OOTD: CH-CH-Chains

Dress: Eshakti (similar)  / Blazer: H&M / Boots: SM New York (similar) / Scarf: JCPenney / Earrings: Asos

Ladi Look Back: Year End Review

2012 is soon coming to an end. 2012 was a little rocky, but I can honestly say that I have grown so much as an blogger, aspiring fashionista, and overall as a person.  I have already coined 2013 as the Year of NO Excuses so the seeds I planted in 2012 will blossom in 2013 as I work harder, take risks, and open my life to possibility and change.

My style has definitely improved this year, largely due to me stepping out of my comfort zone and becoming more accepting of my body. Joining the Big Fat Summer Challenge was one of the best decisions I've ever made style wise, and a close second would be planning my look by season (helps soo much with shopping!). 2013 I will continue refine my style and take a few fashion risks (like print mixing, wearing bold accessories, and adding more body con skirts/dresses).  Below are some of my favorite looks of 2012:  

(click to enlarge)

In the beginning of 2012, I set a hair goal to grow and retain 4 inches. I spent a few months wearing protective styles like sew-ins, buns, and wigs (even made my own!). I perfected my twist-out technique, tried to  improve my wash-n-gos, and tested new products to help with growth. I can't do an official length check yet because I'm still wearing a sew-in, but I'm sure that I've achieved some good growth this year! Hoping for Bra Strap Length (or at least fully covering my tattoo) in 2013!  Check out a few of my favorite hair moments from the past year:

(click to enlarge)

Thank you all for reading my little blog and sharing in my journey this past year! I appreciate you all, and hope you all are riding with me for another year!

Scarves & Boots

Lately the cooler temperatures have inspired an everyday combo for me that combines comfort and style. There is nothing like a good scarf to add pops of color to your look and protect ya' neck (cue the Wu-Tang track #hiphophead)  from gusts of wind, while a comfy pair of boots provide much needed warmth.  

I wasn't lying when I said the scarf + boots combo is my everyday look--I've worn it 3 times in the past week! 

Top: TJ Maxx  (similar) / Jeans: JCPenney (similar) / Boots: Steve Madden / Clutch: Nine West (similar) / Scarf: Ross (similar)

This Fall I'm also testing the waters with lipstick. I'm usually a gloss gal but I'm loving the deep burgundy and purple shades for Fall. In the pics above I'm wearing Wet n' Wild Megalast lipstick in Sugar Plum Fairy. I like it...alot! 

Top: JCPenney (similar) / Jeans: Old Navy / Boots: Seychelles / Bag: Nine West  (similar) / Scarf: Asos (similar 1 & similar 2) / Earrings: Target

This floral scarf from Asos is my absolute favorite! It is huge and has such pretty colors, I can wear it with almost anything in my closet!

Top: JCPenney  / Jeans: JCPenney (similar) / Boots: Steve Madden / Bag: Nine West  (similar) / Scarf: Asos (similar 1 & similar 2)

How do you keep warm while staying fly? 

Fall Wardrobe Lookbook

With the passing of Labor Day aka the unofficial end of Summer, I've been researching Fall trends to start plan my Fall wardrobe.  Oxblood (or burgundy) is a hot color for Fall, so I want to incorporate it into my wardrobe, along with neutrals, animal prints, and dark florals.  I am starting to like the color navy so I want to add a navy bag to my collection this Fall. I compiled all of my Fall wishlist items into a personal lookbook pairing items I love with pieces that are already in my closet. Items can also be found on my "Fall Wardrobe" board on Pinterest.

(click photos to enlarge)  

Below is my Fall Wishlist that will also serve as my Fall shopping list to focus and simplify my shopping in the next couple of months.
Outerwear

• Blazers
• Navy
• Oxblood
• Neutral with a pattern (striped, contrast lapel, etc)
• Leather Jacket (black)
• Denim Jacket
• Possible: denim with leather sleeves
• Possible: Brown Cargo Jacket

Tops

• Sheer button front 
• 3-5 Solids  (navy, black, white)
• 2 pattern (1 being animal print)
• Crew-neck ¾ or long-sleeved premium tees/ light weight sweaters
• Solid colors
• 1-2 fun print
• Plain V-necks  *already own

Bottoms

• Skinnies
• Colored
• Oxblood
• Blue (other than typical shades of denim)
• Good, stretchy black skinnies/jeggings (ex Old Navy Rockstar jeggings)
• Corduroy in neutral color
• Pencil skirts for work
• Gray
• Navy
• Pop of color or pattern (striped, dot) 

Dresses

• Midi-length dresses
• Solid body-con with  ¾ or long sleeves
• A-line (1-2 solid and 1 print)

Shoes

• Wedge sneakers (black, navy or tan)
• Combat boots
• Black
• Brown
• Booties  *Already own (black suede, tan leather, green canvas)

Have you started preparing your Fall looks? 

Inspired: Go-To Color Combination

While catching up on my blog reading, I came across a post on Economy of Style where blogger Psyche highlighted some of her favorite summer color looks.  The pic below really stood out to me for a number of reasons. 

Source: Economy of Style

One, I looked down at what I was wearing and I was actually wearing the same color combination; Secondly I remembered that this isn't the first time that I thought to pair shades of orange and pink:

Left- March 2012; Right- July 2012

I love the look of these two colors together, and I often find myself choosing to highlight my orange and coral clothing with pops of pink instead of going for neutrals.  

Do you have a favorite color palette? What's your go-to color combination when you want to look your best? 

Share in the comments!

Do You Have A Signature Style?

What defines your style?  Is there a signature style element that you find yourself drawn to, or a particular item in your closet that you find yourself always working into your outfit?

We can learn a lot from celebrities about the importance of a signature style.  To be famous, stars must have a style that is unique to them, making them instantly recognizable and looking effortlessly put together. 

Take  Janelle Monae for example.  When I  think about her, the image that pops into my mind is that of a perfectly tailored tuxedo and a fierce natural pompadour. 

Nicki Minaj is another example; no matter how crazy her look gets, most of the time she still rocks her signature hair (i.e. a blunt bang).

Finally, the queen herself Beyoncé  is no stranger to a red lip. She rocks it often, and she wears it well!

One of my goals for 2012 is to develop my signature hairstyle.  I want it to be quick, easy to achieve on a daily basis, and can work for all occasions from the office to happy hour.

Do you have a signature style? Share in the comments what makes up your signature look!