Nav Hoe

I love me some damn accessories. I do.

Exclusive double sided three finger ring by s'aint yacque. ie. your's truly.
Flip it and reverse it and wear it flat side up.  More pics to come. so dont ask me. im on it. dang ya'll demanding.

It's all in black and white

Bango Bang Bangle Bangle

Out of Service

To be honest I wasn't sure if I would post this pic, simply because I wasn't "seen" in this outfit and I find it a bit weird wearing something out that's already been featured on the blog cus....I'm a fashion snob.

I set out to BK on Friday night even though I wasn't feeling so great. My body was trying to get sick on me and my train wasn't running all the way up to my stop which meant on my way back home I'd have to transfer to a shuttle bus. Grrrrr!!!

Since I'm a woman of my word, my name was on the flyer and because I had already made plans with my girl Ndada I sucked it up got dressed and set out.

This outfit like many of my outfits is just a basic bottom and a dramatic top. Didn't take much thought except I tried on a different necklace and a pair of slouchy grey boots but opted for the black cus they're comfy and the restaurant I was going to is a bit of a walk from the train.

I get to Ndada's house to find that she's not dressed AND has to drop off her daughter off at her granny's....are you serious!?!?!?

You know I was mad right?!

For the next hour I'm debating if I should just call it a night and head home cus I'm moody, tired, not feeling so great and it's FA reeeezing out...except.....my name is on the flyer and my word is bond.

So I wait and wait and wait....

Thankfully Ndada's daughter Alafia is insanely funny and entertaining.....I teach her a top secret handshake, how to tell her moms "she's fired", so she shows me her "portfolio", I paint her nails, do her makeup, play with her dolls, have a mini photoshoot and harass Ndada about being slow.

Finally!!!! Ndada sets out to drop off Alafia and I head out to the restaurant cus I'm already late and since it's a dinner....it's just not cool.

I get to the restaurant an hour and a half later, 40 minutes after the proposed "dinner" time and....there's 15 people at the spot, none of which I know. The waitress informs me that it's not a dinner party instead the restaurant is offering dinner specials.

OH.....umm hmmm.

I quickly make my exit because I'm confused, in a bad mood and over the whole night.

I text Ndada and let her know I'm making my way to the train...she texts back that she's on her way, which is a lie cus it takes her another half hour to get to me.

We end up at a Thai restaurant with poor service and "ok" Pad Thai.

Sigh.

By the way, although this hairstyle has not been featured on the blog I've been wearing my hair like this (in various lengths for over 10 years). It's back by popular demand for a limited time only.

I know I look bored don't I?!

(singing)
It's written all over your face....you don't have to say a word.

You'd think I'd go out with a BANG

Truth is I've been starting, restarting, staring at this screen, at my pictures, at the time, switching screens from Facebook to Youtube. Barely watching the House marathon and wondering why I enjoy the show.

Thinking I'm hungry but it's too late to eat considering I'm working on a flat tummy for May/June.

Oh....I can tell you how I should've started making my NYE top days ago....that if I don't start tonight it's not going to happen. How Ima be mad if I have to end up wearing something else.
grrrr!!

:( damn. what's happening to me??!? I'll tell you if you promise to keep a secret. shhhh.

I think I'm falling in love. wow. Act like I ain't just say that. WHOA.

Oh. I can tell you how I made the t shirt in this picture from a 5-step, rip, dye, bleach, dye, distress process. How they were part of my first tshirt collection the summer of 07. How I envisioned myself selling it at Barneys for $180 but really sold it for $50 on the street.

How it was waaaay too much work for what my market was willing to pay. How I later discovered the art of silk screening and felt cheated but felt better cus I hand drew the artwork. wooo! That was close.

I can tell you I made the necklace and the bracelet and if you give me 10 years I'll make my own jeans AND boots. So when the revolution come you build the house from floating wood planks, and tin ceilings and I'll raise our 5 babies, make all our clothes, grow our food and....okay. DON'T get me started on that.

The Parables of MY Talents

Here's to being on the path to collective self sufficiency.
Wild Seed.

Hmmm....

Maybe I've squeezed out everything I can for 2008.
Can I just say that recognizing the power of FOCUS has changed my life.

How ACTION IS MAGIC!

