Smoke Signals

"Don't be blinded by love, or shiny bright bling!"

This was my Valentines Day outfit. I decided to go dark and layered as a satirical play on all the red and pink around me. I usually keep a natural makeup look with just mascara and lip balm, but I decided to offset the dark colors with a pop lip of bright red matte. It's always a good idea to play it safe with makeup and colors when going a bit heavy or highlighting accessories - like I have done here with my rings. It may be hard to choose one or the other but remember you can never be too dressed up, but you certainly can be too made up. Simple hair, bold lip, dark layers with a print (I chose stripes and an ombre knee high) and highlighted accessories. If you keep at least one element of your style simple you can't go wrong.

(Ombre wool knee highs draw the eye up and cut up an otherwise monochrome outfit)

Outfit Breakdown:

Rings: my own collections and finds

Striped 3/4 sleeve: H&M

Sheer tunic: H&M

Pleather Skater skirt: Forever21

ombre socks: H&M

Booties: H&M

Radioactive Bones

I've had this shirt since I was 18. Five years later I'm still in love with it. I love wearing it all day and then going to a theater or dark lounge and surprising everyone. After all my motto is "you gotta show some bones to prove you can't be broken." ;) The shoes I got for a steal at Marshall's and the   heathered gray cardigan I added to bring some different texture and more importantly warmth to the outfit. It's my little brothers and probably mine until he asks for it and I get a sudden lapse of memory.

The kick ass dragon claw duster ring was a gift from my best friend Lena for my 23rd birthday last week. I'm absolutely floored at how she knows my affinity for gold, unique rings and a little edginess. She put it in a Zale's box for me and I have to say as a proposal for marriage when we tire of all the jerk men in the world, it's pretty awesome. 

OTFT BRKDWN:

Blazer -  H&M

Glow in the dark tee - H&M

Cardigan - Urban Outfitters 

Leather leggings - Forever 21

Violet zippered heels - Madden Girl from Marshall's

Ring - my own

Mellow Yellow

Believe it or not I am recovering from a pretty nasty hangover from my birthday celebration hours ago. I couldn't waste this beautiful Sunday though. A high of 70 degrees in October?!?! You really can't beat that.

OTFT BRKDWN:

1. Cut out basic black dress (underneath) - Forever 21

2. Hi-low pleated skirt - Target

3. Jeffrey Campbell moto boots - my own deal from Daffy's

4. Head dress - my own

5. Leather moto jacket - H&M

I took my splint off because it doesn't fit through my sleeves! :( It's ok I only have 2 knuckles on the right instead of four. 

I got to sleep in today. I haven't had more than 4 hours of sleep since Thursday. 

I'm also torn between to bang or not to bang. My hair...not Ryan Gosling. That's always an easy decision. 

Skirt: Target

cut out blouse: Forever21

Belt: Forever21

Rings: vintage and street finds

boots: Cooperative by urban outfitters

Good Will Hunting

My favorite ring. An affinity for jewelry that portrays pain ;)

When you're 5'2" knee highs are actually thigh highs sometimes

This is Jay :) aka "Kim Jong Illa" that day in backstock at worked I dubbed him. "Hey Jess, can you see me?"

It's light weather jacket time. At least on this side. Working on the men's team and sometimes unpacking shipment means I got to call dibs on some pieces I feel are perfectly unisex and rarely in an extra small. I'm a firm believer that people do too much camo overkill, guys mostly. When trying to look miilitary chique don't overuse the pattern. It is meant to be a statement pattern on a statement piece. Camo on camo or mixing camo can only lead to yourself becoming a walking parody of Swarchzengeger circa Predator (add mud under eyes for authenticity and for extra hype points) or third world country warlord or rebel drug cartel leader. Your choice. 

I immediately fell in love with this jacket and yes I even plan to do some DIY minor studding to make it a lil my own. I especially adore the detachable hood just as much as I adore my steal on this jacket as well. 60% off original retail price. God I loved my job lately.

I wear outfits on my mood and convenience as well. Just like it is convenient that since my hand is broken I can not properly shave my legs without looking like I got into a fight with a shard of glass. So thigh highs it was today...or knee highs for the fashion industry who magically think women are normally 5'10" and over.

At least it's beginning to turn into autumn, and I can double that as an excuse as well ;)

OTFT BRKDWN:

Camo hooded military jacket: All Son

Striped tee: Forever 21

Plated spike belt: ASOS

Skirt: Target

Boots: Mini Market

Ring: ASOS

Seeing RED

I may regret this later but I took off my hand splint to take this picture hence the "dead" limp right hand. I'm getting another xray this Friday, wish me luck! 

I'm in love with these coated red jeans I bought. Originally $78 but purchased for only $31!!! Again employee discounts and a fun company rocks. Everyone kept complimenting me on my jeans. Coated jeans are great for people like myself, the few who don't want to fully dedicate to the pleather or leather look and risk sweaty thighs and uncomfortable ride ups, who just want to still have that great textured look. They fit tight like leather and second skin and make the booty look great I must say. 

In other news, I've given up my bangs. RIP fringe of August.

The weather on the east coast is getting cooler and fall is a comin'! Which means I have no shame in getting girl boners of bringing out my leather jackets and leather booties and layering.

OTFT BRDWN:

Moto cloth sleeve jacket: Forever 21

Gauze print tank: Forever 21

Coated Twig jeans: BDG Urban Outfitters

Wedge boots: Mini Market

What Lines Beneath

Today I worked 7am to 3. Needless to say it was a little better than yesterday where 

I had 2 hours of sleep, today I had about 4. My best so far, oi vey.

The cutie pie posing is my 2 year old niece Evelyn or as I like to call her "Evil-lyn". She's so mischievous and likes to wear my heels and try to do my winged eyeliner. She is my precious little heart warmer.

Outfit Breakdown:

Studded jacket: Vintage DKNY (moms) and I did the studding myself. I have a lot of broken nails to go in studding hours let's say.

Ink blot skull tee - Urban Outfitters

Maxi Sheer Skirt - H&M

Wooden cut out platform wedges - Deena and Ozzy (on sale)

Bangles - Forever21

Watch - Target

Hello hello hello! This is my first post and by default the most recent picture of me. I'm a natural dancer, I don't know how but I get down and look pro doing it. I was at the Mad Decent Block Party Philly 2012 here and apparently a victim of a water gun attack. Basically I am always in my own zone, and I have fun and literally dance like no one is watching...but apparently someone was O_0

Festival Fashion for 90+ degree humid east coast summers:
Crop tube top: Forever21
Chain necklace: Forever21
High waisted zip shorts: Urban Outfitters, Cooperative


Credits: Darren Burton photography: www.dburtonphotos.com