Reign Confidence for 2010, If You Plan On Getting Dressed

You know that feeling when you're sort of floating around like a ghost and so exhausted that you consider drinking the Hanae Mori perfume sitting on your dresser? No? Me either. Except this one time when I decided reorganize/rediscover my entire wardrobe one night. All two closets, nine drawers, and a good chunk of basement space. It took me a good six hours. I was in one of my "reinvention" moods, where I dig up stuff I forgot I owned and pair them up with new things. My favorite thing to do in my spare time. However, what is not my favorite thing to do, is organize/clean up the state my clothes are in, which is usually a horrific disaster. It literally looks like a vintage store and UO exploded simultaneously and landed in my bedroom. I can't help it. I've simply run out of sturdy hangers.

Digging through my closet(s) infuses me with some serious inspiration. A thought popped into my head as I was grouping my dresses together, completely forgetting about this beautiful gray silk flowey dress with pale pink and white cherry blossoms running all over it. I pair it with my nude patent platform heels and cinch it at the waist with a pretty, thin belt. Every single time I wear this dress (which is my go-to dress for special engagements), people always tell me that I look like a little doll. By far, the cutest compliment I have ever to this day received. 'I wonder what Spring 2010 is looking like...' I thought to myself, literally frozen with this thought, as I was holding this cherry blossom dress up in the air, staring at it, as if it was going to answer me.

I hopped onto my trusty fashion websites that tell the fashion future. After hours of eyeball strain, I got one message from the Spring 2010 runway shows that I reviewed. "Be an individual." This season, it's about not being afraid to walk out in what you're putting in. Full confidence must reign.  Really. It's that simple. I caught a sense of, don't get caught up in what other people think, in the pieces I saw. Daring lace, new silhouettes, nouveau prints, fabrics you wouldn't expect to see on the human body, and surprisingly, a touch of military. (Talk about Tough Luxe!)

Lots of white/pastels/neutrals are coming our way, which is usually expected for spring. (Surprise, surprise!) The hues are so pretty and resemble sorbet so much, that you can just eat them up.

Alexander Wang didn't disappoint with his soft fabric/hues, sweet little accents, 

and the simplicity of a new silhouette. I'd wrestle a bear for that dress.

Christian Siriano's little number did a major number on my eyes. 

Toned down in color, but speaks volumes in silhouette and, well, volume.

The prints were very unexpected. To say that they are vibrant and eye-catching would be an understatement. Think neon florals, bold watercolor inspired prints that look as if they were stained with tears.

Leave it to Diane Von Furstenberg to leave your jaw dropped

with the prettiness in silhouette AND print. Talk about versatile pieces...

The military is ... well ... tough. Just the way I like it. Barely girly and has an edge and a punchy statement piece.

Definitely one of my favorite looks from Balmain's collection.

Ripped slouchy tees are my go-to layering piece with a statement jacket.

And who doesn't love a leather pant and a sweet shoe boot?

Viktor & Rolf were pretty literal with the whole

"cutting back" ordeal. 

Just kidding :)

BTW ... I discovered this new designer, called Band of Outsiders. I fell in love with every last piece, even the menswear. Here's a little taste of what they have to offer. If I had an extra arm and a leg, I'd buy myself closets full.

Just That

Brilliant. Resilient.

Birds In Feathers Always Look Better

Nothing is more inspiring to me than art and photos. This photo has inspired tonight post - feathers. The second I looked at this photo, my mind redirected to a bride in her wedding gown. The long, flowing feathers paired with some sort of beautiful lace gown. Even the little feathers on it's head reminded me of a vail (just a little more punk rock).

I've been really into feathers lately. Feathers on everything is so beautiful. It represents something soft and delicate, intricate yet simple, and my personal favorite, no two feathers are alike. I love all things one-of-a-kind. In fact, I try to tweak everything I buy that isn't already vintage, into my own piece by doing something to it. Because if it's not your own, you're just like everyone else.

I can't imagine not showing up and having the time of my life in this dress ... 

even if my date took me to Chucky Cheese. 

In love with how this head piece looks as it it's part of her hair,

I must find a way to duplicate this and wear it everywhere.