YES!

PS. I'm addicted to hairspray the movie and now the styling agent.
My hair be looking SLiiiiicK these days....what a change!
If I don't say so myself. I feel brand new.

Thank you for all the love and support this year. I'm sooooo flattered.

Here's to reinventing, challenging, amazing SELF.

Closed till 2009.

Champagne wishes and Caviar Dreams.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Yacira "Yah, Yacque, s'aint yacque, "the yak" in YakBlak, La Cocolah" Valdez

Two Is Better Than One

In an effort to make room for new 2009 clothing :)
I've started getting rid of stuff I no longer wear, donating tons and shamefully throwing out pieces I've held on for far too long.

SIDENOTE TO FRIENDS: Please do not contact me whining about how I could've/should've given them to you.

When you're in a cleaning frenzy you just have to get rid of stuff ASAP or they magically reappear in your closet after closer consideration and/or to avert potential hating. :)

So! I came across my vintage daishiki collection, I have 6 ranging in length and color mainly because I just can't have just one of anything...I'm so extra with it. siiigh. I'm working on it.

For a second I thought I might be over with the style, I rocked them so hard throughout the years maybe it was time to move on?

Am I done doing the hippie this, hippie that? Peace and hair grease my brother.

Well....let's see about that. I tried it on and....you already know how it goes right. I got excited and here's the proof. (FYI: not a good move to stop and have a photoshoot when trying to reorganize closet)

Damn....I do look kinda sorta cute in a sophisticated grown-up hippie sorta way. Sooo that means I'll keep it! Um them....heee.

Couldn't decide what vest I would wear....I'm leaning toward the brown cus the color compliments my skin tone. (batting eyelashes) Ahem.

Yes the cowboy boots are snakeskin. Heeeeeeeeeee hehehehheehe

BTW having the vest in two colors was purely accidental. I met the talented Morgan Love at the Afropunk block party. Morgan was selling her beautiful jewelry as well as vintage pieces. I tried on the vest and loved it but told self...self you do not need another fringe vest.

Ms. Love so impressed by how great I looked that she later came to my booth and gave it to me as a gift. GASP!!!!

I was extremely touched and flattered by the generosity of this lovely stranger. Aaah I blush.
Blushing and wishing, hoping and praying that this blog inspires you guys are inspired to send me clothes too!!! Hey a girl can dream right.

Do you understand how much fun I'm having doing this? Please know this.

BTW after the pics I walked my dog and got back in my pjs to try to get the clothes spilling out of my closet under control. Someone please spare some storage space. Please!

Ok...which one? Brown or Navy vest?

The Truth is.....

Im pulling the curtain back and the previous post. I try to keep my personal 'personal' life out of it and only share what you really want to hear.  

I know, i know you guys want to hold on to the mystery rockstar persona but ay the truth shall set us all free.

free.
free.
free.

I never, ever want to appear like a poser so here go:

Dear Cocolah.com blog fans: I, Yah Valdez am a real person not a rockstar.

So my teenage son came home acting like he hadn't eaten in 2 months...I'm like dude, relax. I'm on it. Go somewhere. 

Kept repeating "mah I'm hungry" about 55 times before I actually put the laptop down to start getting dressed to head to the supermarket. 

ooooh i sweartagodifyoudontgimmeaminute!!! 

STOP IT!!!

I was this close from resorting to violence. KIDDING!!!!!?

Here I am tryna to get my ROCKSTAR on as quick as possible before heading out to do that domestic thing I do. Priorities.

But no the boy is wired with that weird and scary teenage energy, basically bouncing off the walls. HIS dog is responding to the energy by barking and running around the house like HE lost his mind too. Oh My Obamaaaa. (you like that right? I know)

Heres me: "Why don't you give me a minute to get this picture?and  "Go walk the dog before the weather gets worse? and "Get started on the dishes before I get back from the supermarket" and "Did you finish your homework?" and "Get any tests back?" and "NO do NOT to make a sandwich! Just chill cus dinner will be ready soon." and "Dude can you move out the way so I can get this picture?" My GOD!!!

S.O.S.

