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.

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:

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

Yeah, you got some silverware, but really are you eating though?
Are you eating though? Nigga, are you eating though?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner's for beginners, you ain't even know.

Don't be mad cause I'm doing me better than you doing you
Better than you doing you, fuck it, what you gon' do?

If there's one thing I've got is a back bone. I am courageous, brave, and I very rarely back down from a fight. I have it in me to push through even when I feel like I'm at my wits end, I confront fuckery head on, and I always, ALWAYS, stand up for what is right. Most importantly, I'm beyond unafraid and unapologetic whilst doing me. I revel in ALL that is me.

*Cues Effie White from 'Dream Girls- And I'm telling you".*

You, and you, and you, you're gonna love meeeeeee (whether you want to or not), and if you don't...I really don't give a shit. I encourage you all to adopt this way of being, even if it doesn't come easy, just make actual moves towards bettering yourself and honing your tough as nails way of life. Now let's be clear, in no way am I saying that you should be a piece of shit for the sake of "doing you", ain't nobody got time for dat. There IS a such thing as balance, being true to you and being a decent human being are not mutually exclusive. You CAN be both unapologetic; and an awesomely kind, nurturing, free spirited, respectful person. Don't let your ID, EGO, & SUPER EGO get you fucked up in these streets. Consider that a PSA from me to you.

I'm always on the look out for pieces that are done well, that are you unique, that have a twist, and most importantly I'm lookin' for pieces that hit. This flannel-ish top is one of the many I've come across that fit my style criteria.

I own three awesome AF versions of this plaid top so far (I've featured two of them including this one, there's a third on it's way) and I couldn't be more EXCITE. If you know anything about me you know my fascination with bones (skulls, vertebra, hip bones, etc...) because they're just so beautiful, just genuinely beautiful. If I could incorporate my calcium enriched friends into every look...I would.

Thanks to some of my old fave shops I am able to acquire pieces like this button down to help me further my "bone collection". Does this sound a bit strange...? LOL. Trust me, I'm not collecting people for their bones in a basement somewhere, I am just truly fascinated by it.....

I've also been looking for the perfect overalls, this my friends is no easy feat. There are a few options out there but I needed to find one that suit my body and was in a color and style that screamed my name. Needless to say....I found it.

This pair overalls was found on Charlotterusse. com. There's a lighter pair of overalls that I'm looking to buy from Charlettle as well, I was even tempted to get a backup of these charcoal colored ones but they're sold out. They're a perfect blend of formfitting, stylish, and comfortable, what more could you want?! There's even another pair that's slightly different that has peaked my interest as well. Get on it!

What I'm Wearing:

Bandana from the 99 cent store.
Necklace from AFAZE. (3 for $10)
Noir tank top from Forever21. $14.90
Overalls from Charlotterusse. $15 (On Sale. Alternative HERE and HERE)
Spine plaid top from Hottopic.com (On Sale. Alternative HERE and HERE)
Booties from Mandees to the rescue. $15 (On Sale. Alternative HERE, and HERE)

PRINT COCKTAIL.

VERTEBRA.