This almost ... ALMOST has a steampunk vibe in it to me. 

Steampunk gear (no pun intended) is my favorite fashion. Really, anything from the 50's gets my gears turning. I think they had it down one hundred percent when they were making clothes in the 50's. It was so tough looking, that it was almost unwearable. But still, they wore it. That makes me even happier. Steampunk Jewelry even even more my speed. I'd donate an eyeball for this ring ...

Merry Christmas to me, please?

Not that I recommend a feather boa or anything, but if you see something with feathery details, don't shy away. At least try it on. You never know ... it could be your new best look.

Look Book Test Shoot

Today was so much fun!

A reader of my first blog, Hipster Sister, asked me if I had ever considered making a Look Book. Genius. Knowing about a dozen legit photographers, and having an intense love for fashion and styling, I found this to be a good idea. A really good idea. So, I took his advice. I talked with a few photogs and asked them if they would be interested. They were, hands down.

Much planning is needed, but I'm going to aim for a seasonal, if not monthly Look Book to post on Tough Luxe. Here's to exciting, new ideas, that hopefully are the beginning of more great big new ideas!

Today I was talking with one of my favorite photogs, Cole, and he was equally excited as I was. So excited, in fact, that he dove right in and offered to do a test shoot today. I didn't even get to do my hair, he came over so fast! (I think it makes it a little more fun when you have to forcefully with with someone that you're not used to, like, my hair being a disheveled mess.) We had so much fun and spent a few hours going over ideas and brainstorming. It's going to be a challenge with the weather getting so cold and dreary, and both of us being huge fans of outdoor photo shoots, but we will work through it.  I've posted a handful of the photos here for you to enjoy. Leave your comments on what you think/like/hate/love/suggest. I do all of this for you guys. So you're opinions mean the most.

Enjoy!

Bad To The Bonez

Tough and feminine. My style of choice. I love things that have an edge, but don't take away the fact that I'm a girl. It's a challenge for a girl to look tough without being intimidating to the boys. Looking "too tough" can send out the wrong message. But looking "too cute" can make you look too girly. The last thing I want to appear as, is a biker chick ... or high maintenance. Because I am far from both.

Basic, tattered attire is a sexy, creative alternative to the typical jeans & tee. Mess up your hair and then style it for an extra punch.

Dead on.

We all have a pair of black denim laying around. My favorites are all super faded from washing them too many times. Slash a pair in a few places, wash them to let them fray, and you have a pair of tough looking jeans. My favorite thing to do has always been to take a steak knife or hand cheese grater, (sorry mom!), and rub the grated edge against the denim in random spots. This makes for a distressed look and if you wear them enough, natural holes will form. Always the best approach. Pair the denim with a black ankle boot (even ones that you studded yourself!) to give it an "I'm still a chick" look.

Simple black leggings with a buckled ankle boot and a sleeveless leather vest are flattering on anyone with killer legs. If you got it, show it.

Load your arms up with bracelets: I love walking through the streets of Soho on a nice day and scavenging the street vendors for different bracelets. Hand made stuff is always the best. And nobody else will have that piece! Original and unique is the first and foremost element in my style. When My grandmother passed away, she had loads of bags and tins of fabric, trim, zippers, vintage buttons,  everything you can imagine. She was quite the sewer in her years. (She actually used to work in a garment factory in her younger years, and had tons of stuff from doing that.) The colored zippers are my favorite, and the trims are beautiful! I love taking the trims and turning them into super original bracelets. People always ask me where I got them from. I'm currently toying with the idea of taking a colored zipper and lining the sides with pretty lace that I'm going to feed super thin chain through. A tough Luxe original!

Add a sequin or ruffled piece to a couple of tough pieces is also a cute way to incorporate all the right elements. Rachel Bilson does this best, i think. She always has on a cute dress with black tights and a leather or sequin jacket or a frilly scarf to add as a cute touch. Her shoes almost always make her outfit. If the rest of her is looking grunge, she pairs it with the cutest ankle boots, or sexy over the knee boots. Nothing about her is ever "off" looking. So important when you're your own stylist!

Rachel Bilson making simple black look anything but ordinary.

