Inspired By Style Me Friday..Eboni

Hello Dolls,

I've always been inspired by fashion magazines and celebrity style. Since I've become a blogger, I've come across awesome blogs  and  bloggers with equally awesome style. I really love bloggers that provide style tips and style on a budget. Eboni of Fashionista Next Door..fit's that criteria. She's down to earth, funny, and gives us just enough insight on her personal life, just like a girl next door.. I've copied everything from her bantu knots and have even rocked a turban.

When I came across an outfit that did not require me to spend money, I was ready to copy it. I think I actually wore this outfit less than a week after her post.

T-shirt: H&M Vest: Old Navy Flower: I forgot (it's actually a hair piece) Skirt: Express (old) Boots: Shoe Dazzle

The whole purpose of being inspired by an outfit is to take certain elements from an outfit and make it your own. Just like Eboni's Style me Friday, she doesn't match the outfit's EXACTLY. I wore my Old Navy vest and paired it with a long sleeve t-shirt instead a jacket (I don't have one.) Since my flower is so large I decided against wearing a necklace.

So what do you think? Who inspires your style? Who are some of your favorite bloggers? Let me know in the comments.

As Always, Thanks for reading..XOXO!

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Where have I been? Blogger Blues.

Hello Dolls,

For my regular readers and new followers I want to apologize for my absence in the month of March.  I've had the case of the blogger blues. I am also dealing with a lot of personal changes in my life. So I hope that explains the lack of posting.

What are the blogger blues? The blogger blues consist of me not wanting to post bad pictures..so I have decided not to post any at all. I have a couple of pics in my archives that I want to post soon and that will be the end of the blue wall and the beige yellowish wall. I also need to spend a few minutes working on my camera settings, my pictures turn out either too dark or blurry. I don't have a photographer to take my pictures so I will be investing in a tripod and venturing out to take outside pics in front of strangers.

I'm having identity issues with Love of Style by Erika.I found myself only doing outfit posts, my style tips where disappearing, and my features were sporadic. I want to raise the bar but I'm not sure how. I want my blog to be a reflection of me, but I want to keep my readers interested. My baby will be 2 in June and I have had many thoughts of giving it up all together. As soon as the thought enters my head, someone asks me about a blog post and encourages me not to quit.

So what do I do? I've decided to post my archives this month and take the month of April off to focus on Erika. During this time I will decide what I am going to improve Love of Style by Erika. If when I decide to come back I will come back with regular posting and better pictures.

 I've spent most of my life half ass'in things and this blog had not been exempt from that. So before I work on my blog I have to work on the person behind it. I need to organize my life, my closet, and my bank account.

What's next?  A couple of outfit posts, my Fashion in Detroit recap and my birthday pics. Then I'm on blogger sabbatical. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I pick up the pieces. Make sure you check out Fash-Det's website for other bloggers in the Detroit area.

As always,  Thanks for reading....

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StyleBOOM

Hello Dolls,

I attended a wonderful event this weekend. I wore my trusty go-to chambray top... I know you all are tired of seeing it. lol! *shrugs shoulders* If you are wondering about StyleBOOM check out my recap on FASH-DET's page here.

What I Wore: chambray top, belt and tights: Target Shorts: H&M Boots: Aldo

I promise I'm going to retire the chambray top for a while..at least for blog pics. I'm currently looking for another top to add to the rotation. Thanks for reading. XOXO!

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Sweet Tooth Mag and Nicole Ashley Allen Photography

Hello Loves!

The time has finally come...The February/March issue of Sweet Tooth Magazine is out...Inez and I are featured. I've been holding on to these pictures until the issue was released. I'm very excited about the photos and the article. Nicole Ashley Allen has done it again. It was so fun taking these pics inside and outside Detroit Renaissance Center...In January (we have had some nice weather in Michigan)  Here are some of my favorites.

Shirt: Target Faux Fur Vest: Rachel Zoe Skirt:old Tights: BP Nordstrom Shoes:old

Be sure to check out our feature here. Inez has additional pics here. If your in the Detroit area and want photos contact Nicole Ashley Allen here.

As Always Thanks for reading...XOXO!

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Red and Pink-EBEW & BDID

Hello Dolls,

Blogging has changed my thoughts on outfits and color combos. Prior to having a blog I would have NEVER wore red and pink together. Thanks to Everybody Everywear and Kristina at Pretty Shiny Sparkly..I decided to wear this outfit to work on Valentine's Day.

 One lady said..."You're brave to wear those colors together...you pulled it off" I said, "Thank you"...But I thought.."You're brave to say that to a total stranger."

