Rainbow Brite

This 80's baby was all about Rainbow Brite as a child. She lived her life in complete technicolor. Now as a New Yorker, my life is all consumed by a palette of black, but lately my quest for color has me living for sunny days and bright palettes. 

With me trying not to fall into my safety net of black, I have been shopping my own closet to find new ways to wear items that I have had in my closet. One of my favorite items is the Crazy Stripe Sweater from the Gap. This sweater has been a mainstay of my wardrobe for at least 4 years and it continues to go strong. I make sure I use a sweater stone to remove any piles and I put my sweaters away each season using space saver bags. Each holiday season they release a new Crazy Stripe, and this past season's version is on sale. 

There is something about a sweater and skirt combo that is just effortlessly chic. With NYC not getting the memo it is April and it's Spring, the weather is still chilly so a sweater with a skirt is a great way to combat the chill that is still in the air. Also, the sweater/midi or maxi skirt combo is a great way to transition into the next season. Also the great thing about this combo is that you can dress it up with pumps, or go casual with a great pair of white sneakers. My go to white sneaker these days is the classic Stan Smith. 

I found this bold hue skirt on Fullbeauty's website from their offering of Violeta items. I love that it is a pull on skirt which makes life easy. Sometimes I just do not want to fuss with a skirt with zippers. There are definitely some sizes available on their site, so don't wait cause it is on sale for $32. I have also linked some other boldly hued skirts is this red one is not your cup of tea.

Moto jackets are my achilles heel. I live for a good moto. Moto jackets are just the easiest way to add some cool girl vibes to any look. Don't be surprised this Spring when you see me in a new color one everyday...lol. This red stunner is also from Fullbeauty from Ulla Popken. This suede version is sold out, but they do have a faux leather one available. I also linked some other cute red moto's that I feel you need in your life. 

Only thing left is to add your favorite red lippie, some accessories and you are ready to live your best Rainbow Brite life. Were you a fan or her vibe growing up? Do you live for color or do you stick to neutrals? Please share in the comments! Muah!!

Hey Girl

Hey Allie?!?!? You done changed up on me....lol

Last year, Lane Bryant debut the Allie pant. Allie was universal pant that worked for a myriad of women. Though I loved the fit, I wasn't the big on bootcut pants. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with bootcuts, I just love a skinny pant. So when Lane Bryant sent me the Allie now in a skinny pull on version I was excited to give them a try.

Things that you need to know about Allie- it is made from a smart stretch material that holds it shape throughout the day, its a pull on pant (easy on, easy off), and it comes in petites!!! I am wearing a 18, and I cuffed them since I wanted to show off my booties, but I wonder if the 18P would have given me the perfect amount of ankle without any cuff. 

For an afternoon out and about, I went with my Tracee Ellis Ross turtleneck (old and sold out). Its oversized, warm, grey goodness is great for these chilly NYC days. With the weather being so bi-polar, having warm and cozy sweaters like this are necessary. I threw on my trusty Levi trucker jacket, and my new snakeskin booties from Violeta by Mango. I have been loving the new items that I found while I was on Fullbeauty's website. 

With all the new pink goodies I have been adding to my closet, it was a no-brainer for me to get a pair of pink booties and a crossbody in pink snakeskin. I love Mango's accessories, they are made a good quality materials. These are the perfect height for walking around. The crossbody holds all my essentials, and I can wear it across, or tuck in the strap and rock it as a clutch. These are both sold out unfortunately, but they do have some great items at Fullbeauty.

I have been on the hunt for great walls around the city. One of them just so happens to be in a train station. Yup in NYC you get to see some art while walking to your train to go to work. With all the cool walls I have been seeing and shooting at, I am now going to share their magnificence in a new section on the blog. Not sure what I am going to call it, but stay tuned.  

Kicking It Around Town

One of my goals for 2018 is to travel more. It's real easy to just stay at home (especially when you live in NYC) and just use your vacation time to just catch up on all the things that you put off due to work. Don't get me wrong, a good staycation is everything, but this gal needed to get on a plane and get away- even if it was for a couple of days. 

