until then I’ll be wearing my reds!

Here are two of my favorite red hot fashion prints. The first is a tribal pattern play-suit with almost muted colors until paired with red lipstick and heels. A piece like this would look great with any bright color!

Get the Look: Tribal Playsuit with Ruffles by 59 Seconds, available on yesstyle.com

This next piece is red hot on its own, literally. This dress has a bright red hot chilli pepper print with a pleated texture that just flows beautifully.

 Get the Look: Pleated Chiffon Pattern Dress by NABI, available on yesstyle.com

I’ve been a fan of Nabi’s styles for quite some time now. I love what they do with fabric- the way their designs form to the body and how it moves when you walk. It’s feminine but very daring in its own way.

And one thing they do have right now is bright beautiful patterns with lots of fabric!

Are you into red hot fashion this season? What’s your favorite pattern or colors to wear?

I’m honored and delighted to be featured on Fashion by HE as a “HottHE” of the week! Be sure to check out the interview here.

I want to thank HE for including me on his fabulous blog- go check him out and see what HE is all about. ♥

This spring my next obsession after color is patterns, especially in heels. I like the idea of waking up pastel or earth tone colors in our wardrobe with fascinating patterns on our heels and wedges. Adventurous souls will want to go the next step and mix patterns with patterns!

This particular pair is the “Cheetah-Print Fringed Patent Pumps” from KVOLL which also come in black and white. Both options are available on yesstyle.com. I’m thinking of getting those, too, just to mix with brighter colors. Gold and brown makes me want to go with darker earth tones whereas the black and white pair makes me want to play with hot pinks, cobalt blues, and bright yellows.

There are a few things that attracted me to this shoe. First of all the shine of the pattern; there is texture and I love how it shines in the light. Next was the shape of the heel. It’s slightly arched or bent which makes me think of the hoof of an animal. I like the shape matched with this exciting pattern. Finally, the pattern and the gold detail on the toes sealed the deal. There are three little golden tassels on top of the black fringe decor. Funny thing is that when you turn them over they look like little measuring spoons, like the kind you use for baking. I love to cook so I adore the shoes even more now, even if that is not what they are supposed to be. I like them better this way.

Please excuse the cat fur as my cat, Aveline, refuses to let any shoes enter into this house without seeing her first. If I turn my back for a second it’s all ready too late, ha. They were prefect when they came out of the box, now they are just a little bit personalized.

Are you walking into spring with bold beautiful prints and colors? What styles have you been enjoying?

It’s spring and I want color. Bright, bold, beautiful color. When it comes to bright colors I like to use simple structured shapes so that the color has a simple foundation.

This particular dress reminds me of something from the late 1960′s. The shape is simple, it drapes beautifully, and the color welcomes spring with a big hello! I like to mix things that probably were never meant to go together, so I thought why not a giant spiked necklace to wear with the dress?

As I was sitting in the living room next to my whisky bar, it occurred to me that I have created something of a modern “Mad Men” type of scene. This makes me like the dress and the styling even more, ha. I adore mixing vintage with modern elements. It’s amazing how natural they really can work together. Forced is no fun, but when you mix styles of different era’s you come up with a style that is uniquely you (and certainly not a trend!).

I dress up every day because I believe every day is important and worth celebrating. I mean it. It challenges me to constantly try something new and to appreciate every detail of the day. I love going out to events, but that isn’t an every day occurrence. What my everyday life truly consists of is working on the computer, running errands, and primarily setting aside time to relax in my home as I enjoy a hand crafted cocktail or a dram or whisky, light up a cigar and then listen to music or read a book.  I like to keep it simple, but dress for a night on the town. Just like how I prefer my fashion to be, funny how that works.

This particular dress is from JOANNE KITTEN on yesstyle.com, I’ve been quite fond of the dresses JoanneKitten has to offer; they are one-of-a-kind styles that are elegant and fun and also come in brilliant colors. The ring is from BCBG. I found it in a clearance bowl about a year ago and find myself wearing it more than any other ring I own. It goes with everything! The necklace was a recent purchase from Lavo Collections in the Rice Village shopping area of Houston. It was my first time there and I believe they have multiple locations. Very cute shop! The shoes… well let’s not talk about the shoes. I very rarely wear flats but these are the only gold shoes I have right now (note to self: shop for gold shoes). I think they are cute flats, but I’ve had these for a ridiculously long time! I can’t remember how long… they were my beach shoes when I lived in Miami so they’ve seen some “life” shall we say. hahaha.

