2016: One Cocktail Away from Fearless

This picture is a direct reflection of how I feel this year went.  I’ve got a killer pair of shoes on paired with my fabulous $3 flee market purse and then I fell flat on my face.  WTF?!  So I wanted to play a little catch up because I haven’t written in quite some time.  I just wanted to share some struggles I experienced this year with my blog and also my personal life.  I’ve always been an open book and I will never try and pretend to be something I’m not.

“My goal through these words as always been to be authentic and genuine and I wanted to stay true to that. ”

As my blog began to grow this year I applied for several programs.  I’ll be honest with you I was pretty confident that I would get accepted.  My writing has good content and is relatable, does it cuss too much? Maybe…but YOLO.  I want to be the Chelsea Handler of fashion so that’s gonna involve some colorful language, RIGHT?!  Mainly, I was hoping to get accepted to the LikeToKnowIt program.  I felt confident that could lead to some great exposure.  Ultimately my TRUE goal is to become a guest writer for various publications.  I have found out I LOVE writing.  I’m not sure if I’m good at it, grammatically speaking.

“There are tons of bloggers out there pushing $50 shirts from Nordstrom or ASOS, but I want to have a voice that the everyday woman relates to. A voice that tells you why this blouse is good for your body type or why it isn’t, a voice that tells you, you look fabulous when you look in the mirror and get dressed that day.”

“Because feeling fabulous and confident in our own skin is a power that we control and you have the right to feel fucking fabulous, ok?!”

Long story short, I didn’t get accepted.  I was seriously hurt.  Damn Gina, really?!  It was like I was the tall girl at the middle school dance all over again with no one to dance with.  I just didn’t have the following and presence they were looking for, which I do understand.  I’m telling ya’ll to look for great purses at a flee market, that ain’t really making nobody profit. HAHA!  But my goal isn’t to make Nordstrom money, it’s to help you demand the attention of a room without saying a word. So kindly heck of LikeToKnowIt, you’ll eat that rejection email one day I’ll promise you that.  And I don’t mean that in a “revenge” aspect, I just mean, I’ll reach my goal without selling myself to be something I’m not.  These bloggers post beautiful professional pictures everyday, and I just am not that.  Maintaining that "perfect" beautiful presence on social media is A LOT of work. Running to brick walls and putting my hand in my hair just the right way the minute I got dressed became stupid.  Again, I’m not calling ANYONE stupid, I just felt stupid.  My life became a slave to social media and that WAS NEVER MY GOAL.  So I began to resent the entire process.  

“I can’t eat a damn chicken biscuit without getting biscuit bread all over my face, much less post a professionally filtered picture everyday. BELIEVE ME I TRIED!!! I would start searching my phone for content to post and then I realized 75% of the pictures on my phone are my dog Otis, SHIT.”

 My phone became my LIFE, so the past few months I put that thing down and started just soaking in the goodness all around me.  Because after all, we only have one life to LYV.  

Also, during that process of finding myself professionally and where I fit in, in the dynamic of the fashion blogger world my personal life became tough.  I just want you to know that no matter how much pretty clothes, fake hair, fake eye-lashes, or fun places we visit, life still throws crap at you, at all of us.  And it hits you, smack in the damn face.  And it smells like shit.  Like, horse shit.  No filter can change that.  So for me it was very important to never pretend to be something I was not or am not.  Grief and sadness touch us all.  I just wanted to speak to that and say you’re never alone.  This hustle of life is a damn hustle, I mean in the words of great Rick Ross, “ERRRRDAY I’M HUSSSTLINNN”.  HAAAA!!!

“But I did have one moment in particular that still makes me borderline pee my britches which I don’t mind sharing at my own expense.”

While in Key West visiting our dear friend for Fantasy Fest my friend Angie and I decided to get henna tattoos, after we had over indulged in pineapple drinks.  And then when we woke up the next morning and our bodies had BLACK stains everywhere we tried to remove them with a magic eraser.  BOTH EXTREMELY BAD BAD DECISIONS!!!!!