Violeta by Mango Jacket

I took some time to visit my blogger boo The Real Sample Size in Houston. I've never been to Texas, so it was only fitting for my first trip out to the Southwest that I go to visit her. I got to check out Downtown Houston which is home to their stadiums, and their amazing mall that has some of the cutest spots for pictures. She also took me to 3rd Ward, where we gave Trap Brunch a go (brunching while listening & dancing to trap music), and other spots around the city to check out their massive murals. I also ate crawfish for the first time, and had hibachi (which I am now addicted to, thanks ShaKera).

When venturing around, I always travel with the essentials- tee, jeans, and sneakers. I'm on vacation, so I want all things comfortable. Now comfortable for me is this look, but for other's maybe not. Hey, at the end of the day it's about wearing what makes you feel your best. 

Lane Bryant Skinny Jeans

My jacket collection is pretty vast these days, so in order to catch my eye, it has to be a showstopper. This Violeta by Mango jacket that I got from Fullbeauty is definitely such. It was love at first sight. It's a satiny pink bomber with glitter accents, what's not to love? Violeta is a cool line with some great pieces that you can easily mix and match with your wardrobe. I am wearing a XL in the jacket which is a size 20. I hope that the brand decides to expand the line, because there are so many pieces a woman 20+ would love to wear. I paired the jacket with a simple mock neck tee (this one is sold out, but here is another one for $7), and my favorite curve hugging, skinny jeans from Lane Bryant. 

I will definitely say this - I have become obsessed with statement earrings. Having cool accessories can really amp up a simple look. I've had these Gabriela fringe earrings from Baublebar since last summer and they are definitely a fan favorite. Rose gold accessories just look amazing against the melanin. 

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My sneaker addiction has been in overdrive as of late, and I have been loving all the new colorways of my favorite sneakers. The Nike Air Force 1 is one of my Top 5 favorite sneakers of all time, so when I saw them in this super cute blush color I bought- cause sometimes you just gotta "Treat Yourself".

 

These are an update to the classic AF1 called the Ultraforce. I consider it a sock hybrid sneaker since you don't have to lace them up for a secure fit.  It also has side mesh panels for breathability. This color is sold out, but it does come in 6 other colors. 

I definitely enjoyed my time in Houston. Another trip is definitely in the works. I would love to do a meet up with all of the lovely bloggers in the area, as well take some time to enjoy some Texas BBQ.

So what do you wear when you are kicking it around town? Share below!!! Muah!!! 

 

Ga Ga for Gingham

Gingham has become a big part of my wardrobe. It started last summer when I bought this cute skirt. This season, gingham has become the ultimate summer staple and has been used in fun silhouettes. 

This top is from the Violeta from Mango is a great addition if you like a little gingham. It's cold shoulder takes it up a notch and it's extremely lightweight. I am wearing a L, which is comparable to a 18/20. This top is currently on sale, so definitely check it out (lol) before it sells out.

I am always on the lookout for new denim, so any chance I get to try a new brand I am all for it. The latest on my list was SLINK jeans. SLINK jeans are premium made denim using their exclusive technology. I have been wanting a new pair of skinny jeans, so I went with the Danika. I love the distressing of the denim, but this particular fit sits quite low on my waist. I prefer a higher rise, but for those that like low rise jeans these should be a great addition to your closet. I went with a 16, and everything fit in the legs, just that the rise was a little on the short side. I do like the denim itself, but I would have to try a different fit before I can add SLINK to my approved list of jeans.

I wanted to keep the gingham going, so I wore my gingham block heels from Betsey Johnson. Every time I wear these sandals I receive tons of compliments. It's a fun, comfy shoe that you can wear with anything. 

I was able to try Violeta and SLINK at Fullbeauty. Fullbeauty is a great one stop shop for plus. Their wide range of brands like Melissa McCarthy, Fashion to Figure, Ellos and Jessica London definitely cater to anyone's style. If you are looking to try new brands, then definitely head to Fullbeauty first. You may end up with some goodies that are on sale.