VINTAGE BUTTON UP FROM CRULOOK AND DENIM JUMPER

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So I’ve been on a serious break from blogging lately, but with good reason! Charles and I had a few photography gigs this past weekend so we were gearing up for all the shenanigans that come with photographing over 50+ people for 3 gigs in one day. I know, crazy huh? But about this outfit…..

I made it all myself. Nah, just kidding, nabbed this amazing purple print button up from one of my new fav online vintage funk shops, The CruLook (link above). Also, my cute denim jumper is thrifted as well. I’m not sure of the shop but found this jumper during my ladies trip to VA a few weeks back. It’s still very warm here in NC so a denim jumper like this with a funky and fun top underneath is a must.  I’m right at that awkward time where I’m not sure if I should take out my fall and winter bins or keep them where they are. Summer to fall transitions are so hard here in NC because the weather is so unpredictable. Speaking of transitions. Short sleeves won’t always work for this jumper once it starts to get colder here in NC so if your looking for ideas on how to style a jumper with the changing weather, try a long sleeve shirt and if it’s really cold you can wear a cute turtle neck. I love wearing my jumpers with booties and sometimes if I’m feeling real 1990’s vintage circa “Clueless” days I’ll do a beret and some knee high socks with Mary Jane shoes, it’s such a cute way to express yourself, look retro but still fashion forward and fun. By the way, I’m still wearing white until I feel it’s no longer appropriate, and no date will determine that for me. Fashion is about breaking the rules. I break them daily, and I’m okay with not looking like everyone else. Don’t be afraid to standout, mix and match your looks and try something you’ve never tried before. I encourage everyone to wear white for as long as you choose! Just look hella cute doing it ;).

Till next time good people. 

Sincerely, 

Deidra Marie 

DENIM SKIRT AND VINTAGE TOP

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Taking it back, Living Single style with my 90’s button up from Father and Son and denim skirt from Talbots. If you don’t already know, I’ve been on this vintage kick ever since I attempted to give my clothes away for money to a couple of consignment shops and they told me my clothes were old and not worth much. After that nonsense, I decided I would no longer spend tons and tons of dollars shopping for items at the mall and online that would only be worth a few bucks a couple of years down the road. Don’t get me wrong, I occasionally get an updated piece here and there if it’s extremely discounted and available in my size but for the most part, I’m shopping vintage now.

On another note, I’ve been doing more strength training these past couple of weeks because I really want to tone and shape my body so I fit better in my clothes. With all that being said, I stepped on the scale the other day only to find out I’ve gain 11lbs! I was a bit miserable about it as not even 4 months ago I was down 10lbs and fitting real well in my smaller sizes. Had a chit chat with my brother who is a trainer and he told me the scale was not a good idea when I’ve cut back on cardio and increased strength training. He asked me how I was fitting in my clothes and I told him really really well. He said that was because I was losing inches and the increased weight gain was from muscle. Even with all this info, I was still sad about the scale. All that being said, I spent days feeling sad about the scale without even realizing my clothes were fitting better, without even realizing the clothes I couldn’t wear months ago I can now wear with comfort. Ladies we are way to hard on ourselves! Okay, I’m way to hard on myself. I guess I’m still learning to love the skin I’m in and it’s not easy. I have my good days and I have my bad days. I think it’s more good than bad but on the bad days I noticed it’s because I looked at the scale. Don’t get me wrong, the scale makes us aware of where we are at, but don’t weigh in everyday, give the process some time and go off of how you feel and fit in your clothes as opposed to scale that provides a number that doesn’t reflect fit and muscle mass. I’m naturally muscular, I have very strong legs and calves but sometimes I forget the scale doesn’t even care about that.  If your eating right, minding what you put in, taking care of your mental health, getting enough sleep, keeping your stress levels down, that’s all that should matter. Now, this is not to say that I’ve arrived, but I know what to do and I just need to respect the process. Let’s be body positive, ladies. If you don’t like where you’re at, CHANGE IT, but know it’ll take time, effort, and consistency.

I have a bridesmaids dress I need to fit into in the next few weeks so here are a few things I’m doing to make sure this happens:

– Take Measurements weekly
– Workout in the morning
– Eat immediately after working out
– Low carb, high protein
– No Meat, No Sweets
– 60% Strength Training 40% cardio
– 5 Meals a day (Breakfast, Snack, Lunch , Snack, Dinner)
– Weigh in weekly
– At least 8 hours of sleep

I’m hoping my plan works. I’ll keep you updated. I’ve linked the shop where I bought my top and similar earrings. I’ve also linked the exact skirt and shoes. Happy shopping!

Sincerely,

Deidra Craig

THRIFTED FINDS PART II

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A major reality just hit when I had to pay for my school books last week. I held off as long as I could but then just recently started getting some homework assignments that required me to read some chapters from the books for class 😦 

Anyway, starting off this week with another vintage find from one of my favorite thrift shops, Thrift 2 Gift. I hit it big on my last visit. They always have dollar deals on Friday’s and BOGO dresses. I ended up getting 8 pieces for $8 dollars. The top I’m wearing in this post is one of the 8 pieces. Like most of my multi-colored tops, I like to keep it simple with my other pieces. I’ve talked to so many people who have said they are terrified to color block or wear bright colors, and many just don’t know how to wear bright colors and style them, so I’m sharing my 5 tips for color blocking and how to wear bright colors today. 

OPT FOR A SOLID COLOR ON BOTTOM
Bright colors can be a bit overwhemling for many people, especially if you’re wearing a piece that has multiple bright colors on top, like mine. To tone it down, wear a neutral on bottom. For this look, I decided to do white. White goes with everything and is seasons less. I know, you may think you can’t wear white after labor day but YOU CAN. Who came up with that silly rule anyways?

OPT FOR A SOLID COLOR ON TOP
I don’t often wear bright colors on bottom but do own a few bright bottom pieces. They are a bit much for my fuller bottom so I typically wear a solid top or a solid top with a solid layer like a blazer or jacket. 

OPT FOR SOLID COLORED SHOES
If you’re going all in, and you decide you want to wear colors on top and bottom, which sometimes I do, depending on how I feel, opt to wear a solid shoe to tone things down. Some great shoe colors that go with just about any color are, black, nude, white,  and copper or rose gold, gold, silver or metallic. 

MIX AND MATCH COLORS THAT MAKE SENSE
Some colors really just don’t go together or least in my mind I don’t think they go together. Confused on how to color block? Try these color combos for a cute outfit and a fun night on the town:

Green and Pink
Blue and Pink
Orange and Blue
Red and Blue
Purple and Pink
Orange and Pink
Purple and Blue
Red and Yellow
Pink and Yellow
Yellow and Orange

TRY COLORED ACCESSORIES 
Not brave enough for colored bottoms or multi-colored tops. Work your way up to it with some fun colored accessories. I often do an all white dress or all black outfit and let my accessories do the talking. Sometimes all you need is one good statement hat, earrings or shoes to get the job done. 

Hope these color tips work for you! Happy Monday!

Sincerely, 

Deidra Marie