Leather on Leather

i have literally been on a mission all winter long to accumulate as much leather (faux of course) as possible!!

it started with the leather legging, i have a pair that i purchased from American Apparel some 6+ years ago, and have worn them to death!!

so, seeing as leather made a huge presence this fall, i took full advantage and purchased quite a few pairs of both leggings and pants

this pair has got to be my favorite!!

usually, im not big on the half leather/half legging combo, but these bad boys are so sexy and beyond comfortable, they've totally changed my opinion!

the zipper details give it the edge i need while the elastic waist keeps them everyday friendly and mommy approved!

also, following in line with my love of leather, is this moto jacket!

it's meant to be over-sized, and is potentially a bit too over-sized for my frame, but i pulled out the "coat-slinging" trick again and it totally pulls the whole look together!

all in all, i feel like one bad mamajama!!!

and at a very friendly price tag thanks to Forever 21!!

"the secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

"mtv" tee Forever 21(in store) similar here // 'borrowed from the boys" moto jacket (ON SALE!!) Forever 21 // leather leggings Forever 21 similar here and here // "eileen" heels Shoemint // gold clutch Vintage // assorted leather wraps similar here

freezing in faux fur

you know that 1 piece in your closet that just makes you smile?

this is faur fur vest is mine!

i have probably only worn it a half a dozen times, but every time i do, it makes me extremely happy!

and while i must admit, i paid a pretty penny for this show-stopper (im usually uber frugal when it comes to clothing), it felt good to splurge on myself for just this once!

 it is such an overpowering mass of fur, so i paired it with these white shorts and simple blouse to really showcase its beauty

i'm really loving the dolphin shorts trend for summer!  especially in leather like this pair.  they're super comfortable, slightly sporty, and a welcome change up from my cutoffs (not that i wont be rocking "jorts" like everyday all day come summer)

my topknot was inevitable, mostly because of the rain, but also because the collar make this a definite "hair up" look

thank goodness for my bangs, they kept it looking fairly chic

"Happiness is a habit, cultivate it"

xoxo,

Tara Belle

 
ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

blouse Rock & Republic similar here, faux fur vest Alice + Olivia similar here and here, faux leather shorts styleXchange, "eileen" heels Shoemint, earrings Jewelmint (old), bag Maurizio Taiuti tjmaxx aviators Marc New York

brick walls + watercolors

i am slightly obsessed with this look

or really any look that allows me the opportunity to wear these pumps!!

the combo of red and pink is just so eye catching, i cant get enough of them

in my previous life (pre-babies) i could get away with wearing beautiful silk blouses (literally everyday) and not have to worry about spit up or slobber or whatever other stickiness these boys might find

now-a-days i usually pick up washer friendly styles (ie: cotton!)

but, my wonderful mother-in-law gave me the day off and and a chance to revisit the "sXc" section of my closet, that is all too frequently neglected

if you're a stay-at-home mom, you will totally relate with me on this!!

i got myself all fancied up for an afternoon downtown, ALONE!!!!!

i can't tell you the last time i did that, probably never

and as delightful and QUIET as it was, I was more than eager to get home to my beautiful boys

"the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others"

xoxo,

Tara Belle

 blouse Julie Haus (old) love this and this, faux leather jacket Nordstrom identical here, jeans J Brand, adrienne pumps Shoemint, leather envelope Baekgaard, necklaces Dogeared, watch Michael Kors, bangles Alex and Ani

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

Blue Suede Bling

todays look is all about thrifted goodness!!

i found this sequin jacket a couple of years ago and its a little big, 

but with this new "coat-slinging" trend in fashion, it sits just fine on my shoulders

it gives me a lil 80's quirky grandma vibe and i just love the beaded flowers

i know all the fashion darlings live for black and white everything, but i myself can't live without color, so i made a pop with this blue suede mini!

the color is perfection and lucky for me, i found this at my new fave thrift shop for like $4!!!

of course, it was raining so my hair is looking a hot mess, hence the not so successful top knot

i was also trying the new purple lip that's been trending lately, 

i'm not sure i'm loving it on me, but i haven't totally given up on it just yet

"in order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different"

xoxo,

Tara Belle

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

white blouse Chaus, sequin blazer Vintage love this one, blue suede skirt Thrifted similar here, "lola" silver pumps Shoemint, bracelet Jewelmint

flea market fringe

i know i've said it before, but just to reiterate, this chick LOVES a bargain!!

and whats even more exciting than getting a good deal, is the hunt to find one!!

my favorite place to rummage is the flea market

it never ceases to amaze me, the variety of things you can find 

from tools to live chickens, baby toys to fresh produce

there's truly something for everyone

i myself am forever on the hunt for unique pieces to add to my collection of home decor

china, trinkets, furniture, etc

i would love nothing more than to have a home filled with old finds from the flea

antique is the new new ya know!!

we scored big time, finding all kinds of goodies including an upholstered couch, a dining hutch, a pair of chairs, a metal toolbox and a handful of extras

ill be sure to have a before and after post to show you how i gave them new life!

"discovery consists not in seeking new land, but in seeing with new eyes"

xoxo,

Tara Belle

white tee H&M, denim work shirt Thrifted, denim Adriano Goldschmied identical here, leopard hi-tops Vans similar here, pink bullet pendant Jewelmint, bangles Alex and Ani