Here he go: "Mah, I'm staaaaaaarving" and "Mah, take this picture for my myspace." Timer goes off and there he is in the middle. Grrrrrr. THEN here comes the dog to sit exactly where I stand while waiting for the auto timer to do it's thang. GET YOUR DOGGY ASS OUTTA HERE!!! omg!

All this is basically taking place in the kitchen of our small two bedroom Upper Manhattan apartment. You GASP!!!!

Yeah yeah. I know ya'll thought I was in laid up in mansion in West Hartford, Connecticut but no. No...not a loft in Tribeca. Not yet at least.

So I finally get the picture and take off all the accessories, throw on a sweater, a wool coat, hat, gloves and head out. 

I mean really you ain't think I headed out into the snow storm in that get up. Style is not only about looking good, but also about dressing appropriate for weather, age, venue, event, etc.

Basically what I'm saying is that looking this calm, cool and collected is either harder or easier for me than you thought. There. Well said. Moving on.

NEXT DAY:

An Ode to Claire Huxtable.

There's nothing to it but to do it.

Combatting Snow

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only. light we'll see

Stand by Me

Ben E. King

Did I mention that Cocolah.com loves you. 

No. Really, really loves you.

Just checking!!

STOP!!! Do you see me poppin' my turtleneck. Yeah kid. 

Upgrade your colla?! Then POP IT!!!!

So the snow was coming down all day and every hour I'd look up at the clock and think..... 

Hmm I should really head to the supermarket.....yeah i still do my own grocery shopping...keeps me humble.

Finally at about 6pm...lol...yeah I know. I finally decide to get dressed and brave it through the snow cus I'm hungry, gotta make dinner and definitely don't wanna go tomorrow morning. 

In my fantasy....ok, close your eyes and picture this, tomorrow morning "insert name" will make me breakfast in bed mmmm yes..... I'll eat, roll over into a fetal position and fall back to sleep...ahhhh. In my dream-state I'll listen to the sound of dishes being washed, closet being reorganized and the bathroom cleaned.  siiiiih.

Reality check!! tomorrow morning I'll still be on this computer working...but let's move on cus that's a sensitive subject. AHEM.

As I mentioned in an earlier post I do not own a pair of rain boots so you KNOW I don't own snow boots....really makes no sense cus it's pretty much a necessity if only to ensure the safety of the shoes you do love. I'm still in search of a fly ass pair hold up....let me rephrase that.....A fly ass pair I can afford. 

Snowboots for the snow? I said NO!! NO! NO~

AyO NatuRe! You wanna battle me?!?! Let's go! Meet me outside....I can take you. ESPECIALLY in my combat boots! wut?! 

I'll throw the snow right back up at cha!! In yo face fool. uh oh...No offense Mama Nature i was jus jivin'.....eeek! 

Respect!

SO!!! I put on my boots and go get a tail to hang on my belt loop but no decide to throw all em on. UH OH!!! 

s'aint yacque Cow horn necklace, s'aint yacque linx fur necklace, s'aint yacque exclusive 3 finger ring, onyx and silver ring, mess of black and silver bangles bang bang go bangles.

A vintage HOLSTER, Yakblaks of course and then kids...THEN!!!! I pull out this silver grey cropped motorcycle jacket....this is the moment the jacket was waiting for!!!

That's all she wrote. It's done.

uh oh...feel a song comin on

                                               

Something on your chest? Better get it off!!

Go comment!

www.cocolah.com

Top Gun

A few things inspired today's outfit. Wanna hear it? Here it go:

1. Quoting Starsky and Hutch, "Do it, Do it, Do it" in a deep voice two days in a row. I don't know dude....It just comes to me.

(see reference video below) heeeeeeeee hehehehhehehe

2. My never ending desire for washboard abs. If worn right high waisted jeans create the illusion of flat tummy. ;)

ho hohohohoho

3. The sheer act of taking my pinky and index fingers dappin them on my tongue and smoothing down eyebrows, going into a double snap and on to a  double handed thumbs up pointed index finger "bang bang" to a wink with a clicking sound. aay. aay! 

hahahhahahhahaha

YOU talkin' ta me?!

"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? YOU talkin' to ME? Then who the hell else are you talkin' to? You talkin' to me? Well I'm the only one here! Who the f*ck do you think you're talking to?"

AYYYY!!!!

