#OOTD: Band Tees & Torn Jeans, Rebel in Style (Feat. Jenny Bird & Honda)

If you're a true music lover like me, you understand that a band tee is much more than just a piece of clothing; it's a powerful statement. Each tee carries the essence of the music, the spirit of the artists, and the memories of legendary performances witnessed when attending our favorite bands’ shows. It's a wearable tribute to the artists that have shaped our lives and a way to proudly display our musical allegiance. For us, donning a band tee is an expression of identity, a nod to our favorite artists, and a celebration of the music that moves us. So today, I’m channeling my inner rock star with an outfit that screams rebellion and individuality. As a die-hard fan of alternative rock, I’m excited to share my latest look that perfectly blends edgy aesthetics with musical homage—and to top it all off, I’m featuring my Honda Rebel 1100 motorcycle!

The Overture: Vintage Band Tee

Kicking off my alternative rock ensemble is the vintage band tee—a timeless emblem of music rebellion. This season, I'm choosing a well-loved tee that whispers tales of legendary performances and musical adventures. Its faded glory is a testament to both the band's history and my own lionhearted journey. This tee would be no other than my Taking Back Sunday tee. This band tee is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a tribute to one of my favorite bands. The well-worn fabric and faded graphics tell stories of countless concerts and endless hours of listening to their music—literally since middle school. It’s a wardrobe staple that always adds a touch of nostalgia and a lot of rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

The Power Chords: Distressed Denim

As the rhythm section of my look,  are my ripped skinny jeans. These jeans are the epitome of casual cool with their relaxed fit and artfully distressed look. The worn-in denim adds a touch of rebellion, the rips and shreds give them an edgy vibe that perfectly aligns with the rebellious nature of the outfit. They’re comfortable, stylish, and add just the right amount of grit to the ensemble.

The Statement: Mary Jane Boots

To ground the look, I’ve chosen a pair of Mary Jane style boots. The boots, adorned with chains, ground the ensemble with an urban edge. Together, they create a powerful chord progression that resonates with the spirit of alternative rock. These boots are adorned with buckles and chains, give them a rugged, urban edge. They’re not just about style—they’re practical and durable, ready to take on any adventure. These boots tie the whole outfit together, reinforcing the rebellious, rock-inspired theme.

The Edge: Leather Jacket

No rock-inspired outfit (or one safe for the open road) is complete without a leather jacket. Draped over my shoulders or zipped up tight, this jacket is my go-to piece for adding an instant edge to any look. It’s the ultimate symbol of rock ‘n’ roll cool and is perfect for those crisp spring evenings when you need an extra layer without sacrificing style. Plus, it pairs perfectly with the sleek, powerful look of my Honda Rebel 1100.

The Background Vocals: Jenny Bird Lazuli Triangle Hook Earrings and Black Ray-Bans

Accessories are key to nailing the alternative rock aesthetic. I’ve chosen Lazuli Triangle Hook Earrings that add a touch of glam and attitude without being over the top. For the ultimate rock star vibe, I’ve added a pair of black Ray-Bans. These sunglasses are classic, cool, and add an air of mystery to the ensemble.

The Finishing Touch: The Room Cap

To top it all off, I’m wearing a black cap from a date Adam and I went on a year ago, which was a showing of “The Room” at Bottle Rockets Bar. This cap adds a casual, laid-back element to the outfit and helps pull everything together. It’s the perfect accessory to complete my look, adding just a hint of old-school coolness, it also pays homage to one of my favorite cult classics.

One Last Look

Today’s outfit is all about embracing the spirit of alternative rock with pieces that are both stylish and meaningful. Each element of my ensemble—from the Taking Back Sunday tee to the Mary Jane boots and leather jacket—contributes to a look that’s rebellious, edgy, and undeniably cool. And with my Honda Rebel 1100 as the ultimate accessory, I’m ready to hit the road in style. As you curate your own spring wardrobe, remember to infuse it with pieces that reflect your personal style and musical passions. Let your outfit be a testament to your love for music and a statement of your unique identity. Rock and ride on!

Are there any band tees in your closet that hold a special place in your wardrobe? Let’s chat about it in the comments below! I’d also love to hear about some of your favorite tunes so please feel free to share!

Xx, Bree

P.S. If you wanna keep the conversation going on socials, feel free to follow me on Instagram (and connect with me on Threads!), Pinterest, BlogLovin, Twitter (oops I mean “X”, yuck), you can also like/follow me on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn!

P.P.S. Pssssst! If you love this outfit and want to shop my closet, you can find these pieces and similar ones here in my LIKEtoKNOW.it shop!

