You Go Boy: Larry Scott as shot by William Davidson

Russh magazine is a great read. I was originally introduced to them via Queen Michelle of Kingdom of Style. This rugged editorial is just what the Australian magazine is good for. The full editorial also includes cameos from the famous Irina Lazareanu, so tumultuous! But today Larry Scott is put into the You Go Boy spotlight because he never falls short of raw and appealing. This editorial reminds me of summer and the need to run to vacant areas and hang out. Now that the winter has set in I am more prone to cuddle up with a book or episode of south park with my cat in bed. All the glamour aside it has been a fun couple of days, hanging out with my family and eating too much food.

all photos taken from The Fashionisto

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Arc Square Tube Dress: an outfit post

I am really into the clothes Anka makes, she hails from Poland. We have been communicating for about a year now and I don't regret it. Oh how time flies. Simply put her designs offer something a little different. A cut and a shape I have not see much of and made specifically for you.  This is me wearing the sheer dress(as a skirt) with Tibet boots, a vintage hat, and an American Apparel onepiece. 

You can purchase her pieces at:      http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArcSquare

 

 

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D. 

Fashion Film Friday: Uniqlo's Uniqlok

Uniqlo has been a favorite for a while although it has only been a couple of years since I have been able to get my hands on their clothes. This is all thanks to their New York flagship which I cannot wait to visit in February. Above is a video of which I can't really explain. I know if you click on the Uniqlok link on their site it will take you there and the video will play in a continuous loop. I encourage you to go to the site and experience it for yourself. Tell me what you think below!

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

Yes Please: Style Stalker's Desert Fox Collection

As a sucker for sassy basics (yes sassy) I was pleased when Style Stalker's new look book landed in my inbox. Thank goodness Sue Ann and Rachel used the theme of desert biker. I was yearning for a better interpretation of this idea since that Abbey Lee Kershaw Pop Magazine cover. The feel of this collection is rugged but clean and definitely durable. The whole collection was mouth watering, maybe I was too transfixed on the desert theme. I selected a few of my favorite pieces all of which are now available on their site to purchase! If you couldn't tell, I am obssesed with their snakebite leggings.

http://www.stylestalker.com

http://www.stylestalkerblog.com/

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

SALE!: Alwaysnever webshop

Peter Nguyen is pretty awesome. So awesome he is having a sale over at his webshop that boasts a healthy selection Lerario Beatriz and Robert Geller that you can't really get everywhere. As they say...'Tis the season and I would not mind dressing up myself up in a dress from former and a coat from the latter. If you want to read more about what I think about Peter you can skip to this post here.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

This ring...

Ring: Courtesy of Charlotte Russe

I can't seem to take it off. It is just so light weight and looks like a precious stone. It is my perfect type of item: not too luxurious but looks amazing. And of course it comes from the fast fashion store with lots of surprises.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

You Go Girl/ Fashion Film Friday: Full Time Fabulous friends!

I have the pleasure of having two blog friends participating in the first annual Full Time Fabulous blogging competition. This competition is moderated by Sunglass Hut. The competition boasts great opportunities for the winning blogger including travel expenses, a plush NYC apartment, and cushy stipend to spend Here are the videos of my friends Lesley W. of Creative Cookie and Christina of Profresh Style. While it is too late to vote (it ended 2 days ago) please send them good vibes in the hopes that they get some much needed exposure for their amazing writing talent!

Lesley W. of Creative Cookie

Christina of Profresh Style

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Sponsored post!: Cougar Boots

There is a first time for everything and I am glad that the time has come for my first sponsored post. It was a month, or so, ago that I was contacted by an affiliate company to help promote Cougar Shoes, as a fun brand, to the States. What an opportunity! I was not familiar with the brand so, being the responsible blogger and historian, I did a little research and fell in love with Cougar Inc.'s message and product. And who doesn't want a sturdy boot for heavy precipitation? Now it is your turn to wax poetic. Cougar Shoes would like to know what you think! For every person that fills out this survey Matchstick, the affliate company, will donate a small sum to the Red Cross. I know, it's a survey, but it is for a good cause. Just think about some of the disasters that could be aided: Haiti, the ever present oil spill victims, and the Red Cross's blood bank that has facilitated health for many years. To fill out the survey click here.

When you first land on the Cougar Inc. site you will notice a lovely video playing in the background. It was a warm feeling I got from it all, the music helps too. The companies goal is to create a family friendly environment. While I would not call my blog family friendly I am definitely on board for tender feelings and cozy fires, which is how the boots make me feel. Yes, Cougar sent over two pairs of their shoes for me to try out! It was fun pairing clothes in my wardrobe with their Tibet and Ringo Star styles. 