That's all I gotta say about that. And what?!?!?!? You wanna do sumthin!?!? Do it! DO IT! DO IT!

yes of course he's wearing YakBlak's throughout the movie.

I've been a bit sluggish the last few days, with body aches and low energy. I think I'm coming down with something but hustlers don't get sick so I keep pushing on. Checked my email and realized the photoshoot that was up in the air is on and I hadn't prepared. Coffee hasn't kicked in yet but I'm willing myself up to get dressed and go into "THE CLOSET'. (scary music in the background) to pick out outfits for the shoot. I have about 2 hours to get dressed, put  3 looks together with accessories and shoes, pack and get down to the location.

There are things I rather not admit about myself, so I'll insist that..."I hate being late....NO! I'm not always late...I just...I...I...yeah"

This top jumps out at me because when in a rush it's best to choose one bold piece and work from there cus you're almost there. I've only worn this top once before with a olive green blazer that pulls the green from the top. Tried on the blazer and for some reason the fit is a bit off....maybe I did lose weight...yay!!!

Then I remembered it was a blazer I picked up at an outside fair to add another layer for warmth. Then I remembered I had checked myself out in a parked car window so maybe I didn't lose weight :( maybe the blazer hadn't fit as well as I'd thought.

I look in my closet and find this lavender heather blazer..love it! It's obvious in the pic I'm feeling it yes? Clothing is not only about looks but how it makes you feel. Sorta like yo lovah. ooww!

Dark purple Levis skinnies and I'm almost there.

The shoes was trial and error process, almost changed my top because I couldn't seem to find the right shoe. I have to get better about documenting shoe changes cus it's so vital. I tried two other shoes that didn't work then said...wait! Let me try these and boom. LOVE it!

OK check it! This happened purely by accident I went into the closet again to figure out what coat I would wear. This number jumps out with exactly the same color palette I have on. WOW. Am I good or what?

Can't decide if I should give myself credit for my color management skills considering the size of my closet and number of options. Yes, I have an unfair advantage and I don't feel guilty about it. It's been hard work especially on a budget. (shrug) 

THEREFORE: You're good Yah. Real good. DO it girl!

Show em how it's done.

Easy as 1, 2. 3

Help me Help you

First off Happy Day of Giving Thanks. Sidenote: Funny when you run into someone that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving and you politely say "Happy Thanksgiving" they turn to you like "oh I don't celebrate this holiday and roll their eyes and blah blah blah." I be like eeww...but um you eat don't you. I mean that's what we celebrating right? The Mac and Cheese and Gravy on turkey that mingles with the yam so sweet? 

No? oh....um. yeah. Hmmm, ok question you respond "good morning" even when it's one of those mornings from hell...yeah? Just smile and Be easy my belly too full for this. 

Thanks Gibril for my opening paragraph.

Moving on. Speaking of class...I clean up nice..can I just say that?

Truth be told I changed into a sweater and sneakers after the pic cus it wasn't that type of party, Yah's going to eat...not look cute. 

Soooo guess what!?!??! I did this one for you...Yes YOU. I didn't want to tell you cus...cus it feels too soon but. but. but. I love you. I do. There. I've said it.

AWKWARD SILENCE.

The vintage blouse is semi sheer light yellow with ruffles and a bow that makes it sorta ascot-y. Navy blue vintage velvet blazer and pin stripe pants and...uh can we say tan vintage shoes.

While I was looking for the shoes a navy blue and yellow scarf caught my eye it was exactly the pop of color I needed. Then this s'aint yacque cloisonné, black/gold fish pin caught my eye. Each lends its on flavor to the outfit, the fish is a oh so sophisticated quirkiness. The "pocket square" funks it up and gives me a more relaxed playful look and adds color.

Can't decide sooooo you tell me.....the pin or the scarf? Help me. Help you. Help me decide. Comments por favor.

My Fashion Challenge Entry/21MC Pancho Shoot

Guess who got invited to be part of the 21MC Pancho Photoshoot....that would be lil ol me. NOT YOU! 

They asked me to style but I was really there taking notes. Seeing the inner workings of a dope ass team in action. Know that COCOLAH.COM told you first that 21MC and 21Trillion will dominate the world. Pay Attention.

