Crushin' Winter

While working on some undergoing projects, i had trouble focusing today. I put on my favorite bits and proceeded to mentally wash everything away.

Above are some of my darker pieces: the one on the right is vintage and the other from forever21. I'm a big believer in being able to find or create affordable items without sacrificing personal style.

Whenever we find ourselves in a rut or bombarded by white noise, why not take the little things in life we enjoy and the inspiration it takes for us to move forward on our own path? Each day is journey... why not stylize it? 

What themes do you find yourself going for this winter? 

Spring 2013 Campaign Favorites

My favorite Spring 2013 campaign inspirations derive from a vintage, rock-ability vibe.  I am absolutely in love with the freedom conveyed by these photographic images.  Now get in gear after this winter season... it's time to femininely rock with a splash of color, don't you think?

 

ASHLEY SMITH | FOR LOVE & LEMONS

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BONA DRAG

Retro-Inspired Nails

No need for special equipment or paying a fortune for manicures! 

I'm no professional, but I do admit I find nail art very therapeutic even if you're just fooling around with nail design. I don't have any special equipment and I don't use anything other than the brush that already comes with the nail polish itself.  Part of my reasoning is that i'm just plain lazy!  Sometimes I just need the time and patience of nail art to think through what I need to do or de-stress from obstacles that I come across.  Here are a few designs I found myself creating ... 

Sparkled-Retro Style




Mixed-Patterns Style




Simple-Retro Style

They're not perfect by any means, just a means of me tracking what I've done.  I think perhaps my favorite styles stem from retro and vintage inspirations.  Looking closely, I've only used 3 basic main colors and the rest are accents.  One is a creamy baby pink color, the second is coral, and the third is a saturated red.  These three colors can be combined in any way and still go with each other.  Go ahead, see what you can do!

 

Happy nailing :)  

Mee Photoshoot

I came across one of my latest photo shoots that inspired me.  I was fortunate to have been able to do a quick session in between the craziness and stress I was going through at the time.  Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Mee...

 

Fringes and pigtails.  I would never have thought I would come back to a pigtail style but... I like it with a boho, grunge, or even vintage-like concepts.  The emotion was there that day so hopefully it turned out well in pictures. 

Enjoy!

 

Gloomy Day Grunge

 

The forecasters called for a nice weekend, but it ended up being mostly gloomy.  The clouds blocked what little sunshine I thought was coming and the fog only lifted barely during the day.  Luckily it wasn't freezing and I opted for a layered approach instead of a heavy duty coat.  In my eyes, I could feel a vintage grunge inspiration coming on... 

 



Leather jacket
Ralph Lauren denim button up
Green boat neck top from Wet Seal
Sheer black tights
Pleated leather Skirt from Wet Seal
Belle suede boots in black
Guess bag

I needed to keep my feet and legs warm because I chose to wear thinner leggings, thus the boots.  It's hard to tell here, but my inner shirt below the denim is actually a shade of green.  Comfortable and easy to wear wherever I ended up, all I really needed to do was take a chance and clean out my bag!  *Sigh*  I still haven't cleaned it but I feel like it's my "pick-up-and-go" bag.  Everyone needs one in case of emergencies.. or maybe that's just my excuse! hah. 

 

I heard somewhere on the news one time that your bag should really not be anything more than 5 lbs.  Yup.  I know some of you have more than 5... way more! I'm kinda tempted to weigh mine now :)   

Price of the outfit??  $0.00!!!  Well..., at least for me it was.  Yup, all items were gifts to me collected over the years.  Scrounge your closet and see what you got before you donate or throw them away.  Who knows, you may be able to pull off a priceless outfit :)

Ellen Von Unwerth - Classic Vintage Grunge





Model: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley



Out Magazine - Lady Gaga

Model: Ashley Smith for Vogue Turkey

Marilyn Monroe inspired shoot for Madam Figaro.  Model: Milla Jovovich

Guess Spring 2011 w/ Model: Elsa Hosk



 

Ellen von Unwerth: "Do Not Disturb" exhibit @ Michael Hoppen Gallery 



 

 

One of my favorite and inspirational photographers is Ellen von Unwerth.  The above images are what I find to be the varied styles in her photography pieces, depicting a type of classic, vintage grunge in my eyes.  What's most appealing is her keen ability to take any person and transform them into an image of this particular style.  I absolutely love this type of photography and use this inspiration for my own personal style.  These images are for further inspiration into not only the aesthetic appeal, but the edgy yet sensual and strong lifestyle that I personally look for.  I love how these images promote a soft edged outlook with a vintage spin created through the hues and lense.  Love, love, absolutely in LOVE!!!

 



This week's Black & White inspiration ...

Source: lisandra.storenvy.com via Lisandra

Desperately need the above..

I am in love with cat eye qualities and I prefer that look on myself just because I can barely make my eyes as big and round as I want to for certain looks. Strong and sensual, it's a great look no matter how fast time flies :)

Source: imgfave.com

Source: catiec.tumblr.com

Source: allthingselegant.tumblr.com

Source: suicideblonde.tumblr.com

Source: lizzy3291.tumblr.com

I continue to go back to this inspiration constantly because you can't go wrong with black and white. They last throughout the ages and are easily put into pattern. Whether it's polka-dots, stripes, or even both, I am in love with how these looks really make you feel glamorous when you incorporate it into your own style.