Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#14)

 

I agree with Rachel 100%. You're personal style says a lot about you.  Some ladies stick to a uniform and that works for them. I've tried the uniform route but on a day to day basis, I dress based on my mood. Some days I'm feeling all black. Other days I need bright colors. I lean more toward basics with a touch of rocker chick but I work in an office and have to dress appropriately. On most mornings I rise by 5am and there are days when the creative fashion bug does not strike and I opt for easy pieces, solid pants, a simple top and a statement jacket. Even if I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt, I like to add a jacket and some jewelry. If I had to pick one thing that works for me, It's always a great jacket. I love the way it makes a simple outfit look pulled together.

All three of the ladies above are wearing distressed jeans. Just adding heels and a jacket ups the look by making it look less casual. Sometimes casual is perfect. I love my Chuck Taylors and hats. But if you're looking for a quick way to look more polished, a jacket is the ticket.

Rachel is a cool mix of rocker chick and California girl bohemian. She's never met a heel that was too high and doesn't believe in simple jewelry. She has a unique style that stands out. No matter what she wears, it makes a statement. Wallflower, she is not.

What does your personal style say about you?

photo credits: InStyle, VOGUE Mexico, Victoria Tornegren, Amber Sceats, Wireimage  

Inspiration - Kate Lanphear

I often think that I could wear mostly black on a daily basis and I'd be happy. It has to do with my rocker chic sensibility and the fact that I love mixing tough pieces with soft pretty pieces. Kate Lanphear, former Style Director of Elle and currently Editor and Chief of Maxim, is the perfect embodiment of that style. She has rocker chic down and looks bad ass even when she's wearing feminine touches. She makes the combination look so effortless. Even her trademark hairstyle and platinum color are statement making.

photo credit: streetpeeper

photo credit: stockholm-streetstyle



photo credit: mrnewton

She wears colors other than black but they are usually neutrals or mixed in a print with black.

photo credit: vogue.nl

photo credit: grastrochic

photo credit: elle


Did I mention how amazing her jewelry is? Studs, spikes, and heavy chains, oh my! She's all about the amazing accessories, jewels, bags, shoes, and belts.

photo credit: hanneli

photo credit: tommyton

photo credit: vogue.es

Happy Birthday RGR!

It's hard to believe that as of today, I've been blogging six years! I started on this date back in 2008. I've come a long way since then. I still love gloves but my style has definitely evolved. Thank you all so much for reading and for your amazing support. This journey has given me so much. I've met the most incredible people many that I now call friends. I've gained more personal confidence from blogging and social media. Although I've gotten negative comments and hate mail, that has only served to boost my inner strength. My original goal was just to get to see some fashion shows (mostly NY Fashion Week). I've seen shows but now Fashion Week is one of my key goals for the coming year. I'm also considering some fashion related business ventures. None of these things would have ever been possible without each of you reading and commenting. Thank you!

This isn't my cake (found here) but if I bought or created an RGR birthday cake, this one would be perfect! I love it!

On February 1, 2011, I posted my very first outfit photo. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I'd always hid a bit in photos to hide the lower half of my body. Posting regular outfit photos has really helped me to feel more confident in myself and my curves.

I posted this photo to instagram last week and I've gotten lots of positive feedback on the styling of this lovely cape jacket. Proof of my style evolution.

I have gone through some low times with blogging. There were times I felt burnt out and needed to take a break. Recently I've felt a resurgence in my love of blogging. It may have something to do with my upcoming blogger collaboration. If you live in the DC area or can come in for the weekend, I'd love to meet you! Stop by the Shopaholics Suite on November 8 and say hi.

Thank you again for reading and enjoying my posts. I really enjoy reading your feedback. Show me some birthday love in the blog comments or on twitter, instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Inspiration - Tuxedo Pants

During a recent sale I snagged these tuxedo pants from Old Navy. I've found that their Pixie ankle pants fit my curvy lower half very well. I usually have to take the waist in on my pants and these are a little large but still wearable without the alteration. I love the fit and stripe is flattering and elongating. Before wearing them, I went in search of some style inspiration.

Old Navy Pixie Tuxedo-Stripe Pants (Women's Plus and Women)



I love this combo with a flowy shirt and a leather jacket!

These are my pants styled by Old Navy! I love the red pumps.

I will post some photos of my outfit so follow me on Instagram and my Facebook page, once I decide how to style these beauties.  Stay tuned...

photo credits: various, tumblr via pinterest, Elle, pinterest, Old Navy

Personal Style with Kleenex® Style Studio (and a chance to win $5,000 and a trip to NYC)

When I was a kid, a few of my friends' moms had crochet tissue box covers in their bathrooms. They were kind of a thing in the 70's. Silly me, I had no idea people were even making these anymore but after a quick search, I discovered that you can even buy patterns for them! I've never been a fan. I just suffered with ugly boxes and rolls of toilet paper. I'm sure the idea was created in the days when tissue boxes were plain or just plain ugly. Well never fear, Kleenex has solved that problem. No more ugly boxes or crochet covers. I know, I know, this is a fashion and beauty blog but you know I'm all about fashion for my home too.