What can I say about That Kid Named Texas....man...there are a lot of folks out there with high tech cameras in their hands with it set permanently on AUTOMATIC...I'm not sayin....I'm JUST saying. Trust me when I tell you that this Kid right here...even doh she look 12 ok 16....is a true photographer....she was manipulating LIGHT and SPEED creating art with a few simple clicks. DOPE.

Yego was talking that DIRECTOR talk like..."I want you to feel like you OWN this piece of land you stand ON".....uh... Dude huh?...that's some higher level shit can you just tell em how to pose...whoa.

YO MJ ROCKS! You already know MEC to the ZILLA is the jack of all trades, going from direction to lights to Dj to funky aerobic dancer...(you just had to be there)  Now she talking about being a videographer/director...damn Mec....can other folks eat? can other folk shine? from rockstar to ceo now this...greedy skill(ah)  

Cocolah.com Word of the Day!!!! SOUND THE ALARMS!!!

Skillah (n): person with multiple skills

Who wants to be the ultimate skillah? You already know.

I think that word might have street cred...spread it. oh...hey!

SOOOOOO. I wore my 21MC shirt (of course), sweater was a gift from Manchild, one of my new s'aint yacque shredded leather necklaces, default jeans and default shoes. I wanted to wear my faded red jeans to match the roses on the sweater but I had a PTA meeting before the shoot and deemed it inappropriate. Especially when I was nominating myself as PTA Vice President. LOL. Wait...what are the kids saying these days....uh...oh...REAL TALK!!!

yeah that's it.

Boom....Real Talk. 

OH!!! AND the outfit is my entry for this month's Cocolah.com Fashion Challenge. I didnt want to do the black and white thing and wanted to play more with pattern instead but this was t0o perfect. Thank you very much.

NOW..........WHERE'S YOURS?

Style Klash and the Band It

The first word on the invite was STYLE (Klash it if you nasty) so you know your girl got more than a little excited. I usually start mentally planning my outfit once I decide I'm attending an event. It's hard to get me out of the house especially juggling all my projects, but there was a purpose and that was to support Harriet's Alter Ego. These ladies are truly an inspiration and a great support of underground fashion and arts. I'm there.

The day of I told myself I was sure I had something in my closet I could rock no problem...but still hadn't made any effort to pry myself away from work and start formulating an outfit...not even in my head. 

My boy Manchild called that afternoon saying LET'S GO THRIFTING!!! LET"S GO!!!

There are few words that get me worked up as fast as those three little ones. Long story short we go thrifting and a few steps in the shop, my eyes already scanning the racks I spot an interesting color...hmmm. Closer....shoulder details...closer, omg...I pull it off the rack and aaaaaaah!!!! OMG!!! DO YOU SEE THIS!!?!!?! I've been searching for a vintage band jacket for years on ebay they're hard to come by in the right size, color and most importantly PRICE! The Thrift Gods stay on my side cus I give back! HA!!! I almost passed out when it was a perfect fit. ooooh eeeeee! Guess who's goina church on Sunday?! You?

Guess what I wore to this years Style Klash. 

Sidenote: Manchild is STILL hating which makes the find even sweeter. Say ahhh.....tee hee.

So I decide to wear it with sneaks...just to play it cool like "ay this just something I had in my closet...no biggie". Then I worried that folks were going to really do it up...so I decided to change into shoes. It is an evening event so I didn't want to look like I was hanging in the outfit all day and showed up. Sneakers are cool but white sneakers are tricky. I'll have to write about that laterz. 

Even though I tried five different black shoes I fell a little empty. I wasn't happy but I gave up knowing that the perfect shoe was not in my closet. grrrr. I settled on the fact that the jacket was doing so much I was done before I started. AND!!!! the theme of the show is I DON'T WANT TO LOOK LIKE I TRIED TO HARD. I find black oxfords which lend themselves to band shoes. 

Amazing what a few accessories will do for an outfit huh? Hmmm...um YEAH I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU FOR YEARS AS S'AINT YACQUE!! HELLO! Pay attention or you're fired.

The fox tail just made perfect sense, the black tail with white tip! what? with the gold chain...come on...visually it takes the place of my band instrument. :() This is Yah Channeling The Style Whisperer. 

