Embroidery + Sparkle = Perfection
Let’s talk about this perfectly sparkly plus size dress from Eloquii. It’s simply enchanting. Actually, I l think witch craft had to be involved because for the life of me I cannot fathom how one even embroiders on top of sequins. That’s one legit sewing machine- being able to crush that embroidery through a slew of plastic on each downward and upward motion. However it was done, the result is as special as it is unique. 
Now, I’ll admit the dress fits me much different then the model (oh hey girl hey Tess Holiday), but this is mostly because I’m a pear shape and carry a lot of junk in my trunk.. and in my birthing hips …and in my candy juicy thighs. As a result the little silver lining of the dress that’s supposed to peak out at the bottom doesn’t. Instead, its taking refuge in my butt. It refused to cross the twin peaks to be seen. I don’t blame it, it’s probably lovely weather in my ass this time of year.
I noticed upon opening the dress that it perfectly matched the modern big sleeved jacket I already owned and I had to pair them together. Mostly because I look for every excuse to wear this coat. This was indeed a good excuse. Some maroon velvet flats from Target, referencing another hue from embroidery, topped of the dapper dress and made the look as cohesive as it was colorful.
Thank you to Eloquii for sending me this dress to style. Thank you to whomever’s house in Switzerland this was that I holed up in front of taking pictures. And thank you to cheese, for existing and making me able to stand in 40 degree weather in a t-shirt dress. 
There’s some pretty crazy things I’ve done for the sake of blogging. I think walking down an active city street for “authentic” New York photos has to be one of them. Red light. Go! Go! Go! Green light . Quick get out of the road before you a become very large piece of gingham and denim road kill!! Yes, pose with that taxi while the driver of said taxi says creepy things to you. This is the big city and I was playing a weird form of sexy frogger. Personally , I think I set an all new high score. 
In my opinion, nothing in more important to city living, than a really amazing pair of jeans. These 
While I at first thought my boss was weirdly trying to be cool, 
I got
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
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.
