#OOTD: Modern Muse (Feat. StyleWe)

March 16, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Personal Style

"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)

March 14, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Personal Style

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!

International Women's Day: Working Girl Style (Feat. SheIn)

March 08, 2017 by Bree Fesh in Miscellaneous

With my blog rapidly approaching the two year mark, I feel that it is only natural for me to start covering some bigger topics on here. Of course that doesn't mean discarding style and beauty posts all together, but simply combining them with some more serious current events. And in my first step towards this, I have decided to partner with my long time sponsor, SheIn, and put together this style post/style guide comprised of some of my favorite office outfits I have received from SheIn for past sponsored posts, in light of International Women's Day.

What is International Women's Day?

Though I am sure many of you already know what International Women's Day is (the only way I figure you do not is if you happen to live under a rock, and I say this because it has been all over the news lately), I'm just going to take a minute to highlight what this day is all about. You see, International Women's Day first started back in 1909, and was originally called International Working Women's Day, and now takes place on March 8th every year. More over, the reason this holiday started was to commemorate the struggle for women's rights, and to remind all of us how important women truly are to society.

And as I mentioned earlier, this year International Women's Day has been all over the news (well, at least here in the United States, I can't speak for other countries) due to many of the negative feelings towards our reality TV boss and his chosen cast--erm-- presidential cabinet members, leading many of us ladies to exercise our right to peacefully protest in today's cause which has been dubbed "A Day Without a Woman". Though I won't post my personal political views here, I feel it is pretty clear in my earlier statement, I can say that I will, unfortunately, not be at the protest in downtown Pittsburgh, nor will I be at work in my office today for that matter. And in case you're wondering, this is due to a surgery I had on my foot yesterday. (Don't worry I'm fine, I just can't walk for a few days and am no longer able to surf when I get to Florida for spring break Friday morning *sobs*.)

However, all of my negative political feelings aside, I chose to be positive and have partnered with SheIn for this special style post today. The reason this post is a bit different than my "style guides" is because not only does this post focus on attire for us ladies who work in the corporate world, but also because it is focusing on some of my personal favorite office looks that I have received from SheIn over the past two years. And to me, this post is serving as my own personal recognition of International Women's Day and to showcase how proud I am of my own femininity.

Boldly Business Savvy

This pencil dress is by far one of my favorite spring pieces for work and play. Though this dress works great for the office, it also works great for after work happy hour due to its bold pattern and sleek shape, think of it as a classic piece with a modern twist. To style this dress, I simply pair it with my "Elle" earrings in cobalt by Kendra Scott, due to how they complement the blue of the dress along with some plain black pumps. (To read my original post about this outfit, click here.)

Monday Meeting in Maroon

Outfit Links: Earrings, Necklace, Cuff, Dress, Alternative Dress, Purse, Shoes

For this sweet office look, I chose a more traditional silhouette with this simple swing dress. However, though this dress has a simple design, it is actually quite fashionable due to its chic geometric, color blocking. To style this dress, I generally wear some pearl or opal earrings, a simple tassel drop necklace, a cuff bracelet, my black clutch from SheIn, and some simple black pumps. The reason these accessories work with this dress is due to the fact they add some extra shine without being over the top. (To read my original post about this outfit, click here.)

Polished Professional

Outfit Links: Earrings, Hand Chain, Necklace, Top, Skirt, Shoes

This next outfit is one of my favorite summer looks. The reason why I adore this blouse and skirt combination is because it is just sweet, simple, and oh so feminine. This is actually one of my favorite outfits of all time simply because it makes me feel pretty and is totally classic. To style this look, I paired it with my Kendra Scott "Lauren" earrings, this Perry Street "Morgan" necklace, this adorable hand chain by Gorjana, along with some simple white sandals. I just love this look paired with these jewelry pieces because they are every bit as pretty and classic as this look. (To read my original post about this outfit, click here.)

Teachin' To The Choir

Outfit Links: Earrings, Bracelet, Necklace, Sweater, Skirt, Shoes

Though this entire outfit was not from SheIn, the velvet booties certainly are, and SheIn actually has many similar pieces for those of you who may want to shop this look! However, this look, is a great fall look due to it's fun color pairings. Though the sweater and skirt are neutral colors, I added some depth and color to this look by pairing it with these cobalt blue earrings, this Perry Street Necklace, and of course these burgundy velvet booties! The reason these pieces work together is because they each add a pop of color to this outfit as well as complement each other. (To read my original post about this outfit, click here.)

Bookstore's Best

Outfit Links: Earrings, Cuff, Necklace, Sunglasses, Sweater, Alternative Sweater, Dress, Alternative Dress, Shoes

This final look is actually on of my favorite versatile looks that I have posted about on here in the past two years. Though originally I simply showcased this dress on its own, I then updated the post with a second look, which is the one you see above. Though the dress by itself is not at all work appropriate, paired with this charcoal sweater, makes for a great work look, especially if your company partakes in casual Fridays like DSG! To style this layered look, I paired it with these Kendra Scott earrings, this arrow head cuff by Robyn Rhodes, topped off with this necklace by SLATE and some plain black flats. (To read my original post about this outfit, click here.)

How are you spending International Women's Day and what are some of your favorite outfits fit for the work place? I'd love to chat with you, so feel free to leave a comment below or tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have an awesome office outfit that you'd just love to show off? Feel free to tag me in a post or on your Instagram Story at @StarkRavingChic.

And one last note before I sign off, I just want to remind everybody that though I just had surgery, I am still headed on vacation with John for spring break, so I will not be posting here until Monday, March 13th! So though I will be absent from tomorrow through Sunday (I know, weird right?) I promise I will be back bright and early Monday morning, so stay tuned. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree