Leather Diva

There's just something about leather...especially leather paired with an all-black ensemble. It's flirty, edgy, downtown, uptown, biker, chic, and irresistibly trendy - all in one combination!

Bring on the accessories! 

Photos by Erin Valentine 

[leather jacket: Forever21, tee shirt: Lucky Brand, skirt: Nordstrom bp, wedges: Target, earrings: Betsey Johnson, necklace: Ann Taylor, watch: Fossil, heart ring: Juicy Couture, heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co., bangles: Alex & Ani, black bracelet: Ann Taylor]

 I refer to this white studded leather jacket as my power piece. It unapologeticly stands out and demands some attention, which is perfect when you're having a feel-good day (or even just a good hair day for that matter). Basically, I'm telling you that my jacket is a diva (gotta love the fierce attitude). And yes, I am personifying my jacket -  sometimes clothes have a personality of their own). However, she never steers me wrong. This leather jacket instantly transforms anything I'm wearing (even boyfriend jeans and a tee), and suddenly I feel put-together and maybe even...on top of the world. I could fight crime in this baby and look fabulous doing it!

What item in your closet makes you standout and provides instant polish to any look? Ladies (and gents), it's time to embrace your power pieces!     

Yellow Days

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[button-down: Gap, blazer: The Loft, jeans: William Rast, necklace: Talbots, dangle earrings: The Loft, stud earrings: Betsey Johnson, belt: Ann Taylor, wedges: Michael Kors, watch: Fossil, navy bracelet: Ann Taylor]

Yellow is a color that I don't wear very often, but that's not because I don't love it! Yellow is cheerful, it's bright, it's energizing, and frankly, it's sunny! Yellow reminds me of spring & summer in particular and it's definitely a key color during these two seasons. 

So why don't I have an abundance of this happy color in my closet? ...not to point fingers or anything but...I have my mom to blame for that one. I actually bought this lovely button-down in spite of her because according to her, "No one looks good in yellow." So mom, this outfit's for you! I hope I do this beautiful shade justice!

That Running Thing

 

Photos by Emma Kwiatkowski

[sweatshirt: Victoria's Secret PINK, skirt: Free People, shoes: Nike, dangle earrings: Francesca's, stud earrings: Betsey Johnson, bangles: Alex & Ani, watch: Fossil, necklace: Piperlime]

Running shoes have officially entered the world of high fashion. This sporty new trend has been spotted everywhere from celebrities to runways and has really added a much needed appeal of general consumerism and comfort to couture fashion. Now it's suddenly cool and stylish to flaunt your most practical footwear (while still being completely on-trend) - who wouldn't want to jump on this bandwagon?  

I admit, it can be a daunting look to pull off. I found myself struggling with the challenge because I didn't want to look like I was headed to the gym, yet I also didn't want to appear to have forgotten my proper footwear at home. I wanted to come across as confident and that it wasn't a mistake that I was indeed wearing athletic shoes with a skirt. 

The key thing to remember when dressing for this trend is color. You want to match the colors in your shoe to the colors in your outfit - once you do that, you really can't go wrong! And of course there's always the option of opting for a neutral shoe (say black, gray, or white) and a colorful outfit or vice versa!