been there, done that

call me scrooge if you wish, but weddings are just not my thing

i love happy people, making happy memories, i just don't get all the fuss of a big to-do wedding

and since i've already had 1 and have no plans on having another, i didn't initially see the need to go to the Charleston Weddings Spring Bridal Show

i did, however, see the need to wear this 1 extra outfit i had pulled from styleXchange for Charleston Fashion Week!! 

its metallic muted palate seemed saturday luncheon appropriate so i mean, twist my arm already, i decided to go!!

i just love a mix and match suiting and this little number was too cute to pass up
the cropped jacket and envelope mini were an easy pairing, but what to wear underneath took a bit of trial and error before i found the perfect fit.
i had originally picked out an open back, ivory silk tank, but it was a bit blousy, so i switched it out last minute and went with this stark white crop top
i AM loving the crop top trend right now (when done right) but mostly when paired with a high-rise bottom, so only a sliver of rib cage is shown.
this was a bit of a daring skin baring look for me.  yes, i know it is only a smidge of tummy, but i have had 2 children so while i might be thin, i will never have that tight 6 pack i had in my pre-baby days and i was feeling a bit exposed
but i sucked it up (and in) and put my insecurities aside for the sake of fashion

i kept my heels and sunnies nude grabbed my favorite vintage gold clutch and paired this delicate raw edge amethyst to give me the slightest pop of color
i felt very pretty and feminine and so glad i came to enjoy the afternoon!!

"you are only confined by the walls you build yourself"

 ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ
jacket and skirt c/o styleXchange // white tank c/o styleXchange // "naomi" pumps ShoeMint // gold clutch Vintage // sunnies American Eagle (on sale in store) // necklace Moon and Lola // runway watch Michael Kors // "anassa" chain bracelet Moon and Lola // charm bangles Alex and Ani // bullet and coin bangles Bourbon and Boweties

Chain Reaction

i really loved all of my looks from Charleston Fashion Week (i mean, i love everything i wear, or else i wouldn't wear it), but this particular outfit was most definitely my fave!!

you know when you just put something on and it just changes EVERYTHING!

the way you feel, the way you walk, everything!

this outfit made me feel like a total BAD you know what!!

i felt like the coolest chic on the block (and let's be honest, i'm not that cool!!)

i knew i wanted the save the most fashion forward look for friday night, and this Criminal Damage sweatshirt was a given!!  the brand has graced the likes of Queen Bee herself, Ellie Goulding, and lil miss RiRi.  and of course, im like a moth to the flame for some GOLD so the chains just sealed the deal for me.

the envelope skort is sure to be making the rounds again this summer and since last year i was full on prego, i didnt want to miss out on this trend.

i know the white on white is a bit . . . how do you say . . . . WHITE, but i love it!

and since i'm still crushing on these turquoise heels they add a lil pop of color to the look.

jewelry for this was a bit tricky, but i felt it best to stick with the chain theme and added this large link necklace and multi strand bracelet (no bangles for once in my life! it was hard, but it had to be done)

the bag is very alexander mqueen-esque and adds a lil toughness to my street style rocker vibe

of course, i had to top it off with some sunnies, and the turquoise reflectors match my heels to perfection!!

ahhhhh . . . . i never wanted to take this outfit off!!!  it was soo hott and yet so totally comfy!!  don't judge me if you see me in the streets wearing it again and again . . . i just can't help myself!

"aspire to inspire before you expire"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

mua Megan Johnson of CosBar

chain sweatshirt Criminal Damage c/o styleXchange // white skort c/o styleXchange // metallic blue heels Shoe Republic LA via GoJane // brass knuckle clutch JNB c/o styleXchange // sunnies American Eagle // "ajman" chain necklace c/o Moon and Lola // "anassa" chain bracelet c/o Moon and Lola // runway watch Micheal Kors // 6 spike ring set Monkees // midi spike ring similar here

buy a pair, give a pair

ok, so by now, you're fully aware of my love of sunglasses!!  or sunnies as i like to call them.

i literally never leave the house without them and even keep a small stash in my car and a classic aviator in my purse at all times!

i just feel that they are such a staple and on top of that, they shade my eyes and allow me to hide the fact that i haven't slept and didn't feel like putting on makeup!!

lip gloss and a little pinch of the cheek is all this girl usually has time for.

all of this being said, the brand Warby Parker has been brought to my attention and not only do they have fabulous and chic styles to choose from, they also give back for every pair sold!!

their new spectrum sun collection has just launched and i know i have my eye on quite a few of these bad boys!!

with spring (hopefully being sprung very soon!!) and summer just around the corner i cannot wait to snatch them up and rock them out!!

below are a few of my faves, but be sure to check out the full Spectrum Sun Collection and read more HERE about the amazing things they're doing (like distributing over 500,000 pairs to people in need)!!

stay fashion forward and show love to those less fortunate!!

downing in striped sassafrass

hall in cherry blossom

piper in woodland tortoise

minnie in eucalyptus

"no one has ever become poor from giving"

CFW: night 4 runway recap part 1

im still going through all the photos from Charleston Fashion Week and just revisiting the runway shots from Friday night, makes me so excited for some spring weather!!

Mamie Ruth grooved down the runway to open the night!

me and my love of all things hippie dippie, i was in boho heavean!!

they teamed up with Satchel. and Mliz Designs to really pull together a STELLAR show!!

ahh, i could've ended on that note, but the show must go on!!!

and on it went with a team up of Swoon and Out of Hand

the hair art was my fave!  i don't even think i noticed the clothes until i started looking back at the pics, but they too were a bit boho chic and super fresh and fun!

Gwynn's was third and per usual, it went off with a bang, showcasing the wide variety of designers carried at the men's and women's boutique.

the emerging designers were GOOOOD!!!!  so i wont overload you with too much fashion in 1 post and save it for another day!!

"the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"

Baby Got Back

i was beginning to sense a theme by Day 3 of Charleston Fashion Week

i had unintentionally picked out another black and white look!

i am always saying how much i love color and try to stay away from too much black, but i suppose "doth protest too much" because here i go again!!

in addition to loving color, i also love separates and tend to stay away from dresses, but there was no way i was turning this little number down!

i love how classic and clean it looks from the front and when you turn around, BAM!!  there's this sexy little sliver of back.  it really is the perfect amount of skin to give you a lil something something without looking too hoochie momma! 

i love the flirty flip of the skirt and the 3 quarter length sleeves.  the fit is flawless, and the stretch knit is super comfortable, i would take this dress in every color!!

 i stuck with this over-sized black clutch and added some color with this rainbow bib and fuchsia pumps, just to give it a little splash.

pop of pink on the lips, rainbow reflectors and i'm good to go!!

"the only time you should look back is to see how far you've come"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

"marcel" dress Torn by Ronny Kobo c/o styleXchange // pink pumps Boutique 9 c/o styleXchange // clutch Urban Expressions c/o styleXchange // lucite reflectors American Eagle similar here // neon bib (old) love this one and this one