 Since my outfit was so bright and bold I went with my neutral pumps for pics. Would you believe someone said I should have wore pink shoes??.*GASPS*

What I wore: Blazer: Aunt's Closet Necklace: Vintage/Thrifted Cami: Express(old) Jeans: Nordstrom Shoes: Gifted Watch: Michael Kors Bracelets: Random

I really need to smile more in my pics. SMH!

This past weekend I was shocked by the death of Whitney Houston. I grew up listening to her music and singing her songs at the top of my lungs. I've been listening to her greatest hits cd all week and I realized just how much I love her voice and her music. R.I.P. Whitney.

As Always..Thanks for reading XOXO!

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5 Versatile Shirts

I am on the fence about lists and items that women "need" to have in their closet. Part of me, says that these list don't fit every lifestyle or career. The other part thinks most of these items will be used in some point of your life.

Some people call me.."Jane of all trades". I've been a bartender, a substitute teacher and I've worked in retail. As a bartender I've had to wear a black or white shirt and black bottoms. I had fun with jewelry and hair accessories. As a substitute teacher, I rotated black, grey, tan, navy, brown and black tweed slacks. I mixed them in with a few skirts and dresses and had several different cardigans sweaters and blouses in rotation. In retail, I wear most of my teacher clothes, except for my pants that were bought with the purpose of wearing kitten heels. But the best part is I being able to take advantage of trends. (ie. colored denim, mixing prints)


Through all these jobs, there are many items I wear A LOT! my chambray top, my faux fur vest, denim jacket, and my new favorite old navy army green vest. I find myself wearing these items every week. I incorporate these items into my work and play wardrobe. In addition to the above items there are shirts that I feel are versatile. I'm going to use pics from some of my fellow bloggers to help you see possible ways to wear these items.



1. Black Turtleneck- This can be worn with slacks, a pencil skirt, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, flared jeans, alone or under a vest or jacket. You can also wear a statement necklace over it.

photo source

photo source

2. White Button Down or Button up(whatever you call it): This item has the versatility of the turtleneck.

photo source

photo source

3. and 4. Denim Shirt and or Light Blue Oxford- This item has become a staple in my wardrobe..on days I can't wear #2, I choose one of these.  If you don't want to add both..pick one that you feel you would wear most.

photo source

photo source

photo source

5. White T-shirt..Crewneck, v-neck or even a tank- Another layering piece..under a blazer or alone with jeans..this is something I need multiples. Hanes, fruit of the loom, or a simple one from Target. It's a great inexpensive item that can be added to your wardrobe.

photo source

photo source

Do you believe in "must have list"? What are some items that you feel are versatile?

As always thanks for reading. XOXO!

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#FDTHRIFT Finds

Happy Friday Dolls!

I know I'm the last one to share my finds on the awesome event we called...Fash-Det's thrift call. I was on a budget because of the slow month of January in retail and the purchase of my laptop. So I had to beg/borrow/steal/thrift. LOL!

We hit 4 stores total..We met at Caribou coffee. I enjoyed a turtle mocha. Which is their version of a caramel mocha (hot chocolate, espresso and caramel) *mouth watering*. My mom tagged along and it was great meeting other bloggers from the area.

The first store we hit was Paris.....

3 necklaces...Total $20
* I need tips on getting better quality pictures with jewelry*

We hit Salvation Army next, I didn't find anything but some other girls lucked up on some cool items. I saw a cool sequin top that I could have wore with leggings or jeans but I decided to hold off. I'm glad I did and I'll tell you why...keep reading.

Then we hit Chocolate Shop Vintage. Everything in the store was $5. So we were going crazy. I found the cutest skirt in my favorite color.

It looks great on...I have a few ways I want to wear it. Black and white top, denim shirt, denim jacket, white tank or tee, or red. I know you're thinking, that's more than a "few" ways Erika. LOL! My mom also found the sweetest coat for $5.

Our last stop was Lost and Found Vintage...and the reason I'm so glad I did not buy that sequin top mentioned earlier.........

This polka dot peplum dress. This style is on trend this season and I have plans for this dress...Stay tuned.

Me and Inez showing off our Lost and Found dresses.

The ladies of FASH with The Style Dolls

What I wore: Blazer Thrifted Shirt: Old Navy Jeggings: Target Turban/Scarf: H&M Boots: Aldo (via Nordstrom)

I was over the top excited with our turn out and it was so great meeting the other bloggers. Be sure to check out Fash's website and facebook for more pictures. Thanks so much for your continued support. Enjoy your weekend.

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