#OOTD: Modern Muse (Feat. StyleWe)

"Art is anything you can get away with."  -Marshall McLuhan

The quote above is easily one of my favorite quotes of all time. One might think this is due to my own affinity for the arts, and I have a deep appreciation for every piece I have ever seen, even if it was not something I would hang in my home. However, I would like to let you know that though this is part of the reason, the true reason is, up until my college art history III course, I believed this quote to be from one of my most admired artists. However, after art history III, I found out that this quote actually came from one of his muses, and then that is when I gained my fascination with Marshall McLuhan--but we will save that story for another day.

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or Look Book, you all know that my bio for each mentions my love of three things which are animals, scotch, and Andy Warhol. Though I think the first two are pretty self explanatory, you might have wondered at one point or another why I feel the need to mention Andy Warhol. Well, if you couldn't tell from above, Warhol is most definitely one of my main muses and is actually one of my main inspirations to practice art in the first place. And to be honest, if it weren't for the many trips to the Warhol Museum that I had throughout my childhood and teenage years, I may have never wanted to pursue the arts in anyway, considering I have always been very academic.

"I like boring things." -Andy Warhol

Growing up, my mother always stated I was more of a miniature adult than I was a child. Sure, I enjoyed going outside, being active, and spending time with my pets, however it wasn't until I reached middle school that I really was interested in socializing with my peers, and that was solely during school. The reason this is, is because I am, and always have been an overachiever. Much like when I was a kid, I am still constantly studying and striving to maintain a 4.0 GPA, so it's safe to say though I do occasionally go out, it's never anything wild and crazy. However, once I went to the Warhol Museum with my mum when I was in second grade, something in me started stirring. Though at the time I didn't understand Warhol's ideas, I did love how vibrant his work was, all the celebrities he worked with, and most of all how much like me, Andy was shy, reserved and a bit awkward. He made me want to learn more about art and embrace my own creative side, and gave me the courage to embrace my "nerdiness" since I admired how successful he was. And that is truly how I believe I began the path I am on today.

Polished + Pop Art

Now that I have told you a bit of my own backstory and my special connection to this museum, let's get down to business and discuss what you came here for, the outfit details! So for this outing to my favorite place in Pittsburgh, I decided this was the perfect opportunity to style the bottom half of this dress from StyleWe. (Remember, I mentioned this a few posts back? The second half is coming soon too!) The reason I chose to style this piece as a skirt is because I love the funky but fun 70s vibe it gives this look. I paired it with an olive green blouse simply because the colors mesh perfectly, and topped this look off with my suede coat that I received from John's mum, along with my trusty suede booties so I could stay toasty warm while walking to the museum.

Aside from the colors of the blouse and skirt complementing each other, I also liked these two together because they kept true to the 70s vibe that I was going for with this outfit. The blouse itself drapes perfectly over the waist of the skirt, adding a nice over all shape, and the tie of the blouse's neckline hangs just right adding a chic and sophisticated feel to this look.

To complete this 70s chic look, I decided to pair it with with these gorgeous, gold, House of Harlow 1960 earrings, along with my eye glasses and some simple makeup. The reason I chose to wear my specs isn't just because I felt they were fitting due to the similarities they bare to my muse, but because I liked the bookish appearance they give this outfit, and admittedly I can barely see without them. I then chose the earrings because though they are more of the 60s era, I like the flare these statement earrings added to this outfit.

One Last Look

Who are some of your biggest inspirations and muses? I'd love to hear about them, so let's chat in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic. Have a photo of one of your favorite 70s inspired looks that you wanna show off? Feel free to tag me in a post of on your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic! Later, dolls.

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I styled in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Also, In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

#OOTD: Elephants On Parade (Feat. Amazon Fashion, Joeoy)

After spending a couple days with John in the sun shine state (a post about our mini vacation coming soon), I have to say that it was nice to come back home to the 'Burgh--even though it's miserably cold and snowing. However the Sunday prior to my vaycay, I was so happy to see that the sun was shining and the temperature was almost 60, so I decided it was the perfect opportunity to style one of my latest pieces from Amazon Fashion's, Joeoy, and head down to the city for some fun in the sun. So, my mum and I did just that, and headed to Station Square to peruse the shops and grab a bite to eat at Houlihan's.

