Chantilly Lace: Not just your grandma’s lace

My grandmother’s table doilies and her Sunday church dress are the first things that come to mind when I think of Chantilly lace. Gentle, soft, and feminine – just like my grandmother. But it’s time for a new outlook on this traditional lace. I’ve been determined to step out of my comfort zone and re-evaluate my preconceived notions. With this new approach in mind, I decided to reinvent how I wear lace. In fact, this time lace would not be so delicate. This time there would be a twist.  Lace will now have a tougher look. Now it’s Chantilly lace with an edge. Probably not grandma approved but sometimes a girl has to break out of her obedient role and introduce a little bit of mischievousness and defiance into her life.

A Pink Remix

As you might know from this post, I am absolutely in love with the brightness and spunkiness of my pink jeans and all the wonderful memories it conjures. However, when I first got them I got remarks such as, “Where will you wear that to?” and “How many outfits can you come up with that color?” and even “You think you’ll even wear that more than once?” O ye of little faith, not only do I wear my pink jeans more than once, I probably wear them too many times.

Vivid and bright colors may seem daunting at first for pairing into every day wear. The colors appear wild and untamable. They mask all the other pieces in your closet and you worry they won’t play nice with your pastel colored cardigans. Fear not, taking control of these feisty ensembles only takes a little practice and a little daring.

Fashion Tip: Treat your vibrant bottoms as neutrals to help you pick out a top. Don’t be scared to use floral patterns, prints, and stripes. These will perfectly complement your colored jeans. If you want to take it a little easier pair with solid colors and layers. Start with three colors in your outfit until you are an experienced tamer. Then go wild!  

What I’m Rockin:

Jeans – Celebrity Pink Jeans via Macy’s

Outfit 1

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Beya

Watch: Bijoux Terner

Belt: Forever 21

Sunnies: D&G

Outfit 2

Safari jacket – Old Navy

Blue Blouse – Marshalls

Cocktail ring – Forever21

Nude pumps – Target

Necklace – Beya

Outfit 3

Floral Blouse – Forever21

Scarf – Bijoux Terner

Pastel pink pumps – Qupid

Cross bracelet – Charyli, Winter Park

Bracelets (assorted) –Forever21


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Seasonal Transitions

One of the major challenges of being a Florida Fashionista comes around the Winter season. I yearn for the super fabulous fur boots, cozy sweaters, and silky scarves (let me clarify that I don't yearn for the weather just the fashion!). But should I really spend money on an entirely new winter wardrobe? Unfortunately, the answer is no. A cold front for a week in January makes it difficult for me to justify winter purchases. Admittedly, I've had the same sweaters for about 8 years now..sad..I know. To overcome this challenge, I've figured out a few tricks to make my summer and spring outfits more wintery. For this ensemble I exchanged my summer sandals and floppy hat for a long-sleeved shirt, scarf, tights, boots and voila! It’s like I’m not even a Floridian…okay, that might be a stretch.

Fashion Tip: Toss a long-sleeved shirt and sweater over that light summer dress to transform your look into a new winter outfit. Don’t be shy about using your floral dresses either!

What I’m Rockin’:

Sandals – Purchased in Puerto Rico

Floppy hat – Bijoux Terner

Shirt – Target

Scarf  - Bijoux Terner

Tights – Target

Boots – Charlotte Russe

Necklace – Tiffany’s

Dress – Heavenly Couture

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

Fall into Pink

The air is getting crisp and the leaves are floating off the Palm trees. Fall has arrived! But instead of turning to the muddled browns, mossy greens, and somber blacks, I’ve noticed I’m turning to another go-to color: delicious, fun, flirty hot pink. Proof? You can see my penchant for incorporating pink into my outfits here and here. Finally I can say, “Take THAT fall. I’ll wear all the bright colors I want!!”

This bright pink is an automatic pick-me-up, reminding me of carnival cotton candy, every single one of my Barbie’s accessories, and sweet bubblegum. It’s my fashionable rebellion against dull and dreary fall and a natural addition to my wardrobe. Work it into yours too!

Fashion Tip: Fight the instinct to neutralize your brightly colored jeans with a staple black or white tee. Instead, welcome the color into your life! Bust out a color wheel (you can check one out here: Basic Color Theory) and choose complimentary tones to finish out and brighten up your look. Most importantly, don’t forget to "rock it out" because fashion is all about confidence.

What I’m Rockin:

Pink jeans: Celebrity Pink by Macy’s

Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: Beya

Watch: Bijoux Terner

Belt: Forever 21

Sunnies: D&G

Thrifty Fashion

I've recently had an obsession with shopping at thrift stores. My husband was the one that introduced me to this new world. He loves it for the tools and gadgets he finds but I’m most intrigued by the fashion riches hidden away. I love the thrill of discovering some lost treasures and then imagining all the stories involved with that one ring, shirt, skirt, belt, or hat. Needless to say, I come up with some pretty elaborate stories for my bounty. Unfortunately, you can’t find the same treasure at all thrift stores but I hope these posts inspire you to also plunder your local thrift store to find great things. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you are helping the environment and your local economy! I got these great linen pants at Goodwill. Happy Thrifting!

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!