Glorified Ego

Are you diggin’ my funky shirt? Guess what –it’s from a Florida designer! I love finding great stuff from my local peeps. This Orlando-based designer is known as Glorified Ego. In a recent interview the CEO Chris Malcom said that “the whole idea behind the brand is essentially self-reflection,” with that in mind and with such a clever name they had me thinking about my own ego’s presence.

According to Freud, the ego is part of our internal mindset that rules our thoughts and helps control our inappropriate desires, urges, and even aggression. I began to think about all the questionable things I’ve done and then realized that my ego has probably fallen asleep behind the wheel too many times. From the top of my head I can recall a few instances like talking back to my mom, skipping school, locking the substitute teacher out of the class, convincing my classmates to deface school property while I watched, and making large purchases while really broke. Where was my ferocious star-eyed bear ego at these points in my life?? Maybe my ego is more of a manatee rather than a Glorified Ego bear or maybe my ego bear goes into hibernation a lot. Well, I suppose I should be grateful for the times that it decided to actually show up. Who knows what would happen if I were left to my own devices…entire cities would be destroyed…

4 Essential Pieces for your Florida Winter Outfit

Winter is finally coming to an end. No more cold days and freezing nights. Say good-bye to branches with no leaves and the constant blanket of snow. Alright, who am I kidding? I live in Florida. A few days ago it dropped to a frigid 50 degrees and everyone freaked out over here (admittedly, I was one of them). While I can’t provide you with words of wisdom on how to survive the end of this cold winter, I can provide you with tips on how to survive winters in Florida like a true Floridian. Here are some essentials:

Thrifty Thursday: The War for the Crossbody Bag

I don’t know about you guys but Thrifty Thursdays are my favorite posts. I get way more excited from finding a diamond in the ruff than grabbing clothing from an already styled mannequin. Don’t get me wrong, there is also a special joy that comes with getting a spankin’ new piece but right now I’m talking about a different type of joy.

Loving Me Some California

A little while ago the company I work for sent me to San Diego for a conference. I know, what a sacrifice. I absolutely love that city. The tranquil ambiance and unique culture make the city irresistible to any hardworking business woman. As soon as I stepped off the plane I couldn't help but be pulled into the relaxed California vibe. I tried my best to stay focused but by the second day of the conference I had let my hair down and left the black power suit somewhere on the the hotel room floor. Instead, I slipped into bright shorts, a breezy linen blouse, comfy leather sandals, and a cool Carlos Santana fedora hat. I had fully accepted and integrated into the San Diego laid back philosophy. Sure, there were seminars occurring and meetings I should have probably attended, but who has time for that when I'm busy strolling around the marina? Sometimes a girl has to re-evaluate her priorities and take some time to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon. I'm sure my employer would understand...maybe.

Springing Forward

Look around: the earth is stirring, waking up from a deep slumber. Roses are peeking out of their buds, leaves are squirming out of their stems, and birds are testing their wings against the cool breeze. Spring has sprung and brought with it transformation. 

A Little Bit of Rock and Roll

Can you believe I found this lively shirt abandoned on a clearance rack? I saw ladies pass over it time and time again. The poor thing. Sure it’s a little strange, a little loud, and a little too big. But who of us doesn’t have a few flaws? It’s what makes us irreplaceable and fun.

Instead of banishing this shirt to a lifetime of markdowns, I took it home with a plan to bring out all its glorious funkiness. In fact, I made its funkiness center stage because this shirt makes me feel like a rock star. It’s the shirt I would throw on for a crazy, sweaty show, to meet frenzied fans, to shred a guitar.

The colors, the sequins, the graphics – they satisfy my rock star altar ego. It’s the perfect costume for the rock star life I live in my dreams and when I win that Grammy, my acceptance speech will begin with: “It all started with an amazing shirt…”

Fashion Tip: Can your shirt light up a room with its bevy of bedazzling? Don’t let that scare you. If you have a superstar article of clothing, keep the rest of your outfit simple and sleek. I paired my top with basic black jeans, booties, and a classic jean jacket, then finished it off with a bright red lip color. I am a rock star, after all.

What I’m Rockin’:

Shirt – Bella Carra by Biz via Katie Lynn’s Boutique

Jeans – Celebrity Pink Jeans via Macy’s

Shoes – Charlotte Russe

Bracelets – Assorted

Jean Jacket – American Eagle

Keepin' it Warm and Cozy

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you’ve all managed to stay toasty this holiday season. This month has been unusually warm for Florida but luckily I got a chance to throw on this “winter” outfit on a recent “cold” day.

I am obsessed with this oversized cotton sweater. I’ve worn it in a million ways! I simply can’t resist the luxurious feeling of the soft cotton gently wrapping my body. A silky pashmina shawl draped around my neck, adds a rich color to the outfit. And comfy black boots keep me warm in the cool evening air. How am I to deny an outfit that makes me feel pampered and fashionable all at once? I can’t. So, I will continue to wear this sweater in any Florida weather.

 What’s the winter piece you can’t live without?

Fashion Tip:  Worried about looking too big or slouchy in your oversized sweater? Well, stop worrying. Rock your oversized sweater with a long statement necklace. It’ll elongate your figure!

What I'm Rockin':
Oversized sweater - The Limited
Shawl - Gift from my mom 
Boots - Charlotte Russe
Jeans - American Eagle
Black undershirt - Wet Seal
Statement necklace - Hand-made by BeautyTease
Bracelets - Forever 21
Clutch - Bijoux Terner

Rusty Train and Hot Pink

This is my -okay, it’s not that cold in Orlando but I’m still going to wear a scarf and jacket- outfit. I was obsessed with this romper all summer because it is so comfortable and can be easily worn during the day and glammed up at night. However, I have to admit that mid photo shoot I got hot and had to peel it all off.  Regardless, I have no intentions of breaking my relationship with it this fall, especially since I love it even more now with the scarf and jacket addition. 

Stars and Stripes

This is my very first post! I wonder if I’ll look back at it 10 years from now and go, “Holy cow, Iris. What were you thinking?” Let’s hope not.

This is a fitting outfit for my first post considering what I do for a living. I am a military contractor and love that I can work side-by-side with such amazing American heroes. Besides that, I love that this outfit works for the office and can easily transition to after-work drinks. Enjoy!