The Tibet

A pretty unassuming boot but with great character. It is made of pure rubber and has a polar fleece lining. It IS as cozy as it sounds. Here is the kicker: it can withstand 32°F to -11°F (or 0°C to -24°C)! My feeling in these was that of a punk, no joke. I felt like i could do some real stomping in these. Since it has yet to snow I won't know their real magical powers until then I am happy to kick in some doors while waiting.

The Ringo Star

I must admit I giggled a bit at the name but I do feel like a Russian supermodel in these boots. They are made of nylon with a lining  made of Cougar's famous polar plush. (All I want to say is Yum!) The key with these styles is that they are unassuming but get the job done. By unassuming I mean there are no bells and whistles (grommets, studs, and etc.) on the outside to put the average customer off to a really well made shoe. On the inside they are really comfortable and easy to take on and off. This is particularly great since I was, ugh, "blessed" with a high instep.

Again a big thanks to Matchstick and Cougar Inc!

Dress: Thrift

Hat: Grandmother's

Ring: Charlotte Russe 

 Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

I could have danced all night: music and photography from da club (picture heavy)

Here are a few shots of my friends and I at various dance parties around the city. Can I say that I love to party because I do. Baltimore isn't necessarily known for its club scene but I never have a boring experience. My friends are always around and there is at least one club with a good dj. I would like to take this time to give a shout out to Dj Schwarz and the Mustache Crew who made the booty shaking happen in these photos. So for all my out of town friends, get your butts over here so we can dance! 


Deep in the Game @ Club Hippo

Club Phoenix

The Music

 Deep in the game, vol. 1 by cexman 

The Outfit

This leopard coat has been a continuous lifesaver although it makes me look like a bear. Thank you to everyone for being swell the past week! I have enjoyed your comments of encouragement. Stay tuned for some great things including me implementing some of your ideas! 

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Just bought: Lorick dress

I never talk about my commercial endeavors on this blog. This one I am pretty proud of as I waited with baited breath for Gilt Groupe to get it back in stock. Lorick fits me well but I have always wanted a fun piece from them. And while this dress might scream SPRING not winter...it is a cheery little number that will definitely brighten my spirits when I wear it.

If you are unfamiliar with Gilt.com....
It is a website that facilitates some amazing brands and their sale items, all in one place. The importance of it? Gilt is one of the first of it's kind to present this format. The sales run limited, similar to a sample sale at a brick and mortar. So the thrill of getting the item is increased by the time frame and exclusivity. Up now is Marni, yes that Marni. They have also expanded to include menswear, kids, and vacation packages. Oh how I would love to go to Bali and spend some R&R on a resort.
I have invitation codes so feel free to shop away: http://www.gilt.com/invite/iplayfaves


Life is beautiful, let's share a little.
Joy D.

Break-ups, hang-ups, and opportunities: some advice and reflection

Life is beautiful, let's share a little....
It is a slogan I introduced to this blog because it is true for how I live my life. No matter how ugly this world can get I find beautiful things to be explored. The media news, by design, would like the general public to be upset and scared but I have learned that the world is not as sad as it seems on the TV screen. Media critique aside, even life events get in the way of your comfortability as a person. It is tough. How do I cope?

I saw a praying mantis outside my house, it was so peaceful.

Number 1: I meditate, it sounds cheesy but it helps to center myself. It is stressful juggling a job and a full time school schedule but it is very doable. I find strength in my friends that are going through the same thing. So to all those students who read my blog: Relax and reward yourself once a week with a quite place. You will be surprised at how relaxed you feel to be away from chatter, blinking screens, and the loveable but sometimes abrasive cellphone.

Me and Shannon, we went to shows together and bonded over silly emo bands

Number 2: After calming down a bit surround yourself with friends and/or family. I am lucky enough to have both within my reach. They ground me in different ways. Sometimes big problems seem so big because the stress is there. We think we have to deal with it ourselves. Just because you have to approach the problem (or stress) on your own doesn't mean you can't ask for help or advice. I would not be here as a blogger without support and encouragement from those close to me. Hell, I wouldn't have made it through the past three days without them.

I really love this tag that can be seen in and around the Copy Cat Building in Baltimore.