What are your fashion inspirations and how would you define your style?

Because blue is that beautiful tone that looks stunning in the winter and warms us as we welcome the spring. What I love especially about this jacket is the military style of the buttons and shoulders, but the openness in the front and the cropped length. It’s military in style without being too heavy, after all it’s starting to warm up outside and fashion must also be functional.

GET THE LOOK:
Buttoned Military Jacket from ageha@shibuya, available on yesstyle.com

The crop length on the jacket allows for all sorts of layering- from beautiful billowing dresses and blouses to fitted pieces such as the one I am wearing here. With such a stunning color, I wanted to have a neutral canvas. Today I went with black (a classic). I’m feeling a bit retro and classic today so perhaps it inspired me to stay with clean fitted lines.

This blue pops without being obnoxious. I adore that. And then I wanted to mix in another bright color just to keep things interesting. I decided to play it up with some bright red pumps and I’m pretty ecstatic with the decision.

I love wearing red shoes, but it can be difficult to pull off with some outfits. Too often it can feel forced ,but here it feels like a natural thing. It isn’t expected and that’s part of what I love so much about it. The black simple outfit and my hair in a retro inspired updo adds elegance and sophistication whereas the bright colors of the blue and red bring in a lot of youth. I think they meet just perfectly in the middle.

The collar has such a nice shape that I didn’t want it to get lost in my hair. Thus I decided to put it up, and being in the mood I am in I attempted a bit of a retro style. Honestly, I  separated a segment of hair on top (creating a diagonal part on the top of my head, and only using a small amount of my shortest top layer of hair), then swept all the rest of my hair to a side, twisted it up and bunched it into a ball. I twisted it again so it would look smooth and pretty (I think I got lucky here, lol) then pinned it to keep it in place.

I swept the remaining hair over my bangs, added some pins to give it a bit of a wave, twisted part of it into a circle then stuffed whatever was left of the ends into the large twist. Pins, pins, and pins- add some spray and smoothed out anything that looked out of place. I added a hair accessory with some feathers to give it a bit more flare and there you go!

I’m pretty happy with it. I’ll definitely be attempting it again, hopefully with the same success! One thing is for sure, feeling “blue” is fabulous this season!

Cinched waists, military style buttons, sharp shoulders, voluminous jackets and patterned tights- these are my latest fierce fashion obsessions!

A fitted waist is definitely coming back into style and perhaps with more color than we have seen in the past. Never the less, black is a classic that will survive all the trends. Personally I like to play with both, depending on my mood. I’ll keep stock in black because it will last me (and challenge me to reinvent it in new outfits) but I will also take the leap into a splash of brilliant color.

Going along with the cinched waist is the cropped jacket trend- you can add so much more shape and color with a jacket, and the shorter length lets you show off your figure. The bigger the structure of the jacket the smaller your waist appears, too. It’s a fun illusion you can get pretty playful with.

What’s interesting to me here are the shapes and textures. Patterned tights take a classic dress and make it runway edgy in an instant. I love that! Suddenly, I can’t get enough patterned tights in my arsenal.

GET THE LOOK:

Jacket: I’m really not sure! I’ve had this for years

Skirt: TokyoFashion Faux Leather Skirt, available on yesstyle.com

Tights: 59 Seconds Patterned Tights, available on yesstyle.com

Shoes: Target

Don’t you love it when you go exploring into the unknown depths of your closet only to discover a piece that you’ve not only forgotten, but now inspires you for a whole new look?

That’s just what this jacket is. I purchased it…. maybe even 10 years ago, it’s truly been a long time- but I packed it away for the winter months and then never saw it again. Until now. And I think it gives the perfect attitude to the cool drizzling rain outside. The layers of the leather skirt completely the look flawlessly. It has attitude, but it’s still elegant and fashion forward. The tights make the whole look come together as “fierce fashion.”

Now, this kind of jacket will be too hot as the weather begins to warm up. But the basic shape and principle can be applied with lighter materials while maintaining that beautiful volume. Oh, you know I’m already shopping  for some fantastic pieces! I think color will be a huge factor here, too- so be warned, ha.