#OOTD: Singing in the Rain (Feat. Prada)

Man, oh, man! Flash floods, crazy 80mph winds, and landslides—WTF is happening in The ‘Burgh lately with this weather?! Though I’ll admit, I’ve been a bit salty due to the recent abhorrent weather barring me from riding my motorcycle as much as I’d like, I am the type of person who also genuinely loves rainy days. And this also extends to styling outfits for them.

Rainy days often whisper to us to tuck away our style under heavy, dreary layers. But why blend into the gloom when you can sing in the rain with timeless chic? Rain, with its poetic charm, invites us to redefine our wardrobe narrative. It’s a chance to demonstrate how a downpour can't dampen your spirits or your style. Picture this: puddles reflecting the city lights, the rhythmic pitter-patter of rain against the window, and you - a vision of elegance, stepping out in a carefully curated ensemble that turns heads and defies the drizzle.

There’s something about the rain that invites a fusion of comfort and style into a beautifully choreographed dance. On this particularly wet day, I chose to become a melody of my own making, enveloping myself in the warmth and sophistication of a carefully curated outfit. Draped in a classic tan Prada raincoat, paired seamlessly with deep brown trousers and a pearl-buttoned white blouse, I step into the rainfall not just prepared but poised, turning the dreary weather into a backdrop for timeless style. This is more than an outfit; it’s a statement - that comfort and elegance can waltz hand in hand, even through a storm.

My Rainy Rhapsody: A Closer Look

The Heart of the Outfit: My Tan Prada Raincoat

This isn't just any raincoat; it's my steadfast companion against the rain (so much so, I have one in black too!). Its tan hue and sleek silhouette not only protect me from the downpour but also envelop me in a style that feels both timeless and profoundly personal (think Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s searching for Cat in the New York City streets—one of my favorite films and scenes). It's my armor, my fashion statement, and my umbrella all in one, blending seamlessly with the earthy notes of my chosen palette.  Furthermore, it’s sleek design not only keeps me dry but adds a touch of sophistication to my rainy-day look. The neutral tone effortlessly complements the earthy palette of the ensemble.

The Foundation: Rich Brown Trousers

Opting for dark brown trousers help marry style and functionality. These trousers are more than just a part of my outfit; they're a testament to my belief that style and practicality can walk hand in hand. The loose fit and earthy brown hue echo the natural harmony of a rain-soaked earth, allowing me to move gracefully through each puddle and droplet, grounded yet elegant. The earthy hue not only resonates with the rainy-day ambiance but also provides a versatile base for the ensemble.

The Melody: White Blouse with Pearl Buttons

The white blouse, adorned with delicate pearl buttons, is the crescendo of my outfit. It brings a touch of luminance to a day overshadowed by clouds, its elegance understated yet unmistakable. This piece resonates with my personal style—classic, with a hint of romantic flair, making even a rainy day feel special.

Step by Step; The Boots:

My boots are more than functional; they're an extension of my style ethos. Waterproof, yes, but crafted with an eye for design that befits the earth-toned narrative of my outfit. They keep me dry and grounded, literally and stylistically, ensuring your feet stay dry and fashionable. (Also I have to mention these babies from Frye are multipurpose—they also moonlight as my riding boots for the bike as well!)

The Finishing Touch: My Duck Head  Umbrella

This is where functionality meets flair. My umbrella, in tones that mirror the day's ensemble, stands at the ready, not just as a shield against the rain but as a statement piece that completes my look. I indulge in the harmonious fusion of functionality and flamboyance with the addition of a meticulously crafted carved wooden duck head handle to the umbrella. And for my loyal readers who are accustomed to my penchant for naming beloved possessions, let it be known that this cherished umbrella bears the name Francesco, or affectionately known as Frankie for brevity's sake.

Hair and Makeup/Effortlessly Me: Natural Tresses & A Fresh Face

I let my hair fall in loose waves, a soft, natural style that feels like it's been kissed by the rain itself. It’s a look that says, 'I've embraced the elements and made them my own’. My makeup choice is light, aiming for a dewy finish that withstands the dampness of the day. It's about enhancing, not masking, letting my natural beauty shine through, rain or shine.

Welcoming the Rain; A Reflection & One Last Look:

As I move through the rain, each step an affirmation of style's place in all seasons, I am reminded that personal fashion is not just about dressing for the weather but about embracing it. I'm reminded that style is not just about the clothes we wear but about how we wear our confidence, our story, and our uniqueness. The rain, with all its dreary connotations, becomes a stage on which I bring my personal style narrative to life, transforming a mundane day into a showcase of elegance and personal expression. Let's walk through the rain, not as a necessity, but as an opportunity to shine. Today, beneath overcast skies, I danced in the rain, and in doing so, I found a rhythm that was uniquely mine.

What’s your favorite thing about a rainy day?! Please tell me about it in the comments below!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Pssssst! If you love this outfit and want to shop my closet, you can find these pieces and similar ones here in my LIKEtoKNOW.it shop!