“MAGIC ERASER IS THE DEVIL AND SHOULD NEVER TOUCH YOUR SKIN. We basically gave ourselves terrible burns but the henna came off. Bless us. We are always one cocktail away from FEARLESS.”

 So if you’re feeling like me and ready to put this year behind you, let’s do it.  I’ve got new goals I’m looking to conquer and I’m running after them.  Even if I fall flat on my face again, it won’t be the first time I’ve gotten up and brushed the dirt off.  It sticks a little less each time.

Happy Holidays and ALWAYS remember, being YOU ROCKS.  Until next time.

-LYV.ROX.STYLE

This is a trophy my Dad got me as a little girl.  I begged my parents to be in a local beauty pageant as a child, like age 5.  I mean I still want to be a Toddler & Tiara when I grow up, that or Erika Jayne, anywhoo.  So when I got to the pageant in my JB White’s Easter dress and other little girls were John Bennett Ramsey status I remember feeling like I was out of my league.  Of course, I didn’t win, I got a participate trophy and I went to my parents who were cheering, “YAY, YOU WON.” Ummm, hell no, I might be 5 but I see that giant ass trophy over there that I DID NOT WIN GUYS.  And I looked at them and said, “I wasn’t pretty enough.”  I went to school the next day and when I got home my Dad had gotten me the biggest trophy made that said, “To my GFG (girl friend girls, was my nickname) the MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE WORLD.”

“It’s CRAZY that as an adult I found myself in the SAME EXACT place as a child. And I’m talking about measuring my success with the success of others but then I had to remember their goal wasn’t MY GOAL.”

Throw that score sheet away, because our paths are unique and ours to conquer.  Push your shoulders back and lets show this betch who’s the boss.

Season Sale Staples: The White Blouse

This time of year our favorite stores start marking down inventory to make room for fall!!  Let's talk about some "Season Sale Staples" that you can snag off the clearance rack and rock year round.  THE WHITE BLOUSE!!!

I found this white blouse from the Who What Wear line by Target.  This line was created with the idea of everyday street style in mind to provide women on the go with fashion forward pieces without killing our wallet.  The line is priced at $50 or under, HOWEVER, I found this white blouse for $8.38!!!!  YASSSS HUNTAYY!  RUN TO TARGET!!!

“I can never have enough white blouses because I am so HARD on them! Make-up, food, my dog, MO FOOD!!! ”

For our more heated moments I LOVE pairing a good white blouse with cut offs.  I usually look for blouses that I can let hang out the back of my shorts as well as being tucked into my pants.  I like having the option to cover my booty.  I just feel more comfortable, but don't get me wrong there are moments I tuck it in and let it hang out for the husband!

Additionally, I scored those boots from Belk by Free People for less than $40, originally almost $150.  I anticipate getting SO much wear out of them this fall with dresses and pretty much EVERYTHANG!

“Next I enjoy the idea of taking the classic look of a white blouse and creating a more edgy vibe with dressy joggers and a fun pump.”

For those days we don't want to think about putting an outfit together or maybe we are pressed for time.  A white blouse with jeans is an American classic.  It's like the Jennifer Aniston of outfits.  Timeless, chic and cool without trying to hard.

So RUN to Target and get yo style on for LESS!!!  Feeling amazing in our clothes doesn't have to rob us of all the money in our wallet.  Until next time, push your shoulders back and demand the attention of a room, because being you ROCKS!

-LYV.ROX.STYLE

Shout out to my Mom, who shot these pictures today during lunch with my iPhone while I packed for the road.  This last pic was the BOMB.  I love you!!!

Prints and Patterns: Dare to Feel Fabulous

During my many years in retail I got into the habit of wearing all black, which can definitely be chic.  However, my personality is bright, bold and leopard.  On the homepage of my website I touch on being in middle school and trying to find my place.  As I started to develop my individual style by mixing prints I also saw my peers making fun of me.  I didn’t know what I was doing and some days I still don’t!  The biggest difference between now and then is I don’t give a damn what people think.  If I like it, then I like it.  There were girls that made fun of me then and there are still women who make fun of me now.  That’s just life!