To celebrate Kleenex’s 90th anniversary, they developed The Kleenex® Style Studio. It’s a fun and stylish way to discover more of the Kleenex® Brand designs and products you already know and love. You'll love adding these designs to your home and you won't need a cover to hide them. I don't know about you but I have tissues in almost every room in my house. They are essential in the bathroom for my makeup routine and I always have a box on my bedside table. This blue design is perfect for our bedroom. The wall color is called Paris Evening.

I'm redecorating my home office/studio in a black and white color scheme. This oval box will be perfect!

 

 

Have a little fun yourself. Check out the Kleenex® Style Studio and find your Kleenex style. No more ugly boxes, toilet paper rolls, stray napkins or crochet covers for you! You can also play the catwalk or Kleenex game like these folks did.

After you play the game,

register to win a trip to New York city and a $5,000 shopping spree!

And take a quick second to answer a one question survey from Kleenex. Thanks!

I had to share this photo with you. I promise this wasn't a set up. My sweet pup, Anita (she's a very active German Shorthaired Pointer mix that we rescued) loves to chew. We came home one evening about six months ago and found her on our bed with a shredded box of Kleenex. I would have been mad if I wasn't laughing so hard. She wouldn't even look at me because she knew she was busted.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post is sponsored by Kleenex.

Moment of Lust - Vintage Chanel Brooch

Pins and brooches have been a favorite accessory of mine for many years. I even wore one in my hair on my wedding day. On my all time wish list, a vintage Chanel brooch is at the top. It's a classic piece that I know I will wear forever. My real issue would be, not wearing it. I'd wear it on jackets, sweaters, hats, and even t-shirts. I'm sure it would border on ridiculous. There are several reputable sellers that have Chanel brooches available. I'd love to have a large one, two inches or more. They range in price from about $250 - over $500. 

photo credit : Malleries.com

Usually, I find budget friendly alternatives for my lust items. In this case there aren't any.  A Chanel brooch is a stand alone piece. There is no substitute. For me, knock-offs aren't an option. They hurt the economy and support organized crime, child labor and human trafficking. A vintage piece is even better because it's a form of recycling (see how I just justified this big purchase). For me quality and the number of times I will wear a piece always matter. Sometimes a more costly piece can end up being a better value in the long run because you wore it more often. Knowing that this brooch will be worn over and over again and be passed down makes purchasing it a bit easier.

Click on the photos for information.

 

Maybe Santa will be good to me this year or I'll get an amazing birthday present.

Inspiration - Leather Tops

On Friday I ordered this faux leather peplum top. I have been looking for a leather or faux leather top for some time. I'm working on losing weight and didn't want to spend a ton. I first saw a similar top on my blogger friend Grown and Curvy Woman. Hers came from Forever 21 but sadly it was sold out. I kept searching and last week I found a similar top on Forever 21 for only $19.80! It wasn't a hard decision because I had a gift card I could use. I'm glad I bought it because it's already sold out!

Forever 21 - sold out but similar here and here

I also went in search of a little styling inspiration. I found lots of it. This top won't be great on 90 degree days but luckily it's starting to cool down. I can't wait to wear it.

 

photo credits from top to bottom: asos fashion finder, Atlantic-Pacific, Fashion Caramel, style cab, Stylish by Nature, The Cab Look, Trend Mill

White House Style

Today as many are watching and attending the inauguration of our President, I thought I'd share some images of First Lady Michelle Obama's style.  She is a huge influence on American style.  This week as the country was preparing for the event many folks could only talk about Michelle's new hair style. It shows the power one person can have on personal style.

Her 2009 Inaugural Ensemble

Inaugural Ball dress by Jason Wu

A Target Dress Worn Several Times

Her new bangs

 

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#10)

“You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes. Too many women think that they are unimportant, but the real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet.”
—Christian Dior

 Oh shoes... I love them so.  My shoe obsession has been well documented here on RGR.  I purchase shoes in all price ranges but I firmly believe that shoes should be in good repair.  They need to look well cared for and not worn down.  Once they get to the worn point, they either need to be repaired or retired.  It's hard to let go of a favorite pair but if they don't look good it's time to let them go. Great shoes can be found in all price points. My biggest pet peeve is that some people think that basic rubber flip flops go with everything.  It takes just as much effort to slip on a flip flop as it does to slip on a pair of cute flats.  Don't get me wrong, I love flip flops at the beach in the summer time.  But there are some places that flip flops just aren't appropriate.  Like at the White House. 

There are too may great shoes and too many would love to have.  It was hard to narrow it down but here are a few of my favorites this season, from inexpensive to outrageous.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Pace First $69.99

Carlos by Carlos Santana Driskal Black Studded Bootie $99.95

Zara Pointed Court Shoe with Studs $49.90

J. Crew Viv Metallic Flats $188

Christian Louboutin Croisette Leopard Calf Fur Flat $795

Valentino Rockstud Strass Studded Slingback $1295