PRINT COCKTAIL.

by Jamila Pierre


If you haven't gathered yet, I am quite fond of mixing it up. I am far too complex of a person to not express all my many facets and put them on display. I feel as though my creativity tries to break free of this shell of a body and existence. I can almost physically feel it coming to a head and needing to burst out of me. Not exploring those different sides of me only helps in stifling myself in ways I just can't get behind. So this is me, a mixed bag of artistic expression, a person who thrives and leans on juxtaposition as though it were life or death. 

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I had a conversation (one of many) with a newly expanded upon friend(ship); we spoke of everything under the sun (those are my favorite types of relationships), and I explained how my mind works. After the explanation she called me a contrarian. Of all of the words I've heard and worked with throughout life.....this was the first I was hearing of this word. I asked her to elaborate. She explained it as a someone who MUST go against the grain. The dictionary explains it as a person opposing or rejecting popular opinion; going against current practice. That couldn't be more accurate.

This outfit was born from that. When Ashley Nell Tipton came out with the white studded floral print moto jacket (for JCPenny Boutique), I saw many  bloggers pair it with the pink lace dress that said designer also designed. It was an awesome pairing, logically sound....but...I wanted to do something different. I wanted to use this as an opportunity to concoct a print cocktail. 

The first jacket is a sheer bomber with the same coloring and print as the leather moto but it gives a slightly different vibe. I wanted to show a way to mix things up AND demonstrate how by merely changing the material and structure of a piece; it really does change  its already existing and beautiful vibration.

I threw on a studded belt with the bomber to break up the print of the dress and didn't with the moto because the leather jacket already had enough stud. The look with the bomber jacket gave me some 80's T's; with the inclusion of the heart-shaped glasses. When I took off the belt and the shades and replaced it all with the leather moto, I immediately and effortlessly gave femme with edge. The best part about it all...? I can give similar looks almost all year if I wanted; the first look obviously being Spring/ Summer and the second look being Fall/Winter. I'm not sue if that was Ms. Tipton's intention when it came to what pieces to include in the collection; ten gold stars for her if it was.

The dress is an oldie but a goody that I got from Wetseal when it still had an online presence. With the size of the print and the color palette next to the floral with its particular color scheme, these pieces were pretty much kismet. 

What I'm Wearing:

  1. Headband with bow from Forever21. $3.90
  2. Necklace from Forever21. $6
  3. Floral print moto jacket from Ashley Niltipton via JCPenny.com $36.99 (On Sale)
  4. Floral print  bomber jacket from Ashley Niltipton via JCPenny.com. $24.99 (On sale)
  5. Dress from the late great Wetseal.com $36.90 (On sale...wetseal no longer exists online)
  6. Bracelet from Burlington Coat Factory. $7
  7. Belt was borrowed from a friend. $Free dollars free cents (similar HERE, and HERE)
  8. Booties from Mandee to the rescue. $15 (On sale and no longer avail., similar HERE)

Trench Me.

by Jamila Pierre


This amazing little trench has been with me for quite a few years now, and it still makes me feel so damn good when I put it on. I remember seeing it in straight sizes for eons before Forever21 decided to make me the happiest girl on the planet by selling it in plus. I remember seeing it online on one of my many insomnia- driven online-perusing extravaganzas, it was as if an angelic glow came off my computer screen (VERY dramatic...I know).  you just have to understand, I had been hoping that i'd be able to find this exact trench in plus for soooooo long, so when it came along I pounced like no one has ever pounced before. 

And my goodness when I tell you it hits every freakin' note, it hits every freakin' note:

  • The print is out of this world...out of this universe.
  • It has the perfect sleeve length.
  • It's lightweight but still cozy.
  • The overall length of the trench is perfection as well.
  • The colors duke, the colors...

Not to mention the awesome deep V that allows you to showcase a plethora of tops. All in all this baby is a win,  an excellent buy, and it was inexpensive dollars and inexpensive cents.

#WINNING

Here I paired it with the same leggings from my "Collegiate Chic" post, my one an only hot fuchsia collared button down, some understated accessories (because let's face it...I'm already doing the most), and my black studded pumps (best pictured HERE).

Oh and let's not forget my newest obsession lippy, Limecimre's Velvetine in Utopia!

What I'm Wearing:

  1. Necklace from Afaze. 3 for $10 (on sale)
  2. Top from JCPenny.com. $17
  3. Bracelet from Burlington coat Factory. $7
  4. Floral Goddess of a trench, from Forever21.com. $34.80
  5. Leggings from Forever21.com. $19.80
  6. Studded pumps from Marshalls. $29.99