Number 3: What makes you happy? Hopefully, if you read my blog, you do not think expensive cars and beautiful men or women on your arm are ideals of happiness. Because they are not! Half the people that have those things aren't happy with their lives, trust me I know some. Encounters with this sort really helped me to understand that money is not the key. You might spend a lot of money and still not buy enough happiness. So save your dough for something special and significant. Find out if taking up a hobby or skill would make you happy. I know after teaching myself how to knit I was much happier because I was able to apply myself to something new to me.

my mom/my (crazy) foundation

Number 4: Know that you will make mistakes but also know that others will too. You are not perfect and neither is the guy/girl sitting next to you. Release unrealistic expectations of others and some tension will just melt away. Don't resist and put up a fight. One of the biggest pieces of advice that was told to me was: "People will be crazy, you can't change that. They must change themselves." If that was a little unclear my mom meant that you must let others decide who/how they are, the individual makes their own choices. This goes for relationships of all kinds. Trust me, this will take a few pounds off your life. Well, I hope this wasn't too long winded and it sure felt good to write after feeling so emotionally blah for a couple of days. Please let me know if this helped you too.

Joy D.

Fashion Film Friday: Terence Koh and Timo Weiland on Style Like U

Oh, even when I think I have covered all bases, I have not. For fashion is fleeting and I could never keep up with everything, even my own favorites. I am a huge, I mean HUGE, fan of StyleLikeU. It is a website dedicated to finding out what is in people's minds as well as their closets. Sometimes I am disapointed that people don't have stories, yes that is unfair, but sometimes I am delighted by the clothes. One of my favorite artists of the 21st century and one of my favorite designer's of the 21st century were interviewed. Two birds, one stone.

Terence Koh, not talking. I was more intrigued to hear Elisa Goodkind speak. It is quite a powerful video. And has changed my mind about the importance of what SLU is doing.

Any designer inspired by Bueller and executes it is A+ in my book. I am most attracted to Timo Weiland because they are in love with visual and physical texture. That, my friends, is my goal in my wardrobe (along with volume, I'm a mess). And I am not going to even touch on the slight mention at Eckstein's family's factory in China....

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

A sneak peek into my closet.

This closet has been a lengthy work in progress. How do I fit the shoes? How do I fit the bags and scarves? I decided to do a color gradient for the clothing which I only hint at in the photos. When organizing a closet you have to prioritize. You have to decide what garments and accessories are most important. And make sure your favorites or staples are the first things you see when you open your closet. I go straight for a dress and shoes so it is important for those to always be available for my eye to catch. Then a sturdy handbag, I would be lying if I said I wore a clutch everyday. And to top it off, some jewelry and a scarf. I am a coat person and own about one for every type of southeastern front that comes through during the fall and winter. Pictured are 3 of my favorites: my army cape that I will soon alter, camel cape, and faux leopard print fur jacket.

Question: Do you have any tricks for your closet?

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Do I need to be this to be that?: A study on the visual nature of the blogger

The woman who got this conversation started: CeCe of Love Brown Sugar

I have been reading a lot recently that has prompted me to write. I guess that is how blogging should work on a minimal scale. Now, I take my blog very seriously but that was not always the case. I spent a year getting my footing. Being a outfit poster wasn't my thing. It was, and still is, difficult to push myself to post a picture of myself. One reason being that I would rather focus on finishing the rest of my schooling and posting about other people that are doing amazing work. The other reason: I feel it to be a tad narcissistic to post pictures of yourself. This is completely contradictory to my role as a reader of blogs. I love and appreciate the time and effort other bloggers take posting outfits on their blog. Not only does it take a lot of time and energy it takes a great deal of creativity. But I have always been uncomfortable with taking a picture of myself for you, the reader. 

Andrea and Sandy of Paris Most Wanted

Digging a little deeper I realize there could be a third reason I don't post my face once or twice or three times a week to the blog. Will it make a difference? In a world where thin and fair skin will always be "in", where do I fit? If not in that box, then where? Often I have the pleasure of meeting a plus size model or blogger and I am instantly inspired. Why? Because they don't give a damn what you think they have a strong powerful voice. But I don't feel very convinced that their voices are the same as my own. So where am I in this microcosm of silk and lace? 

 Christina of Profresh Style

The lovely ProfreshStyle recently wrote a poignant article about why she does not post often to Lookbook.nu, Chictopia, or the other social fashion networks out there. She made a good point: if you are not thin and fair skinned you will not receive a big response. And, my friends, that is often the point of posting! Blogs and bloggers garner attention in order to attain readers. I think that is a beautiful thing because I love to engage readers and vice versa! Let's back track a bit.

Clare of Tweet

This is not a platform to slander skinny and fair skinned bloggers. They are doing their thing (and some know of this stigma and use it to their advantage).It is called business as usual. What I propose is that readers look more into the content and knowledge they receive from bloggers and less about how they look. Because someone's style is fun and exciting but I encourage you to look a little deeper. Do they have anything to say? Would they prefer you to look at their pretty face or are they also great writers with intelligent talking points? If you would like to read more about what women of curves are into check out the ladies pictured above. They have lots to say and look great doing it!

I would love to here what you have to say so please let me know via the comment section below.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.