{ Dare To Wear } Colorful Is The New Black

Happy Birthday to me! I’m officially a year older today and I thought a bright outfit was in order to greet my 27th year of life. Spring is on the horizon (though there’s also a snow storm coming for Philadelphia tomorrow), so at least this look helps me think warm thoughts. I’m also thinking lots of positive thoughts too and being really reflective. Birthdays tend to do that to me, and holidays in general.

So I thought I’d share a little more about me in this post than just style tips. Here are seven random facts, since 27 seems like overkill.

1. I’m not naturally a morning person, like at all. I’ve been slowly training myself to become one but at least once a week get off track.

2. My hair has always been really dark. I came out of the womb with this hair, though I highlight it and color my gray roots (yup!).

3. I always knew I wanted to be some sort of  “artist” and just didn’t know what or how. The jobs I’d imagine myself in as a kid include a cartoonist, actress, fashion designer, talk show host and magazine editor. My passions haven’t changed all that much.

4. I owe a lot to this blog. I started it as a way to work towards the things I naturally gravitate towards (style & media). I always looked at it as a tool to help me brand myself, but never did I think it would enable me to partner with brands I adore and land jobs I  dreamt of. Heck, without it my career wouldn’t have gotten off the ground.

5. I’m shy. I’m outgoing on TV segments and when hosting events but the truth is that when I’m not “on” I’m actually shy. If I saw a group of people sitting and I didn’t know anyone I’d likely sit alone and not want to bother them, but if I was with a friend I’d be the outgoing one and introduce us. Weird, I know.

6. My beauty routine is heavy on the DIY. I usually do my own nails, pluck my own brows, and color my hair. I like go to a pro for all tricky hair stuff – ombre, balayage, etc, but enjoy pampering myself. It’s fun for me.

7. I rarely plan outfits for myself in advance. My friends who text me asking what I’m going to wear already know this. For clients, photoshoots and segments it’s different. I like to have all that stuff almost 100% styled ahead of time, but for me I like to live in the moment and throw on what feels good.

{ Style Tips }

1. Embrace color. When planning this I didn’t hold up each accessory to the dress to be sure it matched. Instead I just tried things on and used my eye, and my photographer’s to decide what worked.

2. Use a  jean jacket to tone things down. Not only does the denim work well to not overwhelm all the color going on, but it also gives a casual element to the look, making this gorgeous maxi feel more daytime.

3. Balance your beauty with the outfit. It’s like proportions in clothes. If you wear a loose top, then go with a more fitted bottom. If you got with a colorful outfit keep hair and makeup simple. I went for a high bun and natural makeup tones, they’re always a safe bet with a loud outfit and looks good on everyone.

{ Merona Jean Jacket, Target (similar) | Jack Maxi Dress, Nich Boutique (similar) |  Vince Camuto Clutch, (℅) | Foxy Wrap Bracelet, Kohls (similar) | Vintage Necklace & Earrings, Bling Babe | Candies Booties, Kohl’s (similar) }

{ DARE To Wear } a blog series dedicated to “dare to wear” the same thing three weeks in a row. If you’re gonna buy it, you better be able to wear it at least three ways, right? Each month a new item is featured and will be styled three ways over three weeks. Photos by Audrey Gallagher.