I am as vain as I allow..

I've recently purchased season one of The Rachel Zoe Project and when talking about finding your personal style she said, "Style is expressing who you are without opening your mouth."   I think that is an excellent way of describing personal style.  However, sometimes it makes me wonder how people perceive me.  My style has evolved multiple times and has manifested in various ways.  My latest obsessions are dark, drape, interesting shapes, mixing of textures, and as always; lots and lots of ethnic influenced jewelry.  I've taken much inspiration from designers I have found featured on Dirty Flaws, an incredible meca of alternative dressing.  Some designers that really pull at my heart strings lately are Gareth Pugh, Katie Gallagher, Rick Owens and many others sprinkled throughout.  Since I am no where near able to afford the luxuries of such incredible talents, I hunt for items to try and create my own look.  Here are a few pictures that my sister, Lizzy, took of me on a fun, sunny day.

My shirt is a sheer oversized button down from Torrid.  Torrid has some great plus size options, which is great for me since I am well endowed up top.  My favorite part is the longer tail in the back of the shirt.  My skirt is from H&M, where I get most of my favorite basics from.  This skirt gets SO much wear!! I wear it with tights, boots, flats, and various other layers.  This is a MUST have!  My boots are from Urban Outfitters, Deena and Ozzy.  I've worn them out and I'm on my second pair.  I like leaving mine unzipped for a little extra "sloppy chic."   Now, down to the jewelry.  My earrings are from Progress Body Piercing.  They've done most of all my piercings and I wouldn't get any work done anywhere else.  My large cuff stone bracelet is from the Raleigh Flea Market.  I find some great treasures at the flea market everytime I go, which is at least twice a month.  My necklaces are made of antler and cow hide.  I also bought these items to make into jewelry myself from the fleamarket.  I love trying to make my own jewelry! It's a great outlet for creativity and that way, you can get the exact result you want.  The finger shield ring is one of my favorite pieces. I got it on the street on a day trip to NY along with the bronze animal skull ring on the opposite hand.  This is made by Castro.  He is incredible!! He has so many amazing, hand-made leather cuffs as well as intricate rings.  My silver armour ring is from Forever 21, a great place to find inexpensive jewelry.  My bangles are from the flea market, Light Years, and one given to me by my mom from her childhood. 

I like to keep a clean palette for my clothing.  I love black because it's flattering, powerful, and mysterious.  It provides an excellent backdrop to accessories as well. I'm constantly looking for the best new pair of shoes to work into my wardrobe, or that perfect ring to balance out my hand, or the right sweater to layer with effortlessly. Recently I've been on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket for me.  I'll let you know when I find it.


<3
Coveted

Gallagher or Bust

One of my favorite designers is Katie Gallagher.  She does incredible pieces that can be worn in multiple ways.  Her Look Book is so inspirational, and saved on my favorites tab!  The leggings and coats are hands-down my favorite.  All of the colors are neutrals and metallics, but what really makes them special is the way she panels pieces together.  Her pieces are so aspirational and beautiful, but have an obvious edge to them.  The last look is one of my favorite outerwear looks that I've seen for A/W 2010.  The color is great along with the asymmetrical hem line, oversized hood, and sleeve details.  The silhouette of outwear is so important, and this coat has the tie to cinch the waist and accentuate the full skirt.   The details in the leggings are so special.  I haven't seen this kind of paneling in legwear other than from Gallagher.  Her use of materials with different textures and opacity creates interesting and special looks.  The great thing is that each piece can be mixed and paired together to make an incredible wardrobe.

                                

<3. C.

The Relentless Hunt

A few weekends ago, I went to the flea market with my boyfriend Kevin and my fabulous friend Bren.  It was a steamy Sunday at the fairgrounds, but Bren and I were on a mission for jewels.  Luckily, we are both very drawn to the flashy, slightly tacky, yet fantastic finds available at the flea market.  Once Bren found Kevin and I, the first vendor we came across, was by far our favorite.  I don't usually venture the side of the flea market near the arena, but it was a happy accident.  We started purusing what the man under the umbrella had to offer.  We started grabbing the shiny pieces of the past, which immediately burned our fingers, but we were relentless.  I started coming across pieces of an organic nature--I was hoping for bone.  I collected three pieces that I was excited about, and threw them into Bren's tray of finds

                                    

We hunted for another thirty minutes, and took our pieces to the umbrella.  I asked him what my pieces of organic material were and he said "Antler."  I was ecstatic.  My first thought was Ruby Kobo, a design collaboration of Yuvi Alpert and Danna Kobo that I discovered in Zink Mag back in February.  I fell in love with this line of jewelry, a unisex fusion of organic materials and glitz. 

When I discovered my coveted pieces of bone were really antler, I had a stream of ideas flowing.  The remainder of the flea market trip was enjoyable, and I found so many items I wanted!  We decided to end the day before dehydration was a likelihood.  I bought some chain and Swavarski crystals from Michael's and started adding pieces until I felt it was complete.  I pulled additional inspiration from my friend Katie McGinnis, designer of Evidence Jewelry.  She uses mixed metals and various sizes of chain to create an uninhibited look.  Here is my final look:

I'm still deciding what to do with my other pieces.  I have been considering starting an Etsy store.  What do you guys think??

Love always,
<3 Coveted

Style Monster

I feel that an introduction is in order.  Clearly, if you are visiting my blog, you have an interest in style. I feel that there is a distinct difference in fashion and style.  Fashion encompasses the designers and product that is out in the world, from the fabulous to the ghastly.  Style, is how one chooses to interpret these garments into their own lifestyle.  Style is something that can't be taught or acquired from books or blogs, but inspiration can be funneled from them.  I read multiple blogs, hunting for inspiration and new knowledge, new favorites.  Over the years I have been refining my taste and style, to truly portray who I am.  The style that I have developed into may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it gives me a sense of pride and extreme pleasure.  It has been described as "Fashion Goth" or "Glamour Goth" but to me, it is dark, textured, accessorized, and fabulous. 

Allow me to attempt describing my aesthetic..I stick to neutrals--black, grey, white, cream or nudes.  I do splash some yellow and olive in the mix as well.  I typically stick to solids to create a nice backdrop to my other love--jewelry.  I think an outfit can be great, but to be truly fabulous, the right accessories are essential.  Currently, I'm into wearing way too much jewelry.  Just like I love layering clothes, I love layering necklaces and rings.  I'm also into androgynous looks met with feminine touches of drape and flowy pieces paired with combat boots, and leather, well faux leather.

Here are is a spread from Zink Magazine that I fell in love with.  It is a little old, but still amazing! This may give a little perspective of my aesthetic...

I love the chain, the nails, makeup, sequins, and overall concept of the shoot.  Zink has been one of my favorite inspirational magazines for a while now.  I hope you all enjoy, and that you get hooked.

<3 Coveted