Thanks Mec for the nickname :) LOVE IT!! Uh oh...I feel another alter ego coming on!! Stay tuned~ 

The belt was very necessary balancing out my lower half giving it the pop I needed ooh...without it the jacket is wearing me. Check out the swag the YakBlak Sunnies give. BEEN TRYNA TELL YA. The light tint makes it OK to wear your sunglasses at night.

Some things Never Change

So!!!! In my efforts to confront my holiday blues head on I dug into my buried family photo album...Not a good move BUT I found this pic of lil ol me:

Check me out...some things never change. Me off to the side on the solo tip....looking real fly, laughing to myself, thinking these witches have nothing on my outfit...LOL! joke.

Some things really DON'T CHANGE!!

OK!!! Check out my outfit doh! I know it's fly right...in my mind's eye I have on some dark brown wool stockings and patent leather burgundy mary jane shoes.

Hello, that's an outfit I'd wear today, my style hasn't changed much, I'm basically rocking the same color palette and tailored feminine/masculine style being pretty as can be!

Today I'd switch out the skirt for some wide leg pants and adding a chocolate velvet fitted blazer.

C is for cookie and that's good enough for me.

Yah.

Trench Coat Nothing Under

No Pictures cus sometimes I look better in your imagination. LMAO.

"This morning I woke up feeling very West Side Story hence the white button down, red scarf tied around neck, black skinnies rolled up, men hard bottom shoes no socks." That was a conversation I had with a friend this summer over brunch.

From time to time I'll run into my friend and she'll ask...What was your inspiration today? Of course I always make up some shit on the spot that sound right cus I like to tell stories if you haven't noticed.

So this Friday I attended the Coup d'etat Brooklyn's Art Show and since they fine and stuck up in a sweet sorta way like yours truly I knew I had to go the extra mile and pretend it was by accident.

Ended up wearing a vintage trench coat as a shirt ;) (yeah i know you like that) black skinnies and vintage cowhide booties. When I got the coat I knew it was so tailored to my body that I wouldn't be able to wear it as a coat sooooooo it was premeditated murder...I must confess.

Can I just say it was so sexy I'd do myself (ay ay ay get yo mind right) and yet sophisticated....

The response is always interesting to say the least, very interesting. Folks respond to the way you present yourself. I realize I make folks intrigued and uncomfortable and I like it. Still tryna figure how to turn it into profit.

The outfit is what Dirty Class is all about.

A friend commented that I was dressed to seduce, who me?! Never. I'm ready for my close up biotch heres my card check out my new website cocolah.com. Period. Im not here to meet no body I'm about my business. PERIOD! of course I denied it to the end but in the back of my mind...I'm thinking.....ooooh. aaah. mmmm. siigh. my crush is here and I wanna ask if I faint do you know CPR? (with my head to the side, hearts flowing from my eyes) GET IT! Hells NO Im cool, I'm cool. ICE COLD!

Scratch that!! I'm focused man. I'm focused. Here's my card check out my site. whew.

Dress like the boss to be the boss. Looking cute is cute but building an empire is all about strategy. Pay Attention.

I was actually feeling very Investigative Reporter as well...I went to check out the scene and where I fit in....I'd be lying if I didn't confess I really went as a flasher, one of my secret fantasies...TMI once again. sorry....

Pssssssst hey! come mere you wanna see somethin'?? I rip my coat open and try to hustle you some jewelry :) ay i got earrings, necklaces, clothes..watchu need? 007 DVD? it's a clear copy. LOL DAMN im funny.

www.cocolah.com Full Frontal Nudity.

Role play everyday and keep it fresh.

Yah.

Oh btw. The black umbrella was a prop and matched my pants and the handle matching my boots was not by accident. uh huh. I know.

It's too early for this

No I'm not falling asleep in this picture...I only dozed off for half a second.

Off to a new freelance gig so I have to look freelance professional (I'll go into detail on what that means when I have more energy and brain power) 

The gig is in at an ad agency in the City Hall area so it's probably somewhat corporate. My agency didn't give me much details or maybe I wasn't really listening to anything other than the rate. PAY ME!!!