“But guess what, my glitter doesn’t fade and my sparkle always shines, that power belongs to me (and YOU). So let’s talk about prints, patterns and dare to FEEL fabulous!”

For our first look I chose a bold black and white stripe crop top from Shein (there is a link and coupon on my homepage) with a leopard pencil skirt from Hautelook.  The stripe crop is my dominant pattern, meaning it stands out first and draws the eye.  The pencil skirt is more of a dark and muted pattern, it accents the top without competing for attention.  At first glance you might not even notice the skirt is a leopard print.  

My common color is black.  So, I played off the black in the top to carry the eye down to the black in the skirt and finally the black on the shoes.  I mixed in a pop of color with neon pink in my handbag and shoe tassels.  YASSS HUNNTAYYY, SHOE TASSELS!!!!!  You know I had to have those beauties.  They found me in a Steve Madden store in Miami.  Sidetone: I love a good stripe, but a big horizontal stripe like I chose can sometimes make us look wider or not as flattering as a thin stripe pattern.  But I’ve been trying to make my boobs look bigger for 31 years so I’m good to go with this top!

“This look pairs a larger scale pattern with a smaller print for a nice contrast.”

Even though our outside temps are super hot we know an office can be freezing.  I love this leopard cardigan from Forever21 to layer with floral dresses.  The leopard isn’t a bold print even though it is a big print, the neutral colors help it fly under the radar and not clash with the small floral pattern.  The dress I found at Target for like, $11.59 years ago.  I mean is it even a blog if I don't include something from the Target clearance rack?!?!  

My last look was totally inspired by another blogger that I follow BSoup.  She used this jacket in one of her blogs and I LOVED the look.  Her look included a gingham check shirt, the jacket, jeans and leopard heels.  And it just all WERKED!  I ordered the jacket and wanted to make it my own so I paired a thin stripe blouse with a neck tie, white jeans and nude pumps.  

And I just want to keep it real for a sec, the majority of my looks are inspired by another look.  I did not in fact invent any of these outfits.  I see things I like, I figure out how to incorporate it into my style/closet, which usually includes hiding boxes from my husband and pretending like I’ve had it for years.  Damn, I hope he doesn’t read this one.

So take a look in your closet with fresh eyes!!  Grab some prints and dare to feel fabulous, because being you rocks.

-LYV.ROX.STYLE 

Fashion Fingerprints: Doris Hughes

HELLO FRIENDS!!  For a moment I thought I was going to have to change my blog to “Lyv Rox Nike Pros, Sunglasses and No Eyebrows”.  My husband and I recently moved and MAN I feel like I have been taping and ripping open boxes for a decade!!  I have barely touched my phone let alone my computer but today is a special day.  I felt like it was the appropriate day to get back into the swing of things.  

“Every year on May 25th, I take a moment and remember a Fashion Fingerprint that has heavily influenced my style journey.”

My grandmother, Doris Hughes, passed away on this day in 1997.  I was only 12 years old.  Grief is never easy at any age, however I especially was not prepared for that heartache as a little girl.  At that point in my life, I was just starting to come into my own sense of style and discover fashion.  She loved that.  There was a jewelry box in her closet that was just for me, and I would sit in her closet for hours playing.  Each time I came over the contents would be different.  I would BOLT to her closet when we arrived for visits.

I am a very visual oriented person so during that time I went through ALL of our old pictures because I was afraid I would forget what she looked like, or our memories together.  As I got older and would revisit the pictures I began to notice HER style and wonder who influenced her, or where she bought certain pieces.  I began to search for vintage pieces to recreate some of her looks as a way of staying connected to her.  Because she had great taste.  

“She wasn’t a “label” person but if a pair of glasses were fabulous and they just happened to be Christian Dior, well she was getting them.”

This picture is from my parents wedding in 1977 and it is MY FAVORITE look Doris executed.  I love how soft the colors are, I love that she chose a very age appropriate yet stylish cut.  I imagine she chose it so she would be comfortable and could drink as much as she wanted.  I imagine her being fabulously classy, and possibly later in the evening taking a shot just to keep everyone on their toes.  God, that sounds like a great time!!

