#OOTD: Ilford & Izod

As some of you may know, aside from blogging, I actually work as a professional photographer for the company Dick's Sporting Goods. Though photography was my first love as I mentioned in my New Year's Resolutions post, it's not something I get to do much of outside of work anymore. However, today was a beautiful day, well for February anyways, so I decided to dust off my old Canon F-1, pop in a roll of Ilford and do what I love doing most: make pictures. I also thought it was a nice opportunity to show my readers the not so glammed up side of me, behold, this outfit of the day post was born!
 

The Look

Today while tromping around the grounds of my primary school Mount Gallitzin Academy, I chose just to wear a simple cable knit Izod sweater paired with my old favorite Levi's. The reason why I chose this is because like most photographers, I prefer to be comfy when shooting!

Simple Jewelry

Though jewelry wasn't necessary for this look, I always wear my Movado watch while out shooting simply because I don't like to carry my phone when I am photographing, but still like to be able to check the time. I also tried something new by pairing it with my Spike and Crystal bangle from Bijoux USA. And just to add a little extra shimmer, I threw on my Tiffany kidney bean necklace!

Lastly I decided to wear my beautiful handmade Jared silver ball filigree earrings, one of my favorite gifts from my mother.

One Last Look

What are some of your favorite comfy pieces? Let's chat about it in the comments below or tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Also if you want to show me any of your favorite pieces, feel free to tag me on Instagram at @StarkRavingChic.

Xx, Bree

#OOTD: Back In Black (Feat. Moto Pants from SheIn)

Hi everyone and happy Monday! Though I know this is just about everyone's least favorite day of the week, I'm trying to embrace it and figured why not post a fun new outfit that I received part of from my collaborators over at SheIn. Also as I'm sure some of you have noticed from my last post, I've traded in my blue locks in for something quite a bit darker.

Firstly, I'm back to my signature black tresses.

Okay, so I know most of you are more familiar with seeing my hair in various shades of blue or purple, however recently I visited my friends over at Studio RAW 2.0 and decided I missed my jet black hair. All throughout high school and college I donned my luscious black locks, and thought it was time to give them a proper comeback.

Another reason why I decided to go with this color is simply because it's much more manageable. Don't get me wrong, I loved my multi colored hair however, the up keep on it was a bit time consuming for my liking. So much so when my stylist Chris told me I would only be two hours I literally asked "really are you sure it won't take longer?" Yeah, 4 and a half hour hair appointments aren't the best thing for a lady with a packed schedule! Nonetheless, I'm still so happy I had the opportunity to have such a style done, because if I hadn't I never would have had my Studio Raw experience. But I have to admit, it's nice to be back to my signature look.

The Outfit

Wearing this outfit today, I really felt as though I was embracing my inner rocker, which to be honest, isn't something I have done since I was in high school. But to be honest, it felt great! I forgot how much I enjoyed wearing leather and tees considering in the work place I can't so much (well I could, but I'm sure it would be frowned upon).

First up in my leather ensemble, is my beloved vintage Wilson Leather bomber jacket. I've had this jacket since tenth grade and it has always been a favorite of mine. This is because its comfy, durable, and perfect for almost every season. I also adore the zipper detailing!

And I can't help but mention my Banana Republic "No Photos" tee. This adorably sassy tee became a fast favorite of mine last year back when I got it on my BR shopping spree!

Next, are something I have wanted since high school and those are a pair of leather moto pants. These ones where graciously given to me by my collaborators at SheIn! The reason I loved these pants when I first seen them is because of their ribbed detailing as well as the zipper detailing at the ankle, and one of the pockets (not shown). And now that I've worn them, I have to say they were a great gift! These are very comfy and fit incredibly well. If you love these pants as much as I do, you can find them here.

Lastly, to top off my look, I decided to wear my Betsy Johnson sunnies. They are just such a perfect fit for my rock star vibe!

One Last Look

What are some of your looks that take you back to your younger days? I'd love to hear about it, so tell me about them in the comments below or tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Also feel free to show me on Instagram by tagging me at @StarkRavingChic. Keep it chic babes!

Xx,

Bree

#OOTD: Eyeglasses & Entomology (Feat. Harper & Blake)

There are a few things most people don't know about me: One being that I wear [and love my] glasses, and the other being that ever since I was a small child I've had a fascination with insects. So last year when I had the opportunity to partner with Harper & Blake (formerly Iconemesis), it should be no surprise that the phone case I chose to review had bugs on it! And I figured what better way to showcase the cover (and finally do a write up for this long over due review--sorry girls!) than a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and check out some of their entomology exhibits.

The Phone Case

As I stated earlier, last October I had the opportunity of partnering with Harper & Blake when they kindly sent me a very fashionable phone case. As much as I wanted to post this sooner the whirlwind of the holidays caught up with me and it sadly got pushed back until now! However, I have to say this might have worked out for a better review because even after using the case for the past few months there are hardly any signs of wear and tear!

Ring by Moissanite Co.

The reason why I chose this phone case is because it was so different than anything I've had to choose from here in the U.S. I just loved Harper & Blake's adorably quirky and unique designs. So it's safe to say, from now on this will be the only shop I'll be purchasing phone cases from!

Just in case you're curious here are a few others that I have my eye on:

The Specs
 

"Men seldom make passes, at girls who wear glasses."  Sorry Ms. Parker, I beg to differ.

All throughout my late teens and now my early adult life, my peers have always questioned me as to why I don't just get Lasik surgery. Well the answer, as silly as it may seem, is I'm honestly attached to my glasses! I mean, I've needed them since I was in first grade and have actually worn them since second, so through the years, I've totally learned how to rock them.

Coat by Michael Kors
 

This brings me to my gorgeous pair of Havana Striped glasses by Avalon. I've had these babies since my sophomore year in college, and out of all the pairs I've owned over the years, these became my all time favorite. The reason is due to their pretty caramel, dark coffee color and their light subtle pattern, it makes them easy to pair with everything. These also just have such a sleek and classic shape that even in today's nerd culture, I still feel as though I have my own style identity, without looking like I've succumbed to a teenage trend that I refer to as "grandpa" glasses.
 

The Outfit

My outfit for my afternoon at the museum was just a simple black dress, paired with a scarf as a belt and some black rounded toe heels. This look was comfortable enough to walk around the museum as well as stylish enough to head to a nice dinner afterwards.

One Last Look

So, do you have a favorite Harper & Blake phone case design? Do you need to wear glasses? If so, do you love them or hate them? I'd love to chat, so tell me about it in the comments below or tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic!