Purple Reign

Top: Zara (thrifted) / Jeans: Gap / Purse: Kate Spade / Pumps: Steve Madden / Shades: Rue21 

On this month's cover of Essence magazine is music legend, Prince, who turned 56 on Saturday. In the magazine, Prince shares his [recent] decision to refrain from using profanity in his music. Though for many people Prince, the artist, is synonymous with racy lyrics and good music, for me, mention of Prince elicits thoughts of curls, platform heels and of course, a long purple trench coat. Even though this outfit doesn't quite match the grandiosity of something Prince would likely wear, the richness of the purple hue and silky texture of the top made me think of him and his Purple Rain music video nonetheless. 

I came across this purple silk tunic in Goodwill one day last week, and despite its enormity, had to have. Purple is not a color I wear often, so the uniqueness of this color to my wardrobe only made me want it more. Before long I'm going to have to retire these ripped jeans, but for as long as I can still wiggle my way into them, I plan to keep them around. I threw these on with the top to add a little bit of a grungy edge to the look, but sprinkled back in hints of prissiness with my pink and purple snakeskin pumps and hot pink Kate Spade. I wore this to my younger cousin's graduation party for something that was casual and youthful, but most of all, sophisticated. I have plans of belting this tunic so that it can be worn as a dress. I guess one good thing about it being so blousy is that its pretty versatile. 

Peek-A-Boo

Vest: c/o Deb Shops / Dress: Thrifted (similar)/ Shoes:  Converse / Sunglasses: Borrowed

One of my favorite aspects of thirfting is the thrill of the hunt. About a month ago I took a study break in between preparing for finals and went to the thrift store with my friend Amanda. When I came across this black and white striped dress I was a bit hesitant to purchase it because it was a polyester blend, but when I put it on, I knew that I had to have it as summer staple in my wardrobe. On this particular day I went for a laid back look throwing on my faux-leather vest and Chuck Taylors. For a little bit of glam I applied my Bare Minerals Moxie Lipstick in Lead the Way, Gold Link Bracelet and shades. Oh, and isn't the little peek-a-boo of leg just the right amount of sexy without trying to be? 

Heels in the Outfield

Skirt: Forver21/ Sweater: c/o Deb/ Blazer: Thrifted/ Shoes: c/o Deb/ Clutch: Charlotte Russe/ Tights: Gap/ Necklace: Rue21 (similar)

Let me start out by saying I would never really wear heels and a short skirt to a baseball game. In fact, an outfit like this would be appropriate for a trip to your favorite restaurant, a  slightly casual dinner/ holiday party or, if you're just fabulous, a day of shopping. 

I pulled together a mix of  super old and new items from my closet to make this look work. The entire outfit is styled around the baby pink skater skirt from Forever21. It was a steal at only $15.80 and can be styled in many different ways. Originally sticking to a neutral color palette I threw on my brown tights from Gap, nude ankle strap pumps from deb along with this chunky tan sweater. The babule necklace is one that  I have for nearly four years now and was on super sale at Rue21. To add a little depth to the outfit I put on my suede cranberry blazer and my look was complete. 

What do you think?

How Could I Forget!?

You ever mean to do something but somehow forget? Yeah, me too. Which would explain the looks in this post-- all ones that I forgot to post, until now! 

                                                                     

Stepping Out 

I wore this sassy look to the Spring Step Show at school. The romper is Gianni Bini and super comfortable. My wedges are some of my favorite Steve Maddens ones that my dad purchased for me about two years ago now. I finished off the look with my Forever21 gold earrings and cat eye shades.

Teacher Shirt 

A fabulous find from the thrift store, this retro blouse reminded me of something a teacher would wear in the 70s. I wore it to my Great Grandma Mae's 90th birthday party paired with my orange chiffon skirt, emerald green cardigan from Old Navy, tights and sparkly black booties from Forever21. I remember getting lots of compliments on this look and specifically a lady yelling across a store to tell me that I looked "so ladylike and cute!" 

Purple Cheetah

I wore this purple number that I picked up on clearance at Dillard's to my best friend's 21st birthday.  The shindig was a bit of a classy affair so my monochromatic purple look fit the bill for appropriate attire. When I couldn't decide on what shoe's to wear with the look, I threw on my cheetah print Jessica Simpson's in frustration. Surprisingly enough though, they looked good! I accesorized with gold hoops and a gold pendant necklace that I purchased from Francesa's. 

Painted On

On the Eve of New Year's, I made my way out in black sequined leggings that looked like they were painted on to my body, my black chiffon top, black faux leather jacket and bright pink BCBG pumps. This look was so effortless and very sexy, if I do say so myself! 