So I don’t have the dress she’s wearing in that picture.  However, a few years ago, I was at one of my favorite consignment stores and I found a floral chiffon shell just like hers.  And I instantly felt her.  Fashion helps keep my connected to her.  Because if I wear certain pieces and people ask me about them I get to talk about her.  And speak to her fashion fingerprint and influence.  It keeps her alive in my heart.  It’s not just clothes.  It’s memories, moments, it’s a fingerprint that can’t be erased.  There are absolutely moments I wish I could just have one more day with her as an adult so I could pick her brain.  Questions like, “Did you ask Grandpa’s permission for the Christian Dior glasses or did you just say to hell with it?”.  I’m 99.9% sure she said, “TO HELL WITH IT”.  

“During this hectic move that has been taking place we have been using the expertise and knowledge of our dear friend Joy Lang. And she found the most perfect set up and place for Doris to live in our new home.”

This piece of furniture was my grandmother’s and those are the Christian Dior glasses.  I actually have tried to have them turned into sunglasses, but they’re just too fragile.  However, now I’m glad it didn’t work out, because they belong right here.

Until next time friends.  Style doesn’t have to be what’s on the cover of a magazine.  It can be in your heart and whatever makes you want to push your shoulders back and silently demand the attention of a room, because being you rocks.  

-LYV.ROX.STYLE

Long Vests: Transition in Style

So right now the weather is truly bipolar.  It’s BEAUTIFUL this week, however we know within a few days it could turn on us like a group of mean girls at lunch.  During this transition period we tend to layer to prepare ourselves for whatever the day has in store.  I have been layering with long vest and wanted to highlight how I am styling them, because I was a little stumped at first on what to do with a long vest.  

I’m starting off our long vest journey with a conservative look, BUT LYV you’re wearing a crop top?!  That’s not conservative.  I know, I know!  You can easily swap my crop out with a simple black tank and keep it classy.  The vest I found on a clearance rack last Spring at M Boutique here in Columbia.  I think I paid like $30 for it, and it’s the softest material.  I loved the color because it’s such a light blue it almost looks gray depending on what you pair it with, which is what lead me to use a clutch with a pop of blue.  The vintage purse is from Return Engagement, a consignment store in my hometown.

“I found these black cigarette style pants from a BCBG Final Cut for $9 YEARS ago. I can tell you from experience that often times when the inventory on staple items, such as these pants, becomes too high they are transferred out to outlet locations. ”

There was a point in time when I sold this very pant in my BCBG store for $118 while right down the road at Tanger Outlet it was selling for $9 with little to zero difference in the cut or fabric.  The crop I am wearing is Forever 21 with my FAV necklace brand Betsy Pittard Designs and a nude pump.  I styled a crop because of the vest length and high waisted pant for a touch of edginess.  I wanted to make sure none of the individual pieces were competing against each other.  I kept the top and pant black to keep the flow of the eye going, which ultimately lead me to chose a nude pump as well.  Switching the crop out for a tank or t-shirt would make for a chic office look for sure!

Our casual everyday option is a looooong black vest I chose to pair with winter shorts, knee socks and a simple white t-shirt tied up at the waist.  The darkness of the vest kind of makes me feel like Darth Vader so I wanted a bright shirt under it.  The t-shirt is an oversized shirt that I wear ALL the time with jeans, leggings etc.  I feel like you can never have too many white t-shirts.  Since I kept the color scheme of this look simple I chose a funky big earring from J.Crew.  I LOVE their accessories, however I only shop them when they are on SUPER sale.  

“I envisioned this vest layered with shorts, skirts and dresses because of the length. However, I LOVE the idea of styling a pair of jeans and tank with it as well.”

I was recently taking a lap through TJ Maxx when this fabulous white wrap vest came into my life.  It was randomly hanging on the end of a rack at TJ Maxx for $24.99.  There is a VERY similar one on Forever 21 so scoop it up if you like it because the sizes are going FAST!

“I wanted to put my hair up to showcase the open lapel collar. My top knot was executed by the fabulous Lindsay Crider from Capelli Salon. She styled my hair for this shoot and has brought it back from the GRAVEEE HUNAYY.”

