Moving Art

Isn't this artwork fantastic? Street art is so beautiful to me. These vibrant colors really caught my eye on this cold, wet New York afternoon. Whether painted or still, every woman has a story behind her graceful features. Even the woman pictured here in grey.

xo | din

sweater dress | LOFT
tassled cardigan | Sasan
belt | Express
tights | LOFT
boots | Fergalicious

Cabin 28

This weekend I'm in Lancaster, PA for a spiritual retreat. The area reminds me of a Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movie. (No jingle bells or holiday wreaths, just the setting awaiting a Christmas miracle.) Not gonna lie, I kinda like this fact.

Today's look is probably a little too polished for ziplining in the wilderness, but that's how we do (;

xo | din

sweater | Express

shirt | LOFT

jeans | Levi's

necklace | H&M

boots | Fergalicious 

Autumn

I'm not quite sure where the inspiration for this outfit came from, but once it was complete I had a lot of fun wearing it! It's so awesome how three pieces (dress + accessory + great shoes) is all it takes sometimes to create a jivin' look. I added a little lip color to bring definition to my face and violà!

Happy First Day of Autumn!

xo | din

hat | boohoo.com

dress | Xhilaration 

boots | Fergalicious 

Weekend Outfit Inspo | Taking Advantage

How awesome is it that we are still having warm weather! Hold off on putting your lighter items away-- there's still opportunity to soak up the sun. This is some weekend inspiration for you. Items are lighter weight and incorporate the hues of fall (versus the neons of summer!). Throw in Ariana Grande's #1 album and your weekend is set!

Oh, and for all you budget babes, check the "similar here" links to get the look for less!

xo | din

hat | Janessa Leone, Maggie Hat, $150. Similar here.
dress | Flynn Skye, Elle Mini Dress in Fallin' Flower, $180. Similar here.
necklace | House of Harlow, Teepee Triangle Necklace, $58. Similar here.
jacket | Black Orchid, Vegan Moto Jacket, $187. Similar here.
hand chain | gorjana, Uptown Hand Chain, $98. Similar here.
bag | Rebecca Minkoff, Amorous Satchel, $350. Similar here.
boots | Dolce Vita, Kinley Boot, $199. Similar here.
music | Ariana Grande, My Everything, $12.99. 

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

Happy Hour(s)

During my friends' visit to DC, we ventured to one of my fav happy hour spots -- Dirty Martini. (Best Southsides in the city, y'all!) One hour turned to two, then three, eventually ending up at GBD (donuts for dessert!). I love to rendezvous with old friends, meet new ones, and share lots and lots of deep belly laughs. Now that's a trend that's always in style. 

xo | din 

sweater | second hand
ring | Topshop
skirt | One Love
tights | The LOFT
boots | Fergalicious

location | DuPont Circle, Washington, DC
pictured w/ Sy

3, 8, and a Little Bit of Faith

I woke up this morning on a mission. I had a couple errands to run, then make my way over to DC Metro for The Dream Team conference. It wasn't until I got a text from a friend that I looked at the phone realizing today's date: 8.

Coffee in hand (my free 12th drink from Starbucks!), I couldn't help but smirk. 3 years. It's been 3 years since I hopped on a plane and made my venture to the East coast. 

Of course it had been on my mind that this anniversary was coming up. I sincerely wasn't paying attention though. Nevertheless here it is. At times it has been bittersweet-- I miss my friends and the culture of Seattle (hi 12s!)!! Still, it has been rewarding and full of surprises. If you couldn't tell by now, I love a good adventure.

So cheers to 3 on this 8th day. I'm excited for what the Lord calls me to next!

xo | din

earrings | Aldo

tank | Vox Populi

cardigan | H&M

skinnies | LOFT

boots | Fergalicious

cuff | MetroPark

First Snow

Where I live, we have cold winters. Not Chicago cold, but still. Snow is not a stranger, and growing up, my cousin and I would always be delighted to have fresh snow for her November birthday. So far this winter, we've had nada!

Last month I had my mother/personal stylist, put me on her calendar for January 8th to do my color. How fun is it that on the morning of the 8th that I got to wake up to snow?! It goes perfectly with my new hair color and red lips, don't you think? Plus I got to have fun putting my Hunters to their waterproof test! 

anorak jacket | Garage

hooded vest | American Apparel

long sleeve | Express

jeggings | Mossimo 

boots | Hunter

scarf | Zara 

xo | dré 

Tight Fit

Even though I'm freezing, I'm sooo glad not to be in freezing weather. I saw pictures of Chicago yesterday where literally places were/are frozen shut! Absolutely love that city, but could never live there-- I couldn't survive!

I wanted to find a way to wear the winter tights look with my outfit, and still add a little dimension for that 'double-take' effect. So, I layered black textured tights with black over the knee socks, and wore tall boots. It's a really fun look! I think next time I'll play around and try contrasting colors-- say forest green tights and grey over the knee socks?

What do you think of my fit? What color combinations might you try?

xo | din

textured tights | LOFT (similar here)
knee/thigh high socks | Urban Outfitters
boots | Fergalicious by Fergie