Golden Girl

So, this little stunner is what I wore out to celebrate the completion of my Junior year of  college and the end of the semester. The gorgeous dress was only $14 at the Dillard's clearance center in High Point , NC. I loved the peplum and it didn't hurt that it fit my body great. My shoes were also a fab find from Shi by Journeys...only $19.99. They are magenta platforms with a gold heel and t-strap. I polished the look off with my fave Forever21 gold earrings and a single gold cuff. 

Which of these forgotten fits do you like the best? I think I'm sold on this last one! 

The Graduation

This is the face I make when I see a bug. LOL

The Graduate and I!

This past Saturday, my little cousin graduated from high school! I made the trip to watch her walk across the stage and decided for the occasion I wanted to wear something simple but that still boasted a touch of class.  With that in mind, I wore for the first time a pair of high-waisted linen pants that I found at the thrift store. They are part of a suit set from Cache. With them I paired a single sleeved ruffle blouse from Marshall's and a purple belt that came with this romper I purchased last summer. My sandals are from a local shoe store here in Greensboro. Nothing too extraordinary, but cute enough, right? I snapped these pics outside by my grandfather's grape plant and figured I share! 

Your Not From Around Here, Are You?

Shirt: Thrifted (Similar), Skirt: JcPenny's (Similar) Sandals: Rainbow (Similar),
Earrings: Forever21, Clutch: Thrifted

I'm back with more chronicles of my Hawaiian Adventure! Though I am not one for the club scene, after nearly a week in Honolulu, my friend Chanelle and a I decided it was time to test out the waters in a Hawaiian nightclub. So, we got all dressed up in our chicest club attire and set out to have some fun. Little did we know we would be the most overdressed girls in the club! Most ladies were dressed in jeans, leggings, crop tops and flip flops.  We didn't mind much however as both of us are always looking for an excuse to get dressed up. 

All night we were approached by guys who said "You're not from around here, are you?" Obviously we couldn't say that we were (our outfits gave us away) so we said that we were from California, and despite our southern girl charm and accents, everyone we talked to believed it. 

I'm not sure if the fact that people actually believed we were from California is harder to believe than the fact that my whole outfit was less than $50 bucks. My Shirt was thrifted as was my clutch, shoes were a $25 purchase from Rainbow and my skirt was purchased on clearance last winter from JcPenny's for $6. 

Would you ever get this glammed up for a trip to a nightclub? 

To see more pictures from my trip to Hawaii, follow me on Instagram: @sophistikated92! 

Girl in the Red Skirt

Top: Ralph Lauren- Thrifted Skirt: Thrifted Shades: Forver21 Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger

Skirt

      

Yesterday, I was the girl in the red skirt as I joined my family in an impromptu outing to the movies. During the summer I pretty much live in skirts and dresses which is why I was so excited about this bright red skirt I found at a new thrift store in my hometown. I'm almost certain that this skirt will be one of my go to pieces in the next few months. The whole time I had it on yesterday, I felt like a matador getting ready to take part in the Running of the Bulls.

 Though I never did see a bull, I did see 42, the biographic film about Jackie Robinson. When I was in the 2nd grade, I did a project on Jackie Robinson and had to read a book about him. The film however, introduced me to his wife, Rachel Robinson. If Mrs. Robinson sense of style was anything like the way it was depicted in the film, she was most definitely a VERY stylish woman. I read in an article that she and Jackie waited five years before they got married 1) because Mrs. Robinson wanted to obtain her degree before marrying and 2) she wanted Jackie to have a job....just two more reasons I have a new found admiration for her. 

What are some things/ traits you admire about other people?


Linking up with: Marion Berry Style 

Tacky But Classy

 

When it comes to my personal style, tacky is not generally the word I would use to describe it, it's actually the complete opposite.

However, last night I attended a "Tacky But Classy" Christmas party which gave me an excuse to put on the gaudiest frock I could get my hands on!







While most everyone else opted for the classic tacky Christmas sweater, I decided to spice things up in a Tina Turner-esque party dress. 

Now of course this was not just hanging in my closet waiting to be worn. I actually found it a couple hours before the party at a thrift store that my friends told me about and it only set me back $4.99.

Already the perfect shade of Christmas Tree Green I piled on my red lipstick and slipped into my crushed red velvet kitten heel shoes. I also accessorized with my gold geometric earrings from Aldo and gold bangles. 

Because I purchased this dress on such short notice I didn't have the chance to have any alterations made, but how cute would it be if it were a little more tailored to my body? 

Can't wait to begin posting again, I've missed you all!