This look is my JAM!!!  The white and gray combo is classic and chic.  Since there was not a lot of color going on I PILED on the jewelry and paired the vest with this sweet bird clutch from Anthropology.  (I purchased the clutch recently, however I can’t find it online to provide a link.)  So needless to say my inner child came out and said, “ME LOVES JEWELRY!!!!”, when I was putting this look together.  The earrings are also from J.Crew.  Now the only trick will be not to spill anything on this lovely white vest.  Additionally, I styled my gray thigh high boots to give the look more coverage because here's one chance FANCY don't let me down.

So while we wait for the weather to make up it's mind on what season we are existing in, grab a vest, layer it up and make it your own.  No matter what the season is...stay classy, sassy and a little bad ASSY.  Until next time.  Push your shoulders back and chin up, because being you rocks.

-LYV.ROX.STYLE

New York: My Patricia Field Moment

I recently went on my FIRST trip to New York!!  WHAT?!  Yes, after many years of anticipation and dreaming I finally made it.  Naturally, I did the typical “first time in New York” site seeing, which was fantastic.  However, the ONE place that really was on my bucket list was visiting the Patricia Field boutique.

“Patricia Field is the hand behind dressing so MANY influential fashion icons in my life. She was the costume designer for Ugly Betty, the Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City.”

We tend to forget that Carrie Bradshaw isn’t a real person and she didn’t dress herself.  Patricia was the artist behind creating this image, personality and brand that we fell in love with.  She is the reason we wear tutus with tank tops, flowers pinned to dresses, and believe a great pair of shoes can change your life.  Maybe Cinderella helped us believe that too.  Most importantly to me, her influence further stamped my desire and strength to dress unapologetically, for myself and to not give a damn if I blended in amongst the crowd or not.  If you read the google reviews on her store one states, “Great if you are betty boop or a drag queen”.  YOU HAD ME AT HELLO!!!  I mean, that was the only review I needed.  The boutique often features artist spotlights and pieces that were specially made for the store.

When preparing for the trip I looked the boutique up and noticed a big sale.  However, when I arrived on Saturday, February 20th I was met with hot pink tape on the windows that read the store was closing February 28th. WHAT?! Oh my god!!!  I literally, ran in the store and started grabbing shit like a gorilla.  Like a gorilla that had been punched in the face. (I can’t take credit for that comparison, a friend of mine said it once and I almost peed my pants when she said it.)

When I walked in everything already looked a bit picked over so I started to feel discouraged.  In my mind I had built up this moment that I was going to walk in, meet Patricia, instantly become bffs, try on clothes like the montage in the Sex and the City movie when they’re cleaning out Carrie’s closet and then probably go to lunch together and get drunk.  And maybe get matching tattoos together, I don’t know, I wasn’t going to completely rule it out.

I picked up a few dresses and headed back to the fitting room.  They weren’t really knocking my socks off and believe me I was TRYING to make it WERK.  And then on the “go-back”rack I saw a vibrant, busy, one shoulder dress with a flower pinned on the shoulder.  I grabbed it and threw that thing on. THE HEAVENS PARTED and I fell in love.

“My dress is by David Dalrymple, who designed the EXTRAORDINARY Swarovski Nude Illusion costume for Britney Spears at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. How crazy is that?! Do you remember that performance?! ”

It was everything I wanted!!!  To some it might just be a dress, however to me it was art, it was history, and an amazing craft to appreciate.  I wanted to go home with a part of the store and to feel apart of the woman who influenced me in such a tremendous way.  And now to have a piece of art created by a man who has designed for performances of such extravagant nature, it was all meant to be.  I didn't get to meet Patricia that day, but I didn't need to.  That moment was everything I thought it would be and I am forever grateful I walked into those doors on Bowery Street before the moment passed.  Patricia I cannot express how your fingerprint has molded the fashion industry and lives of so many just trying to find their place in the world.  Thank you for showing me how to walk into a room with my shoulders back and not give a damn.  You. Rock.