All the right elements.

Pretty Young Thing inspired shoulder adornments are a super creative way to punch up any dress. If you're brave, sew on a few chains to swoop across your chest or back ... or both!

I love extra adornments. While I like to go simple most of the time and add a few punchy pieces, I love when I find a piece that I can add to any outfit so that it makes the outfit what it is. With the beauty of DIY bedazzling, you can funk up your boots, a slouchy beanie, or the edges of your boyfriend blazer.

I found this awesome rouched-at-the-waist "painter's shirt" that's super baggy in all the right places, paired it with a black & gold studded belt and a tube bra from American Apparel, liquid stirrup leggings, and black platform patent heels. The soles of the heels are red, making it a little interesting. 

I'd kill for that blazer. Not to mention that killer clutch...

Hopefully this inspired you to dig up an old piece from your closet, and turn it into something cool and new. Don't be afraid to wear it out and show it off. I've found that some of the pieces that I've made myself, and let sit in my closet for months, only to finally muster up the courage to work it into an outfit, were most appreciated by my audience that are my friends/total strangers. Have fun with your clothes. When you're shopping, instead of staring at yourself in the fitting room mirror thinking, 'This doesn't fit right', or 'I wish with dress had a mesh back.', go home and make it yourself! That's the best part of shopping, for me at least.

Put It On and Pull It Off

Welcome to Tough Luxe! Where fashion becomes an art.

Since the creation of my first ever blog, Hipster Sister, I've been bombarded on a daily basis with the constant battering of loyal readers/friends who were begging for me to create a fashion blog. Having a unique sense of style that not everyone easily understands, people have begun to wonder where my fashion influences come from. 

So, with twenty fours hours of pure free time, I've decided to create just that: A fashion blog that is exuding with my personal style influences, what excites me, what makes my jaw drop, things that are so incredible, that I actually debate going food shopping, or buying to make as coveted closet additions, and influences that make up my personal defiant style into what it is when I walk out the door everyday. 

I hope you, too, receive a little jolt of inspiration every time you visit Tough Luxe. Because every individual needs a little bit of individuality. 

There are a few key elements that merge into what I call my own "defiant style".

One: My personal style is what I like to define as "rough around the edges, with a lovely lady in the center". (Hence, the Tough Luxe reference.) At times, I may look tough, but I'm about as tough as a vulnerable four year old on a playground full of bullies. Pleather cropped bomber jackets (I'm a vegan, therefore I say "no thank you" to leather/fur/suede.) or boyfriend fit blazer, cigarette jeans (black, gray, colors and washed denims alike), over the knee boots/ankle boots, a low cut, slouchy tee/blouse, with a slouchy beanie is my signature style/go to outfit. 

Two: Making a great look without the cash commitment. Because let's face it, if I could wear couture on a daily basis, I wouldn't have to make even the slightest attempt in piecing an outfit together. (That would take all the fun out of it anyways!) 

Here's a vintage dress that I got for a steal at a vintage shop in NY. Paired with one of my grandmother's vintage belts from forever ago. In total, this outfit cost me under $50.

Three: Functionality. I've learned to only buy pieces that I can wear again and again ... and again. My favorite part of fashion is making my pieces ubber functional, like taking an old white fitted tank that I cut up to make my own, and pairing it with a high waisted pleather skirt and nude heels. Which, by the way, I've found to be that, I have no time to shop and don't want to be under/over dressed. I've tortured countless designer, one of a kind pieces, and things I've made with my own hands to fit me to a T in order to achieve functionality. For me, it's all about educated garments.

The 'go to' outfit.

Four: I keep things "messy". My look is either 100% completely polished (for the nicer  occasions, of course), or effortless and hip, somewhat resembling the style of any given Olsen twin; all dolled up in an outfit you probably rummaged right past on rack in your favorite vintage store.

I truly see fashion as an art. And I do consider myself an artist. I rightfully believe that you're either born with a sense of style, or you're not. You either care, or you don't. Fashion has been in my blood since the ripe age of six. It's compelling to see the power of an outfit. Let Tough Luxe be your power tool. Let's make the world a little bit more fashionable, one sweet outfit at a time.