Midriff Madrid

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THE KIM-O-NO

Zara Kimono | J.Jill oversized tank | Sanctuary Leather Pants | H&M Bag | Marc Jacobs Sunnies | Stradivarius Shoes | Michael Kors Watch

Location: Granada, Spain

Shot by: Ángel Miguel

Shop Kimonos:

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CALLE CALDERERÍA

I wear my leather like I wear my denim - multiple times without washing. 

There's no doubt denim is a closet staple that can handle wear. It's the go to you can pair anything with dressed up or down. Leather pants are just as versatile. A bit more chic, a bit more glam; they're the elevated alternative to a skinny jean or legging. 

I'm wearing them, played down, here on one of the smallest streets yet one of the main arteries in Granada, Spain where you can find Moroccan souvenirs, flavorful shishas (hookahs), traditional Moroccan mint tea, and tourists strolling through haggling with vendors.

Paved pebbled streets, international infusion, Moroccan flavors, and multimedia textiles - wearing an unexpected palette of mint, leopard, sueded fringe, gold chains, and vegan leather - I fit right into this colorful scene. 

Wearing: Lefties Top | Leopard Cardigan | Sanctuary Pants | H&M Handbag | Stradivarius Shoes | Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunnies 

Location: Granada, Spain

Shot by: Ángel Miguel

Vegan Leather collection:

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Co-ords

Mango Co-ords | H&M Bag | Stradivarius Shoes | Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunnies | MAC Lipstick

Location: Granada, Spain 

Photos by: Ángel Miguel

More co-ord inspo here:

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TRANSITIONAL THREADS

Spring is unpredictable and as much as we want to bare our shoulders and show a little leg, we still have some sweeping cool summer days ahead. That's why, despite what most closet organizing experts say, I never store my winter gear in the summer. Except for the obvious snow pants and parkas. 

After a long gray winter, I'm sure, at the first sign of light, all you want to do is rip off your clothes and frock in the sun. You know, cause that what I do. However, there are two things to keep in mind here:

1) Don't pack away your sweaters (or sweater dresses). They could come in very handy on a cool evening or trip up north.

2) Invest in an array of cardigans. I love this leopard one. This particular light, non-wrinkle fabric makes it easy to wear multiple ways. It's a convenient accessory to complement your outfit. 

I've been so attracted to stripes lately. My latest purchases have been high waisted striped shorts and a nautical dress. Both Zara. So naturally I've included this style below. See the different stripes and print combinations you can pull off. Some options below to mix and match or wear alone. 

Wearing: French Connection Dress | Leopard Cardigan | MIA Shoes | M.A.C. Lipstick | Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunnies

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Photos by: Pure Element Photography

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Mod Parkway

I've always been a fan of the belt bag, fanny pack, hip bag, whatever you want to call it! The functionality makes sense. I picked this rejected bag out of the clearance bin at Urban Outfitters circa 2005 when NO-body woud be caught dead with one cinched around their waste. A very low moment for fanny packs. But as you know, fashion is cyclical and the belt bag has been reborn! 

Whatever, I'd wear it anyway. ;)

The dress is a new vintage piece I picked up at one of my favorite local shops, Copper Alligator. The sunnies from a store I frequent in Granada, Lolita's Closet. And in true vintage fashion, I'm wearing a multi-stoned, antique ring that was passed down by my mother, which supersedes all. 

Wearing: Copper Alligator Dress | Stratovarius Jacket | Urban Outfitters Belt Bag | Steve Madden Boots | Lolita's Closet Sunnies

Photo Cred: Pure Element Photography

Get the look:

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Fashion Photo Shoot Scavenger Hunt

On December 3rd I was invited to be a part of a birthday surprise - a fashion photo shoot scavenger hunt! How creative! I was much obliged. Not only was it creative, but it was in celebration of an amazing photographer, life coach, and musician that I've had the privilege working alongside the past few months. The clever idea was initiated by his artistic, beautiful wife and friend of mine, Melissa, from Melissa Marie Design Studio.