-LYV.ROX.STYLE

Getting Leggy: Tights and Haute Sox

At first I thought it was too late in the Winter season to write about tights and knee socks.  BECAUSE, it was 80 degrees last week but now it’s 36 degrees so let’s do THIS!  Cold weather to me can be challenging to feel sexy and still be warm.  And it really doesn’t even get that cold here in ole’ South Carolina.  So I feel for you ladies up north!!  Imma pray for you.  However, the hosiery game has changed.  There is some fun stuff in the streets these days.  Let me show you my FAVS.

“Our first look is SUPER over the top. I was just feeling extra gangster with the jacket and the half up bun and here we are.”

You can find these faux thigh high tights at a few different locations.  I found mine from Bloomingdale's for $25.  They are worth the price!!  The quality is great, they're tight in all the right places and thick.  I have them styled for a fun night out, a concert, a party, etc.  Obviously, I went a little cray.  But that's ok!!  Everyone is entitled to just go all out.  The leather shorts are from Urban Outfitters like three years ago.  I will tell you I have seen just as great of quality from Forever21.  If you have read my pervious blogs, once when I was styling Beth for a concert we went on a wild goose chase for leather shorts and found her a kickass pair $14.90.  (YOU KNOW EVERYTHING FROM THERE ENDS WITH “$XX.90”).  With the leather shorts I have a crop and lace choker.  Black and/or lace chokers are coming back in a MAJOR way.  Chokers FO everyone!!!  If the crop is too much for you, consider a denim or even camo button down.  I styled Beth for a different concert in the same tights and a camo button down and it was FAB.

Ok now let's get a touch more conservative with the tights so I don't scare you away.  For a more polished look I choose a neck tie shirt dress from Forever21.  And I LOVE how this turned out.  I think it's edgy and relatable.  If you're afraid you aren't tall enough to wear tights with this type of design try pairing them with a good wedge booty to give you the extra ups.  The dress is more of a shift cut, which means not tailored, a bit more loose which is great for when we want to get our eat and drink on!!

“There are SO many options for funky tights out there, don’t overthink it. Pair it with a simple dress and give it a go. If you believe it’s fabulous everyone else will too.”

Also, this Winter I have enjoyed styling different socks.  I dabbled a little bit with it last year and I’m feeling pretty good about again this season!  Most of my knee socks I have gotten from Forever21 because there really isn’t a need to spend more than $7.90 on knee socks.

This floral dress is from the clearance rack at Target like 2 years ago, it was $11 I think.  However, those boots have been my game changer this year.  They are by Sorel and I was not familiar with this brand at all.  Apparently my husband's work boots are by them BUT they make awesome stuff!!  They will last me for years to come and have helped me survive SO many football games this year while still being cute.  Thank you, Sorel.  Literally, the most comfortable pair of shoes in my closet.  Anywhoo, I enjoy paring these boots with ankle socks or knee socks!  I love to offset the ruggedness of the boot by styling it with dresses that have a little pattern to them.

SIDENOTE:  When I was googling the boot to provide you with the link I ran across the formal description on their website and it read as follows: Inspired by a courageous French visionary, iconic Joan is a sassy city boot on a comfy wedge platform. Soft, waterproof, full-grain leather upper features burnished touches at toe and heel for extra edge. Lead the charge.

That was somebody's job to write that.  I just would've been like, "This boot is the shit." NEXT.

Last but not least, I have a pair of black knee socks styled with wool winter shorts that are from the Gap.  I have an oversized white t-shirt tied up, paired with a long black vest.  PRESS PAUSE ON THE LONG VEST, we will revisit that all together next time.  For the shoe I am wearing a peep toe wedge booty.  Don’t be afraid to wear socks or tights with a peep toe.  

“Depending on the occasion or outing I may scrunch the socks down to right below my knee or bring them up a touch. Whatever your heart desires.”

So get you some tights and haute sox before it goes 80 degrees on us again!!  The best accessory we have is confidence, so push your shoulders back and have fun, because being you rocks.

-LYV.ROX.STYLE

New Beginnings: Start it Suede

I have a long history with suede.  As a child, from ages 6-11 every year for my birthday I would get a new tan suede bomber jacket.  It was my jam!!!  And then eventually I moved on, so it’s made my heart smile to see so many suede trends coming back!!!  

