A Spooktacular Kick Off to Birthday Week 2017!
October is my birthday month and as much as I seem like the type of person who has fantastical 30 day long celebrations, most of my birthdays have been quite dull. The last time I had a true birthday party was when I turned 16 and was living in Finland a few friends surprised me with a little get together. In fact, come to think of it, for the last 3 years I have been working on my birthday. The first year I was in Cincinnati on a sales call; our dear rep gave me a red whiffle ball and bat, mardi gras beads and hug as a birthday thank you gift. Not my exact cup of tea, but a super sweet gesture. The second year I was on a 24 hour flight to India in coach, and though I arrived a sweaty smelly mess technically 2 days later, my coworkers and I celebrated my belated birthday with cake and hugs. Last year, I was just plodding along doing work and life as one does- nothing all too special. It’s been a good while since I’ve actually done something exciting on the lovely day that I am came to be.
In my life I do a lot to celebrate other people. A LOT. I’m a giver and as a result, I tend to not plan things for myself. This year, I am trying to change that. Instead of waiting for something spectacular to just magically happen on my birthday- spoiler alert it never does- I am taking the bull by the horns. And, instead of just celebrating on the day I came out of my mother’s woohoo, I am going to be filling the month with things that make me happy. Not a birthday month, per se, more of a “my preferences come first” month. I’m going to spend October really focused on what’s best for my happiness, what makes me smile, and frankly doing all the stuff that makes my life more fun.
To kick off Glitter’s Fall Fest, I spent today exploring my neighborhood with a dear friend with our pups. We went to the dog park, had some wine, and stumbled upon the most adorable farmers market/ pumpkin patch/ Instagram perfect background. It was kismet because I just happen to be wearing the more adorably spooktacular outfit from Modcloth. I love how the grey sweatshirt is printed with a skull- but like cool hip skull that listens to indie music. Scary skulls aren’t my thing. I paired it with a black skirt with attached suspenders, black comfy leggings, and the fanciest for feline inspired footwear. It was the perfect way to start to what I am pretty certain is going to be an all together awesome month.
When I first saw this 
There are some pieces that manage to magically carry a false sense of ego with them. You slip them on and suddenly you feel transported to a new life entirely. Before you were a 9 to 5 office slave committed to the hustle, and now? You’re lady who lunches and a direct relative of the Rockefellers. A luxe vixen of the social upper crust. A affluent woman of high society. A grande dame of the social community… all with one simple dress.
The dress is perfectly matched with 
A combo like this doesn’t need to be fussed over. I added a simple pearl and chain necklace the I’ve had for ages. I found
As I sat on the front steps of a house I would never be able to afford, I could not help but think about how in this moment I seemingly belonged there. However, the day waned on and I was left to return to my small one bedroom apartment, my not so impressive bank account, and a dog who took no notice of the two previous things when assessing his love for me. I may not have a well-manicured brownstone over looking the park, but it’s ok. I am rich in different ways.
For a lot of people describing their style is easy. Gothy. Romantic. Alternative. Urban. Modern. However, I’ve never been able to quickly assign a word to how I dress. It’s simply too all over the map.
After much thought, I’ve decided my style has it’s own definer- eclectic. I like taking styles that shouldn’t work together and meshing them into their own voice. I actually enjoy taking a piece that seems “un-me” and as Tim Gunn would say “making it work.” It’s like a colorful fabric puzzle that I get to put together with each look.
The key to my eclectic style is curiosity and playfulness. I take items that seem opposite or counter to each other and try making them meld together into my own personal aestetic. This outfit is a good example of the evolution of my own exploratory fashion perspective.
Each piece from this look lends itself to a different aesthetic. The 
When planning this look, I sorted through pieces in my closet. Swapping this skirt for that, trying various cuts for the top, and putting on too many shoes to remember. With each thoughtful tweak the outfit came together and I saw myself reflected in my clothing. 
There is a quote by Picasso that sums up how I feel about my style journey.
People think style is a talent, something you are either good or awful at. However, fashion like any art, is based on practice. The more you play and explore your tastes the more unique and strong your voice will become. For example, my outfit today is simply the result of all the failed outfits before it. Go forth and play. Find your voice.
My Dad is a napper. He needs his 2 hrs of midday down time to survive until his rebellious 10pm bedtime. So while home, I find myself confused as to how best use 2 hrs of silence. I by nature am not good at being quiet. 
So today during the allotted family siesta time, I gussied myself up and traipsed off into the woods behind my house. I have blogged a look in awhile ( oops!) and this seemed the perfect excuse. I played in these woods as a child, now I was playing in them as an adult.
My 
The 
In case you’ve missed it- tomorrow July 22 form 1-3, I am going to be at Modcloth Austin for a little meet and greet. Its my first ever shindig and I am super nervous no one will come. When I meet people I always tell them the same thing- being popular on the internet doesn’t really feel real. It’s so hard to comprehend that there are real people behind the computer and cellphones screens who I’ve been able to make laugh, smile or love more. So if you’re in Austin stop by and stay hi; let’s be real friends. 
Just a quick post to share with you this cute colorful and quirky look I rocked at Redbull + Sound on Sounds Rub-A-Dub Summer Swim Club pool party today. I love this look because it’s simple, but it screams I’m a little left of center and I like it.
Plus I spilled at least 3 drinks on it and no one was the wiser. So, I am pretty certain 
This dress is a color-blocked maxi from Rebdolls. Open and honest, Rebdolls can be pretty hit and miss, but this 
The jewelry is from my homegirl girl and Austin hit list indie jewelry designer,
This 
