I started Chocolate Laced on June 2, 2011 because I had a vision. I knew that I loved clothes and I loved fashion but I never expressed it the way that I wanted to. I couldn't define my style if someone asked me! I'm certainly much closer to my goal. There are some days when I would even go as far as to saying I reached it (on that specific day). I love blogging and I want to continue until I feel "chocolate laced" every single day.
Thank you to everyone that follows and reads my blog. Whether it's on GFC, bloglovin', or Facebook, or just randomly stopping by!
I don't really know how to celebrate this, but I sure am super excited that I was able to keep this up for a year! Hopefully there are many more to come :). follow me|facebook|twitter|bloglovin|chictopia
One of the ways I have been able to extend the horizon of my wardrobe has been by experimenting with my color, pattern and texture combinations. It's very easy for someone to get stuck wearing jeans everyday or pairing everything with black. While there's really nothing wrong with wearing jeans or wearing black, there are many ways to make an outfit stand out if you choose to do so. It's also fun to step away from your normal look and try something completely out of the box! That's usually how I create my favorite outfits! I've put together a couple of my looks that will hopefully inspire you to start making some "WOW" factor combinations! Deep Coral & Navy: I wore this outfit early in my blogging "career". I've always loved bright colors, but I wasn't brave enough to wear loud brights together just yet. This color combo is definitely perfect for spring as well as summer. When in doubt, pair a bright with a neutral that isn't black!
Red & Camel: This outfit remains, to this day, one of my top five favorite outfits. I was inspired by an outfit post that I had seen on 4acesdate and I added my own little spin to it.
Coral & Mint: This is more of a minty blue than the popular mint green and coral combo that everyone loves today.
Purple & Pink (cover photo): Now that I think about it, there isn't a set method to my color matching. I go by eye. If I think it will work, I try it. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. This outfit was certainly worth the risk!
Polka Dots & Houndstooh: When mixing prints, like I did here, try going for a monochromatic look. The prints will stand out rather than looking bland in a look with just one tone or color.
Stripes & Leopard: I've actually done quite a few looks with stripes and leopard: one monochromatic, one paired with beautiful brights and this one! I think this one really steps out of the box since, instead of pairing black and white stripes with leopard skin print, I paired a multicolored and unconventional striped pattern with a leopard/cheetah--I can't tell the difference--animal print.
Stripes & Floral: This is probably the safest and easiest pattern combination for you to try. When mixing stripes with your florals, try to have at least one color that pulls them together. It could be a color they have in common, or you could leap right into using complementary colors to bring them together! That would be super cute!
Abstract & Geometric (cover photo): I dove head first into this mix of prints and I'm so glad I did. The fact that the abstract print of the pants were black and white made this outfit that much more acceptable. Try pairing two wild patterns together and see how well it works out!
Denim & Lace: Adding a feminine touch to denim shorts by wearing them with floral lace tights will surely give a nice twist to an outfit!
Chambray & Chiffon: Creating depth in an outfit is as simple as this! Just as I stated with the last combo, add a feminine material with an "everyday" texture to create something new.
Leather & Lace: This is one of my favorite texture combinations ever. The juxtaposition of leather and lace, to me, is the epitome of a literal paradox. Lace is seen as delicate and sweet while leather is harsh and rough. Pair them together and you have a beautiful lie. I love it.
Linen & Denim (cover photo): Jazz up your jeans by pairing them with a texture that's sure to make them stand out! This linen blazer brought out the sand-washed look of my jeans as well as adding a new element to my outfit.
The End
I sure hope you enjoyed that post as much I enjoyed making it!
P.S. I've updated my Colors page! Check it out, I think you'll really love it... I mean, I do!
What I'm Wearing Tear Drop Earrings: F21 Blue "Hogwarts" Blazer: thrifted ($9) Mustard Polka Dot Tank: Old Navy (b-day gift) Denim Cutoff Shorts: DIY Levi Men's Jeans ($3 eBay) Nude Wedges: De Blossom ($11) Leather Crossbody Bag: thrifted (my mom's closet)
I love these shorts. Ever since I made them, I've been on a prowl for more Men's Levi pants in different washes so I could make more! I wore this outfit to help a friend move from one campus apartment to another. Yes, I wore wedges to move things. Don't judge me, I love comfortable wedges! I needed this after those blister-giving ones.
I was looking through my Instagram gallery and I noticed that, among the plethora of random photos I put up an a whim, I had taken a lot of outfit related pictures. Here are a couple of the outfits that I didn't blog about, but I posted on Instagram! (The picture above is an actual shot of my closet when it was at its cleanest.)
Left to Right: (1) Church outfit: H&M blouse & skirt. Dance Practie Outfit: H&M shirt, HUE leggings. (2) River Island Blouse, LEVI DIY shorts. (3) Stripes & Leopard: I actually blogged this outfit!
(4) Church outfit: H&M Dress, INC shoes. I had to sell those shoes, they were a true killer! (5) My first day wearing sneakers in a long time: H&M leather jacket, sweater, and chambray shirt, HUE leggings, SUPRA sneakers (not shown). (6) Bantu Knots in my hair: F21 thrifted blouse (also worn here), H&M riding pants.
(7) New Hair On Africa Night: H&M dress (worn as blouse) & H&M thrifted skirt, Nigerian tailored dress. (8) I felt very 80's with this hair! Club Monaco thrifted dress (worn as top), H&M pleated leather skirt. (9) Another 80's look! eBay thrifted sweater, H&M pants.
(10) Chaps blazer (also worn here), F21 scarf, thrifted blouse, H&M pants. (11) Going to a barbecue: H&M leather jacket, CK chambray shirt, sister's skirt (worn as top). (12) Kappa Cruise (Boat Ride/Party) with my sister. Me: F21 dress, Rachel Roy heels. Her: ASOS dress, Steve Madden heels.
(13) Poetry Slam: H&M Mens shirt and pants. (14) Old Navy blouse, H&M skirt, CR tights. (15) Just my messy closet.
(16) On my way to a dance party: F21 blouse, AEO bralet, H&M leggings. (17) H&M top, skirt, & boots, Sears bandeau. (18) First day of finals: H&M blouse & skirt, F21 necklace.
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