This season one item I really wanted to add to my closet was a cool pair of thigh high boots.  Specifically, a gray suede pair.  I had been searching online and watching a few pair that were about $200, and I just didn’t want to spend that much money.  I was walking through Forever21 one day to look at their jewelry, because I LOVE getting dainty gold chains from there for CHEAP.  And literally at the end of the shoe area staring me in face was a pair of gray suede thigh high boots for $42.90.  I was like, YES HUNNNAY CHILD I GOTS TO TRY THESE BOOTS ON!!!  (I may have done some sort of little snap as well.)

“I told myself not to get too excited, they probably are going to kill my feet. I mean HELLO, usually the bargain option isn’t the comfortable option. Much to my surprise, they are literally one of the most comfortable pair of shoes in my closet. ”

Now, let’s talk about thigh high boots for a second, because in 1990 a certain movie came out that sort of put thigh high boots in a stereotype of being, welllllll, a hooker.

HAA!!!  Pretty Woman!!  Man, what a fantastic movie!  But seriously, it made women afraid to wear thigh high boots, unless it was Halloween!  So let’s style them chic in the streets for 2016.

Because the boots tend to have sex appeal I wanted to pair them with a loose fitting top.  I paired a Free People Tunic, layered with a cotton tank dress since the tunic was a little sheer and not quite long enough.  (Story of my life.)  To accent the gray boots, I styled a long tassel necklace and pop of cranberry with a felt hat to match my lip color.  I am ALL about dark lips right now!  Under my boots I have thick knee socks to help keep the boots up.  That was the major difference between my $42.90 boots and the expensive ones, they were more fitted to the leg and probably would've stayed up better.  It doesn't bother me for a $150 less though.

http://www.flowerchildrenonly.com

“I also tied a Flower Children Only halo around my hat to continue the gray accent and for a shout out to my girl Alex.”

Now let’s take suede totally 70s!!!  Suede skirts!  And they are in so many neat styles.  Fashion truly just takes full circles when it comes to trends.  I find myself wearing outfits I have seen pictures of my mom in and wishing she had just saved me her clothes.  Dang it Donna!!

Our first suede skirt look is a front button mini skirt.  When I wear shorter hem lengths I like to pair more conservative tops to balance out the bottom.  The button down polka dot top is from the clearance rack at Target for like $12.  However, I found one online at Belk.  A good button down polka dot top is a closet staple.  Maybe it’s not your thing, and that’s ok.  For me I find it to be a classic chic print that never goes out of style.  Additionally, for more coverage I styled knee socks with a peep toe wedge bootie and a turquoise bangle for a pop of color.

Finally, for the last look, we are discussing a FRINGE SUEDE SKIRT!!!  My inspiration for wanting a skirt like this began when I saw this skirt in an email from Neiman Marcus, which was $360.  Ummm, no ma’am.  Not today.  So I hunted for a similar fringe skirt at a cheaper price point.  I found the one I am wearing at Love Culture for $25, a store in our mall which I will be the FIRST to admit is geared toward more of a college demographic.  I had never been in the store, however the skirt was laying on a table right by the entrance and it’s what brought me in the store.

“It’s easy to write off stores and think, oh that is not for me, but you never know what you will find until you take a lap in some uncharted territory! ”

As I have said before, I LOVE mixing textures which lead me to mix a lace crop with the fringe.  This look is definitely more for a going out, date night occassion or if you want to roll up in the office on Monday, then HEY GURL, you do you!!  I layered a long necklace, black booties and aztec print clutch to bring the look together with a little color.  I found this clutch at a Plato’s Closet with the tags still on it.  The MAJORITY of my shopping is bargain pieces here and there.  So if you’ve seen suede pieces out there and you’re feeling it, then give it a chance.  Make it your own!!  

“Fashion and being stylish does not mean you’re materialistic, it’s about finding the pieces with proper fit that make you feel fabulous and wonderful. So push your shoulders back and walk into a room like you own it, that power belongs to you and you deserve it!! ”

Until next time.

-LYV.ROX.STYLE