"Believing that photography is one of the most expressive and wonderful forms of art, Pure Element Photography desires to create the kind of art that will add immense color to your life, love to your heart and pure joy to your unique, personal element." -Louis Collins of Pure Element Photography

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Moorish Maxi

When it comes to prints, I find most interesting the ones that are culturally inspired- especially this Moroccan print dress. The Moorish design, with the keyhole arches, is reminiscent of the magnificent Moorish architecture that stands today in the south of Spain. Even the colors are reflective of The Alhambra "The Red" Palace in Granada and the Great Mosque of Córdoba. 

Wearing: Vintage Copper Alligator Dress | Vintage Lolita's Closet Belt | Forever 21 Beaded Clutch {Ella Moss} {Micky London} | Steve Madden Leopard Flats {choice} {choice} | Stradivarius Jacket {BB Dakota} {Vince Camuto}

Photo Cred: Pure Element Photography

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Black, White, & Peplum

Express Fur Vest | Zara Silk Blouse {BB Dakota} | PJK Leather Peplum {Ralph Lauren} | Zara Skirt {Michael Kors} | Spanx Rev Tights | Ellen Tracy Shoes {Paul Green} {Donald J. Pliner} | H&M Gloves | Ray-Ban Sunnies

Shot by: Pure Element Photography

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LEOPARD FLASH

Tartan Blazer {Banana Republic} {Madewell} | Eight Sixty Leopard Blouse {YesStyle} | Zara Shorts {Zara} | The North Face Boots {TNF} | Vintage Bag | Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Shot by: Pure Element Photography

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Tech Fashion

Wearing: Forever 21 Sweater | Sanctuary Vegan Leather Pants {Topshop} | Marc by Marc Jacobs Tablet Case | Suede Wedges {Nordstrom BP} | Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunnies | Nars Lipstick

Shot by Pure Element Photography

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SQuared 

It's fun to play with pattern. I've especially been fond of layering stripes on stripes, florals on florals, and squares on squares as seen on this happy, sunshiny, winter's day. I think the inspiration came from playing with printed, persian, antique rugs and trying out different layering and angles. 

What's most fun about this outfit is the play on proportions. Some people are scared of crop tops. They don't want to expose their midriff. Well, just as when low rise jeans became a trend, so did tunics. In this case, the higher the top, the higher the waist goes!

Midi skirts are so hot right now, so versatile, and also so comfortable. You're going to be seeing LOTS of crop tops cropping up in stores this spring. Why not try an inexpensive and modest one like this 3/4 sleeve knit sweater? Pair it with high-waisted pants, midi, or pencil skirt - all great transitional pieces into.... Spring!

Wearing: Forever21 Sweater (choices below) | Anthony Marc Coat | Vintage Skirt {Asos} {Etsy} {Poshmark}| Marc Jacobs Sunnies | Essie Polish | Nars Carthage Lipstick

Shot by: Frees Frame Photography & Design

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Feline + Fierce

Wearing: Forever 21 Cardigan | Forever 21 Dress | Vintage Boots | Essie Polish | Nars Lipstick

Shot by: Pure Element Photography

Hair styled by: Kayla at Tru Salon

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MAD FOR PLAID

It's all about plaid. Last fall, next fall, and now. If you like the 90s, you'll love the grunge that's banging its way onto runways and worn real ways. Think plaid, Doc Martins, crop tops, high-waisted, Guess jeans, overalls. If you still have them hanging in your closet, now is the time to throw them on, and in layers. So this "new grunge" is a little more couture than thrift, but some old, some new, make the best match.

Nevertheless, I am a bit of a vintage junkie. Whenever I go somewhere new to live, namely Cedar Rapids and Granada (the cities I split my time between), I literally sniff out the vintage stores. If you collect vintage, you know the smell I'm talking about. I sniffed my way right down to Czech village in Cedar Rapids where I discovered, Copper Alligator. I have finally found my happy place in this town!

Copper Alligator has become my new, frequent hangout. And as much as I go there to play dress up, Mia, the owner, always has something new to whip out and tempt me with. One of those things being this dope flannel dress. Feels like a Snuggie, fits like a gown.

While I'd like to keep pretty much everything I see, I thought why not pick out some of my favorite pieces and share them with you! Since they are vintage, there's only one of each piece available which she sells both in store and online. 

Here's one of my favorites, a 90's throwback, that is perfect to purchase now, and be able to wear again next year. 