So this morning I get up late cus I didn't get much sleep, was updating the site, catching up on emails, editing photos when I suddenly realized it was 2am and I have to be up by 7am. Not good, don't know what to expect at this new gig. So I gotta load up on the coffee all day to keep me alert. NOT GOOD. This is a old. new. habit. I worry about black coffee staining my teeth but i neeeeed it. Nothing sprinkling baking soda on your tooth paste wont fix. That's my secret. Try it, works wonders.

Only 30 minutes to get ready.

DEFAULT PANTS ALERT. Black skinnies always do the trick, except I got these recently and they've stretched!!! Grrrrrr. Or maybe I lost weight?!? YAY! :/ right.

This is what I came up with, changed my shirt twice but no time to take pics. sorry, gotta run. Then I found this one, which I love, it's supposed to tie up into an 80s secretary bow but...that's done so I just let it hang like a scarf in a sofisticado sorta way. :)

Fashion makes me happy.

Already had in mind to wear a blazer and chose this vintage navy velvet number......navy suede shoes (paying a return visit), the blouse pretty much makes the outfit. 

After the pic I threw on a big gold ring and gold bracelets on each side to match the gold buckle on my shoes. I know thats fly. Thanks. No necklace because of the scarfy things hanging and because the blouse is so light in weight didnt want to overpower my statement piece. Ok. gotta go!!

Sorry I couldn't share the steps. I'm late and in freelance TIME really is MONEY!

Yah.

More Coffee Please.

My first day off in over a month of working two freelance jobs and working on my own projects. It's pouring outside and the fact that I should have washed my hair two days ago has me in a bit of a mood. So what do we have here: style being affected by energy level, weather and hair.

I'm putting absolutely no effort into getting dress, more focused on comfort than looking cute. I grab my favorite jeans that as you can see are basically on their last leg. A slouchy sweater that reminds me of my bed comforter (well not really but....yawn). I've tried several times to buy a pair of rain boots but I just can't do it. 

I've seen some really cute rain boots in shapes that are sleek and modern in matte materials but.....I don't know. Just not my style....i says Style before Function.

My boots are pretty beat up and that's why I love them, so I don't mind wearing them in the rain. They cheer me up a bit.

I stop myself from reaching for my new favorite jacket, (the one I wore in my last post) its sooo cozy and would look decent with this outfit but I need a bit of structure. I reach for my favorite leather jacket, a cropped dark brown jacket with cropped sleeves. 

Makes sense with the distressed jeans and boots, maybe a little too much sense. But yeah I'm not feeling it..It's ok but not so much.  Love this scarf, its huge and makes a dramatic effect when I wrap it a few times around my neck and the length is what I love.

I go in my closet and a vintage wool herringbone dress jacket catches my eye. I got it at a thrift store years ago it's part of a three piece skirt suit with vest. I've yet to wear the vest which has an odd shape or lack there of. 

This jacket is in a completely different style but the length looks good with the sweater, the color makes more visual sense then the chocolate brown of the leather jacket which had to much contrast to the grays and the loose structure balances the ruggedness of the jeans and boots.

Amen for getting dressed quickly when you're tired. Which gives me the idea to start timing myself...that should be interesting.

Onward.

Starts with a feeling

Starts with a feeling....This morning it was easy getting dressed, I was still dazed and confused from the surrealism of last night. WHEW! This morning I woke up feeling like an Executive Artist. I'm ready to rule the world and I'm going to dress like it.

The blouse is navy with beige, the vest beige with navy stripes, dark navy slacks and dark navy suede Gucci loafers (lightly worn found this summer at an undisclosed salvation army for $5 the second happiest day of my life, last night being THE happiest.)

Running late!! uuuh! I think I'm ready to go....need the final touches, jewels, Yakblak vintage sunnies in a round burnt orange frame (for a pop of color), dark purple coat, dark purple scarf with navy accents, maroon bag.

Yawn, I know I'm tired and running late but....something about this outfit doesn't me smile inside. I feel boring. Put together but boring. It's the coat..lemme try this one.

Ah yes....that's more like it. The jacket has the same ballooniness :) (*new word of the season) as the vest, giving the outfit a modern twist. The outfit is still structured but this jacket gives me a more relaxed look. You gotta love when things come together.

Now I'm super late BUT I got today's blog entry ;) which I will go ahead and upload from the freelance gig I'm late for....where I am...right..now..watching..my...back.

Savore the day.

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