Sweet Simplicity

As I've stated in some past posts, even though I'm not back on campus yet, I've really been enjoying styling some casual campus looks recently. And since I was back in one of my favorite places to be downtown, and the weather was absolutely perfect, I figured why not rock a fun spring look. So for my mum and I's lunch outing, I chose to wear this adorable crop top, compliments of Amazon Fashion's, Joeoy, paired with some dark skinny jeans, red chucks, and my ever trusty Chloe bag. 

The reason this shirt from Joeoy caught my eye isn't only because it has an adorable elephant pattern, but also because I liked the darling pocket detailing. I also have to say that this crop top is made very well from thick cotton, meaning you can't see marks of where your bra is through it, even though it is fitted. I also liked the way this top fit me, unlike some crop tops that I have  styled in the past, this one wasn't overly cropped and just showed the right amount of stomach. 

To stay true to this top's fun and casual feel, I chose to pair it with a pair of dark skinny jeans and a pair of red converse. The reason I chose these dark blue Levi's, is because I liked the contrast that they added to the white of the shirt, opposed to a light wash pair of jeans, which I feel would have washed out the top. I also like how these jeans complemented the black elephant pattern of the shirt as well, adding a nice balance to this look.

To further accessorize this outfit, I chose to pair it with some simple gold hoops, my Ritani ring plus my ring stack, and my motty grey saddle bag. The reason I chose a simple bag and jewelry is because I did not want to over shadow this top with a bunch of flashy pieces, I also thought they just simply wouldn't mesh well. I also wanted to stick to a strictly casual look because it was a Sunday after all, and that's the one day of the week when I am all about kicking back.

One Last Look

What are some of your favorite looks to kick back in? I'd love to chat about it in the comments below, or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic! Have a great relaxed look that you just wanna show off? Feel free to tag me in a post or on your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, Babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

#OOTD: Looking Through the Kaleidoscope (Feat. Amazon Fashion, Joeoy)

This past Friday, I was absolutely delighted to be back on my old stomping grounds in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. The weather was just so incredibly nice that it just seemed silly not to take advantage of it, and I have to say it was just so great to get outside for a bit and get some fresh air (while it lasts) after being cooped up in my office all week. However, the real reason I was strolling around the Boulevard of the Allies was not only to enjoy the lovely weather, but because I actually had a meeting with my admissions counselor at Point Park University about getting me ready for classes on campus this fall. 

Distinctive Determination

As I am sure many of you have assumed, I am absolutely thrilled to be back in college! However, I'm even more thrilled to be heading back to campus and that I will once again be calling downtown Pittsburgh home for another 6 years (FYI, I am going for my doctorate). With that being said, I have to say that visiting Point Park's campus really put me in the mind set and has gotten me even more excited! Considering this made for an all around perfect Friday afternoon, the beautiful weather just added to my already high spirits, so I decided to wear this darling, boho shift dress from my sponsor, Amazon Fashion's Joeoy. 

The reason that I just adore this bohemian shift dress, is because of its colorful patterns and fun nature. This dress is a perfect choice for both spring and summer due to its casual appeal and vivid colors. I also love this piece because it is light and comfortable, meaning that even during the dog days of summer this dress would be a great choice to keep you cool. To style this casual dress, I chose to simply pair it with one of my favorite brown totes and a simple pair of brown sandals. Though I do love dressing up, I have to say I am totally stoked to start styling some more casual college looks in the upcoming months!

To add some finishing touches to this casual look, I decided to pair this bohemian dress with a simple, hemp choker, and my grandmother's gold hoop earrings. The reason I chose these pieces is because much like the dress, both of them are fun, chic and casual! I also took into account that if I wore a longer necklace (think my Kendra Scott Drop pendant) that it would either get lost in the design of the dress, or take away from the tie-neck detailing.

One Last Look

What are some of your favorite cute and casual looks for class? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a favorite chic yet comfy look that you want to show off? Feel free to tag me in a post or on your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Love some of the items that I didn't link to in this post? Don't worry, I got you, just head over to my LIKEtoKNOW.it page and click the corresponding Instagram image for this post to shop this entire look.