I can't wait to show you more of my picks from Copper Alligator in the weeks to come. 

Wearing: Vintage Dress | Stradivarius Jacket | Balenciaga Handbag | Boots {Dolce Vita} | Vintage Faux Fur Hat

Location: Cobble Hill

Photo cred: Frees Frame Photography & Design

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Dressed in Magenta

When it comes to choosing a dress for a special occasion or holiday, sometimes we want a stellar standout dress, sometimes we want versatile, and sometimes we want both. When I spotted this Love Clothing dress at my favorite boutique in Granada, it was love at first site. I just knew it was going to work. The color, the fabric, the cut, everything. It fits the versatile bill, but is also pretty knock out when accessorized right.

In these photos I was wearing it for a company Christmas party. Working for a startup, it''s pretty much jeans and Ray-gun T-shirt all day everyday, so I played it down with flat brown ankle boots and a metallic belt. I've also styled it with five inch black suede wedges, a statement necklace, and red lip, as seen HERE. (Both for Christmas parties - it's that dope I wanted to wear it again - and will want to wear it again and again). It's even been worn as a shirt by tucking it into a high waisted gold sequins midi skirt. One other way to wear it is with pants (look out for lots of layering this spring).

This dresses has been my go to and what's more is it didn't break the budget. Below are five bright colored versatile dresses that cost little but are worth a lot!

Wearing: Love Clothing Dress | Andrew Marc Coat | Donald J. Pliner Boots | H&M Gloves

Five shift dresses under $75

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BUNDLED

I freaking love snow. The cold, not so much. But when you're bundled up it doesn't make much difference..unless there's a polar vortex. :/ It's only January and there are many more cold days ahead and hopefully snow days (depending where you live)!

Now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of all the fantastic outerwear sales happening. When you look for something timeless, you really can't go wrong. Opposed to the oversized outerwear trend, I like to stick with structured shoulders and a tailored fit. I really appreciate the warmth, construction, and details of this Andrew Marc coat. It's a double breasted, wool cashmere blend, with a belted waist, and blue satin lining. The over-the-top stand up collar is really what makes this coat ideal for Iowa weather and winter winds. If you live in a cold place, I would highly recommend it! Below are some great classic coats with an ideal price tag!

Wearing: Andrew Marc Coat | Donald J Pliner Boots (choice) | H&M Gloves (choice) | Beanie (choice)

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Saffron + Studded

Mustard, marigold, maize, lemon, dandelion, daffodil, sunglow, saffron, sunflower... Yellow. What I love about the shades of yellow are that they bring light. Although people seldom wear it, they love seeing it! And when I find the right shade, I always buy it up. 

This particular coat is one my favorites in my wardrobe. I found this gem a couple years ago in Spain at one of my all time favorite shops, ZARA! The vertical seams and cinched waist make it chic, classy, and give off that 60s vibe I love. 

While I can rock this coat with pretty much anything and love experimenting with colors, I'm wearing a simple, silk, color block French Connection dress seen here and elongating the silhouette with opaque tights and pumps.

Playing with leather, suede, and studs, I'm toting a plum, suede studded Michael Kors Satchel and Mango leather studded gloves to break up the boldness.

In keeping with my jewel toned blocks, I think the velvet emerald trim on this felt, floppy hat goes quite nicely. What do you think?

Wearing: French Connection Dress | Zara Coat | DKNY Tights | Michael Kors Pumps {choice} | Michael Kors Satchel {choice} | Mango Gloves {choice} | Hat

Colorful Coats:

Studded Accessories:

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TRIBAL ART

One of the many things I love about cities is that you never know what you'll find around the corner. Granada is full of many types of art, one being graffiti. Adjacent to my flat is a small, narrow street pinched between buildings, and the light at the end of the tunnel is this colorful tag. In life and in fashion, I'm drawn to and delighted by color. So it's no surprise that instinctually I was attracted to this tribal mini and love complimenting it with horizontal stripes and feminine lace. Take collection of the sweet surprises from the environment around you. What are they, and in what ways can you reflect them?

I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Location: Granada, Spain

Wearing: Striped cardigan | H&M Lace Crop Top | Zara Tribal Mini | Vintage Belt | Opaque Tights | Suede Platform Booties | Round Sunnies

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