Take Me Somewhere Sunny

Snow is in the forecast and although it's only supposed to be an inch or so, I'd love for someone to take me where it's sunny and warm! A girl can dream, right?

xo | din

sweatshirt | Wildfox, $98
shades | Marc by Marc Jacobs, $58.80
wrap scarf | Nordstrom, $38
skirt | Topshop, $34.99
tights | Spanx, $28 (See similar look on Taylor Swift here)
booties | CL by Chinese Laundry, $59

Can a sweater and skirt combo be done? See my look here!

Cut My Hair Don't Care

7 years ago, I cut my hair crazy short. Since then, it's not only grown past my bra strap again, but it's also been dark brown, blonde, brown,  blonde, light brown, platinum blonde, blue, gray, dark brown, ombré, purple, blonde, blonder, pink, red violet, and FINALLY chocolate brown!! In that order! Content with my color (for the moment), but sick of the length of my hair, I yet again was in need of a change! 

Monday night I could not take it anymore, so I combed my hair around to the front and clippered it off. It was liberating! However, it did need to be doctored up and given a little TLC by my mama. She was teaching out of town, but the moment she got home, I was at her door step waiting to be saved! 

I'm all ready for spring and summer with my fresh cut, dress, and booties! I'm loving my new hair! What do you think? I think mama did good ;)

xo | dré 

dress | Mossimo 

booties | Shiekh 

bracelets | gift

polish | Essie Chills & Thrills 

haircut by Sharon Gause | Sharon's Hair Studio

Feeling Bright

Spring is finally here! With the warmer temps and nothing but sunshine heading my way, I decided to break out a floral dress and some pink tights. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Who else is excited for spring fashion?!

xo | dré 

dress | Urban Behavior 

blazer | H&M 

tights | TJ Max 

booties | Anne Michelle

peacock necklace | RW&Co

bag | Marc by Marc Jacobs

sunglasses | Kenneth Cole Reaction

polish | OPI  4 In The Morning | Gwen Stephani collection 

π = 3.14

Happy π Day, Everyone!

Although my OOTD isn't all that irrational (unless you consider having legs for days. wink, wink.), I still thought it would be fun to shout out this "holiday". How are you celebrating Pi Day?

Just remember, you can have fun today, but....

To find out more about "Pi Day", or just get a good laugh, read The Wheelhouse article here!

Have an irrational day!

xo | din

blouse | Zara

tee | Bella

necklace | gift

skirt | One Clothing

booties | Dolce Vita

straight + narrow

 

Sometimes I like to get a little fancy and add some sparkle to my look. This sweater has sequin and rhinestone detailing on the shoulders. A touch bold, and so much fun. 

Who said you can't live boldly while walking the straight and narrow?

 xo | din

sweater | LOFT

skirt | H&M

booties | Forever 21

My Dad Is Rad

How many girls are lucky enough to say they get great fashion finds handed down to them by their dad?? My hand is in the air! Check out the old motorcycle jacket my dad decided to retire to me, when he scooped himself up a new Harley Davidson one! I'd say its right on trend now! My Dad is rad. The end.

Moto Jacket | hand-me-down from my Dad

Leotard | Capezio

Skirt | H&M 

Booties | BCBG 

Cuff | local street vendor

XOXO dré 

[ The Breakup Text ]

I've never been one to meddle in despair. 

Not being fulfilled at a University? Transfer. Depressed under seemingly perpetual gloom? Move. Friendships that don't add value to my purpose or walk? Done. Men who don't follow through on important measures? Bye.

I'm too adventurous and curious to remain in a relationship where enrichment is lacking. Even when the relationship is with myself. 

The past couple months have just been weird. 

If it was something that I could pinpoint, I'd tackle it head on. Instead I watched as this peculiar uncertainty crept into a few different aspects of my life. Call me impatient, but I didn't want to wait around and ride it out. So, like always, I decided it was time to take action.

And, I call it: "Breaking Up With Myself"

Okay. Be bold...

When I wrote about my 2 year DC anniversary, I included three through-the-years snapshots. I was shocked to see that (with the exception of bangs) my. hair. was. the. same. [ Gasp! ] I instantly became bored. And, since every serious breakup involves a new hairstyle, seven months later I remedied that boredom by letting my unruly curls fly free. 

Literally. I've attempted to rein it in! Alas, they do what they want. More on this to come...
[ fun fact: dré lightened my color while she was here! ] 

Go on, make an investment...

It's high time I pour into others' lives! So much rejuvenation occurs when I take the focus off of me and put it on others. Specifically those who aren't familiar to me. I hope to do this, in part, through the two interest groups I started at church. One involves coffee and the other football. So far, these opportunities of fellowship have been uplifting and an opportunity for me to do things that I enjoy. Perfect at any point in life, of course, and especially a breakup.

Now, be self-expressed...

"[M]aybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

Say what you will, but this quote from Coco Chanel really resonates with me. Being self-expressed through style choices allows confidence. "Destiny" can be anything: a man, a new friend, a potential interview. [ Why wait until you have a scheduled meeting with a stranger to put on that power suit?! ] Regardless of who or what destiny is, it feels good to be prepared! Looking forward, I've decided to shift this preparedness into another gear, and try a few bolder choices. Something's got to complement the hair right?

So, who needs a birthday or the celebration of a new year to finally make a change-- especially one that's sure to be spirit-lifting? Certainly not me. And if you've been feeling stuck, down, or nonsensical, too, I challenge you to start shaking things up today.

After all, breaking away from the downtrodden and confusion may be your access to joy, full self-expression, and a new adventure.

xo | din

ensemble | H&M
booties | Dolce Vita

Well, It's Official...

You know that look some folks give you when you wear white after Labor Day? Well, that's the look I'm giving deep down inside when I see or hear people trying to rush my beloved summer. Today's the day, though, that I have to embrace all the boot talk and chilled breezes. After all, it's the first day of fall.

Earlier I mentioned that this was the first year that I am actually looking forward to allowing fall layers to overwhelm my wardrobe. Here are a few key fall staples to look out for this season as you peruse your favorite shops, latte in hand.


1) Be bold with your lip color:

2) A scarf will give you infinite possibilities:

3) Find a jacket that provides enough conversation as it does warmth:

4) Remember, leather pulls everything together:

5) Try on my go to bootie for size:

Stay warm and check back for more fall wardrobe inspirations!

xo | din



photo courtesy | Siddy Says, Express, Urban Outfitters, H&M, DSW