Leather + Lace

i've drawn out Charleston Fashion Week long enough, and i'm finally giving you finale night!!

(i still have some runway looks to share with you, hopefully by the end of the week)

so, obviously, this was the night to go all out and get a bit fancy.

as i've said before, dresses are not really my thing.  i don't know why, i just feel like separates show more of your personal style, dresses are a bit harder to make your own.

that being said i do love this dress and all it has to offer: the gold, the lace, the leather, the sheer paneling . . . . it is a pretty sick dress, but i knew i couldn't just leave it at that.

i played with some jacket and accessory options and finally ended up slinging on this faux leather moto and laced-up some sassy heels to give it more of an edge

the high collar and intricacies of the lace didn't really allow for a necklace so i chose these 2-tone chain earrings to give it a little sparkle (as if it needed more)

layered on my usual arm party, grabbed this 2-tone metallic clutch, some reflector sunnies, and i was good to go

"don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"

ALL IMAGES MARIE RODRIGUEZ

dress Keepsake c/o styleXchange // clutch Urban Expressions c/o styleXchange // faux leather moto Forever 21 (old) // lace-up heels GoJane similar here // sunnies American Eagle // earrings Stella & Dot (old) // "on the prowl" ring JewelMint // spike midi ring similar here // runway watch Michael Kors via styleXchange // "anassa" chain bracelet c/o Moon and Lola // charm bangles Alex and Ani // bullet and coin bangles Bourbon and Boweties

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

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"