Now that’s some serious texture and form. Okay, next onto some sharp shoulders!

Sharp, pointed shoulders have become my new “lace” and by that I mean, if a piece of clothing has it then I pretty much must have it. I feel like it lengthens my limbs, which are naturally long but I love to push the envelope whenever I am able to. I also like the mirror idea of the points on each shoulder complimenting the points of my shoes- the heels.

I love heels, and I think the pointed shoulder can be played with as an extension of the heel. The two together pull you and make you look longer and leaner. A sharp shoulder is also undoubtedly fierce. This is a Sharp Shoulder Knit Dress from Sabotte on yesstyle.com. I love the subtle detail of texture with the flaps and buttons. It comes in beige- which I was very tempted to get and still might, but I had to go for the classic black solution in this case. I purchased the dress with the tights at the same time, and am happy to say the two marry perfectly together!

What are your fierce fashion obsessions?

While the winter weather keeps us wrapped up, don’t miss the essential element to any girl’s wardrobe: the dress jacket. This is a jacket that 1) it’s cozy 2) we grab in an instant whenever we want to look fabulous without a care in the world, and 3) has a unique quality that stands out from the crowds.

Most of us will actually have a few of these jackets in different colors and styles to match our various moods. This winter I’ve embraced colors like red, burgundy, emerald, and eggplant. With my dark hair I like the contrast these colors bring.

A dress jacket is different form a traditional jacket in that when buttoned up it looks like a purposeful dress. Though I love this quality about them, I like to wear them open so it adds more movement with my complete look. I like the layers and length, especially in the winter. It adds depth and keeps you warm all at the same time.

There are two qualities about this particular jacket from eFashion that I absolutely adore: the ruffles and the double breasted buttons.

If a jacket has buttons this season, I either want one single well placed button or a whole bunch of them! I love how one single item can make a bold fashion statement all on its own. For this reason, I like to wear something simple underneath- like a form fitted black dress or extra long tank top. You could even add a simple scarf if you wanted to. It’s a chic and comfortable look.

What’s your favorite dress jacket color to wear this season? Find more winter essential jackets on yesstyle.com and see which one matches your personality!

It’s true, every girl needs a classic black satchel to call her own. What makes a purse classic? Well, there’s a certain simplicity about the shape and form of the purse- something structured and clean. Then comes texture and detail. Whether it’s a fine grain texture, a soft quilted design, or a smooth and flawless matte finish- it’s a fashion staple that will last you forever.

And then there’s the detail.. oh beautiful, subtle detail. Sometimes it’s the stitching of the purse itself, or perhaps as in this case- the lock and chain feature. I love how the clasp is very functional in securing the purse, but also adds a nice tough of elegance. The tassle which hangs from the other end of the chain give’s you more movement and lengthens the design.

The rest of the bag speaks for itself- a strong silhouette with a beautiful textured finish.

This is my new new little darling and it’s been getting more attention than I anticipated while I have been out and about. Enough people stopped and asked me about this bag that I wanted to share it with you, and more importantly why I selected it.

When I was shopping for a new bag, this purse called out to me from the simple glimpse of the silhouette. It seemed to be the right shape and size for what I was looking for. I wanted something somewhat lightweight, medium sized, elegant, and with plenty of pockets inside to organize my belongings. The material and structure of the purse seemed solid which was also important to me; I wanted something that wouldn’t bulge or sink when I put my wallet or phone inside.

I also wanted something that was secure, but still easily accessible. The clasp was the perfect answer, as well as a charming extra feature. There is a zipper to close the purse even beneath the clasp for an optional added security.

The handles are firm but comfortable- they keep their form and the integrity of the purse’s design. I adore this bag! And I adore it because it is exactly what I needed for me- it matches my personality, meets my purpose, and functions beautifully.

What do you look for in a classic black satchel? The beautiful thing is you can always have more than one. I know I do! One to match each of my moods and needs. This is my newest beauty and I am quite proud to show her off!

Find some inspiration or your next must have satchel on yesstyle.com. It’s my favorite place to get unique items and catch up on the latest trends.  I also love how you can not only shop by the style of bag, but also by color! Brilliant!

Featured item in this post: Moonbasa Tassled & Chain Satchel