Closet Lust....January

So tomorrow is February and I almost forgot to do a Closet Lust for this month. Shame on me, because this month I've stumbled upon some amazing clothes. I recently discovered an amazing store by the name of Eloquii. It's a plus-sized apparel store, and as a plus-sized girl, seeing such high quality merchandise for women like me really makes me happy. I added two pieces from their online store and they give you just a glimpse of their high quality merchandise. I highly recommend checking out their site. 

For this January edition, I was looking around for quality work attire and the choices I saw below are the apparel and accessories that caught my eye.

$89.90 - Eloquii Studio Midi Skirt

The Studio Midi Skirt come in an irresistible array of colorful hues. The pink and blue are the most striking of the bunch in my opinion but there is an emerald green that is just as beautiful. I think going to work in one of these skirts would make a woman feel more confident and secure in who they are.

 $495 - Coach Designer Nomad Hobo

This Coach bag comes in many different colors as well, but I chose the midnight blue color in particular because of how well it can contrast to any casual outfit. Whether in jeans or a dress, the Nomad Hobo can complement any outfit.

$110.90 - Eloquii V Neck Peplum Flare Dress

I adore simple, white dresses. When they are beautifully designed, you get the end result of elegance. This particular dress from Eloquii is very versatile which is what I love most. A work event, a brunch, a date night, and even a city hall wedding, this dress can function in many settings. I really love it.

$990 - Bergdorf Goodman Proenza Schouler Clutch

The flame red Proenza Schouler clutch is so well done and so beautiful that I had to add it to this month's Closet Lust. What struck me the most about this bag is the color and the craftsmanship. The mesh look is intriguing and overall is a nice, sophisticated touch. *Sigh* If only I could afford Bergdorf.

~Renee Brown

To Be Beautiful in a Blizzard

I know, I know. I haven't blogged in a few weeks. But I'm not dead, I can assure you. I've recently been inspired by the cold weather and I've created two new winter looks to contrast nicely against the unpredictable snow. I am sure we have a few more powerful snowstorms ahead of us and so both looks are meant to be warm and comfortable. Look 1 is oriented to be a casual, work outfit and Look 2 is meant for an upscale cocktail party or work function. It is a bit more pricey but don't let that intimidate you. The looks are meant to inspire you on your next shopping trip, so if you find something of quality at a more practical price, buy it and have fun with it. The most amazing fact about fashion is that you don't need to be rich to have style; just a good eye.

Look 1

$28 - One Kings Lane Ojai Four Ring Earrings

 $49.95 - Gap Cotton Essential V-Neck Cardigan

 

$9 - Old Navy Relaxed V-Neck Tee

$95 - One Kings Lane The Perfect Circle Ring

$99.90 - Eloquii Studio Tulle Midi Skirt

$8-13 - Amazon Fashion Leg Impressions Fleece Tights

$49.95 - DSW Aerosoles Wise N Shine Boot

$29.90 - Target Tenergy Beanie Hat with Bluetooth Speakers and Microphone

$14 - Target Quietwear 2 Layer Knit Smart Gloves

$59.76 - Amazon Wantdo Women's Winter Coat

Look 2

$139 - One Kings Lane Swarovski Flower Earrings

$79 - Neiman Marcus Faux Fur Mink Infinity Scarf

 $429.90 - Nordstrom Ted Baker London Wool Coat

$154 - Neiman Marcus Milly Mosiac Sheath Dress

$79.95 - Nordstrom Steve Madden Stecy Sandal

$140 - Neiman Marcus Portolano Napa Leather Gloves

$33 - One Kings Lane Flat Top Ring

$445 - One Kings Lane Swarovski Cluster Bracelet

~Renee Brown

2016 - The Year of Realization

A month into 2016, and once again I am reminded how lucky I am. How lucky I am to be alive, to have food and shelter, and to live in a city I love wholeheartedly. I've had to face many challenges in the past few years and in many instances I've failed to be grateful to have made it to the other side. Instead, I've let my frustrations overwhelm me. But with each new year, I become more aware of myself and my actions, which has helped me to correct the negative behaviors that would normally fall under the radar. I'm a much healthier person because of it. 

But I want to use this new perspective for the better and my resolutions are helping to do so. You know how you say you want something, and then never take the necessary actions to go and get it? Yeah, it's what I've done for ages and I want to change that. I want to be successful and understand how that feels. I recently read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and she defined success as the result of accomplishing your goals. So, like many others, I've set a few goals for 2016 and I've surprisingly managed to hold my own. I set the goal that I wanted to exercise for 180 days of the year, which equates to 3-4 times a week and I've kept up with that goal. I set a goal to write a novel. Long or short, it doesn't matter. I just really want to write a book so that I know I can do it. So far, I have a plot, a general summary, and I'm currently finished with a chapter by chapter outline. I'm getting there!

It's 2016, and I feel more awake and aware than I ever have before. I feel as if I am now capable of realizing my dreams and I am terrified of what the year will bring me. But I am also pretty excited. And so, I think I'll leave you guys with one of my favorite quotes.

Translated from the Brazilian Portuguese, it says "Life changes in proportion to your courage." Let that be the motto we cling to as we venture into 2016. 

~Renee Brown