#OOTD: Of The Vintage Variety (Feat. SheIn)

Wow, what a month it has been! Though I have been absent from here lately, if you follow me on Instagram you know that I have been far from being on hiatus and will have many exciting posts to come this summer. Just to fill those of you in who haven’t been on Instagram lately, recently I just returned from a trip to Florida, a place that makes my heart very happy, only second to my home away from home, New Orleans. While in the sunshine state, I did so much exploring and experienced some great and lively new places, which I will be writing about in an upcoming travel post (in the mean time you can checkout my story highlights and feed to see what I was up too), and in said travel post I will also be talking about how I’ve mastered my minimalist packing skills—as per request from many of you, and I just can’t wait to share!

However, in today’s post, I’m starting back with a light, fun, and stylish look for the season and will be talking about this darling summer outfit of the day. Which features some vintage Gap denim shorts I snagged at a thrift store in St. Petersburg during my travels, as well as this adorable tie up top from my long time sponsor and affiliate, SheIn.

Seeking the Seventies

Recently, after returning home from Florida, I was admittedly very happy to hear from one of the representatives I work with from SheIn, not only because I'm thrilled to be working with them and love their clothes, they also have a huge new selection for the change in season, so what better time to take on some new projects with them? I was also thrilled to find that one of the products that they were looking to feature was this adorable, vintage style, tie up top, which as soon as I saw it, I knew that it would pair perfectly with my new vintage high-waisted shorts. And pretty much as soon as I returned home, I had a brunch date with a few of my girl friends in Sewickley and just knew this seventies inspired outfit would be the perfect fit for our girls days out.

As many of my longtime readers know, I have been forever in love with vintage looks reminiscent of the 1970s. Something about the freedom of that time period and the way its fashion mirrored it has most definitely become iconic and a trend in fashion that I welcomed back with open arms in 2015. I simply have always just adored the light and airy vibes the styles exude, as well as the earth tones that tend to go along with them, adding to their charm and making them a perfect pick for summer. So, needless to say I was incredibly excited to style these two awesome pieces. What makes them each so perfect for a nice summer outing it that they are both simple and chic pieces. The blouse is great due to its light color and the shorts complement it by balancing the outfit out, giving it a nice, casual feel. 

I do have to mention though, that aside from this top being a great color for summer, I also love it because it is incredibly comfortable and well made. The material is very light and breathable, making this top a great choice for the hot and sticky humid days we have here in the 'Burgh. I also adore its button detailing, which in my opinion adds a sweet and more feminine vibe. Honestly, this top has become my new favorite for the summer and I am tempted to get it in all three colors! (You can view the other two here and here!)

And of course, I still need to talk about this cool pair of denim shorts, which have admittedly also become a summer favorite of mine. I actually came across them at the Sunshine Thrift Store in St. Petersburg! Though I wasn't originally planning on shopping and just went in to browse with my aunt, when I came across these Gap 1969 original high rise shorts in my size I just had to have them! Honestly, I love how they fit and find them to be extremely comfortable, as well as flattering to my shape. 

To add a little polish to this outfit, I decided to dress it up with some Kendra Scott earrings, this South Moon Under layered necklace, a large gold ring from Versona, and one of my favorite cuffs by SLATE. The reason I chose these pieces is due to the fact none of them are overstated and went perfectly with this casual summer look while keeping true to its dreamy 1970s chic feel. I also am a fan of these pieces because they are all relatively light weight which is great for keeping you comfortable while looking stylish.

The last accessories I styled for this look are my American Eagle heart shaped sunglasses, which I just felt were a fun choice, and my classic Louis Vuitton Tasche "Globe Shopper" in red. The reason why I mention this bag is because it holds a very special place in my heart as well as purse collection, considering it is the very first designer bag I ever purchased, way back in 2011, and is still in impeccable shape to this day! It's honestly my go to summer bag aside from my recently gifted Hermes Lindy bag (thank you, mum and dad) due to its durability and color.

Finally, to put the finishing touches on this seventies look, I chose to keep my makeup light and airy and went with my ever trusty bareMinerals powered in “Original”, Dior's "My Rose" blush, Too Faced “Chocolate Bar” eyeshadow palette, and NARS “Roman Holiday” lipstick. The reason I chose these colors is because I really wanted to have a more natural makeup look and just love the subtle pastel colors. 

One Last Look

What are some fashion eras that you just adore and how will you be styling them this summer? I'd love to hear the answers to both of these questions so let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic! Have an awesome summer look you're just dying to show off? I'd love to have a look, so feel free to tag me in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

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, 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!

You can also shop my closet on Dress Like Me as well, which there will be a post about this new tool coming soon.