Street Gems

I believe the stone is a striped apricot agate.

A bracelet from a SoHo jewelry market I picked up.

Skull and hand ear cuff from L.E.S. jewelry market.

Rings. I collect them. This one is my absolute favorite which I have just gotten returned after a long year apart from it! I was never a fan of "traditional" or "classy" jewelry. Bling was not my thing. I was always more intrigued by the one of a kind, unique and rustic/folk look of the rings I've collected throughout the years. 

This particular ring was given as a gift from my love at the time we were in New York. It was custom wrapped to my finger and I got to choose which stone to use. I got it from the many NYC jewelry markets and jeweler street vendors that are flowing through  the streets of NY. You can always find the best jewelry there from independent artists and prices are always negotiable which is exactly in my price range. 

The beauty about having a unique piece of jewelry is that you know no matter what no one else will have the exact same piece as you, or the exact same story. That is why I collect after all. Jewelry to me especially holds stories that make vintage finds, family heirloom pieces and handmades not merely just a fashion accessory but a part of someone else and you as you wear it. 

Collect Something! Find Your Hidden Gem in Your Life.

"The home should be the treasure chest of the living." 

- L.E. Corbusier 

Since I can remember I have been collecting something. First stamps, then stickers (you know the Spice Girl Chuppa chupps pops!), and anything else that caught my eye and interest. Now I've collected something with more depth and value - rings. Even if you think you don't have anything to start a collection look around your space. You may find patterns or frequencies of objects, books and trinkets that reoccur in your home or space. 
Collecting does not have any material bias and as always you should collect something because you love that something and it brings you not only material joy but aesthetic bliss as well.

I started collecting rings after my grandmother brought me a jade gold ring back from Cambodia for my sixteenth birthday. It is one of my most prized possessions. After that, my ten digits had to have something on them. Not all my rings are of monetary worth. Some are gold, some are vintage and some are even street vendor finds from NYC many fairs and markets. I go for unique pieces and eclectic adornment.

Collecting rings gives me temporary order in my life. 
I recommend collecting for those who sometime feels that their lives may be hectic due to career, relationships, etc. because if you find something you love to collect, it is like having your own personal treasure chest of YOU and what it is to be YOU.
So start collecting! Recently I have found myself collecting headpieces and headbands as well. What do you collect?

I absolutely love trees. In any season bare or blossoming. Even better is twig inspired jewelry like the above. I'm creating a winter craft using the wonderful tree in front of my house. Can't wait to complete it and show it. 

Loft-y Finds

So I got these earrings from Loft surprisingly! Drop spikes. Everything in the store was 50% off literally everything - regular priced and sale.

Was shopping to get a gift for my mom and picked up a little something for myself.

Also I wanted to showcase my lips I love them. I wasn't blessed with much on the 'top shelf' department but where god lacks in creation he makes up for FULLY ;) They are my favorite feature and give me a esteem boost when I can't fill out elsewhere.

A look that is totally my style.

source: insideout.topshop.com

NYC Treat yo' self or... your girlfriend

"well do you want it?" 

"...yes"

thanks Ryan <3

I have a feeling I'm gonna start to feel a little more powerful every morning after my cup of joe.

As usual my most interesting jewelry are from gypsy snaggle tooth street vendors in NYC.

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

This is a bag I got as a gift for my 21st birthday. It's made from recycled e-waste of old keyboards. Every time I wear it it even sounds klickity klackity like I'm typing.

Belt is Betsey Johnson.

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

Get your Head in Gear

Getting my Nicole Richie on. Bought this amazing headdress for only $13. Seriously fell in love watching Fashion Star and her headbands and outfits.

Precious Metals

This is my favorite ring given to me by someone forever close to my heart. I found it ironic after going out to a party, getting the admission "Ok" stamp that shortly after I broke my hand... I was definitely not ok.

(A Marshalls Style Steal pt.1)

Real fashionistas shop for bargains, splurge when necessary and always compare. The fun of putting together sensible, stylish and AFFORDABLE looks is the hunt. The hunt is also half the fun. Rummaging through Marhsalls I always find something really great

I am a real girl. As in real budget, real bills to pay, student loans, cell bill, credit card bill, I like to eat! "stuff my face" bill and "weekend night out bar tab bill". I'm searching for bigger things but always stay humble. We all don't have the luxury to drop a month's paycheck on one staple fashionable brand name item and THAT'S PERFECTLY FINE. If there's one thing I hate, it's fashion snobs. As I will say time and time again - "You don't buy style, you find it." 

 I dug through a rack of knit tops and found these two gems. This is why I always will love Marshalls because my wallet and mind are happy and I can look fabulous for less. I call myself a human doilie because these remind me of crafting during Valentine's day as a child.

Compared to other high name brands and retailers...this was def a steal. The price of both still don't even comprise the price of one in a regular similar style at a higher end store. Expect to normally pay about $40-$60 for a crochet knit top

Off to work with early with my cappuccino with 2 shots! Picking which one to wear was kind of tough but I opted for the mesh inlay to show off my cute torso...I'm only 5'1"...so there isn't a lot to literally show off...

I paired it with a moss green heavy military shirt/jacket, black high waisted shorts and nude suede booties.

And ladies, I don't care what excuse you have but when wearing anything sheer, see through, mesh, etc., be classy, hide the lassies with a bandeau bra or bralette or cropped undershirt.

Coachella ready on the East Coast.

 

The shark tooth necklace is my own I made. I took a 14kt gold chain and my lonely lost (former pair) of gift shop aquarium shark tooth earrings and wound the wire around the chain.

Outfit breakdown:

Necklace- my own, handmade

Military jacket - American Eagle Outfitters, $38

crochet top - Marshall's $13

High waist zip shorts - Urban Outiftters $15 (on sale) ...shhh I'm an employee...my discount rocks!

booties - Target $30

Under $100...(woot!!!)